Stena Britannica ferry

MS Stena Britannica ferry is a Ro-Pax passenger vessel operated by the Sweden-based company STENA LINE. The ship has a maximum capacity of 1,200 passengers and 230 cars (or 300 lorries). The vessel was launched in 2010 and currently operates on the UK–Holland ferry route Harwich–Hook of Holland (crossing time 6.5 hours).

Cabins

As a cruise ferry, Stena Britannica has 538 cabins with a total of 1,376 berths. All staterooms are air-conditioned and feature en-suite bathrooms. Passenger cabins (inside and outside) are located on decks 9, 10, and 11, with a maximum capacity of four passengers. The ferry company provides bed linens, towels, and toiletries. Some staterooms are wheelchair-accessible (adapted for disabled passengers). The ship also offers "pet-friendly" cabins.

Stena Britannica stateroom categories include:

• Single Inside (1 lower bed, 1 bunk bed, no window)
• Single Inside Disabled (1 lower bed, no window)
• Single Outside (2 bunk beds / lower and upper, porthole window)
• 2-berth / Twin Inside (2 bunk beds / lower and upper, no window)
• 2-berth / Twin Inside Disabled (2 lower beds, no window)
• 2-berth / Twin Outside (2 bunk beds, porthole window)
• 4-berth / Quad Outside (4 beds / 2 lower + 2 bunk, picture window)
• Captain's Class, 2-berth (1 double bed, large porthole window, complimentary minibar)
• Captain's Suite, 2-berth (1 double bed, large porthole window, complimentary minibar, additionally fitted with a sofa, table, 2 armchairs, coffee/tea-making facilities)
• Comfort Class 2-berth (2 lower beds, picture window, complimentary minibar, coffee/tea-making facilities)
• Comfort Class 3-berth Family Cabin (1 larger lower bed + 1 bunk / 2 adults + 1 child, porthole window, complimentary minibar, coffee/tea-making facilities)
• 3-berth Family Cabin (1 larger lower bed + 1 bunk bed / 2 adults + 1 child, porthole window)
• 5-berth Family Cabin (1 larger lower bed + 3 bunk beds / 4 adults + 1 child, picture window).

During the 2022 drydock (conducted at Antwerp's EDR Shipyard), a total of 15 passenger staterooms were converted into "pet cabins." These dog-friendly accommodations are fitted with two bunk beds, a large round (non-opening) window, high-class laminate flooring, and dog beds.

All cabins are equipped with luxury DUX beds and mattresses, Hansgrohe bathroom fixtures (faucets and showerheads), telephones, TVs (satellite reception), a desk (mirrored vanity table with chair), and an open wardrobe.

For reserved seating, passengers can upgrade to the Stena Plus Lounge. Reserved seating includes airline-style seats (fully reclining leather armchairs), complimentary hot and cold beverages (coffee, specialty teas, soft drinks, wine by the glass), snacks, newspapers, and magazines.

All passengers must vacate their staterooms 30 minutes prior to arrival at the homeport.

Shipboard dining and entertainment options

As facilities, the Stena Britannica offers:

• Metropolitan Restaurant (à la carte formal dining venue offering gourmet Mediterranean cuisine, fine wines, drinks, and children's menus)
• Taste Restaurant (self-service buffet with hot and cold meals, kids' menus)
• Barista Coffee Bar (patisserie-style specialty coffee bar serving sandwiches, cakes, pastries, fruit salads, yogurt, ice cream, and hot/cold drinks)
• Taste (wine bar), Riva Bar, Sundeck Bar (weather-dependent)
• C-View Bar Lounge (panoramic views)
• Truckers Lounge (drivers-only bar lounge and restaurant)
• Children's Room (indoor soft-play area with large TV for cartoons, toys, games, and supervised activities)
• Teen Town (video games room with arcade machines)
• Internet Room, News Room (magazine lounge), Bureau de Change
• Media Room (conference center/meeting room)
• Casino (gaming tables, slot machines)
• Cinema (tickets available at the ship's Reception / Guest Services Desk)
• Sun Deck (wooden-decked sunbathing and outdoor relaxation area served by its own bar)
• Smoking Area
• Kennels (12 booths for dogs)
• Free Wi-Fi service, ATM/cash machine (located next to the Information Desk / Reception on Deck 9)
• Midship on the top deck (Heli Deck) is a helipad used for emergency helicopter landings
• All bars and lounges are fitted with large TVs and comfortable seating.

