Blue Star 1 (ΜΠΛΟΥ ΣΤΑΡ 1) Fast Facts
Current Name: Blue Star 1 (ΜΠΛΟΥ ΣΤΑΡ 1) | Previous Names: N/A |
Shipyard: Van der Giessen de Noord [NL], #979, 976 | IMO Number: 9197105 |
Current Operator: Irish Ferries | Current Route: Rosslare [IE] - Pembroke Dock |
Length Overall: 176.095 m | Beam: 26.2 m |
Passenger Capacity: 1,890 (for Blue Star Ferries) / 1,500 (for Irish Ferries) | Vehicle Capacity: Approx. 1,745 lane metres of freight (4.9m free height) or 780 cars |
Tonnage: 29,858 gt | Sister-ships: BLUE STAR 2 |
Irish Ferries’ Blue Star 1 – Passenger Facilities and Layout
BLUE STAR 1 has now been replaced on the Rosslare to Pembroke Dock service by OSCAR WILDE (ii) and has returned to Greece. This page is therefore now archived for reference.
During April 2021, Irish Ferries introduced Attica Group’s BLUE STAR 1 to its Rosslare – Pembroke Dock service. The arrival of the ship allowed ISLE OF INISHMORE to be released from the route ahead of her introduction on Irish company’s new Dover – Calais service.
BLUE STAR 1 is chartered from Attica Group for an initial one year period with an option for an additional year which appears to have been taken. The ship was purpose-built for Attica’s Blue Star Ferries subsidiary, though the order was originally placed by predecessor company Strintzis Lines. She was designed to operate “fast” services in the Mediterranean, and has a large passenger capacity of up to 1,890.
![BLUE STAR 1 approaching Rosslare 26 May 2021. Image: Gordon Hislip.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/unnamed-scaled.jpg)
Although capable of a service speed of 27 knots, BLUE STAR 1 sails at a more leisurely pace in Irish Ferries service. The benefits of increased speed are much less on the short crossing between Ireland and Wales than on the longer routes BLUE STAR 1 was designed for.
During October 2021, NIFS took the opportunity to sample BLUE STAR 1 in service between Pembroke Dock and Rosslare. The majority of the following photos and description of the ferry are based on that trip, but where indicated have been supplemented with stock images from Attica Group.
BLUE STAR 1‘s interior was designed for the Mediterranean market by Apostolos Molindris & Associates (AM&A), now Molindris+Associates. Consequently, much of the artwork onboard reflects this, as does the seat-heavy interior layout.
In terms of interior design, BLUE STAR 1 has some similarities to the Superfast series of vessels. This is no coincidence, as Superfast and Blue Star were part of the same group.
Originally the interior design for the Blue Star vessels was to have been by Claus P. Horn1 who is known for a number of ferry projects and had previously worked with the yard and clients such as Irish Ferries and Stena Line. This was part of the original package agreed between Strintzis Lines, who placed the original order, and the shipyard.
![Seating in Café Lafayette, BLUE STAR 1. Image: © Steven Tarbox.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-lafayette_ST-1-1200x900.jpg)
Attica appointed AM&A to takeover the design of the interior spaces of BLUE STAR 1 at a late stage with the brief to achieve a uniform look across the new Superfast and Blue Star vessels. These revised plans were signed off just one month before the vessel was launched.
In fact, the interior of the Blue Star vessels was designed while the designers were also working on SUPERFAST V – X, and SUPERFAST V was used as the reference vessel for the project2.
Further information about the history and technical data of BLUE STAR 1 can be found on her dedicated profile here.
