Stena Superfast VIII ferry

MS Stena Superfast VIII ferry is a Ro-Pax passenger vessel operated by the Sweden-based company STENA LINE. The ship has a maximum capacity of 1,200 passengers and 660 cars (or 110 lorries). The vessel 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 VIII offers a total of 128 cabins (called "Superfast Suites"). All staterooms are outside cabins and are 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), as well as a desk (mirrored vanity table with chair), wardrobe, mini-fridge, and free Wi-Fi. High chairs are available on request. Pets (including those in carriers) are not permitted in passenger cabins. All passengers must vacate their suites 30 minutes prior to homeport arrival.

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

Shipboard dining and entertainment options

As facilities, the Stena Superfast VIII ship offers:

• (deck 7) Taste Restaurant (self-service buffet offering hot and cold meals, including kids menus)
• (deck 7) Metropolitan Bar (serves wine by the glass and European beers)
• (deck 8) Barista Coffee Bar (patisserie/specialty coffee bar offering sandwiches, cakes, pastries, fruit salads, yogurt, ice cream, and hot/cold drinks)
• (deck 7) Children's Room (indoor soft-play area for kids with a large TV for cartoons, toys, games, and supervised activities)
• (deck 8) Cinema (tickets available at the Information Desk on Lobby Deck 7)
• (deck 7) Teen Town (video games room with arcade machines)
• (deck 8) Truckers Lounge (truck drivers-only bar lounge and restaurant)
• (deck 8) POD Lounge, Magazine Lounge, Living Room, News Room (conference hall)
• (deck 7) Stena Shopping Center (retail shops offering gifts, souvenirs, spirits, wines, tobacco, perfumes, cosmetics, skincare products, leather goods, toys, confectionery, fashion items, accessories, electronics, watches, sunglasses, jewelry, and travel essentials; frequent promotions offer up to 50% discounts on selected brands)
• (deck 10) Pure Nordic Spa (Jacuzzi, male and female saunas)
• (deck 7) Casino (slot machines)
• (deck 7) Promenade Deck / outdoor smoking area
• Sun Deck (deck 10)
• Free Wi-Fi service
• ATM / cash machine (next to the Information Desk / Reception on Deck 7)
• Dog Hotel (kennels with an outdoor exercise area)
• Midship on top deck 11 (Heli Deck), the ship has a helipad used for emergency helicopter landings
• 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 stations (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 the car-plus-caravan fare 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 pricing on train travel to London (fares 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 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 require 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 used are verified by their manufacturers. Vegetarian meals may contain dairy products and eggs. Muslim meals do not contain pork (or its by-products) or 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 car charging points (3.7 kW, 16A, Euro standard Type 2). These charging points cannot be pre-booked. Charging an electric car onboard is free of charge and takes 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 serving the Denmark-Norway route (Frederikshavn-Oslo) offer paid power connections for caravan fridges and freezers.
• Hand luggage restrictions per person (carried in public areas) are a maximum of 60x50x40 cm and up to 12 kg. Foot passengers may bring up to two additional pieces of luggage (up to 20 kg), checked in on day voyages (unless a cabin is booked). Car passengers must leave their luggage in the vehicle. Note that car decks are closed during the voyage. Excess baggage may incur additional charges.
• 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 in cases of multiple pregnancies.
• Passengers with reduced mobility will receive assistance 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)174-315811). Wheelchair users must arrive at the port at least 2 hours before departure and report to the check-in desk.
• Bicycles can be transported (at a fee) on all STENA ships and routes.
• Tickets with a blank return date are not available. However, it is possible to book an "open ticket" with a temporary date, which 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 or cancellations. FLEXI fares allow free changes, with passengers only paying any fare difference, and include the option of a full refund upon cancellation. PREMIUM fares (depending on the route) offer additional benefits such as express boarding and disembarkation, Stena Plus Lounge access, and included breakfast. PREMIUM fares are not available on the 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 (on night voyages only).

Pets on the ship

Pets (dogs, cats, and ferrets) can be transported on all STENA ships, with specific requirements depending on the itinerary (destination).

• Pets are not allowed in passenger cabins unless the stateroom is designated as "pet-friendly" (typically a 2-berth dog cabin).
• All ships have designated dog toilet areas.
• Dogs must be leashed and muzzled at all times during the voyage 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 STENA ferries serving Scandinavian routes (to Sweden, Norway, Latvia), valid EU pet passports are required, including standard information about the animal's identity and vaccinations. Pets must also have an approved microchip (or tattoo) and a valid rabies vaccination administered by an authorized veterinarian. Pets traveling to Norway must be treated for tapeworm. Passengers traveling 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 the port at least 2 hours prior to departure. For all other routes, this 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 required. 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 is completed in each port. Pets in vehicles must remain inside at all times. Foot passengers may travel with up to 5 pets, but pre-booking of an onboard kennel 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-sized (100x64x108 cm), and 16 small (100x65x50 cm) units. All cabins provide TV monitoring of the kennels. Visiting pets during the voyage is recommended.

Car decks

Car decks (1 to 5) can be loaded on two levels, with vehicle access from both the bow and stern. Deck 1 has capacity for 39 cars, Deck 2 for 43 cars. Deck 3 is the ship's main (largest) vehicle deck, with capacity for 52 standard trailers. Deck 5 (Upper Vehicle Deck) has 4 lanes and capacity for 58 trailers (of which 30 have a free height of 5 m / 16.4 ft). Lower car decks (1 and 2) are rarely used, as cars are normally stored on the upper vehicle decks along with trucks.

Below is a list of car deck safety procedures:

• Passengers requiring special 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, if any, must be turned off. Lock the vehicle.
• Take only valuables and essential hand baggage when leaving the vehicle.
• Make a note of your vehicle's location and the garage deck number/stairway before leaving the car deck.
• 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 air pollution, 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 travel services across Northern Europe, connecting the UK, Ireland, Denmark, Germany, Latvia, Holland, Norway, Sweden, and Poland.