Stena Line has reported record volumes on its Rosslare to Cherbourg route following thie introduction of the cruiseferry STENA VISION this summer. The 39,191 gt ferry, which made its first voyage between the two ports in June, sails opposite STENA HORIZON on the Ireland to France link.
The Swedish ferry company had a 90% increase in the number of passengers and cars using the Cherbourg route compared to summer 2022. Stena attributes this increase to both the introduction of STENA VISION and the growing popularity of France as a destination of choice for the Irish market.
With 485 passenger cabins, more than any other ferry serving Ireland, STENA VISION can accommodate 1,300 passengers – significantly more than the STENA HORIZON, which until this summer was the sole Stena passenger ferry on the route.
STENA VISION also boasts more extensive passenger facilities than STENA HORIZON. These include a choice of restaurants and a bar with live entertainment. Uniquely on the Ireland to France corridor, STENA VISION which was previously based in the Baltic, also has a Spa which includes a sauna and jacuzzi.
Commenting on the impressive growth, Paul Grant, Stena Line’s Trade Director (Irish Sea) said:
“Even before the pandemic the popularity of the Rosslare-Cherbourg service was growing so we were always confident that adding an extra vessel to the route would prove popular with new as well as existing customers. The Stena Vision has helped Stena Line extend our customer service offering in terms of capacity and the range of facilities available onboard. With two ships operating on the route, this is now the most frequent service from Ireland to France offering six sailings each way per week.”
Source: Stena Line Press Release.
Stena Line’s passenger success on the route contrasts with the withdrawal of Irish Ferries competing service at the end of the 2018 season. The Dublin-headquartered operator withdrew its Rosslare to France offer in favour of concentrating its continental services at Dublin ahead of the arrival of the purpose-built Ireland to France ferry W.B. YEATS in 2019.
With the huge success of the STENA VISION this summer, it will be interesting to see if the STENA HORIZON is replaced with a vessel with more cabins at a future stage.
