Aura Seaways ferry

MS Aura Seaways ferry is a Ro-Ro passenger vessel operated by the Denmark-based company DFDS SEAWAYS. The ship has a maximum capacity of 690 passengers and 600 cars (or 170 trailers). Launched in 2021, the vessel currently operates on the Lithuania-Sweden ferry route (Klaipeda-Karlshamn) and the Lithuania-Germany route (Klaipeda-Kiel).

The vessel (IMO number 9851036) is Denmark-flagged (MMSI 219028116) and registered in Copenhagen.

Cabins

As a cruise ferry, Aura Seaways has 250 cabins (maximum capacity 4 passengers) and a total of 690 berths. All staterooms are air-conditioned and feature en-suite bathrooms (washbasin, shower, WC). The ferry company provides bed linens, towels, and toiletries. Cabin categories include Commodore-class, double, triple, and quad options. Baby cots are available upon request at the Reception Desk.

• (1-bed) Commodore Deluxe Cabins (8 m² / 85 ft²) feature a double bed, mini-bar, mirrored vanity/writing table with chair, LCD TV, hairdryer, separate bathroom, bedside table, reading lamps, wardrobe, seating area (round coffee table with two leather armchairs), and a square-shaped, non-opening porthole window.
• (2-bed) Standard Sea View Cabins (7 m² / 70 ft²) are Double Outside Cabins with two bunk beds (lower and upper) and a small, square-shaped, non-opening porthole window.
• (4-bed) Standard Sea View Cabins (7 m² / 70 ft²) are Quad Outside Cabins with either four bunk beds (two lower, two upper) or two beds, and a small, square-shaped, non-opening porthole window.
• All standard cabins include a mirror, separate bathroom (WC/shower/washbasin), bedside table, wardrobe, and seating area (one table with two chairs).

Double Inside and Quad Inside cabins (without windows) are also available, all equipped with bunk beds and bathrooms. Some outside cabins are wheelchair-accessible and larger in size.

DFDS Seaways ferries also offer pet-friendly accommodations ("Pet Cabins"). Passengers traveling with pets must book the entire cabin (double/triple/quad). Pets must be kept in cages, and dogs (including service dogs) must be leashed and muzzled.

The ferry also features a spacious Reserved Seating Lounge, equipped with a restroom, shower room, and 116 reclining (aircraft-style) seats available for pre-booking.

All passengers must vacate their staterooms 30 minutes prior to arrival at the homeport. Passenger check-in closes one hour before ferry departure.

Shipboard facilities, dining, and entertainment

Onboard facilities on Aura Seaways include:

• A La Carte Restaurant Mare Balticum – features an à la carte menu with a wide selection of starters, main courses, gourmet desserts, and premium wines. A children's menu ("Happy Pirate") is available.
• 7 Seas Buffet – a self-service restaurant offering hot meals, cold appetizers, desserts, and soft drinks.
• Navigator's Bar – serves beverages, cocktails, coffee, light snacks, and sweets.
• Lighthouse Cafe – offers drinks, coffee, sweets, fresh fruit, and premium ice cream.
• Both bars are equipped with large satellite TVs for watching live sports and music programs.
• Pirate's Island by Curiocity – a children's indoor playroom with a ball pool, large TV (for cartoons), and kids’ art tables for drawing.
• Tax-Free Sea Shop – a duty-free store offering gifts, souvenirs, alcohol, tobacco, luxury-brand perfumes and cosmetics, jewelry, watches, sunglasses, leather goods, confectionery, fashion items, toys, electronics, gourmet sweets, and specialty teas and spices. Special promotions are offered during each crossing. Payment options include cash and bank cards (VISA, MasterCard, EuroCard). Premium brands onboard 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 service and an ATM/cash machine located next to the Information Desk/Reception.
• Reserved Seating Lounge – features fully reclining Pullman leather seats for added comfort.

All emergency instructions are displayed in cabins, on TV screens, and at muster stations. Life jackets are available at the muster stations. During emergencies, the use of elevators is prohibited.

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

Car decks

The ferry’s cargo decks are accessed via two stern ramps and interconnecting internal ramps.

Safety procedures for car decks include:

• Passengers with disabilities or requiring assistance should contact the Information Desk (open 24 hours).
• Apply the handbrake, place the vehicle in park or first gear, switch off the ignition, alarm, electrical equipment, and headlights. Turn off gas cylinders, if applicable. Lock the vehicle.
• Take only valuables and essential hand baggage with you.
• Note your vehicle’s location and garage deck/stairway number before leaving the car deck.
• Access to car decks is prohibited during the voyage.
• Smoking is forbidden on vehicle decks, in cabins, and in passenger lounges.
• Wait for the onboard announcement before returning to your vehicle.
• Do not start the engine until instructed, to prevent air pollution.

The ship operator, DFDS Seaways (fleet), was founded in 1866 and is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. It is a Danish shipping company providing passenger and freight ferry services across Northern Europe.