STENALINE

HARWICH TO HOOK OF HOLLAND

 

It had been over six years since I last sailed with Stena Line from the Essex port of Harwich to the Dutch port of Hoek Van Holland. Since that last trip, Stena Line has introduced two new ferries, Stena Hollandica and Stena Brittanica. Launched in October 2010, these are two of the largest super ferries in the world. The scale of the ferries is very impressive, measuring 240 meters in length, and with a maximum capacity of 230 cars and 1,200 passengers.

It is not just the sheer size of these ferries that is impressive, the on-board amenities and accommodation is of a very high standard. Public areas for passengers to relax in are both plentiful and spacious. From the main lounge and C View Lounge, to the Newsroom and Magazine Lounge, the options for guests to find a place to relax are varied. For a small additional charge guests can gain entry to the Stena Plus Lounge, this is a very comfortable area, accessed using a door code supplied at time of check in, or on request at the information desk on-board. Once inside the Stena Plus Lounge, guests can take advantage of complimentary drinks and snacks, as well as various newspapers.
 

 

 

 

 

 

There are ample facilities on-board for passengers to amuse themselves, and while away the time during the crossing. There is a Cinema, Casino, Children's Play Area, Teen Town, and a very well stocked Stena Shop. Restaurants and bars are plentiful, ranging from the Metropolitan Restaurant and Bar through to the Barista and Wine Bar.

For those choosing an overnight crossing, a cabin is compulsory. Cabin grades range from single and two berth inside cabins, through to five berth family outside cabins, all are very well equipped and comfortable, but for ultimate comfort why not treat yourself to the luxurious Captain's Suite? On this trip I had booked my wife and myself into a two berth inside cabin, and my wife's parents into a four berth outside cabin. Both cabins were more than sufficient for our needs, with the four berth cabin being generously spacious and comfortable.

 



As we were travelling on the night ferry, departing Harwich at 11pm, we arrived at the port at around 7.15pm. Boarding normally starts at 8.30pm, with vehicles being checked in from around 8pm. Once our vehicle had been checked in, a very quick and efficient process, we waited with our fellow passengers in the car lanes to await boarding. There are facilities nearby for purchasing food and drink etc, and also a rest area and customer toilets. Foot passengers are boarded in the main terminal building which is adjacent to the Railway Station.

Once the incoming passengers and vehicles have been unloaded, the port staff will instruct car drivers to board the ferry. As the ferry also takes lorries, coaches and vans, the order of loading is dependent on vehicle numbers and size of vehicle. We were on-board by 9pm, which meant we had plenty of time to stow our overnight bags in our cabins before heading off to explore the ship.

After exploring the rest of the ship and familiarizing ourselves with its layout, we made our way to the Stena Plus Lounge. The Stena Plus Lounge is a very comfortable area, somewhere to rest and get away from the hustle and bustle of the restaurants, bars and shop. The lounge really comes into its own on the day crossing, helping the weary traveller obtain some peace and quiet. As we had cabins to retire to, our visit on this occasion was brief, although I did have enough time to relax with a complimentary glass of wine.

 



Back in our cabin, I set my alarm for the morning before retiring for the night. We would disembark at around 8am Central European Time (don't forget to put your clocks forward one hour), and as we had booked breakfast, we would need an early start. The staff do make an announcement in the morning, to advise passengers to prepare for arrival in Hoek Van Holland.

Next morning, after a surprisingly smooth crossing, we were up bright and early and made our way to the Taste Restaurant for breakfast. Breakfast was self service and consisted of cereal, fruit, hot and cold food, fruit juice, yogurts, and hot drinks. The standard of the food on offer was very impressive.

It was soon time to disembark and we made our way to the car deck. Disembarkation was smooth and reasonably quick, once off the ferry we made our way through customs and passport control. We were then on the open road with a 463 mile drive ahead of us. I was feeling well rested, and confident that we would be able to get at least a couple of hours driving in before the need for a break.

We had travelled out on the Stena Brittanica and would be returning on the Stena Hollandica. We would again be making the overnight crossing, leaving Hoek Van Holland at 10pm and arriving back in Harwich at 6.30am. The facilities on-board Stena Hollandica are identical to those on Stena Brittanica. The return journey was just as efficient and comfortable as the outward journey. We were on-board by 8pm, which meant we had time for dinner in the Metropolitan Restaurant. The choice and presentation of the food was excellent and was much enjoyed by all those in my party.

Again, another smooth crossing, good breakfast, and quick and efficient disembarkation at Harwich, a most enjoyable end to our holiday. All of my party were extremely impressed with the standard of accommodation and the facilities on-board.

For more information please visit the Stena website at: www.stenaline.co.uk