Stena Shopping Center (gifts, souvenirs, spirits, wines, tobacco products, brand perfumes and cosmetics, skincare products, leather goods, toys, confectionery, fashion clothing and accessories, gadgets and electronics, designer watches, sunglasses, jewelry, convenience goods, and travel essentials). Onboard retail promotions are frequently held, offering up to 50% discounts on major brands.

During the 2022 drydock, a new Duty-Free Shop was added, increasing the onboard retail space by approximately 40%.

All onboard emergency instructions are displayed in staterooms, on TV screens, and at the ship's assembly (muster) stations. Life jackets are issued at the assembly stations. In case of emergency, the use of elevators (passenger lifts) is prohibited.

STENA ferry deals

Below is a list of discounts and special offers provided by Stena Line (direct bookings only).

• On the Holland–UK routes (Hook of Holland–Harwich, day voyages only), Denmark–Norway (Frederikshavn–Oslo, Monday to Friday only), Denmark–Sweden (Grenaa–Varberg), and Germany–Sweden (Rugen Island / Sassnitz–Trelleborg and Rostock–Trelleborg), passengers can transport caravans free of charge. This discount applies to car-plus-caravan fares and cannot be combined with other offers.
• Motorhomes can be transported between the UK and Holland at car rates (day voyages only).
• STENA's train-and-ferry deals offer discounted train travel to London (subject to availability). STENA issues e-tickets (not separate train tickets), and the self-printed e-ticket serves as the train ticket. Dutch Railways tickets (to/from the port) cannot be included in the ferry booking. These e-tickets are not valid on private UK rail operators. Intercity Direct and ICE trains incur an additional charge.
• Special meals (vegan, vegetarian, kosher, halal, gluten-free, or lactose-free) can be pre-ordered on the UK–Holland route (Harwich–Hook of Holland). All ingredients are verified by their manufacturers. Vegetarian meals may include dairy products, eggs, and vegetables. Muslim meals exclude pork (and by-products) and alcohol. Special meal orders must be placed at least 48 hours prior to departure (via email upon booking or by calling +31 (0)174 315 811).
• In 2013, the ships Britannica and Hollandica were each equipped with two electric vehicle charging points (3.7 kW, 16A, Euro standard Type 2). These charging points cannot be pre-booked. Charging is free of charge and takes approximately 4–6 hours. Only on these ships are currency exchange machines (ATM by GWK Travelex) available, located in the lobby area (Deck 9, opposite the Reception Desk).
• Only ships on the Denmark–Norway route (Frederikshavn–Oslo) offer power connections (for a fee) for caravan fridges and freezers.
• Hand luggage restrictions per person (carried in public areas) are a maximum size of 60x50x40 cm and up to 12 kg. Foot passengers may bring two additional pieces of luggage (up to 20 kg each), checked in on day voyages (unless a cabin is booked). Car passengers must leave their luggage in the vehicle, as car decks are closed during the voyage. Excess baggage is subject to surcharges.
• All STENA ships allow boarding with LPG-fueled vehicles (liquefied petroleum gas).
• The company does not allow travel for women who are 36 weeks pregnant, or 34 weeks pregnant when expecting more than one baby.
• Passengers with reduced mobility are assisted prior to departure and onboard. Such passengers must contact the company at least 48 hours prior to departure (via email or by calling +31 (0)174 315 811). Wheelchair passengers must arrive at the port at least 2 hours prior to departure and proceed to the check-in desk.
• Bicycles can be transported (for a fee) on all STENA ships and routes.
• Tickets with a blank return date are not offered. However, it is possible to book an "open ticket" with a temporary date that can later be changed to the actual return date.

