Stena Nautica ferry

MS Stena Nautica 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 324 cars. The vessel was launched in 1986 and currently operates on the Denmark–Sweden ferry route Grenaa–Varberg (crossing time 5 hours).

Cabins

As a cruise ferry, Stena Nautica has a total of 148 berths in air-conditioned staterooms with en-suite bathrooms. All cabins (inside and outside) have a max 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 Nautica stateroom categories include:

• 2-berth / Twin Outside (1 lower bed, 1 bunk bed, picture window)
• (below car deck) 2-berth "Pet Cabin" / Twin Inside (1 lower bed, 1 bunk bed, no window)
• (below car deck) 2-berth / Twin Inside (1 lower bed, 1 bunk bed, no window)
• (below car deck) 4-berth / Quad Inside (4 beds / 2 lower + 2 bunks, no window)

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-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 homeport arrival.

Shipboard dining and entertainment options

Onboard facilities on Stena Nautica include:

• Metropolitan Grill (serves hot food, fish and chips, pizza, jacket potatoes, pies, 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 (gifts, souvenirs, spirits, wines, tobacco, perfumes, cosmetics, skincare products, leather goods, toys, confectionery, clothing and accessories, electronics, watches, sunglasses, jewelry, and travel essentials; promotions often offer up to 50% discounts)
• Free Wi-Fi service, ATM/cash machine (next to the Information Desk / Reception)
• Forward-midship on the top deck (Heli Deck) is a helipad used for emergency operations
• 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 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 pricing on train travel to London (fares subject to availability). STENA issues e-tickets (not separate train tickets), and the passenger’s self-printed e-ticket serves as a train ticket. Dutch Railways tickets (to and from the port) cannot be included in the ferry booking. These e-tickets are not valid on private UK rail carriers. Intercity Direct and ICE trains incur an extra 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 manufacturers. Vegetarian meals may contain dairy and eggs. Muslim meals exclude pork (and by-products) and alcohol. Orders must be placed at least 48 hours prior to departure (via email or by calling +31 (0)174 - 315 811).
• In 2013, ships Britannica and Hollandica were equipped with two electric car charging points each (3.7 kW, 16A, Euro standard Type 2). These cannot be pre-booked. Charging is free and takes 4–6 hours. Only on these ships are currency exchange machines (ATM by GWK Travelex) available, located on Deck 9 opposite the Reception Desk.
• Only ships on the Denmark–Norway route (Frederikshavn–Oslo) offer paid power connections for caravan fridges and freezers.
• Hand luggage limits: max dimensions 60x50x40 cm and up to 12 kg per person in public areas. Foot passengers may bring up to two extra pieces (up to 20 kg), checked in on day voyages unless a cabin is booked. Car passengers must leave luggage in their vehicles, as car decks are closed during the voyage. Excess baggage is subject to surcharges.
• All STENA ships allow LPG-fueled vehicles ("liquefied petroleum gas").
• The company does not allow travel for women who are 36 weeks pregnant, or 34 weeks pregnant in case of multiple pregnancies.
• Passengers with reduced mobility receive assistance before departure and onboard. They must contact staff at least 48 hours prior to departure (via email or by calling +31 (0)174-315811). Wheelchair passengers must arrive at least 2 hours before departure and check in at the company desk.
• Bicycles can be transported (for a fee) on all STENA ships and routes.
• Tickets with open return dates are not offered. However, "open tickets" with a temporary date can be booked and later amended.

STENA LINE's deals 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 free changes, with passengers paying only any fare difference and offering full refunds upon cancellation. PREMIUM fares (route-dependent) include perks such as express boarding/disembarkation, Stena Plus Lounge access, and breakfast. PREMIUM deals are not available on 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 seating and breakfast (night voyages only).

Pets on the ship

Pets (dogs, cats, and ferrets) can be transported on all STENA ships, though requirements vary by itinerary.

• Pets are not allowed in passenger cabins unless the stateroom is "pet-friendly" (typically a 2-bed dog cabin).
• All ships have a designated dog toilet.
• 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 the owner's cabin (must wear a harness or jacket).

On Scandinavian routes (Sweden, Norway, Latvia), valid EU pet passports are required, including identification, vaccinations, and treatments. Pets must have an approved microchip (or tattoo) and rabies vaccination. Pets traveling to Norway must also be treated for tapeworm. 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 other routes, arrival 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 travel with up to 5 animals per vehicle (identified by a colored hanger on the rear-view mirror until customs clearance). Pets must remain inside vehicles. Foot passengers may travel with up to 5 pets but must pre-book an onboard kennel. Children traveling with pets must be at least 16 years old. Groups traveling with 6 or more animals must ensure all animals are 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. Cabins provide TV monitoring of kennels. 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 safety procedures:

• Passengers requiring 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 must be turned off. Lock the vehicle.
• Take only valuables and essential hand baggage from your vehicle.
• Note your vehicle’s location and garage deck/stairway before leaving.
• 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 the onboard announcement before returning to your vehicle.
• To reduce emissions, do not start the engine until instructed.

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