Stena Germanica ferry

MS Stena Germanica ferry is a Ro-Pax passenger vessel operated by the Sweden-based company STENA LINE. The ship has a max capacity of 1500 passengers and 300 cars. The vessel was launched in 2001 and currently operates on the Sweden–Germany ferry route Goteborg-Kiel (crossing time 9 hours) with one daily (7 weekly) crossing.

Cabins

As a cruise ferry, Stena Germanica has a total of 1067 berths. All staterooms are air-conditioned and feature en-suite bathrooms. All cabins (inside and outside) are located on decks 8, 9, 10, and 11, and have a maximum capacity of 5 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 Germanica stateroom categories include:

• (deck 10) Single Inside (1 lower bunk bed, no window)
• (deck 10) Single Outside (1 lower bunk bed, picture window)
• (decks 8-9-10) 2-berth / Twin Inside (2 lower beds, no window)
• (decks 8-9-10) 2-berth / Twin Inside (2 bunk beds, lower + upper, no window)
• (decks 8-9-10) 2-berth / Twin Outside (2 lower beds, picture window)
• (decks 8-9-10) 2-berth / Twin Outside (2 beds, lower + bunk, picture window)
• (decks 8-9-10) 3-berth / Triple Inside (2 lower beds, 1 bunk bed, no window)
• (decks 8-9-10) 3-berth / Triple Outside (1 lower bed, 2 bunk beds, picture window)
• (decks 8-9-10) 4-berth / Quad Inside (4 beds, 2 lower + 2 bunk, no window)
• (decks 8-9-10) 4-berth / Quad Outside (4 beds, 2 lower + 2 bunk, picture window)
• (deck 8) 3-berth Business Class Cabin (2 lower beds, 1 bunk bed, porthole window, complimentary minibar)
• (decks 8-9) 2-berth Captain's Class Cabin (2 lower beds, porthole windows, complimentary minibar, coffee/tea-making facilities)
• (decks 8-9) 5-berth Family Cabin Inside (3 lower beds, 2 bunk beds, 4 adults + 1 child, no window)
• (decks 8-9) 5-berth Family Cabin Outside (3 lower beds, 2 bunk beds, 4 adults + 1 child, picture window)
• (deck 11) 2-berth Front View Outside (2 lower beds, convertible to double, picture window, complimentary minibar)
• (deck 11) 3-berth Outside Jacuzzi Suite (size 17 m2 / 180 ft2, 1 double bed + 2 bunk beds, 2 adults + 2 children, floor-to-ceiling windows) - glassed balcony with Jacuzzi bathtub, coffee table, complimentary bathrobes, slippers, coffee maker, ice machine, breakfast included
• (deck 11) 3-berth Outside Panorama Suite (size 17 m2 / 180 ft2, 1 double bed + 2 bunk beds, 2 adults + 2 children, floor-to-ceiling windows) - coffee table, complimentary bathrobes, slippers, coffee maker, ice machine, breakfast included
• (deck 11) 3-berth Outside Penthouse Suite (size 26 m2 / 280 ft2, 1 double bed + 2 bunk beds, 2 adults + 2 children, floor-to-ceiling windows) - complimentary bathrobes, slippers, coffee maker, ice machine
• (deck 11) 3-berth Outside Skylight Suite (size 17 m2 / 180 ft2, 1 double bed + 2 bunk beds, 2 adults + 2 children, ceiling dome windows) - coffee table, complimentary bathrobes, slippers, coffee maker, ice machine, breakfast included
• (deck 11) 2-berth Outside Skylight Cabin (size 17 m2 / 180 ft2, 1 round bed + 2 bunk beds, 2 adults + 2 children, ceiling dome windows) - coffee table, complimentary bathrobes, slippers, coffee maker, ice machine, breakfast included
• (deck 11) 3-berth Terrace Suite (size 17 m2 / 180 ft2, 1 double bed + 2 bunk beds, 2 adults + 2 children, floor-to-ceiling windows with access to Yacht Club terrace) - coffee table, complimentary bathrobes, slippers, coffee maker, ice machine, breakfast included

All cabins are equipped with luxury DUX beds and mattresses, Hansgrohe bathroom faucets and showerheads, phones, 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 (180 seats). 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 homeport arrival.

Shipboard dining and entertainment options

Facilities onboard Stena Germanica include:

• Metropolitan Restaurant (à la carte formal venue offering gourmet and Mediterranean cuisine, fine wines, drinks, and children's menus)
• Taste Restaurant (self-service buffet with hot and cold meals, kids menus)
• The Yacht Club / Sundeck Bar (weather dependent, offering sandwiches, cakes, pastries, fruit salads, yogurt, ice cream, and hot/cold drinks)
• Taste Wine Bar, Riva Bar
• C-View Bar Lounge (panoramic views)
• Truckers Lounge (bar, lounge, and restaurant for truck drivers only)
• Children's Room (indoor soft-play area with TV, toys, games, and supervised activities)
• Teen Town (video game room with arcade machines)
• Stena Shopping Center (gifts, souvenirs, spirits, wines, tobaccos, perfumes, cosmetics, skincare products, leather goods, toys, confectionery, clothing, accessories, electronics, watches, sunglasses, jewelry, convenience goods, and travel essentials). Onboard retail promotions often offer discounts of up to 50% on major brands.
• Sun Deck (wooden-decked outdoor relaxation area with bar service)
• Free Wi-Fi service and ATM/cash machine (next to Reception)
• Midship on the top deck (Heli Deck) is a helipad used in emergencies
• All bars and lounges are fitted with large TVs and comfortable seating