![Side profile of BLUE STAR 1. Irish Ferries.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Blue-Star-1-side-profile_Irish-Ferries-1200x244.jpg)
![BLUE STAR 1 deck arrangement side view. Image: Blue Star Ferries.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Blue-Star-1-side-layout-1200x283.jpg)
Blue Star 1 – Deck 7 Deck Plan and Facilities
![Irish Ferries BLUE STAR 1 Deck Plan. Image: Irish Ferries (scan)](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Retouched-Blue-Star-1-deck-plan-Irish-Ferries-wm-for-web-scaled.jpg)
Deck 7 is the main public deck onboard BLUE STAR 1. Facilities include:
- A large bar overlooking the bow and an adjacent lounge (the lounge was closed on our sailing)
- Self-service restaurant
- Café
- Conference room (used as a TV lounge)
- Duty-free shopping
- Reclining seat lounge
- Children’s play area (closed due to Covid-19 on our crossing)
- Club class lounge
- Reception desk and lounge area
- Outside decks
Food and Drink Onboard Blue Star 1
Bar and Lounge
The public bar is located forward, overlooking the bow of the ship, and doubles as an observation lounge This is a large space which has an additional lounge attached on the port side. As-built these were the first-class lounge and first-class restaurant.
![Seating for the bar onboard BLUE STAR 1 starts in the corridor leading to the main area. This gives passengers an excellent view from the side of the ship. Image: © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-bar_GA-scaled.jpg)
![Seating for the bar onboard BLUE STAR 1 starts in the corridor leading to the main area. Image: © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-bar2_GA-scaled.jpg)
![Part of the main seating area in the bar onboard BLUE STAR 1. Image: © Steven Tarbox.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-bar-_ST.jpg)
![Part of the main seating area in the bar onboard BLUE STAR 1. Image: © Steven Tarbox.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-bar2_ST.jpg)
![Part of the main seating area in the bar onboard BLUE STAR 1. Image: © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-bar4_GA-scaled.jpg)
![Part of the main seating area in the bar onboard BLUE STAR 1. Image: © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-bar5_GA-scaled.jpg)
![Forward view from the bar onboard Irish Ferries' BLUE STAR 1. Image: © Steven Tarbox.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-bar-bow-view_ST.jpg)
However, the additional lounge was closed off during our crossing. In Blue Star Ferries service, this lounge was actually an à la Carte restaurant.
![The a la carte restaurant onboard BLUE STAR 1 which has been repurposed as a lounge space in Irish Ferries service. This area was out of use during our crossing. Image: © Steven Tarbox.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-a-la-carte_ST.jpg)
![The a la carte restaurant onboard BLUE STAR 1 which has been repurposed as a lounge space in Irish Ferries service. This area was out of use during our crossing. Part of the space appeared to be being used to store excess seating. Image: © Steven Tarbox.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-a-la-carte-seats_GA-scaled.jpg)
![Part of the former a la carte restaurant onboard BLUE STAR 1 which appears to be being used as a storage area for seating in Irish Ferries service. Image: © Steven Tarbox](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-star-1-a-la-carte-seat-store_ST-1200x857.jpg?v=1643837610)
Cafe Lafayette and Boylans Brasserie
Behind the bar and lounge is Boylans Brasserie to port and Cafe Lafayette to starboard. The former is only accessible through the later as the galley is situated between Boylans and the lounge forward.
![Looking towards the servery from the rear of Boylans Brasserie, BLUE STAR 1. Image: © Steven Tarbox.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-boylans-looking-towards-counter_st-1200x675.jpg)
Boylans is the only restaurant onboard in Irish Ferries service, and offers the usual range of prepared food which is served over the counter. It was noted during our crossing that hot food for Club Class guests was being collected from Boylans by the crew.
![The servery in Boylans Brasserie, BLUE STAR 1. Image: © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-Boylans2_GA-scaled.jpg)
![Boylans Brasserie seating, BLUE STAR 1. Image: © Steven Tarbox.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-boylans2_ST.jpg)
![Boylans Brasserie, BLUE STAR 1. Image: © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-boylans_st.jpg)
![Boylans Brasserie, BLUE STAR 1. Image: © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-Boylans_GA-1-scaled.jpg)
![Port-side seating in Boylans Brasserie, BLUE STAR 1. Image: © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-Boylans3_GA-scaled.jpg)
In common with other vessels in the Irish Ferries fleet, Cafe Lafayette serves a range of drinks and snacks and offers a full bar facility.