STENA LINE's fares are categorized as "Economy," "Flexi," and "Premium." Economy fares are the cheapest but include amendment fees and no refunds for changes or cancellations. Flexi fares allow changes at no cost (fare differences may apply) and offer full refunds upon cancellation. Premium fares (depending on the route) include additional benefits such as express boarding/disembarkation, access to the Stena Plus Lounge, and included breakfast. Premium fares are not available on the routes Sassnitz/Rostock–Trelleborg, Grenaa–Varberg, Nynashamn–Ventspils (Latvia), and Travemunde–Liepaja (Latvia). On the Hook of Holland–Harwich route, Premium fares include Stena Plus Lounge access and breakfast (on night voyages only).

Pets on the ship

Pets (dogs, cats, and ferrets) can be transported on all STENA ships, though requirements depend on the itinerary (destination).

• Pets are not allowed in passenger cabins unless the stateroom is designated as "pet-friendly" (typically a 2-bed dog cabin).
• All ships have designated dog toilet areas.
• Dogs must be leashed and muzzled at all times and must never be left unattended.
• Guide dogs travel free of charge and are permitted on all passenger decks and in the owner's cabin (must wear a harness or jacket).

On STENA ferries serving Scandinavian routes (to Sweden, Norway, Latvia), valid EU pet passports are required, including details on identity, vaccinations, and treatments. Pets must have an approved microchip (or tattoo) and valid rabies vaccination. Pets traveling to Norway must also be treated for tapeworm. Passengers with pets must arrive at the port at least 1 hour prior to departure.

On STENA ferries to England and Ireland, passengers traveling with pets must arrive at least 2 hours prior to departure. For other routes, the required time is 1–1.5 hours. All animals must comply with the UK Pet Travel Scheme and be at least 15 weeks old. EU pet passports and microchips are mandatory. Car passengers may transport up to 5 animals per vehicle. These vehicles receive a colored hanger (placed on the rear-view mirror until customs clearance in each port). Pets in vehicles must remain inside at all times. Foot passengers may travel with up to 5 pets, but pre-booked onboard kennel accommodation is required. Children traveling with an animal must be at least 16 years old. When traveling with 6 or more animals, they must be at least 6 months old.

All STENA ships have onboard kennels, including 7 large (100x97x94 cm), 2 medium (100x64x108 cm), and 16 small (100x65x50 cm) units. All cabins provide TV monitoring of the kennels. Visits to pets during the voyage are recommended.

Car decks

The ferry has three garage decks (for vehicles), accessible via one bow and one stern ramp (length 18.5 m / 61 ft, width 6.5 m / 21 ft). The aft cargo deck passage is 6.5 m (21 ft) wide and 5.2 m (17 ft) high. The bow ramp is 14 m (46 ft) long and 19.5 m (64 ft) wide. The cargo deck passage is 20 m (66 ft) wide and 5.2 m (17 ft) high.

All vehicle decks are connected by ramps. The lower garage deck (for trucks and freight) has 5 lanes, while the middle and upper decks (car decks) each have 7 lanes. The middle car deck is divided by longitudinal bulkheads into three sections, increasing vehicle capacity. The above three decks are designated for passenger facilities.

Car decks can be loaded on two levels, with vehicle access from both bow and stern (cargo decks 3 and 5). Below is a list of car deck safety procedures:

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

The shipowner Stena Line (fleet, founded in 1962, headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden) is one of the world's largest ferry companies, providing freight and travel services across Northern Europe, connecting the UK, Ireland, Denmark, Germany, Latvia, Holland, Norway, Sweden, and Poland.