Stena Superfast VII ferry

MS Stena Superfast VII ferry is a Ro-Pax passenger vessel operated by the Sweden-based company STENA LINE. The ship has a maximum capacity of 1200 passengers and 660 cars (or 110 lorries). She was launched in 2001 and currently operates on the Ireland-Scotland ferry route Belfast-Cairnryan (crossing time 2 hours 15 minutes).

Cabins

As a cruise ferry, Stena Superfast VII offers a total of 128 cabins (marketed as "Superfast Suites"). All staterooms are outside and located on Deck 10 (next to the Pure Nordic Spa). Each cabin accommodates up to 5 passengers and features a double bed with bunk beds, en-suite bathroom (WC/shower), TV, linens, towels, toiletries, tea and coffee-making facilities, bottled water, and a comfortable seating area (2-seat sofa, armchair, low table, large picture window). Additional amenities include a desk (mirrored vanity table with chair), wardrobe, mini-fridge, and complimentary Wi-Fi. High chairs are available upon request. Pets (including those in carriers) are not permitted in passenger cabins. All passengers must vacate their suites 30 minutes prior to arrival at the homeport.

For reserved seating, passengers can upgrade to the Stena Plus Lounge (Deck 8). Reserved seating packages include airline-style seats (fully reclining leather armchairs), complimentary hot and cold beverages (coffee, specialty teas, soft drinks, wine by the glass), snacks, newspapers, magazines, and waiter service.

All crew cabins and crew-only lounges (mess room, lobby lounge, smoking room, sauna, gym, laundry facilities) are located on Deck 9. Deck 9 also houses the ship's hospital (first-aid room).

Shipboard dining and entertainment options

Onboard facilities on Stena Superfast VII include:

• (Deck 7) Taste Restaurant (self-service buffet offering hot and cold meals, including kids' menus)
• (Deck 7) Metropolitan Bar (serving wine by the glass and a selection of European beers)
• (Deck 8) Barista Coffee Bar (specialty coffee and patisserie serving sandwiches, cakes, pastries, fruit salads, yogurt, ice cream, and hot/cold beverages)
• (Deck 7) Children's Room (indoor soft-play area with large TV, toys, games, and supervised activities)
• (Deck 8) Cinema (tickets available from the Information Desk on Deck 7)
• (Deck 7) Teen Town (video games room with arcade machines)
• (Deck 8) Truckers Lounge (bar, lounge, and restaurant for freight drivers only)
• (Deck 8) POD Lounge, Magazine Lounge, Living Room, News Room (conference hall)
• (Deck 7) Stena Shopping Center (retail shop offering gifts, souvenirs, spirits, wines, tobacco products, perfumes, cosmetics, skincare items, leather goods, toys, confectionery, fashion, accessories, electronics, watches, sunglasses, jewelry, and travel essentials). Promotional discounts of up to 50% are often available.
• (Deck 10) Pure Nordic Spa (Jacuzzi and separate male and female saunas)
• (Deck 7) Casino (slot machines)
• (Deck 7) Promenade Deck / outdoor smoking area
• (Deck 10) Sun Deck
• Complimentary Wi-Fi service
• (Deck 7) ATM / cash machine (next to the Information Desk / Reception)
• Dog Hotel (kennels with outdoor exercise area)
• Helipad (located midship on Deck 11, used for emergency helicopter operations)
• 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

The following is a list of discounts and special offers provided by Stena Line (valid for 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), caravans can be transported free of charge. This offer applies to car plus caravan fares and cannot be combined with other promotions.
• Motorhomes can be transported between the UK and Holland at car rates (day voyages only).
• Stena Line offers combined train and ferry deals with discounted rail fares to London (subject to availability). E-tickets issued by STENA serve as train tickets. Dutch Railways tickets to/from the port are not included. These 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) can be pre-ordered on the UK-Holland route (Harwich-Hook of Holland). All ingredients are verified by manufacturers. Vegetarian meals may include dairy and eggs. Halal meals exclude pork 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, the ships Britannica and Hollandica were equipped with two electric vehicle charging points each (3.7 kW, 16A, Euro standard Type 2). These cannot be pre-booked. Charging is free and typically takes 4–6 hours. On these ships only, currency exchange machines (ATM by GWK Travelex) are available in the lobby (Deck 9, opposite Reception).
• On the Denmark-Norway route (Frederikshavn-Oslo), power connections (for a fee) are available for caravan fridges and freezers.
• Hand luggage per person is limited to dimensions of 60x50x40 cm and a maximum weight of 12 kg. Foot passengers may bring up to 2 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, as car decks are closed during the voyage. Excess baggage may incur additional charges.
• All STENA ships allow LPG-fueled vehicles ("liquefied petroleum gas").
• The company does not permit travel for women who are 36 weeks pregnant or more, or 34 weeks in cases of multiple pregnancies.
• Passengers with reduced mobility receive assistance prior to departure and onboard. They must notify the company at least 48 hours in advance (via email or phone). Wheelchair users should arrive at least 2 hours prior to departure and proceed to the check-in desk.
• Bicycles can be transported (for a fee) on all routes and ships.
• Open return tickets are not offered. However, tickets can be booked with a provisional return date, which can later be amended.

STENA LINE's fare categories are "Economy", "Flexi", and "Premium". Economy fares are the lowest-priced but include amendment fees and are non-refundable. Flexi fares allow changes without fees, with passengers paying only any fare difference, and offer full refunds upon cancellation. Premium fares (route-dependent) include additional benefits such as priority boarding and disembarkation, access to the Stena Plus Lounge, and complimentary breakfast. Premium fares are not available on the Sassnitz/Rostock-Trelleborg, Grenaa-Varberg, Nynashamn-Ventspils (Latvia), and Travemunde-Liepaja (Latvia) routes. 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 passenger cabins unless the stateroom is designated as "pet-friendly" (typically a 2-berth dog cabin).
• All ships are equipped with a 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 permitted 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 details of identification, vaccinations, and treatments. Pets must be microchipped (or tattooed) and vaccinated against rabies. For travel to Norway, tapeworm treatment is mandatory. Passengers traveling with pets 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, arrival times range from 1 to 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 required. Car passengers may transport up to 5 animals per vehicle, marked with a colored hanger until customs clearance. Pets in vehicles must remain inside at all times. Foot passengers may also travel with up to 5 pets but must pre-book onboard kennel space. Children traveling with pets must be at least 16 years old. Groups of 6 or more animals must include pets 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. Cabin TVs provide monitoring of kennel areas. Visiting pets during the voyage is recommended.

Car decks

The car decks (Decks 1 to 5) are arranged on two levels, with vehicle access via both bow and stern. Deck 1 accommodates 39 cars, Deck 2 - 43 cars, while Deck 3 is the ship's main vehicle deck with capacity for 52 standard trailers. Deck 5 (Upper Vehicle Deck) has four lanes and capacity for 58 trailers, including 30 with a free height of 5 m (16.4 ft). Lower decks (1 and 2) are rarely used, as most vehicles are stored on the upper decks together with freight units.

The following safety procedures apply to vehicle decks:

• Passengers requiring assistance should visit the ship's Information Desk (open 24 hours).
• Apply the handbrake and leave the vehicle in park or first gear. Switch off the ignition, alarm, electrical systems, and headlights. Gas cylinders must be turned off. Lock the vehicle.
• Take only valuables and essential hand luggage with you.
• Note your vehicle's location and deck/stairway number before leaving the garage.
• 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 onboard announcements before returning to your vehicle.

To reduce air pollution, do not start your vehicle's engine until instructed.

The ship's operator, 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.