![Seating in Café Lafayette, BLUE STAR 1. Image: © Steven Tarbox.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-lafayette_ST-1-1200x900.jpg)
It has its own counter which is similar in style to those found in the bar on the Visentini series of ships.
![Looking towards the counter in Café Lafayette, BLUE STAR 1. Image: © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-Cafe-Lafayette-counter_GA-1-scaled.jpg)
![Seating in Café Lafayette, BLUE STAR 1. Image: © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-Cafe-Lafayette-seating_GA-1-scaled.jpg)
![Seating in Café Lafayette, BLUE STAR 1. Boylans Brasserie is behind the partition to the right. Image: © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-Cafe-Lafayette_GA-1-scaled.jpg)
![Seating in Café Lafayette, BLUE STAR 1. Image: © Steven Tarbox.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-lafayette2_St-1.jpg)
The Conference Room / TV Room / Cinema
Although officially a conference area and TV room / cinema, in Greek service the most common use for this space at night would have been for people to use the reclining seats to sleep in. The area has 90 comfortable reclining seats with integrated cupholders, which hint at its use as a cinema.
![Official image of the conference room / air seat lounge on BLUE STAR 1 / 2. Image: Molindris+Assosciates.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/airseats-lounge-Blue-Star-1-2_Molindris-Assosciates-1200x685.jpeg)
Conveniently for those wishing to spend the night here, luggage storage space is provided on shelving at the front. This area also has direct access to port-side outside deck to the rear.
![Conference Room signage, BLUE STAR 1. Image: © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-conference-room-sign_GA-scaled.jpg)
![Looking forward in the conference room / TV lounge, BLUE STAR 1. Image: © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-conference-room_GA-scaled.jpg)
![Reclining seats in the conference room / TV lounge, BLUE STAR 1. Image: © Steven Tarbox.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-conference-room1_St.jpg)
![Seating plan of the conference room on BLUE STAR 1. Image: © Steven Tarbox.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/conference-room-plan_ST.jpg)
Duty-Free Shop
A small duty-free shop is located midships just off the starboard walkway. Although much smaller than the equivalent facility on direct competitor STENA EUROPE, and obviously intended more as a gift shop than a duty free supermarket, a decent range of both duty free items and gifts was found to be available on our trip. Irish Ferries also offers its online ordering and collect onboard service on BLUE STAR 1. As with other Irish Ferries ships, BLUE STAR 1‘s shop is an Aelia concession.
A second duty free shop was opened following our October 2021 crossing in what was previously a small lounge area. Photos are available later in this article here. This second shop has a larger volume of product, including crates of beer and cases of wine, than the original shop. The other shop remains largely unchanged since our visit and continues to sell duty free items as well as cosmetics and gifts.
![Customers are reminded of their duty-free allowance by signage near the entrance to the shop onboard BLUE STAR 1. Image: © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-shop-duty-free-sign_GA-scaled.jpg)
![The entrance to the shop onboard BLUE STAR 1. Image: © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-shop-exterior_GA-scaled.jpg)
![The aft end of BLUE STAR 1's shop where a selection of perfumes and gifts is available. Image: © Steven Tarbox.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-shop1_ST.jpg)
![Duty-free items dominate the forward end of BLUE STAR 1's shop. Image: © Steven Tarbox.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-shop2_ST.jpg)
Reception Desk and Lounge
The reception desk is located next to the duty-free shop and has its small number of seats opposite, known as the reception lounge.
![The welcome / reception desk, BLUE STAR 1. Image: © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-welcome-desk_GA-scaled.jpg)
![The welcome / reception desk, BLUE STAR 1. Image: © Steven Tarbox.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/BS1-Welcome-desk_st.jpg)
![The welcome / reception desk, BLUE STAR 1. The exterior of the duty-free shop is visible on the right of the photo. Image: © Steven Tarbox.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-reception-desk_st.jpg)
Children’s Play Area
The Vodafone-sponsored children’s play area is located on the port-side of the vessel, just off the main walkway. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 this area was closed during our trip, and had been cleared of anything that might be of interest to children.
