Athena Seaways ferry

MS Athena Seaways is a Ro-Ro passenger ferry operated by the Denmark-based company DFDS SEAWAYS. The vessel has a maximum capacity of 1,000 passengers and can carry up to 600 cars or 170 trailers. Launched in 2007, the ship currently serves the Sweden-Lithuania route between Karlshamn and Klaipeda, with a crossing time of approximately 13 hours.

Cabins

As a cruise ferry, Athena Seaways offers 114 cabins (accommodating up to 4 passengers each), with a total of 414 berths. All staterooms are air-conditioned and include en-suite bathrooms. DFDS provides bed linens, towels, and toiletries. Available cabin types include Commodore-class, double, triple, and quad cabins. Baby cots are available upon request at the ship’s Reception Desk.

Onboard accommodation options include:

• (1 room on Bow Deck) Commodore Deluxe Cabin (8 m² / 85 ft²), featuring a double bed, bedside tables, leather sofa and armchair, and coffee table.
• (2 rooms on Deck 6) Commodore Class 1 / Single Cabin (5 m² / 60 ft²) with a twin bed.
• (5 rooms on Deck 6) Commodore Class 2 / Double Cabin (7 m² / 70 ft²) with two single twin beds.
• Note: All Commodore cabins are equipped with a mini-bar, mirrored vanity/writing table with chair, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, private bathroom (WC/shower/washbasin), bedside table-cabinet, reading lamps, wardrobe, seating area (round table with two leather armchairs), and a square-shaped, non-opening porthole window.
• (6 rooms on Deck 6) Triple Outside Cabin (7 m² / 70 ft²), with two bunk beds (lower and upper) and one single twin bed, with a square-shaped, non-opening porthole window.
• (32 rooms on Deck 6) Quad Outside Cabin (7 m² / 70 ft²), featuring four bunk beds (two lower and two upper), and a square-shaped, non-opening porthole window.
• (8 rooms on Decks 6-7) Double Inside Cabin (7 m² / 70 ft²), with two bunk beds (lower and upper), no window.
• (59 rooms on Decks 6-7) Quad Inside Cabin (7 m² / 70 ft²), with four bunk beds (lower and upper), no window.

Note: All standard cabins are equipped with a mirror, private bathroom (WC/shower/washbasin), bedside table-cabinet, wardrobe, and a seating area with a round table and two armchairs.

Some cabins are wheelchair-accessible and adapted for passengers with disabilities. DFDS Seaways also offers "Pet Cabins." Travelers with pets must book an entire cabin (double/triple occupancy). Pets must be transported in cages. Dogs, including service dogs, must be leashed and muzzled.

The vessel also features a spacious Reserved Seating Lounge (113 m² / 1,220 ft²) on Deck 5, equipped with 116 reclining, aircraft-style seats available for pre-booking.

Passengers must vacate their staterooms 30 minutes prior to arrival at the homeport. Registration closes 1 hour before departure.

Shipboard facilities, dining, and entertainment

Athena Seaways offers the following onboard amenities:

• Mare Balticum A La Carte Restaurant (Deck 5, 73 seats), serving an à la carte menu with a variety of starters, main courses, gourmet desserts, and premium wines. A kids’ menu ("Happy Pirate") is available.
• Buffet / Self-Service Restaurant (152 seats), offering hot meals, cold appetizers, desserts, and soft drinks.
• Kapitono Bar (116 seats), serving beverages, cocktails, coffee, light snacks, and sweets.
• Road Kings Bar (Deck 5), offering drinks, coffee, sweets, fresh fruits, and premium ice cream.
• Both bars have large satellite TVs broadcasting live sports and music programs.
• Children's Play Room (Deck 5), an indoor play area featuring a ball pool, large TV (for cartoons), and kids’ art tables.
• Tax Free Sea Shop – a duty-free boutique selling gifts, souvenirs, alcohol, tobacco, luxury perfumes and cosmetics, jewelry, watches, sunglasses, leather goods, clothing, accessories, toys, electronics, and gourmet treats. Special promotions are available during each crossing. Payments are accepted in cash and via bank cards (VISA, MasterCard, EuroCard). Premium brands include Versace, Elizabeth Arden, Tommy Hilfiger, Moschino, Paco Rabanne, Carolina Herrera, Hugo Boss, Gucci, L'Oréal, DKNY, Givenchy, Dolce & Gabbana, and Face Inc.
• Wi-Fi access and an ATM (next to the Reception Desk on Deck 5).
• Reserved Seating Lounge (Deck 5) with fully reclining leather Pullman seats.

The ship’s top deck features a Heli Deck with a helipad for emergency helicopter landings.

Emergency instructions are displayed in all staterooms, on TV screens, and at muster stations. Life jackets are provided at the assembly stations. Elevators are not to be used during emergencies.

Car decks

Important car deck safety procedures include:

• Passengers with disabilities or special needs should contact the Information Desk (open 24 hours).
• Engage the handbrake and leave the vehicle in park or 1st gear. Turn off the ignition, alarms, electrical equipment, and headlights. Gas cylinders must be turned off. Lock the vehicle.
• Take only essential hand luggage and valuables from the vehicle.
• Note your vehicle’s location, garage deck number, and stairway before leaving the car deck.
• Access to vehicle decks is prohibited during the voyage.
• Smoking is forbidden on vehicle decks, in cabins, and in passenger lounges.
• Wait for the announcement before returning to your vehicle.
• To reduce air pollution, do not start the engine until instructed.

The ship’s operator, DFDS Seaways (fleet), was founded in 1866 and is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. The company operates passenger and freight ferry services throughout Northern Europe.