Accessible travel on Stena Britannica and Stena Hollandica

Travelling on Foot

Foot passengers embark and disembark via direct covered walkways connecting terminal buildings to the vessel. The walkway at Harwich measures 125 metres, while the walkway at Hoek van Holland measures 455 metres with a maximum gradient of 15 degrees, shallow ramps, and handrails. Highlighted boarding assistance points are provided inside each terminal building. Dedicated port and vessel staff are available on all sailings to assist with boarding, walking aids, electric buggies, powered wheelchairs, and luggage.

Travelling by Car

Dedicated accessible parking spaces on vehicle decks are located on Decks 3 and 4 directly beside the passenger lifts. Ramps and dropped kerbs provide step-free access from vehicles to passenger doors. Vehicles are identified using hazard warning lights and window cards. Vehicle deck crew assist on all sailings, subject to availability and the vessel's loading sequence.

Communication and Instructions

Disembarkation calls, announcements, and deck sequence updates are broadcast clearly over the public address system and displayed visually on television monitors across public lounge areas.

Assisted Foot Passengers

Foot passengers requiring assistance should meet near the Guest Services desk on Deck 9 prior to arrival to prepare for guided disembarkation via the covered walkway.

Accessible passenger lifts connect vehicle decks to all public passenger decks, while a dedicated Yellow Lift provides direct access to Deck 10 cabin accommodation. Door widths and interior floor space measure 1,000 mm wide by 1,000 mm deep for the Yellow and Orange lifts, while the Red and Green lifts feature a 900 mm door width. All lifts feature accessible button heights, Braille markings, visual floor lights, and spoken floor arrival announcements.

Locations

An accessible toilet is located on Deck 9, positioned between the retail shops and the Social Bar.

Features

The accessible toilet is fitted with grab rails, an accessible washbasin, a hand dryer, and an emergency pull cord.

Access

Facilities provide unrestricted access with no key or code required.

A dedicated Changing Places facility is not available onboard. Passengers requiring additional space for personal care are encouraged to contact us before travel so our team can provide support. Ceiling hoists and adult-sized changing benches are not available on these vessels.

Accessible en-suite cabins are available on Deck 10, positioned directly next to and serviced by the Yellow Lift. Cabins must be booked in advance and accommodate up to two passengers. Entry doorways provide at least 775 mm of clear width. Interior features include accessible-height bunks, reachable switches, and a step-free wet room shower with grab rails, a shower stool, an accessible toilet, a lowered sink, and an emergency pull cord. 

Mobility scooters, manual wheelchairs, and powered wheelchairs are welcome across all accessible passenger decks. Yellow and Orange lift dimensions of 1,000 mm by 1,000 mm combined with corridors measuring at least 1,000 mm wide ensure good circulation throughout the vessel. 

A fixed hearing induction loop is fitted at the Guest Services desk on Deck 9. Subtitles are enabled on television screens located in public lounges throughout the ship. Service announcements and travel delay updates are broadcast audibly over the public address system.

Our onboard teams are fully aware of and trained in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme. If you wear a Sunflower lanyard or badge, our crew is ready to recognise it, understand that you may need extra assistance, time, or understanding during your journey, and offer discreet, tailored support throughout your time onboard.

Wayfinding signage throughout public areas uses large, clear, high-contrast lettering. Lift control panels feature Braille markings.

All main indoor passenger spaces across three decks are step-free and accessible via passenger lifts. Doors provide at least 775 mm of clear width, internal corridors measure at least 1,000 mm wide, and floor thresholds are level. While the Guest Services reception desk on Deck 9 does not feature a lowered counter section, crew members step out from behind the counter to assist passengers. Promenade doors leading to outer decks on Decks 10 and 11 feature raised steps, and staff assistance may be required to access these areas.

Certified assistance dogs accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) are welcome across all public passenger areas and accessible cabins. Assistance Dogs should wear a visible assistance animal vest. A dedicated outdoor relief area is provided onboard. Emotional support animals or dogs not recognised by ADI or IGDF are not permitted in public passenger areas and must travel as pets under standard carriage rules.

All restaurants, bars, and lounges feature step-free entrances with door openings of at least 775 mm. Four dining tables located close to serving counters are reserved specifically for passengers with reduced mobility. Priority lounge seating is also available. An accessible toilet is located on Deck 9, positioned between the retail shops and the Social Bar.

Step-free assembly stations are clearly marked on Deck 9. Safety briefings and emergency instructions are provided in large print, Braille, on cabin television channels, and aloud over the loudspeaker system; please ask at Guest Services for the alternative print documents. Dedicated emergency evacuation equipment, including evacuation chairs and stretchers, is carried onboard, with an evacuation chair stored on Deck 10 outside the accessible cabins.

If you or a member of your party requires travel assistance, please notify our team at least 48 hours prior to departure. Advance notification allows us to ensure all necessary port and shipboard arrangements are tailored to your journey.