![The children's play area on BLUE STAR 1, which was closed by Irish Ferries due to Covid-19. Image: © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-kids-play-area_GA-scaled.jpg)
![The children's play area on BLUE STAR 1, which was closed by Irish Ferries due to Covid-19. Image: © Steven Tarbox.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-kids-play-area_St.jpg)
Reclining / Air Seat Lounge
Another area of reclining seats is located behind the children’s play area. On the Greek deck plan this is marked as air seats and again would have been used at night time as a sleeping area. TV’s are suspended from the deck head (ceiling).
![The air seat lounge on the port side of BLUE STAR 1. Image: © Steven Tarbox](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-air-seats_St.jpg)
![The air seat lounge on the port side of BLUE STAR 1. Image: © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-air-seats2_GA-scaled.jpg)
Welcome Lounge (now partially converted to a duty free shop)
This area is unmarked on the Irish Ferries deck plan and is another seating area. It is situated just forward of the Club Class lounge where foot passengers would have arrived on the main deck when using the escalator from the shore side ramp.
![](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-welcome-lounge.jpg)
![This small seating area is also located just ahead of Club Class on BLUE STAR 1. Image: © Steven Tarbox.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-alcovel_ST.jpg)
The central section of this area has now been converted into an additional duty free shopping area.
![The welcome lounge on BLUE STAR 1 as a duty free shop, December 2021. Image: © NI Ferry Correspondent](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-welcome-lounge-duty-free-2-Dec-2021-scaled.jpg)
![The welcome lounge on BLUE STAR 1 as a duty free shop, December 2021. Image: © NI Ferry Correspondent](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-welcome-lounge-duty-free-Dec-2021.jpg)
Club Class
When the ship was in Blue Star Ferries service, this area was known as the Blue Note Yacht Club and was the main bar and evening entertainment area on the ship. In Irish Ferries service, the doors can only be opened with a code which is given to those who have opted to upgrade to Club Class.
![A large painting of a sailing boat on a map of the Cyclades dominates the bulkhead on the port side of Club Class on Irish Ferries BLUE STAR 1. Image: © Steven Tarbox.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/BS1-Club-class-Islands-art_ST-1200x857.jpg)
The area remains very recognisable from its as-built form when it was the Bella Blu Yacht Club, with the main changes being seats where the dance floor used to be and beverage dispensing machines and fridges placed on top of the bar counter. Complimentary chilled food plates are available and served by the crew member behind the former bar. Passengers are also free to help themselves to complimentary wine and non-alcoholic hot and cold beverages.
Hot food is available to order for an additional charge and is brought directly to your table from the galley at the other end of the ship beside Boylans Brasserie.
![Irish Ferries has repurposed the former bar counter in Club Class by installing beverage dispenser machines and some display units. Chilled foods are available and served by the crew member behind the former bar. Passengers are also free to help themselves to complimentary wine. Hot food is fetched directly from the galley beside Boylans Brasserie. Image: © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/BS1-Club-class-counter_ST.jpg)
![A shot of the area were the former dance floor was when the BLUE STAR 1's Club Class lounge was a bar and disco. Note the spotlights still fitted above. Image: © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/GRA_Blue-Star-1-Club-class-former-dancefloor-scaled.jpg)
![Club Class on BLUE STAR 1 is located in the former Blue Note Yacht Club. Image: © Steven Tarbox.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/BS1-Club-class-starboard-looking-forward_ST.jpg)
![Club Class seating on Irish Ferries BLUE STAR 1. Image: © Steven Tarbox.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/BS1-Club-class-lighthouse_ST.jpg)
![A large painting of a sailing boat on a map of the Cyclades dominates the bulkhead on the port side of Club Class on Irish Ferries BLUE STAR 1. Image: © Steven Tarbox.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/BS1-Club-class-Islands-art_ST.jpg)
![Club Class seating on Irish Ferries BLUE STAR 1. Image: © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/BS1-Club-class-entrance_ST.jpg)
![Club Class seating on Irish Ferries BLUE STAR 1, looking back towards the back of the vessel. The large windows overlook the stern. Image: © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-club-class-4_GA-scaled.jpg)
![Club Class seating on Irish Ferries BLUE STAR 1. Image: © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-club-class_GA-scaled.jpg)
![These bar stools in Club Class on Irish Ferries BLUE STAR 1 hint at the area's previous life as a bar. Image: © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-club-class2_GA-scaled.jpg)
People who have travelled on Stena Line’s STENA SUPERFAST VII and STENA SUPERFAST VIII may recognise design features in this space, such as the type of seating used, shape of the bar counter, and the large circular ceiling features.
