Stena Line has given a major boost to capacity for passengers and freight operators with the addition of a cruise-ferry on its Ireland-France service, introducing a second cruise ferry on its Rosslare to Cherbourg service.
The new ship Stena Vision will increase frequency on the route to six departure days a week on the shortest, quickest, and most frequent ferry service to the European Continent.
The addition of Stena Vision to the Ireland-France route, will provide Stena Line with a significant increase in capacity operating alongside its existing vessel, Stena Horizon.
Stena Vision is scheduled to begin service in June and will have space for 1,300 passengers and 485 passenger cabins.
It will offer a wide selection of accommodation ranging from standard and deluxe cabins, to suites. For dog owners there are 42 pet cabins, so passengers can travel with their furry friends to and from France.
The bigger and more spacious Stena Vision offers a wide choice of bars and restaurants, as well as an onboard Nordic Spa.
Paul Grant, Irish Sea Trade Director at Stena Line, says: “Ahead of what is expected to be a busy summer in 2023, we will be doubling our sailing frequency and tripling our passenger capacity for tourists on our Rosslare-Cherbourg service as well significantly increasing freight capacity.
“We’ve seen increased demand for more services and bigger vessels and are pleased to announce that from next June we will have 12 sailings weekly on the shortest and most frequent direct service between Ireland and France.
“We are delighted to offer more options and choice for our customers with this significant addition to our Irish Sea fleet.”
The introduction of the Stena Vision is welcome news for the freight sector, which has seen demand grow for direct services to France from hauliers since Brexit. Stena Vision will also increase driver accompanied capacity with more cabin space for freight drivers.
Stena Vision will come from the Baltic Sea, where it has been operating on the busy Swedish/Polish Karlskrona to Gdynia route. She will be replaced by the Stena Line’s new larger E-Flexer Stena Ebba early next year.
Starting service in June 2023, with a choice of fares from €289 for a car and driver, crossings can be secured with a €100 deposit.
