Optima Seaways ferry

MS Optima Seaways ferry is a Ro-Ro passenger vessel operated by the Denmark-based company DFDS SEAWAYS. The ship has a maximum capacity of 324 passengers and 180 cars (or 135 trucks/trailers). She was launched in 1999 and currently operates on the Ireland–France ferry route Rosslare-Dunkerque/Dunkirk (crossing time 24 hours).

The service operates once weekly, departing from Dunkerque on Wednesdays (at 8 pm) and from Rosslare on Saturdays (at 2 pm).

Prior to 2022, the ferry operated the Sweden–Lithuania route Karlshamn-Klaipeda (crossing time 13 hours).

Cabins

As a cruise ferry, Optima Seaways has 66 cabins (maximum capacity 4 passengers) and a total of 264 berths, all with en-suite bathrooms. The ferry company provides bed linens, towels, and toiletries. The ship offers Commodore-class, double, and triple-quad cabins. Baby cot beds are available on request (at the ship's Reception Desk).

• (3 rooms on Deck 6) Commodore Deluxe cabins are sized 11 m2. Cabin amenities include a double bed, bedside table-cabinet, reading lamps, mirrored writing table with chair, mini-bar (fridge), LCD TV, wardrobe, low table with 2 leather armchairs, porthole window (square-shaped, non-opening), en-suite bathroom (WC, shower, hairdryer, towels).
• (3 rooms on Deck 6) 2-Bed Outside cabins with porthole window (square-shaped, non-opening) are sized 7 m2. Cabin amenities include 2 bunk beds (one stacked above the other, under-bed drawers, bedding), writing table with chest, chair, wardrobe, en-suite bathroom (WC, shower, hairdryer, towels).
• (11 rooms on Deck 6) 4-Bed Outside cabins with porthole window (square-shaped, non-opening) are sized 9 m2. Cabin amenities include 4 beds (2 lower plus 2 upper bunks, under-bed drawers, bedding), small writing table with chest, chair, wardrobe, en-suite bathroom (WC, shower, hairdryer, towels).
• (49 rooms on Decks 5-6) 4-Bed Inside cabins are sized 9 m2. Cabin amenities include 4 beds (2 lower plus 2 upper bunks), bedding, small writing table with chest, chair, wardrobe, en-suite bathroom (WC, shower, hairdryer, towels).

Of the 49 Inside cabins, 2x are wheelchair-accessible and 4x are pet-friendly (with linoleum flooring).

The ferry company provides bed linens, towels, and toiletries. Some staterooms are wheelchair-accessible (adapted for disabled passengers). DFDS Seaways ferries also offer so-called "Pet Cabins." Travelers with pets must book an entire cabin (quad occupancy). Animals must be transported in pet cages. Dogs (including service dogs) must be leashed and muzzled.

The ship additionally offers a Reserved Seating Lounge (Deck 5) with 72 reclining seats (aircraft-type seats) available for pre-booking.

All passengers must vacate their staterooms 30 minutes prior to homeport arrival. Passenger registration ends 1 hour prior to ferry departure.

Shipboard facilities, dining, and entertainment

As onboard facilities, Optima Seaways offers:

• Restaurant 7 Seas, serving an a la carte menu with a wide selection of starters, main courses, gourmet desserts, and premium wines. A kids menu ("Happy Pirate") is also available.
• Food Express / Horizon Snack Bar / Self-Service Restaurant, offering hot dishes, cold appetizers, desserts, and soft drinks.
• Lighthouse Cafe, serving beverages, cocktails, coffee drinks, light snacks, gourmet sweets, fresh fruits and juices. The venue is fitted with large TVs (satellite reception) for live sports and music programs.
• Road Kings area (with showers, restaurant, and quiet lounge), exclusively dedicated to truck drivers.
• Premium Lounge, providing extra privacy with complimentary coffee, tea, cold drinks, snacks, and newspapers.
• Pirates Island / Children's Play Room, an indoor playground for kids, equipped with a ball pool, large TV (for cartoons), and art tables.
• Tax Free Sea Shop, a duty-free boutique offering gifts and souvenirs, alcohol, tobacco, perfumes and cosmetics, jewelry, watches, sunglasses, leather goods, confectionery, clothing and accessories, toys, electronics, gourmet sweets, teas, and spices. Special shopping promotions are offered on each crossing. Payments are accepted in cash or by bank cards (VISA, MasterCard, EuroCard). Premium brands include Versace, Elizabeth Arden, Tommy Hilfiger, Moschino, Paco Rabanne, Carolina Herrera, Hugo Boss, Gucci, L'Oreal, DKNY, Givenchy, Dolce-Gabbana, Face Inc.
• Wi-Fi service and an ATM / cash machine (next to the Information Desk / Reception).
• Reserved Seating Lounge, fitted with comfortable Pullman seats (fully reclining leather armchairs) and large TVs.

The ship's top deck features a helipad (Heli Deck) used for emergency operations.

All onboard emergency instructions are displayed at the ship's assembly (muster) stations. Life jackets are issued at these stations. In case of emergency, the use of elevators/passenger lifts is prohibited.

Car decks

Below is a list of car deck-related safety procedures:

• Disabled passengers or those requiring special assistance should visit the ship's Information Desk (open 24 hours).
• Apply the handbrake and place the vehicle in park or 1st gear. Switch off the ignition, alarm, electrical equipment, and headlights. Gas cylinders, if any, must be switched off. Lock the vehicle.
• Take only valuables and essential hand baggage from your vehicle.
• Note your vehicle's location, garage deck number, and stairway before leaving the car deck.
• Access to the ship's vehicle (cargo) decks during the voyage is prohibited.
• Smoking is forbidden on vehicle decks, as well as in cabins and passenger lounges.
• Wait for the onboard announcement before returning to your vehicle.
• To reduce air pollution, do not start the engine until instructed.

The shipowner DFDS Seaways (fleet, founded in 1866 and headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark) is a Danish shipping company operating passenger and freight ferry services in Northern Europe.