Blue Star 1 – Deck 8 Deck Plan and Facilities
![BLUE STAR 1 Deck 8 layout plan. Image: Blue Star Ferries.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Bliue-Star-1-Deck-8-plan-1200x214.jpg)
The Atrium Bar
In Irish Ferries service, the only passenger facilities available on BLUE STAR 1‘s Deck 8 are cabins. The large atrium bar, which was originally a semi-enclosed open air swimming pool, is closed to passenger access. In mediterranean service this is marketed as an open deck FLOCAFE branded bar, despite being entirely covered. The outside deck overlooking the stern, which is accessed through the atrium bar, is also closed to passengers. However, on our trip we were able to access these areas which look as follows:
![The stern outside deck area on deck 8 of BLUE STAR 1. Unfortunately, this area is not in use in Irish Ferries service and not normally accessible to passengers. Image: © Steven Tarbox.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-deck-8-aft-outside_St-1-1200x800.jpg?v=1643760582)
![The Atrium Bar on BLUE STAR 1. Irish Ferries has chosen not to use this area, hence its appearance. Originally this was were the swimming pool was located onboard this ship, but the space was converted to a large bar area a number of years ago. Image: © Steven Tarbox](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-atrium-bar_ST-1-1200x857.jpg?v=1643760620)
![The Atrium Bar on BLUE STAR 1. Irish Ferries has chosen not to use this area, hence its appearance. Originally this was were the swimming pool was located onboard this ship, but the space was converted to a large bar area a number of years ago. Image: © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-atrium-bar_GA-1-scaled-1200x900.jpg)
![The Atrium Bar on BLUE STAR 1. Irish Ferries has chosen not to use this area, hence its appearance. Image: © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-atrium-bar_GA2-1-scaled-1200x900.jpg)
![The Atrium Bar on BLUE STAR 1. Irish Ferries has chosen not to use this area, hence its appearance. Image: © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-atrium-bar_GA3-1-scaled-1200x900.jpg)
![The Atrium Bar on BLUE STAR 1. Irish Ferries has chosen not to use this area, hence its appearance. Image: © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-atrium-bar_GA4-1-scaled-1200x900.jpg)
Please note that this area is out of use and photos are only included here only for those curious as to what the space looks like.
Blue Star 1 Cabins
![An overview of the locations of passenger cabins onboard BLUE STAR 1. The vast majority of cabins are located on deck 8, but a number are on deck 9 beside the crew accommodation. Image: Steven Tarbox (edited photo).](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-star-1-cabin-plan-1200x466.jpg)
BLUE STAR 1 was was built with just 161 cabins providing 430 berths, all of which are located on Deck 8. This is a rather low number of berths for a high capacity overnight ferry by Northern European standards, but reflects different trends in Mediterranean waters where travellers are often content to sleep in a chair (for example, the recliners in the conference room) or camp onboard in their own camper vans. For this reason, public toilet facilities are provided on the upper vehicle deck.
![A cabin corridor onboard BLUE STAR 1. Image © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-cabin-corrdior2_GA-scaled.jpg)
![A deck plan showing the layout of both deck 7 and 8 on BLUE STAR 1 located in a cabin corridor. Image © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-cabin-deckplan_GA-scaled.jpg)
![Inside a standard two berth cabin onboard BLUE STAR 1, looking towards the door. Image: © Steven Tarbox.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-cabin_St-scaled.jpg)
![A 4-berth outside cabin onboard BLUE STAR 1. Image: Blue Star Ferries.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/4-berth-outside-cabin_Blue-Star-ferries.jpeg)
The low berth count also reflects the fact that the ships were originally designed for just the Brindisi – Patras route (approx. 9 hours). The addition of Ancona to the itinerary increased the total crossing time to around 21 hours. During January 2007, ahead of BLUE STAR 1‘s introduction on the Zeebrugge – Rosyth route, 16 additional cabins were added to deck 9. Coupled with also reallocating some crew cabins on deck 9, this allowed the official passenger cabin quota to be raised to 192. It appears, however, that the passenger cabins on deck 9 are out of use in Irish Ferries service.