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 routes Holland-UK (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 ferry caravans free of charge. This discount applies to car-plus-caravan fares and cannot be combined with other offers.
• Motorhomes can be ferried 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 passenger's printed e-ticket serves as a train ticket. Dutch Railways tickets (to/from the port) cannot be included. These tickets are not valid on private UK rail carriers. Intercity Direct and ICE trains require an additional fee.
• Special meals (vegan, vegetarian, kosher, halal, gluten- or lactose-free) can be pre-ordered on the UK-Holland route (Harwich–Hook of Holland). Ingredients are verified by manufacturers. Vegetarian meals may include dairy and eggs. Muslim meals exclude pork and alcohol. Orders must be made at least 48 hours prior to departure.
• In 2013, ships Britannica and Hollandica were equipped with two electric car charging points each (3.7 kW, 16A, Type 2). These cannot be pre-booked. Charging is free and takes 4–6 hours. Only these ships also feature currency exchange machines (GWK Travelex) located on Deck 9.
• Only ships on the Denmark-Norway route (Frederikshavn–Oslo) offer paid power connections for caravan refrigeration units.
• Hand luggage per person (in public areas) is limited to 60x50x40 cm and up to 12 kg. Foot passengers may bring two additional items (up to 20 kg total), checked in on day voyages unless a cabin is booked. Car passengers must leave luggage in their vehicles. Vehicle decks remain closed during the voyage. Excess baggage is subject to surcharges.
• All STENA ships allow LPG-fueled vehicles.
• The company does not allow travel for women who are 36 weeks pregnant (or 34 weeks in multiple pregnancies).
• Passengers with reduced mobility must request assistance at least 48 hours prior to departure. Wheelchair users must arrive at least 2 hours before departure and check in at the terminal desk.
• Bicycles can be transported (for a fee) on all routes.
• Open return tickets are not offered, but tickets with flexible return dates can be modified later.

STENA LINE fares are categorized as "Economy", "Flexi", and "Premium." ECONOMY fares are the cheapest but include amendment fees and no refunds. FLEXI fares allow free changes, with passengers paying only any fare difference, and offer full refunds upon cancellation. PREMIUM fares (route-dependent) include additional benefits such as priority boarding/disembarkation, Stena Plus Lounge access, and breakfast. PREMIUM deals are not available on the routes Sassnitz / Rostock-Trelleborg, Grenaa-Varberg, Nynashamn-Ventspils (Latvia), and Travemunde-Liepaja (Latvia). PREMIUM fares on the route Hook of Holland-Harwich are inclusive of Stena Plus Lounge seating and breakfast (night voyages only).

Pets on the ship

Pets (dogs, cats, and ferrets) can be transported on all STENA ships, with requirements depending on the route.

• Pets are not allowed in standard cabins unless the stateroom is designated as "pet-friendly."
• All ships are equipped with dog toilets.
• Dogs must be leashed and muzzled at all times and must not be left unattended.
• Guide dogs travel free of charge and are allowed in all passenger areas and cabins (must wear a harness or jacket).

On Scandinavian routes (to Sweden, Norway, Latvia), valid EU pet passports, microchips (or tattoos), and rabies vaccinations are required. Pets traveling to Norway must also be treated for tapeworm. Passengers must arrive at the port at least 1 hour prior to departure.

On routes to England and Ireland, passengers with pets must arrive at least 2 hours prior to departure. For other routes, the required time is 1–1.5 hours. UK Pet Travel Scheme rules apply, and animals must be at least 15 weeks old. EU pet passports and microchips are mandatory. Car passengers may travel with up to 5 pets per vehicle. Pets must remain inside the vehicle during the voyage. Foot passengers may bring up to 5 pets but must pre-book a kennel. Children traveling with pets must be at least 16 years old. Groups with 6 or more animals require the animals to 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). Cabin TVs provide monitoring of the kennels, and visiting pets during the voyage is 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 interconnected by ramps. The lower garage deck (for trucks and freight) has five lanes/tracks, while the middle and upper decks (car decks) have seven lanes each. The middle car deck is divided by longitudinal bulkheads into three sections, increasing capacity. The decks above are designated for passenger facilities.

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

• Passengers requiring assistance should contact the ship’s Information Desk (open 24 hours).
• Apply the handbrake and place the vehicle in park or first gear. Switch off the ignition, alarms, electrical equipment, and headlights. Gas cylinders must be turned off. Lock the vehicle.
• Take only valuables and essential hand luggage.
• Note your vehicle’s location and deck/stairway before leaving.
• Access to vehicle decks during the voyage is prohibited.
• Smoking is prohibited on vehicle decks and in cabins and lounges.
• Wait for announcements before returning to your vehicle.
• Do not start the engine until instructed to avoid air pollution.

The shipowner Stena Line (fleet, founded in 1962 and 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.