Epsilon ferry

The 2011-built MV Epsilon ferry is a Ro-Ro passenger vessel that operated for 10 years (2013–2023) under charter by the Ireland-based company IRISH FERRIES. The ship has a maximum capacity of 400 passengers and 70 cars.

For IRISH FERRIES, she served the Ireland–Wales and Ireland–France routes Dublin–Holyhead (crossing time 2 hours) and Dublin–Cherbourg (crossing time 19 hours).

Since 2023, the vessel has been chartered by UNITY LINE (Poland) to serve its Sweden–Poland routes.

Cabins

As a cruise ferry, Epsilon has 70 cabins (total stateroom capacity 276 passengers), all air-conditioned and with en-suite bathrooms. The ferry company provides bed linens, towels, and toiletries. The ship also has wheelchair-accessible cabins adapted for disabled passengers. Priority boarding is offered to all car drivers.

Epsilon staterooms are located on deck 6 (disabled cabins on deck 5) and are available in the following categories:

• 3-star Twin Outside (4-berth window cabin with 2 lower beds/non-convertible to a queen, 2 pull-down bunks, mini-fridge)
• 2-star Twin Outside (4-berth window cabin with 2 lower beds/non-convertible to a queen, 2 pull-down bunks)
• Twin Inside (4-berth interior cabin with 2 lower beds/non-convertible to a queen, 2 pull-down bunks, no windows)
• 3-star Twin Outside (2-berth window cabin with 2 lower beds)
• 2-star Twin Outside (2-berth window cabin with 2 lower beds)
• Twin Inside (2-berth interior cabin with 2 lower beds, no windows)
• 2-berth Disabled Cabin (wheelchair-accessible, midship on deck 5, near the elevator, with wider entry door, 2 lower beds, adapted bathroom with wider door, raised toilet seat, grab bars, shower seat, adjustable showerhead). These cabins are located close to the ship’s disabled vehicle parking spaces.

All cabins are fitted with a small writing desk with chair and a TV.

There is no lift access between deck 5 and deck 6 (stairs only / approx. 20 steps).

Shipboard dining and entertainment options

Facilities onboard Epsilon include:

Boylan's Brasserie (self-service buffet restaurant) offers breakfast (served until 11 am – cereals, yogurts, toasts, children’s breakfast, Full House with bacon, eggs, sausage, hash browns, baked beans, pudding, tomato, tea and coffee), beverages (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, Coca-Cola drinks, milk, juice, wine by the glass), and snacks (9-inch pizzas, salmon plate, cheese plate, baguettes, croissants, muffins, biscuits, fresh bread rolls, fruit scones). Lunch and dinner include freshly made soup of the day, a meat dish (on select voyages), a chicken dish, kids’ dish, Chef’s Special, Fish & Chips, homemade beef pie, fresh sandwiches, salads, desserts, and vegetarian options made to order. All food is freshly prepared using local produce.

Café Lafayette (self-service cafeteria/patisserie/Costa Coffee bar) serves croissants, panini sandwiches, homemade muffins and scones, fresh-baked pastries, yogurts, fruit smoothies, sweet crêpes, pancakes, Belgian waffles, and light refreshments.

Java Republic (specialty coffee and tea bar)

The duty-free shop is a small convenience store offering travel essentials, gifts, souvenirs, spirits, wines, tobacco, perfumes, cosmetics, and toys.

Additional amenities include free Wi-Fi, a Reception Desk with Bureau de Change (ATM/cashier services), and a Seating Lounge (deck 6) with windows, leather reclining seats, air conditioning, large TV, and complimentary blankets and pillows.

Luggage rules: Car passengers can bring as much luggage as their vehicle can carry. Foot passengers between Ireland and the UK must check in bulky items (not accessible during the voyage). Foot passengers traveling between Ireland and France are limited to carry-on luggage only, as check-in facilities are not available.

The ship has kennels for domestic pets. Valid health cards are required. During embarkation and disembarkation, dogs must be leashed and muzzled. Pet owners disembark last.

• On Ireland–UK voyages, pets may board with car and foot passengers but are not allowed on passenger decks.
• Car passengers may leave pets in their vehicles or in ship kennels (free of charge, pre-booking required). Foot passengers must transport pets in carriers, where they remain for the entire voyage.
• The ferry company participates in the PETS (Pet Travel Scheme), allowing pets to travel between EU countries without quarantine. For Ireland–France voyages, pets must have full documentation. Check-in is required at least 2 hours before departure. Each animal is charged EUR 45 / 75 / 100 per voyage. On these voyages, pets may travel only in the ship’s kennels (cat boxes), not in vehicles. Kennel space is limited, so pre-booking is mandatory. Visits during the voyage are allowed at designated times with a crew escort.

Guide dogs travel free with proper documentation and have full access to all passenger decks and public areas.

Car decks

All vehicles must have documentation and valid insurance. Having the car’s technical data sheet simplifies boarding checks. When booking, the vehicle’s model, length, and height must be specified. Car passengers must arrive at the port 90 minutes before departure.

Car deck safety procedures:

• Disabled passengers or those needing assistance should report to the ship’s Information Desk.
• Apply handbrake, leave the vehicle in Park/1st gear, switch off ignition, alarm, electrical equipment, and headlights. Gas cylinders (if any) must be switched off. Lock the vehicle.
• Take only valuables and essential hand luggage.
• Note your vehicle’s location and garage deck number/stairway before leaving.
• Access to vehicle decks during the voyage is prohibited.
• Smoking is forbidden on vehicle decks, in cabins, and in passenger lounges.
• Wait for the onboard announcement before returning to your vehicle.

To avoid air pollution, engines must not be started until instructed.