![Stock image of a suite onboard BLUE STAR 1. Image: Attica Group.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-suite_attica-group-1200x600.jpeg)
Passengers are able to book either two berth or four berth cabins on BLUE STAR 1. Both types can be booked with or without windows. Deluxe and suite cabins are also available. These are located forward on deck 8, are more spacious, but only accommodate two people. Tea and coffee making facilities are provided in both deluxe cabins and suites, as is a fridge and a TV. Disabled passengers can book a specially adapted disabled cabin which is located close to the lift on deck 8. All cabin types are air conditioned and have en suite facilities.
![Deluxe cabin onboard BLUE STAR 1, December 2021. Image: © NI Ferry Correspondent](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-deluxe-cabin-3-1-900x1200.jpg)
![Deluxe cabin onboard BLUE STAR 1, December 2021. Image: © NI Ferry Correspondent](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-deluxe-cabin2-1-1-1200x900.jpg?v=1646091195)
![The deluxe cabin's onboard BLUE STAR 1 feature two separate single beds. By contrast, in the suites the two single beds are together. Image: © NI Ferry Correspondent](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-deluxe-cabin-1-1200x900.jpg?v=1646091195)
A touch of Greece on the Southern Corridor
![One of the pieces of artwork onboard BLUE STAR 1, depicting a sailing boat and a map of some of the Cyclades islands. Image © Steven Tarbox.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-cyclades-art-banner_ST-1200x415.jpg)
Although Irish Ferries has made some effort onboard BLUE STAR 1 to rebrand the ship, there are a number of clues to the vessel’s usual home waters around the ferry. During our trip we discovered that some of the original facility names remain in place onboard, while little has been done on items such as navigation signage and deck plans to hide the vessels origin or ownership. It was also noted that Blue Star Ferries branded cutlery and crockery were in use on the ship.
![BLUE STAR 1's Greek ownership is clearly on display at the reception desk where both Attica Group and Irish Ferries signage can clearly be seen. Image: © Steven Tarbox.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/BS1-Welcome-desk-attica-signage_st.jpg)
![Blue Star Ferries branded deck plans with the original facility names are on display throughout BLUE STAR 1 on the Rosslare - Pembroke Dock route. Image © Steven Tarbox](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/deckplan-sign-cropped-blue-star-1_ST.jpg)
![BLUE STAR 1's dual language navigation signage remains in place throughout the vessel. Image: © Steven Tarbox](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-signage-deck-7-scaled.jpg)
![The original cabin signage in Greek and English also remains in place onboard BLUE STAR 1. Image: © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/BLue-Star-1-cabin-signage_ga-scaled.jpg)
![Social distancing signage onboard BLUE STAR 1 modified from the Greek guidance of 1.5m distance to 2m. Image: © Steven Tarbox.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/greek-social-distancing_ST.jpg)
![Something you don't see very often on ferries operating around the British Isles these days with mobile phones in widespread use and coverage thought much of many crossings - a satellite payphone. Image: © Steven Tarbox](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-sattelite-phone_ST.jpg)
![Signage showing Roma Cafe branding in what is now known as Cafe Lafayette onboard BLUE STAR 1. Image: © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-star-1-Roma-Cafe-sign_GA-scaled.jpg)
![An advertisement for Greek food onboard BLUE STAR 1. In reality, the fare available in the sole restaurant in Irish Ferries service is what you would usually expect on an Irish Ferries vessel. Image: © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-Greek-food-sign_GA-scaled.jpg)
![This long escalator goes all the way from deck 7 to the main vehicle deck and would be used by foot passengers boarding through the dedicated stern ramp when in mediterranean service. This is a feature also seen on the Visentini Ro-Pax series which were also originally designed for Mediterranean service. Image: © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-escalator-to-car-deck_GA-scaled.jpg)
![Another Blue Star Ferries branded deck plan on BLUE STAR 1, this time in one of the stairwells off the main vehicle deck. Image © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-deckplan-on-car-deck_GA-scaled.jpg)
Another clue to BLUE STAR 1‘s intended market is the escalator leading from vehicle deck level to the public deck. In Mediterranean service, this is used by foot passengers who board the vessel via a dedicated 2 m wide ramp which lowers adjacent to the stern vehicle ramps. This is a similar arrangement to that used on Visentini-built Ro-Pax vessels. These were also originally designed for use in the Mediterranean.
