Stena Hollandica ferry

MS Stena Hollandica ferry is a Ro-Pax passenger vessel operated by the Sweden-based company STENA LINE. The ship has a max capacity of 1200 passengers, 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 Hollandica 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, and have a maximum capacity of 4 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 Hollandica 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-grade laminate flooring, and dog beds.

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. 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 Hollandica include:

• Metropolitan Restaurant (à la carte formal dining 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)
• Barista Coffee Bar (patisserie and specialty coffee bar offering sandwiches, cakes, pastries, fruit salads, yogurt, ice cream, and hot/cold drinks)
• Taste Wine Bar, Riva Bar, Sundeck Bar (weather permitting)
• 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)
• Internet Room, News Room (magazine lounge), Bureau de Change
• Media Room (conference and meeting facilities)
• Casino (gaming tables and slot machines)
• Cinema (tickets available at the Reception / Guest Services Desk)
• Sun Deck (wooden-decked outdoor relaxation area with bar service)
• Smoking Area
• Kennels (12 booths for dogs)
• Free Wi-Fi and ATM/cash machine (located next to Reception on Deck 9)
• 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

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.

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 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 fares are not available on routes such as Sassnitz/Rostock–Trelleborg, Grenaa–Varberg, Nynashamn-Ventspils, and Travemunde-Liepaja. On the Hook of Holland–Harwich route, PREMIUM fares include 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 cabin 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. Arrival at the port is required at least 1 hour before 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, 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 (cargo decks 3 and 5). 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.