Baltic ferry to join Rosslare – Cherbourg route in June
Swedish ferry company Stena Line has confirmed the identity of the second passenger ferry joining the Rosslare – Cherbourg route in June. As previously suggested, STENA VISION will transfer from the Baltic Sea service between Karlskrona and Gdynia.
With the introduction of the brand new E-Flexer STENA EBBA on the Gdynia route early next year, STENA VISION will become surplus to requirements. STENA EBBA will join sister ship STENA ESTELLE on the route with STENA VISION’s sister, STENA SPIRIT, acting as the third vessel.
STENA VISION will operate opposite the existing Rosslare – Cherbourg passenger ship STENA HORIZON. This will mean 6 passenger sailings in each direction will be offered per week on the route for the first time. With the arrival of STENA VISION it is understood that the freight-only ferry SEATRUCK PANORAMA will be displaced from the Cherbourg route.
Paul Grant, Irish Sea Trade Director at Stena Line, said
“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.”
Paul Grant
Trebling passenger capacity
While one of the older vessels in the Stena Line fleet, STENA VISION represents a significant upgrade from the vessels currently on the Cherbourg route. According to Stena, her arrival will triple tourist passenger capacity on the company’s Ireland – France route.
Although originally completed in 1987 as STENA GERMANICA, STENA VISION was significantly modernised when she was rebuilt in Sweden during 2010. Among the facilities onboard is a choice of restaurants, a spa, a casino area, and a fully fitted truckers lounge. With 485 cabins onboard, passengers will have a choice of accommodation options including a deluxe suite, superior cabins, and pet friendly cabins. A total of 1,300 passengers can be accommodated onboard STENA VISION along with freight units or 440 cars.
Stena Vision fast facts
| STENA VISION | |
| Built: | 1987, Stocznia Gdynia, Poland. Rebuilt during 2010 at Cityvarvet, Gothenburg, Sweden. |
| Length: | 175.5m |
| Breadth: | 30.3m |
| Passenger Capacity: | 1,300 |
| Vehicle capacity: | 120 freight units, 440 cars or a combination of both (2,214 lane metres.) |
| Cabins: | 485 cabins. These include 1 Deluxe Suite, 10 Deluxe Cabins, 42 Superior Cabins and 42 Pet Cabins |
| Facilities: | Taste Restaurant Met Bar and Grill Riva Bar Sun Deck Bar Coffee House Nordic Spa (including massage, sauna and jacuzzi) Shop Game Zone Happy World (Kid’s play area) Casino area Truckers’ Lounge |