As mentioned earlier, BLUE STAR 1 is designed for carrying large volumes of passengers and this is reflected in the amount of seats located in corridors. Some examples of this are included in the gallery below.
![Part of the starboard corridor on BLUE STAR 1 looking forward. The seats located on the port side make this space much narrower than many travellers in GB and Ireland are accustomed to. The air seat lounge is located behind the partition to the right. Image: © Steven Tarbox.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-seating-port-side-beside-airseats_ST-scaled.jpg)
![Looking forward from in front of Club Class along the port side corridor. Image: © Steven Tarbox.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-seating-port-side_ST.jpg)
![Looking back towards Club Class along the port side corridor. Although the corridor gets narrower further back there are still seats along the side. Image: © Gary Andrews.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blue-Star-1-seating-port-side2_GA-scaled.jpg)
Although the onboard services crew has been provided by Irish Ferries long-term partner Matrix Ship Management, her Greek officers and deck crew are provided by Attica Group.
Blue Star 1 Technical Data
A brief overview of BLUE STAR 1‘s key technical information is provided below. For a more in-depth technical specification, please see our main BLUE STAR 1 feature.
![Side profile of BLUE STAR 1. Irish Ferries.](https://www.niferry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Blue-Star-1-side-profile_Irish-Ferries-1200x244.jpg)
IMO Number | 91971053 |
---|---|
Callsign | SWET3 |
Classification | Lloyds Register of Shipping 100A1:ROLL-ON ROLL-OFF CARGO AND PASSENGER SHIP LMC UMS4 (Attica Group) |
Operator | Irish Ferries |
Vessel Management | Blue Star Ferries SA5 (Attica Group) |
Usual Route | Pembroke Dock [GB] – Rosslare [IE] |
Length Overall | 176.095 m6 |
Length BP | 160.575 m7 |
Beam | 25.7 m (moulded)8((Shippax Designs 00, 2000. Blue Star 1. p.131)) |
Draught | 6.45 m9., each producing 11,120 kW running at 428 rpm. Each pair of engines drives a single KaMeWa 5.4m diameter propeller at 144 rpm via a two input one output reduction gearbox10. Two KaMeWa 1,200 kW transverse bow thrusters6 Three MAN 6L28/32 auxiliary engines6 Blohm + Voss fin stabilisers6 |
Power (Max) | 44,480 kW (59,650 BHP)10 |
Design Speed | 27 kts610 |
Passenger Capacity | Up to 1,600 passengers as built1110 Later increased to 1,890 passengers12 Limited to 1,500 by Irish Ferries1314 |
Crew | 112 (as designed)6 |
Passenger Cabins | 192 cabins (post January 2007) |
Vehicle capacity | Up to 780 cars or 1.718 lane meters of freight* (* figures quoted by Blue Star Ferries) |
Flag state (port) | Piraeus (Greece)15 |
Previous Names | N/A BLUE STAR 1 was originally to have been named SUPERFERRY ATLANTIC but this was changed prior to launch. Known as SUPERFERRY EUROPE (with the sister called SUPERFERRY STRINTZIS) during the design process. |
Related Links
- Shippax Guide 01, 2001. Onboard Report. p.20 [↩]
- Shippax Guide 01, 2001. The AM&A Input. p.34 [↩]
- Equasis.org. 2021. Equasis. [online] Available at: <https://www.equasis.org/EquasisWeb/restricted/ShipInfo?fs=Search> [Accessed 25 December 2021]. [↩] [↩]
- Classdirect.lr.org. 2021. LR Class Direct. [online] Available at: <https://classdirect.lr.org/assets/LRV38723/details> [Accessed 26 December 2021].)
