Stena HSS Explorer
Operated by Stena Line
Stena HSS Explorer
Operated by Stena Line
This ship is no longer operated by Stena Line.
Stena HSS Explorer is among the world's largest catamarans and can carry 1,500 passengers and around 350 cars. Onboard you’ll find bars, restaurants, impressive shopping a children’s play area and a selection of lounges including the exclusive Stena Plus lounge.
Due to the short journey time there are no cabins available however the Stena Plus lounge on this ship is a 170 seat luxurious lounge at the front of the craft for the best views across the Irish Sea. The Stena Plus option which can be pre-booked includes express boarding and disembarkation, or you may upgrade when onboard if space permits (lounge access only).
The Metropolitan Bar is located at the centre of the craft where there is plenty of seating and you can relax and watch the big screen tv while being served a range of continental beers and wines. The Food City restaurant is also located in the centre of the craft with ample seating nearby. Food City offers a range of tasty hot food options including fish & chips, steak pie, pasta and a selection of kids meals. Passengers who travel in the luxurious Stena Plus Lounge can enjoy waiter service and a premium menu which includes a range of speciality dishes and old favourites.
You can shop to your heart's content during the crossing in the Stena shop. Here you will find something for everyone; from lovely perfumes for women and men to Irish whiskeys and other liquors.
Television screens are dotted throughout the ship for your viewing pleasure. There's a Bureau de Change, free wifi and a video game arcade. There is also an observation area at the front of the ship.
Curious George™ themed play area provides a safe and fun environment for children showing the popular “George” DVDs. There are bead trees, memory blocks, colouring stations and chalk boards to keep kids occupied! And for parents peace of mind there is a seating area close by to relax and keep an eye on the little ones. Older children and can play fun video games in the games and video arcade.
Please Note: Whilst we have taken great care in making our Stena HSS Explorer guide as accurate as possible, onboard facilities, services and entertainment may vary depending on the date and time of year that you travel, facilities mentioned may change without notification and ferry companies reserve the right to operate vessels other than those mentioned at time of booking without prior notification.
out of 5
87% of our customers recommended this ship
"Best ferry service yet"
This was a great trip, we went on an upgrade it was well worth it from the fast track boarding to the peaceful lounge with a great meal. The staff were excellent making it a great start to our holiday.
"Crossing on 23/12/14 at 0820 Holyhead to Dublin"
I would like to say although we had a rough crossing and my 5 year old was seasick, i was impressed by a staff member called Ian who came over to see if my son was ok. He gave him some iced water and ginger nut biscuits and was very caring giving us suggestions on things that may help. The only negative would be that there is not enough toilets as most were occupied by people feeling nauseated. The children's entertainment was good. Regards Mrs Broad
"Fast journey"
An excellent way to travel to Dublin as it lands you outside the busy town center. On both my journeys the sea was calm so the run was very comfortable in spite of the relatively high speed. If you want to eat there are several alternatives on board.
"Our recent trip"
We had a very good trip to Ireland and back with Stena Line. We left on time, we arrived on time and the ferry crossing was very smooth. we took our dog for the first time and there was no problems with her. She enjoyed her holiday. Thank You. Phoebe Vasiliou
"Ireland journey with the friend for a very good experience "
Ireland journey with the friend for a very good experience. Stena was a good helper for my 1st Ireland journey. I booted easy by my smart phone on Stena and www.directferries.co.uk.
"recent trip"
me and my friends normally travel to Ireland for our anual fishing trip with irish ferries hollyhead / dublin route, decided to have a change this year after getting a cheaper quote from Stenna line travelling on their hollyhead / dun laoughaire route on their HSS Explorer and was not dissapointed with the ship or great service Stenna provided and will definitely be using them in the future. 5 star treatment all the way
"Smooth Sailing"
Recently did the crossing from Dublin to Holyhead. Very smooth passage despite some inclement weather. Staff were courteous and efficient and the ship was very clean and tidy. Wifi worked for my wife's i-phone but strangely not for my ASUS tablet.
