Stena Nordica ferry

MS Stena Nordica ferry is a Ro-Pax passenger vessel operated by the Sweden-based company STENA LINE. The ship has a maximum capacity of 450 passengers and 375 cars (or 122 trailers). The vessel was launched in 2000 and currently operates on the Wales–Ireland ferry route Holyhead-Dublin (crossing time 3 hours) with 28 weekly crossings.

Prior to July 2023, the ship operated on the Sweden–Poland route Karlskrona-Gdynia/Gdansk (crossing time 10 hours) with 17 weekly crossings.

In February 2023, Stena Line confirmed plans to deploy Stena Nordica on the Wales–Ireland route Fishguard-Rosslare Europort (crossing time 3.5 hours). Nordica replaced the older Stena Europe (1981-built), which had operated on the route from 2002 to 2023. Prior to the new deployment, Stena Nordica underwent extensive refurbishment in Gdansk Poland.

Cabins

As a cruise ferry, Stena Nordica has a total of 152 cabins with 222 berths. All staterooms are air-conditioned and feature en-suite bathrooms (WC toilet, washbasin, shower, hairdryer, large mirror). All cabins (inside and outside) are located on decks 4 and 5 and have 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 Nordica stateroom categories include:

• (BUSINESS CLASS double cabin) 2-BERTH OUTSIDE - 2 bunk beds (upper and lower), mirrored vanity/desk with chair, small window
• (COMFORT PLUS double cabin) 2-BERTH INSIDE - 2 bunk beds (upper and lower), mirrored vanity/desk with chair, no window
• (COMFORT PLUS double cabin) 2-BERTH OUTSIDE - 2 bunk beds (upper and lower), mirrored vanity/desk with chair, small window
• (COMFORT PLUS quad/family cabin) 4-BERTH INSIDE - 4 bunk beds (2 upper and 2 lower), mirrored vanity/desk with chair, no window
• (COMFORT PLUS quad/family cabin) 4-BERTH OUTSIDE - 4 bunk beds (2 upper and 2 lower), mirrored vanity/desk with chair, small window
• (COMFORT PLUS quad/pet cabin) 4-BERTH OUTSIDE - 4 bunk beds (2 upper and 2 lower), mirrored vanity/desk with chair, small window, linoleum flooring (pet-friendly)
• (quad/family cabin) 4-BERTH INSIDE - 4 bunk beds (2 upper and 2 lower), mirrored vanity/desk with chair, no window

The ship also offers "PRIVATE LOUNGES"—2-seat and 4-seat interior cabins without beds. Each unit is fitted with two luxury leather recliners (armchairs), a smart TV, a PlayStation 3 console (with games), a minibar (fridge stocked with bottled water and soft drinks), coffee-making facilities (tea and Nescafe espresso machine), and an en-suite bathroom (toilet, shower, sink, towels, soap). Dedicated waiter service and complimentary newspapers are provided.

All cabins are equipped with luxury DUX beds and mattresses, Hansgrohe bathroom fixtures (faucets and showerheads), telephones, a desk (mirrored vanity table with chair), open wardrobe, LED ceiling lights, and bedside reading lamps (wall-mounted). All passenger cabins are fitted with TVs (satellite reception) and mini-refrigerators.

For reserved seating, passengers can upgrade to the STENA PLUS LOUNGE (132 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, magazines, power charging points, and free Wi-Fi. Additional waiter service with a special menu is available at extra cost.

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

Shipboard dining and entertainment options

As facilities, the Stena Nordica offers:

• (Deck 4) Food City Restaurant (self-service buffet with hot and cold meals, kids' menu)
• (Deck 4) C-View Bar Lounge (bow location), cafe
• (Deck 4) Truckers Lounge (drivers-only bar lounge and restaurant)
• (Deck 4) Stena Plus Lounge (132 premium recliner seats), Promenade Deck (outdoor walking area)
• (Deck 4) Perfume Boutique, alcohol shop, exchange office, Play Room (arcade machines)
• (Lobby Deck 4) Luggage Room, Reception Desk (Information), Gambling Hall (slot machines and gaming machines)
• (Deck 4 midship) passenger cabins
• (Deck 5 midship and aft) passenger cabins
• (Deck 6) Sun Deck (wooden-decked sunbathing and outdoor relaxation area served by its own bar)
• Midship on Deck 6 is the Heli Deck with a helipad used for emergency landings

Wi-Fi service (shipwide) and movies are complimentary. All bars and lounges are fitted with large TVs and comfortable seating. All onboard payments are cashless and must be made in EUR using debit or credit cards only. Smoking is allowed only in designated areas on the Sundeck.

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 foods) 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 and cancellations. Flexi fares allow changes at no cost (fare differences may apply) and offer full refunds upon cancellation. Premium fares (depending on routes) 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). Premium fares on the Hook of Holland–Harwich route 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, 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 two 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.

The vehicle decks are connected via ramps. The lower garage deck (Deck 2) is used for trucks and freight, while the upper garage deck (Deck 3) is mainly for cars. Decks 4–5–6 are passenger decks, while Deck 1 is a service deck (engines, propulsion systems, fuel tanks, water treatment plant, crew cabins).

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:

• Disabled passengers or those requiring specific 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 switched off. Lock the vehicle.
• From your vehicle, take only valuables and essential hand baggage.
• Make a note of your vehicle's location and garage deck number/stairway before leaving the car deck.
• Access to the ship's vehicle (cargo) decks during the voyage is prohibited.
• Smoking on vehicle decks, as well as in cabins and passenger lounges, is forbidden.
• Wait for the onboard announcement before returning to your vehicle.

To avoid 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 on Northern Europe's routes connecting the UK, Ireland, Denmark, Germany, Latvia, Holland, Norway, Sweden, and Poland.