Building Yard van der Giessen -de Noord B.V., Netherlands #976 ((Classdirect.lr.org. 2021. LR Class Direct. [online] Available at: <https://classdirect.lr.org/assets/LRV38723/details> [Accessed 26 December 2021].) Concept Design van der Giessen -de Noord B.V.
Strintzis LinesInterior designer Apostolos Molindris & Associates (AM&A) Owner Blue Star Ferries ((Equasis.org. 2021. Equasis. [online] Available at: <https://www.equasis.org/EquasisWeb/restricted/ShipInfo?fs=Search> [Accessed 26 December 2021]. [↩] - Equasis.org. 2021. Equasis. [online] Available at: <https://www.equasis.org/EquasisWeb/restricted/ShipInfo?fs=Search> [Accessed 26 December 2021]. [↩]
- Shippax Designs 00, 2000. Blue Star 1. p.131 [↩] [↩] [↩] [↩] [↩] [↩]
- Classdirect.lr.org. 2021. LR Class Direct. [online] Available at: <https://classdirect.lr.org/assets/LRV38723/details> [Accessed 26 December 2021].)((Shippax Designs 00, 2000. Blue Star 1. p.131 [↩]
- Classdirect.lr.org. 2021. LR Class Direct. [online] Available at: <https://classdirect.lr.org/assets/LRV38723/details> [Accessed 26 December 2021].) ((IHC Merwede Blue Star 1 + 2 data sheet [↩]
- Classdirect.lr.org. 2021. LR Class Direct. [online] Available at: <https://classdirect.lr.org/assets/LRV38723/details> [Accessed 26 December 2021].)
Gross Tonnage
29,858 ((Classdirect.lr.org. 2021. LR Class Direct. [online] Available at: <https://classdirect.lr.org/assets/LRV38723/details> [Accessed 26 December 2021].) DWT 4,500 ((Classdirect.lr.org. 2021. LR Class Direct. [online] Available at: <https://classdirect.lr.org/assets/LRV38723/details> [Accessed 26 December 2021].) Number of decks 10 Machinery
Four MAN B&W 8L58/64 marine-Diesel engines((Shippax Designs 00, 2000. Blue Star 1. p.131 [↩] - IHC Merwede Blue Star 1 + 2 data sheet [↩] [↩] [↩] [↩]
- Investegate.co.uk. 2000. Investegate |Strintzis Lines Ship Announcements | Strintzis Lines Ship: Delivery of New Vessel etc. [online] Available at: <https://www.investegate.co.uk/strintzis-lines-ship–bsmd-/rns/delivery-of-new-vessel-etc/200006080701458199L/> [Accessed 27 January 2022]. [↩]
- Attica-group.com. n.d. BLUE STAR 1. [online] Available at: <https://www.attica-group.com/en/our-fleet/15-blue-star-ferries-fleet/2133-blue-star-1,-2.html> [Accessed 27 January 2022]. [↩]
- Irishferries.com. n.d. Blue Star 1 | Passenger Ferry | Rosslare Pembroke. [online] Available at: <https://www.irishferries.com/uk-en/ships/bluestar1/> [Accessed 28 January 2022]. [↩]
- Gleeson, C., 2021. New Rosslare-Pembroke Dock ferry will be fastest of its kind. [online] The Irish Times. Available at: <https://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/new-rosslare-pembroke-dock-ferry-will-be-fastest-of-its-kind-1.4520765> [Accessed 28 January 2022]. [↩]
- Classdirect.lr.org. 2021. LR Class Direct. [online] Available at: <https://classdirect.lr.org/assets/LRV38723/details> [Accessed 26 December 2021]. [↩]
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