"A very enjoyable journey!"
This was our first family trip on a ferry, I did not know what to expect but kept my expectations low. I was also worried about sea sickness so gave the whole family tablets, the funny thing is we hadn't realised the ferry had set sail until we were 10 minutes into the journey - no sickness! There was lots to keep us entertained on the ferry, a children's entertainer came round and handed out sheets for the children and told us where the entertainment was (a larger space would be advisable, there wasn't enough room for my children). There was a kids movie shown by ways. There was ample space to sit, the food on offer was good and we purchased some items from the shop. There were also separate arcades for adults and children. Great service, friendly staff, we thoroughly enjoyed our journey, it even left earlier than scheduled! We look forward to our next trip on Stena Line.
"A good trip!"
It was more than 4 years since we use ferry to cross,for lacking time.We enjoyed and the boat still very good.
"Stena Line"
Excellent trip. No complaints whatsoever.
"Trip to Ireland "
Excellent trip across and back, absolutely no stress and very little wait each end to board. Once on board very relaxing and plenty of seating. Would definitely travel with Stena again
"trip 26th july 2014 to dun laoghaire from holyhead and return"
Paid the extra for guaranteed seats. On the ferry first and off first. Newspapers free snacks free drinks free. Well worth the extra money. Waitress service for meals you order and pay for. Absolutely loved it and wouldn't ferry travel now any other way.
"Great ride"
It was very pleasant.
"Short Break"
Went to Ireland, for a short break with friends, and used Stenna Line for the first time. Very pleasantly surprised at the ease and comfort of the whole operation. Will definitely use this type of crossing again.
"Holyhead-Dun Laohaire-Holyhead"
Fast, efficient, comfortable and punctual.
"Very enjoyable"
We had a lovely trip with Stenna and staff were very helpfull crossing was very smooth and we enjoyed our little shopping spree on board.
"Ferry from Holyhead to Dublin"
The experience was very nice. The Ferry was way better than what we were expecting. My family and I were very pleased. Thank you!!!!
"A bon voyage"
We sailed from Holyhead on the 10.30 HSS service on the 11th June and returned on the 19th June on the 13.30 HSS service. I have travelled frequently between the UK and Eire over the last 25 years but this was the first time on this particular ferry type. First impression was the sheer size of the HSS vessel, dwarfing most of the other boats I have been on. It was a very pleasant surprise to find light refreshments available at the ferry terminal in Holyhead with tea, coffee and snacks served in a pleasant café environment. After a 5 hour drive this was most welcome and to the shame of most ferry operators whose passenger focus does not kick in until the vessel is boarded. The traffic queue onto the vessel was fairly light but I was still quite impressed at the speed of loading. One big benefit I found was that the cars there were loaded onto the top vehicle deck and this meant priority departure as this deck is first to be evacuated on arrival. I noticed that lifts were available between the top vehicle deck and the lounge which should make disabled access easier and allowed mobility scooters to be used on board. Services on the vessel were good with adequate seating in various lounges and with a good range of refreshments available although I did feel the full breakfast was a little expensive at just shy of £10.00. That is an expensive experience for a family of 4 for example! Cleanliness was good and the debris of the drinks experience (sugar sachets, stirrers and milk pots), were cleared from tables quickly. The actual crossing both ways was smooth and taking around two and a half hours is the fastest of any of the Irish sea / St George's channel, crossings. In addition - because traffic was not heavy, the sailings both ways boarded early and both departed about 15 minutes early. I would guess this is not the norm in peak season but even then I think departures would be prompt and on time. All in all I felt it was a customer oriented service with adequate facilities for all, loading was fast and efficient and on-board service was well provided. Apart from the (perceived) high cost of breakfast I find it difficult to criticise. I do wish though that proper milk was provided for hot drinks instead of those silly little pots of UHT!!
"Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead June 2014 South Australian tourists"
A great trip on the Stena HSS Explorer, excellent in all aspects. Friendly check in & boarding with our hire car. Interior of ship very smart, comfortable seats & great views from the rear windows. The seas were super smooth & interesting to watch the docking procedure at Holyhead. Exit from ship easy & on our way in only minutes after docking. Did not use the catering facilities but from observation it all looked v good. Toilet facilities also good.
"Trouble free travel"
Our first crossing to Ireland. The whole proess from booking to disembarking was smooth and trouble free. No complaints at all and would use service again.
"Smooth Sailing"
Coming from from the Pacific Northwest United States, my wife and I have had many ferry experiences in both Washington State and British Columbia. The journey between Wales and Ireland was one of the pleasantest we have taken. The ship was beautiful, almost like a cruise ship, and very comfortable. The ship was exceptionally clean an beautifully appointed. Despite some gentle rolling it was smooth sailing all the way. Peter Haug
"NW200 trip"
Having used this service before in 2001, I was pleasantly surprised that the ship was as good as I remembered it from my previous trip. Although we only used the snack facilities the food looked good, and should I use this service again I would have a meal on board. The deck staff was very helpful in strapping down the motorcycle for the trip across the water.
"Crossings to Ireland"
All in all, a nice experience.
"Holyhead to Dublin Ferry May 2014"
I found the whole process effortless, from online booking to checking in, accessing the ferry and anchoring my motorcycle was all taken care of. Facilities on the the ferry were excellent. A very pleasant start to a week touring of Ireland on two wheels, and return was equally as good.
"Very pleased"
We were very pleased with our crossing to Holyhead last Saturday 3/5/14. The ship was very comfortable & staff cheerful. We were surprised so few were travelling. Facilities very good. Thank you Stena.
"My experience travelling"
From driving on to disembarking was first class thank you.
"Great Crossing!"
Our ferry was loaded and on its way 15 minutes earlier than scheduled. Ferry was clean and tidy. Staff very friendly and willing to help. Excellent crossing, weather was calm! Arrived on time and within minutes we were driving off the ferry! So much easier and more relaxing than flying. Would recommend this way of travelling! Enjoyed every minute!
"Stena HSS Explorer "
The handling at the terminal was carried out briskly. Likewise, the park admission was aboard clear and understood by the staff. Departure and arrival times have been observed. The ship was very clean and the crew polite and courteous. Incomprehensible, however, remains why € 45.00 to be paid for a miniature dachshund puppies per crossing if this does not even touch the ship's deck and during the crossing must remain in the car?
"Holiday 2013"
Very smooth operation boarding, all staff helpful and friendly. Excellent crossing both ways, look forward to using this ferry again, well done to all staff thank you.
"Fantastic"
The whole experience was great.Getting the cars on and off the ferry so quickly is a work of art. The entertainment laid on for the children was great and the crossing quick and smooth. I'll definitely be using the service again.
"Crossing Dun Laoghaire-Holyhead with Stena HSS Explorer"
Had a good crossing. The ship arrived late so we departed with a 15 minute delay. Meals were cared for and tasty, but the organisation of the distribution can be improved. There ws plenty of staff, but the wait was very long nonetheless: 40 minutes for a plate of pasta...!!? The pasta was tasty however!
"Enjoyable adventure!"
First time I had taken my big new motorbike on the ferry and I was bit preoccupied that I may drop it when it came to strapping it down with the cargo straps across the saddle. The assistance from the Stena staff really put me at ease and the journey turned out to an enjoyable adventure. Coming back a few days later I was much more confident, and can say I would definitely use the Stena Explorer again.
"From England to Ireland ... "
Great offer on the ship to some extent reasonable prices; perfect handling at check-in; Holyhead itself is a bit "out of the world", a pity that you can not translate as pedestrian to Dublin from Liverpool. Fees for booking change for pedestrians I find inacceptable ...!
