Stena Horizon ferry

MS Stena Horizon ferry is a Ro-Pax passenger vessel operated by the Sweden-based company STENA LINE. The ship has a max capacity of 900 passengers and 200 cars (or 120 lorries/semi-trailer trucks). The vessel was launched in 2006 and currently operates on the English Channel/Ireland-France ferry route Cherbourg-Rosslare (6 weekly crossings, crossing time 17 hours).

In June 2023, STENA LINE doubled the Ireland-France service capacity to 12 weekly crossings, as Stena Horizon was joined on the route by the fleetmate Stena Vision. The company now offers the most frequent ferry service between Ireland and mainland Europe.

Cabins

As a cruise ferry, Stena Horizon has 110 air-conditioned cabins with en-suite bathrooms and a total of 480 berths. Passenger cabins (inside and outside) have a maximum capacity of 6 passengers. The ferry company provides bed linens, towels, and toiletries. Some staterooms are wheelchair-accessible (adapted for passengers with disabilities). The ship also offers "pet-friendly" cabins.

Stena Horizon stateroom categories include:

• 2-berth Disabled Cabin / Twin Outside (2 lower beds, 2 bunk beds for accompanying persons, porthole window, TV)
• 2-berth / Twin Outside (2 bunk beds / lower + upper, porthole window) - no TV
• 4-berth / Quad Inside (4 beds / 2 lower + 2 bunk, no window) - no TV
• 4-berth / Quad Outside (4 beds / 2 lower + 2 bunk, porthole window) - no TV
• 6-berth / Inside (6 beds / 3 lower + 3 bunk, no window) - no TV
• 6-berth / Outside (6 beds / 3 lower + 3 bunk, porthole window) - no TV
• Captain's Class, 2-berth / Outside (1 double bed, window, TV, complimentary drinks, fruit, breakfast)

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

For reserved seating, passengers can upgrade to the Stena Plus Lounge. Reserved seating packages include airline-type 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

Onboard facilities on Stena Horizon include:

• Metropolitan Grill (serves hot food, fish and chips, pizza, jacket potatoes, pie and mash; kids menus, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free meals are also available)
• Barista Coffee Bar (patisserie/specialty coffee bar offering sandwiches, cakes, pastries, fruit salads, yogurt, ice cream, and hot/cold drinks)
• Metropolitan Bar (serves a selection of wines and European beers)
• Children's Room (indoor soft-play area with a large TV for cartoons, toys, games, and supervised activities)
• Teen Town (video games room with arcade machines)
• Stena Shopping Center (retail shop offering gifts, souvenirs, spirits, wines, tobacco, perfumes, cosmetics, leather goods, toys, confectionery, fashion items, electronics, watches, sunglasses, jewelry, and travel essentials; frequent promotions with up to 50% discounts on major brands)
• Truckers Lounge (truck drivers-only bar lounge and restaurant)
• Free Wi-Fi service and ATM/cash machine (next to the Information Desk/Reception)
• Heli Deck (midship on the top deck) with a helipad for emergency use
• All bars and lounges are equipped 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 Line’s train-and-ferry deals offer discounted rail travel to London (subject to availability). Stena issues e-tickets (no separate train tickets), and the self-printed ticket also 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-free, or lactose-free) can be pre-ordered on the Harwich–Hook of Holland route. All ingredients are verified by manufacturers. Vegetarian meals may include dairy and eggs. Muslim meals exclude pork and alcohol. Orders must be placed at least 48 hours prior to departure (via email or phone: +31 (0)174 - 315 811).
• 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 have currency exchange machines (GWK Travelex), located in the lobby area (Deck 9, opposite Reception).
• Only ships on the Denmark-Norway route (Frederikshavn-Oslo) provide paid power connections for caravan fridges/freezers.
• Hand luggage per person (in public areas) is limited to 60x50x40 cm and 12 kg. Foot passengers may bring two additional items (up to 20 kg) checked in on day voyages (unless a cabin is booked). Car passengers must leave luggage in vehicles (car decks remain closed during the voyage). Excess baggage is subject to surcharge.
• All Stena ships allow LPG-fueled vehicles ("liquefied petroleum gas").
• The company does not allow travel for women beyond 36 weeks of pregnancy, or 34 weeks in case of multiple pregnancies.
• Passengers with reduced mobility receive assistance before departure and onboard. They must contact Stena Line at least 48 hours in advance (via email or +31 (0)174-315811). Wheelchair users must arrive at least 2 hours prior to departure and check in at the terminal desk.
• Bicycles can be transported (for a fee) on all Stena ships and routes.
• Open return tickets are not offered. However, bookings with a temporary return date can be made and later amended.

Stena Line fares are categorized as "Economy", "Flexi", and "Premium". ECONOMY fares are the cheapest but include amendment fees and are non-refundable. FLEXI fares allow free changes (fare differences apply) and offer full refunds upon cancellation. PREMIUM fares (route-dependent) include additional perks such as priority boarding/disembarkation, Stena Plus Lounge access, and breakfast. PREMIUM fares are not available on the routes Sassnitz/Rostock–Trelleborg, Grenaa–Varberg, Nynashamn-Ventspils, and Travemunde-Liepaja. On the Hook of Holland–Harwich route, PREMIUM fares include Stena Plus Lounge access and breakfast (night voyages only).

Pets on the ship

Pets (dogs, cats, and ferrets) can be transported on all Stena ships, subject to route-specific requirements.

• Pets are not allowed in standard cabins unless booked in a "pet-friendly" cabin (typically a 2-bed dog cabin).
• All ships have designated dog toilet areas.
• Dogs must be leashed and muzzled at all times and must not be left unattended.
• Guide dogs travel free of charge and are allowed on all passenger decks and in cabins (must wear a harness or jacket).

On Scandinavian routes (Sweden, Norway, Latvia), valid EU pet passports are required, including identification, vaccination records, and microchip (or tattoo). Rabies vaccination is mandatory. Pets traveling to Norway must also receive tapeworm treatment. Passengers with pets must arrive 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 all other routes, check-in is 1–1.5 hours prior. All animals must comply with the UK Pet Travel Scheme and be at least 15 weeks old. EU pet passports and microchips are required. Car passengers may transport up to 5 pets per vehicle. Vehicles carrying pets receive a colored hanger for identification during customs checks. Pets must remain inside vehicles at all times. Foot passengers may bring up to 5 pets but must pre-book kennel space. Children traveling with pets must be at least 16 years old. For groups of 6 or more animals, the minimum age is 6 months.

All Stena ships feature onboard kennels: 7 large (100x97x94 cm), 2 medium (100x64x108 cm), and 16 small (100x65x50 cm). Cabin TVs provide monitoring of kennel areas. Visiting pets during the voyage is recommended.

Car decks

• Car decks can be loaded on two levels, with vehicle access from both bow and stern. Below is a list of car deck-related safety procedures:
• Passengers requiring assistance should visit the 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 turned off. Lock the vehicle.
• Take only valuables and essential hand luggage when leaving your vehicle.
• Note your vehicle’s location, deck number, and stairway access.
• Access to vehicle (cargo) decks during the voyage is prohibited.
• Smoking is forbidden on vehicle decks, as well as in cabins and public lounges.
• Wait for onboard announcements before returning to your vehicle.
• To reduce emissions, do not start the engine until instructed.

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