Stena Line Britannica to launch in October 2010

Stena Line has announced that launch of the Stena Britannica, one of two of the largest superferries in the world, will take place in October 2010. Joining the Stena Hollandica on Stena Line's North Sea route to Holland, the two ships will together offer the most modern ferry fleet in the world.

No expense has been spared in building the ferries of the future. The launch of Stena Britannica follows Stena Hollandica, which entered service in May, together representing Stena Line's largest ever investment of over £375 million.

The ships will together sail the route between Harwich and Hook of Holland, offering daily day and overnight sailings in both directions. Onboard, there are 538 cabins, each fitted with Dux beds, the Swedish luxury brand beds also found in the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai, and modern en suite bathrooms with Hansgrohe fittings. Larger windows provide a feeling of space and light, while extra touches, such as the complimentary Piper-Heidsieck Champagne in the Captain's Class cabins, add to the first class service onboard.

A world away from the traditional ferries of years gone by, the Stena Line Superferries offer onboard services including free Wi-Fi for all, mobile reception throughout the crossing and satellite television in lounges and cabins. There are also buffet and a la carte restaurants, a cinema, bar, lounge, media room and internet corner. For families there are children and teenager zones, plus 12 kennels for dogs and a wooden-decked sundeck to allow passengers to relax outdoors during their journey.

Designed to have a low environmental impact, each Superferry is built in line with Stena Line's Energy Savings Programme. Eco-friendly features on the new Superferries include catalytic converters, an improved hull design, highly efficient engines and better combustion rates, all helping to reduce environmental impact. The ferries have facilities to recycle glass, cardboard and food waste onboard, while solar film on all windows excludes up to 82% of the sun’s radiant heat, reducing the energy used by the onboard cooling system.

The largest ferries of their type in the world in terms of combined passenger and freight capacity, each is capable of transporting 230 cars, 300 freight vehicles and 1,200 passengers.

Departing twice daily, the crossing takes approx 6.5 hours with a choice of day or night sailings in each direction. Departures from Harwich leave at 09:00 and around 23:45 each day, and at 14.30 and around 22:00 from the Hook of Holland, with early boarding possible to enable passengers to dine or relax before departure, meaning there’s still enough time for a good night's sleep.

Lead in fares start at just £49 one-way for a car and driver, plus £12 per additional adult or £6 per additional child (up to 15 yrs, under fours travel free). With a similar pricing structure to low fares airlines, as the cheaper fares sell out, the prices on popular crossings will rise, so those booking early make the largest savings. Cabins are compulsory overnight and optional for day sailings, and start from just £14 per person one-way, based on two sharing.

About Stena Line:
Every year more than 450,000 people cross the North Sea between the UK and Holland with Stena Line, the largest ferry operator in Europe and one of the largest in the world. In the UK alone Stena Line, which operates Europe's most comprehensive route networks, offers two daily crossings on its Harwich to Hook of Holland route as well as over 30 daily crossings on its five different routes to Ireland (Stranraer to Belfast, Fleetwood to Larne, Holyhead to Dublin, Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire and Fishguard to Rosslare) providing fast and efficient crossings with excellent onboard services and facilities.

For further press information please contact:
Richard Rigby
bgb
91 Waterloo Road
London
SE1 8RT
020 7902 2990
www.stenaline.co.uk