Stena Nordica is a small, though highly versatile vessel which is usually deployed on the Karlskrona (Sweden) and Gdynia (Poland) route.
However, during early 2022 Stena Line redeployed her to the Irish Sea to cover the schedules of her fellow fleet mates on a range of routes as they head off for their annual refits.
For this blog we catch up with Stena Nordica at the Port of Holyhead (Wales, UK) for a crossing to Dublin (Ireland).
[Note, in 2023/2024 Stena Nordica will have a mammoth internal refit which will transform her interior therefore, a further blog will be produced in due course].
Holyhead is a very well connected port, positioned at the end of the A55 North Wales Express Way. Access to Scotland, the Midlands and London is possible within a few hours drive via the UK motorway network.
Alternatively, Holyhead benefits from having a railway Station actually within the port - a two minute walk to the ferry terminal and five minute (300mtr) walk to the town centre where there is a selection of hotels and bed & breakfasts.
Below - the railway station with the glazed dome of the ferry terminal behind.
For me, travelling as a foot passenger, I opted for the former and having stayed in a local hotel the night prior, I left my vehicle in one of the ports two long stay car parking areas.
Below - one of the ports two long stay parking areas located at the entrance to the port.
Stena Nordica (once named European Ambassador) is the third sister to P&O Ferries ships European Highlander and European Causeway which operate the Cairnryan (Scotland) to Larne (NI) route - a blog can be found on my website, www.a2bviasea.co.uk plus, on board video tours can be found on YouTube channel A2B via Sea on TV.
By referring to this material you can accurately see the internal differences between the ships.
A point of note, Stena Nordica is also the former DFDS vessel Malo Seaways which operated from Dover (UK) to Calais (France) route in 2015 - she is a very versatile ferry!
Let's go aboard for a crossing to Dublin!
Holyhead ferry terminal is great!
Not only is it very well connected as indicated earlier, the terminal building also has car hire facilities, WC, ceiling mounted TV screens showing status updates on ferry arrivals & departures and an excellent cafeteria/lounge to relax in should you arrive early.
Having checked-in and passed through the security check point, foot passengers are taken from the ferry terminal by shuttle bus as it is a long way to the ship - far too far to walk!
Having arrived on one of the vehicle decks of Stena Nordica, passengers disembark the bus and ascend the stairs (or use the elevator) to the main deck where the amenities are located, in this case it's Deck 4.
Having facilities located on a single deck allows ease of navigation and if you have walking difficulties, having facilities on a single deck is of benefit.
Here is my vlog of Stena Nordica showing the boarding process and a walk about tour of her facilities. Take a look and [virtually] come aboard to get your baring's.
Occupying the forward end of Deck 4 is the bar, a comfortable area to relax with a drink observing the passing vistas through the windows which are on two sides, port and forward.
Localised TV monitors and gaming machines provide added entertainment to pass the time which when operating the Holyhead to Dublin route is around 3hrs.
Decorated in deep shades of red and royal blue the sofas, booths and tub chairs allow for a relaxing environment to enjoy a drink (or several) with friends and family.
Access to the vehicle decks and the starboard side exterior deck can be obtained from a small corridor on the starboard side of the lounge.
Access to the Commercial Drivers Restaurant is to the right hand side of the bar.
A single narrow corridor links the aforementioned bar with the cabins at the stern of the ferry.
This corridor passes through the Met Grill just aft of the bar; the Met Grill is now known as Taste Restaurant aboard other Stena Line vessels.
The meals are served from a clean, well presented servery by a cheerful member of staff who offered all the trimmings.
The seating area, separated from the servery by the fore/aft corridor, has a modern décor, is clean & compact and whilst enjoying your meal, can watch the passing sea through the starboard side windows or simply 'people watch' as passengers pass through.
Access to the ships starboard side exterior deck can be obtained from here however, not having a 'porch' or a double set of doors, as soon as the door is opened passengers within are 'blasted' by a fresh Irish Sea wind - this was particularly fun to watch during my crossing which was during Storm Dudley in February 2022 - video footage on the playlist 'When travelling doesn't go to plan' on my YouTube channel, here is a quick link, don't forget to subscribe:
Walking aft, the corridor narrows as we pass the WC facilities, Stena Plus Lounge and shop.
Stena Plus is a quiet comfortable oasis away from the potential hustle and bustle of the rest of the ship. Accessed at a charge of around £18 one can take advantage of the complimentary hot, cold and soft beverages, light snacks and daily newspapers in a peaceful, private environment.
Electronic device charging points are plentiful; Stena Plus is a good place to relax or work.
The shop is a small affair offering a selection of duty and tax free products along with some gifts. It should be noted the opening times of this shop are limited to around an hour therefore, if you fancy a browse or intend to make a purchase, when you hear the announcement the shop is open I would suggest you go there at the earliest opportunity.
The cashier is located in a central position allowing passengers to 'do a circuit' of the shop to browse or make some purchases.
The aforementioned corridor widens into the ships foyer, essentially the hub of the ship which encompasses the information desk, children's playroom, gaming arcades and access to the exterior decks.
Finally at the after end of Deck 4 is a very comfortable lounge. With an array of colourfully upholstered forward facing seats, stainless steel pillars and pop art adorning the walls, passengers can relax in a quiet environment with a good book or perhaps watching one of the wall mounted TV monitors.
A selection of passenger cabins can be found just behind this lounge which is complimented by the cabins up on Deck 5 which can be access by a stairwell to the side of the reception desk.
Below: Deck 5 cabin hall
Stena Nordica has a large amount of exterior deck space located along the length of Deck 4 but also on the upper most deck (Deck 6) which benefits from 180 degree views and a sheltered area.
Upon arrival in Dublin after a very relaxing and comfortable journey, foot passengers are called back down to the vehicle deck to re-board the bus which will take us to the terminal building.
Dublin is a vast port. Thankfully there is a shuttle bus to take foot passengers to the city centre.
Stena Nordica AKA the baby of the fleet, is a small though perfectly formed vessel which offers a range of facilities albeit on a smaller scale to the giant vessels operated elsewhere within the Stena Line sphere.
She has an intimate feel about her and is a very pleasurable way to cross the seas of Europe. If you get an opportunity of sailing aboard her, go for it! You won't be disappointed.