"Think Twice About Plus Lounge Upgrade"
Direct Ferries made booking easy and they stay in touch with helpful reminders etc. One thing I'd say though is that the £18 a head upgrade to Plus Lounge is a bit of a rip-off. Very pleasant staff and a nice atmosphere but the seating is not that different to those in surrounding areas and a couple of free coffees and a biscuit aren't worth £18! OK you can help yourself to wine, fruit juice and a few nibbles as well but if you need something a bit more substantial you have to pay extra. You basically pay £18 a head for the privilege of looking down on the rest... But are they looking up at you and thinking "what a mug!" Everything else about the ship and the crossing is great - just think twice about the `upgrade'.
"Stena"
My wife, myself and daughter had a very pleasant trip from Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead and back. We found the journey enjoyable and the food was good, fresh and hot. I would certainly use Stena again. The only drawback was getting from the ship back to the road to Dublin.
"Return from Ireland via Dun Laoghaire...fast ferry.. June 27th 2013"
Ship on time and had a quick turn- around. Plenty of room to sit and facilities on board all open. Food and drinks are pricy though.
"Pleasant Crossing"
Who knew it was such a quick painless crossing from GB to Ireland. Spotless ferry, pleasant crew, nice facilities, nice terminals. I arrived rested and ready to tackle Dublin traffic.
"IRISH HOLIDAY 2013"
GOOD CROSSING, EVERYTHING WENT WITHOUT A HITCH, NO STRESS, NO WORRIES, JUST GOOD MEMORIES.
"Holyhead Dun Laoghaire return trip"
Good crossing both ways by high speed ferry despite rough seas on way back, on time, clean on board. Excellent. On way out even though ferry was quite empty cars were very tightly packed which was simply not necessary - not good if you are taking a valuable classic car - perhaps the ships crew should have been more thoughtful - and some people had a real problem getting pushchairs in and out. A wheelchair would have been impossible.
"Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire"
An efficient service both ways. Easy to book on line. It is a pity there is not more outside space for a crossing on a sunny day.
"Stena Experience"
Early morning to Ireland and then back 4 days later. Ferry staff, loading, instructions, off loading - all outstanding! Coffee shop on the way over - excellent, friendly service. Lunch on the way back - horrendous! Burger inedible, chips cold; fish over-cookedand very fatty, chips cold!!
"fast ferry "
everything is okay
"Holyhead ferry"
Quick, quiet and comfortable; ran to time; loading and unloading very efficient.
"with ship and wheel "
Particularly appreciated I have the hassle of bicycles
"Very good"
It's shame we cannot access the deck. Otherwise, a beautiful crossing.
"Stenna - the way to travel"
As a frequent traveller I cannot recommend Stena highly enough. The staff and craft are fantastic, I'm always particularly impressed with the speed you board and off load. That added to the fact that you don't have the hassle of airports makes it perfect in my book.
"Pleasant / Good Journey"
Weather was kind so journey was pleasant, relaxing & on time.
"Good trip, quick and efficient"
Very pleased with both trips on Stena Line. Both ships were clean and spacious. Staff helpful, no complaints at all. The crossing to Holyhead was faster and we were able to arrive at our destination in good time. Would use Stena again .
"Good ship"
All round good service, was very please with all aspects of this ferry.
"Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead"
Brilliant crossing, although the Irish Sea was rough. Can't understand how the staff stay upright. Worth paying for StenaPlus. Drinks & food great. Car was fine.
"Good crossing both ways"
Although the weather was against us with the HSS sailing I was able to get onto the boat to Dublin later that day. Seas were slightly rough but good crossing all the same. Return was good and on time. Well done.
"Quick and comfortable"
For us and our dog the ferry service between GB and Ireland is the quickest and most comfortable option. I don’t travel well on ships, so this short connection is the best for me. Very quick and efficient boarding means this is very pleasant and uncomplicated. The atmosphere on board is lovely, the crew is very helpful and friendly. All in all we can really highly recommend it. We are already looking forward to our next trip to Ireland in May 2012!
