Accessible travel on Stena Estrid

Welcome onboard Stena Estrid.

We are committed to providing an accessible, comfortable, and seamless travel experience for all our passengers. This guide details onboard accessibility features, facilities, and boarding arrangements.

If you or a member of your party require 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.

Accessible travel at a glance
Accessible Feature	What you need to know
Step-free access	All main indoor passenger areas feature step-free access via passenger lifts.
Boarding for foot passengers	Boarding and disembarking take place via a low-floor bus driving directly onto the vehicle deck.
Accessible parking	Accessible parking spaces on vehicle decks are located on Decks 3, 5, and 7 right beside passenger lifts.
Passenger lifts	Two large accessible lifts connect vehicle Decks 3, 5 and 7 with passenger Decks 7, 8 and 9. Doors and interiors measure between 1,200 mm and 1,800 mm. The Green Lift serves Decks 7 and 8. The Purple Lift serves Decks 7, 8 and 9, but does not provide access to Deck 7 while the vessel is at sea.
Accessible toilets	Locations include Deck 7 (midships) and Deck 8 (midships). Radar/NKS key required.
Changing Places facility	A dedicated Changing Places facility is not available onboard.
Accessible cabins	Accessible en-suite cabins are available onboard, each sleeping two passengers (must be booked in advance). Doors provide at least 775 mm of clear width with plenty of turning space.
Wheelchairs and mobility scooters	Mobility scooters and manual or powered wheelchairs can be used across all three passenger decks. The large lifts (1,200 mm by 1,200 mm) give plenty of turning space.
Hearing support	A fixed hearing loop is fitted at Guest Services on Deck 7. Subtitles are switched on across lounge televisions.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme	Supported onboard – trained crew available to provide discreet assistance, additional time and understanding
Assistance dogs	Certified assistance dogs are welcome in all public passenger areas and accessible cabins. An outdoor relief area is provided on the outside deck.
Outside deck access	Access to promenade decks on Deck 7 on both Port and starboard sides. Deck 10 doesn’t have lift access.
Emergency arrangements	Step-free assembly stations are clearly marked on Decks 7 and 8. Safety instructions are available in large print, audio, and Braille.

Boarding and Vehicle Access

Travelling on Foot

Boarding and disembarking take place via a low-floor bus driving directly onto the vehicle deck.

A designated boarding point highlighted at each terminal building is provided for guests needing assistance. Port staff assist with luggage and mobility aids.

Travelling by Car

Accessible parking spaces on vehicle decks are located on Decks 3, 5, and 7 right beside passenger lifts.

Ramps and dropped kerbs give step-free access to doors.

Cars are identified by mirror hangers, blue badges, or dashboard cards, along with hazard warning lights. Vehicle deck crew assist on all departures.

Disembarkation Process

Communication and Instructions

Disembarkation announcements are made audibly over the PA system and displayed visually on lounge information monitors as the ship berths.

Assisted Foot Passengers

Assisted foot passengers are requested to meet near the Guest Services desk on Deck 7 prior to arrival for coordinated transfer bus boarding.

Lifts

Two large accessible lifts connect vehicle Decks 3, 5 and 7 with passenger Decks 7, 8 and 9. Lift doors are between 1,200 mm and 1,800 mm wide, with interiors measuring between 1,200 mm and 1,800 mm wide by 1,200 mm and 1,800 mm deep. Controls are positioned at wheelchair height and include spoken floor announcements, visual floor indicators and Braille buttons.

The Green Lift operates from the vehicle decks to Decks 7 and 8. The Purple Lift operates from the vehicle decks to Decks 7, 8 and 9. The Purple Lift does not provide access to Deck 7 while the vessel is at sea.

Accessible Toilets

Locations

Locations include Deck 7 (midships) and Deck 8 (midships).

Features

Facilities feature grab rails, a toilet backrest, an accessible washbasin and hand dryer, and an emergency pull cord.

Access

Radar/NKS key required. Keys can be borrowed from Guest Services and the Bar.

Changing Places Facilities

A dedicated Changing Places facility is not available onboard. If you require additional space for personal care, please contact us before you travel and we will do our best to support your journey. While we will always try to help where possible, a ceiling hoist and adult-sized changing bench are not available on this vessel.

Accessible Cabins

Accessible en-suite cabins are available onboard, each sleeping two passengers (must be booked in advance). Doors provide at least 775 mm of clear width with plenty of turning space. Features include lowered bunks, reachable switches, and a step-free wet room shower with grab rails, shower stool, accessible toilet, and emergency pull cord.

Mobility Scooters and Wheelchairs

Mobility scooters and manual or powered wheelchairs can be used across all three passenger decks. The large lifts (1,200 mm to 1,800 mm) give plenty of turning space. Transit wheelchairs and evacuation equipment are carried onboard. Dedicated securing points are not available.

Hearing and Sensory Support

A fixed hearing loop is fitted at Guest Services on Deck 7. Subtitles are switched on across lounge televisions. Travel delay updates are announced aloud over the loudspeaker system.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme

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.

Signage and Wayfinding

Signs use large, clear, high-contrast lettering. Lift buttons are equipped with Braille.

Getting Around Onboard

All main indoor passenger areas feature step-free access via passenger lifts. Internal corridors offer clear width for easy navigation.

Assistance Dogs

Certified assistance dogs are welcome in all public passenger areas and accessible cabins. An outdoor relief area is provided on the outside deck.

Lounges, Restaurants and Seating

All restaurants, bars, and lounges have step-free entrances that are at least 775 mm wide. Dining spaces have open layouts with tables close to servery counters. Accessible unisex washrooms on Decks 7 and 8 are located right next to seating areas.

Emergency Information

Step-free assembly stations are clearly marked on Decks 7 and 8. Safety instructions are available in large print, audio, and Braille. Evacuation equipment is carried onboard. Visual alerts appear on screens, and lifts have emergency backup power and crew controls for evacuation use.

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.