Stena Vision will sail from Rosslare to Cherbourg in 2023
Just over a year after it arrived in Rosslare Europort, ferry operators Stena Line have announced that they are to withdraw the Stena Vision from its Rosslare-Cherbourg route from the end of October.
The decision has been regarded as a blow to the port and to Wexford’s tourism offering, as the state of the art ship provided a wonderful option for holidaymakers travelling to and from France.
Stena Line has confirmed that they will continue to operate a three-day week service for freight and passenger travel on board the Stena Horizon and that they will “deploy additional support vessels to the route during periods of peak demand from freight and travel customers”.
It would appear that demand, in terms of both freight and passengers, was not at the required level to justify the 1,300 capacity cruise ferry, which contained 485 passenger cabins, a wide choice of bars and restaurants and even a spa.
The ‘Nordic Spa’ on Stena Vision
In a statement, Stena Line said that the decision was taken on foot of a “strategic route review”.
“The decision has been taken in line with the company’s business model of deploying vessels where they will deliver the most efficient use of company resources,” a spokesperson said.
The company confirmed that there would be no job losses in the ports as a result of the decision and they stated that they will be “making every effort to absorb the crew into the company”.
Stena Line is also currently advising affected customers and making them aware of alternative arrangements.