Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

New-look Stena HSS unveiled following £2m refit

Leading ferry company Stena Line has launched the new-look HSS Stena Voyager following a £2m refit which was officially unveiled to the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Jim Rodgers, during a sailing from Belfast to Stranraer.

The onboard improvements on the HSS Stena Voyager vessel include an expansion of the popular Stena Plus service with a 160-seater lounge at the front of the vessel which includes comfortable leather seating, new toilet facilities and a separate family area which now houses Playstation 3 consoles.

Other improvements include a new treatment zone in association with New York City Nails, the addition of two new barista coffee houses, a metropolitan bar stocked with continental beers, wines and cocktails and an extended quiet lounge which seats 170 passengers. All toilet facilities on the refitted ferry to Belfast have been revamped too.

For the children there's an expanded Curious George themed play area with children cinema, soft toy zone and interactive facility with touch screen technology. In addition there's a Teen Town section where teenagers can listen to the latest music on the video jukebox with plasma screens and access internet stations.

Stena Line’s head of onboard services on the Belfast-Stranraer route, Stephen Bryden, said the onboard improvements emphasise the company’s commitment to ensuring passengers continue to sail in comfort.

He commented, “We are dedicated to providing a comfortable crossing and continuing to improve our onboard services. Those travelling with Stena Line can rest assured that they'll have an enjoyable travel experience. Customers can start their holiday early with Stena Line as they can enjoy a manicure or back massage in the treatment zone, a cappuccino in the coffee house or a comfortable seat to relax in the refurbished Stena Plus lounge. What is more, passengers don’t have to worry about extra check-in or baggage charges, they can simply pack the car and drive on.”

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Jim Rodgers, believes the £2m investment shows Stena Line’s dedication to tourism in Northern Ireland.

Following the official unveiling, Councillor Rodgers stated, “Tourism in the province has continued to grow and it is dedication from organisations such as Stena Line that has enabled this to happen. The excellent quality services I have seen onboard today demonstrate the commitment Stena Line has shown not only in ensuring customers have a comfortable, enjoyable experience, but also to tourism in Northern Ireland.”

The bulk of the refit work was carried out by the Northern Ireland based company MJM Marine, a specialist ship outfitter which has worked on a number of major ship refurbishment projects, including cruise ships. It has also revamped several five-star hotels.

Stena Line is the market leader on the Irish Sea, offering the biggest ferry fleet and the widest choice of routes from Ireland to Britain, including Belfast to Stranraer, Larne to Fleetwood, Dun Laoghaire and Dublin Port to Holyhead and Rosslare to Fishguard. The company carries over three million passengers on its Irish Sea routes each year, more than its rival operators combined.

Stena Line’s new VT4 Terminal in Belfast is opening on Wednesday 7th May and promises to cut journey times and provide easier access to the M2 motorway.

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For further info, contact:

Sheelagh Wright
Duffy Rafferty Communications
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Belfast
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BT9 6AA
02890 730880
www.stenaline.co.uk/ferry