Stena Line’s new Rosslare to Cherbourg ferry STENA VISION arrived in Rosslare for the first time this morning. The 39,191 gt ferry rounded the breakwater at the Wexford port for the first time at around 07:45 this morning. The ship was under the command of local man and Senior Master, Captain Sean Boyce.
While not the longest passenger ferry to serve Rosslare, STENA VISION is the largest by gross tonnage. Her 485 passenger cabins are more than any other ferry currently operating to the Island of Ireland.
STENA VISION will operate in addition to STENA HORIZON on the Rosslare to Cherbourg service, allowing Stena Line to offer up to 12 sailings per week on the route. The first commercial sailing for STENA VISION is scheduled for 30 June.
The new ship is a significant upgrade from STENA HORIZON in terms of passenger facilities. In addition to a choice of eating and drinking venues, including a deck bar, STENA VISION also offers passengers a spa which includes a sauna and jacuzzi. Passengers can choose from a selection of cabins including deluxe, superior, accessible, and pet friendly cabins.
STENA VISION was originally delivered as the cruiseferry STENA GERMANICA in 1987 for Stena’s Gothenburg to Kiel service. She was significantly rebuilt and modernised in Sweden during 2010 ahead of her introduction on the Karlskrona to Gdynia route and has recently undergone further work in Gdańsk ahead of her transfer to the Ireland to France service.
STENA VISION is the second of three new passenger ferries to be introduced at Rosslare this summer. Irish Ferries replaced BLUE STAR 1 on the Rosslare to Pembroke Dock service with OSCAR WILDE (ex STAR) at the end of last month. Stena Line expects to introduce STENA NORDICA on its competing Rosslare – Fishguard route during July, in place of STENA EUROPE.
The ‘Vision replaces the 12-driver roro SEATRUCK PANORAMA, owned by Seatruck Ferries. After completing service at Rosslare, it is understood that the SEATRUCK PANORAMA will cover for the drydocks of Belfast – Heysham roro vessels STENA SCOTIA and STENA HIBERNIA during July. This will be followed by covering the Belfast – Birkenhead freight-only vessel STENA FORETELLER whilst she in turn overhauls.
