Cruise and Ferry Review - Summer/Spring 2020

3 0 Stena Estrid The first of three new Irish Sea ferries to enter service for Stena Line offers a wide range of onboard facilities W hen Stena Estrid entered service in January this year, Stena Line marked the culmination of over six years of planning and construction. Despite facing the challenges of Storm Brendan on her inaugural voyage, the ferry safely made it from Holyhead, Wales to Dublin, Ireland and now operates two return trips on this route per day. At 215 metres long, Stena Estrid is larger than a standard ro-pax vessel, with capacity for 1,000 passengers and 120 cars. She also has a freight capacity of 3,100 lane metres, resulting in a 50% increase in freight tonnage on the route. During their three hours and 15 minutes onboard, passengers can take in the views from the Sky Bar on deck eight or watch a film at one of the two movie lounges onboard. Children can enjoy the two Happy World play areas, and there’s food available at the Taste restaurant. The Hygge recline lounge offers a more relaxed environment, while guests in the Stena Plus lounge have complimentary snacks, drinks and newspapers, along with a dedicated waiter service and special menu. “The introduction of Stena Estrid on the Holyhead to Dublin route is the result of a very significant investment that reflects our commitment to this extremely important region” said Ian Davies, trade director for Irish Sea South at Stena Line, in a press release. “I’m proud that Stena Line continues to shape the industry for the next generation of freight and travel customers. Stena Estrid enables us to do this with more efficient loading and unloading operations, increased freight capacity and the best Scandinavian quality, style and design in our facilities.” Stena Estrid is the first of three new ferries Stena Line will be operating on the Irish Sea. Stena Edda will enter service on the Liverpool to Belfast route this spring, with Stena Embla joining her on the same route in early 2021. CFR MARKETWATCH Photo: Stena Line Passengers can take in the views on their trip across the Irish Sea at the Sky Bar on deck 8 Ship spotlight