Accessible travel on Stena Nordica

Welcome onboard Stena Nordica.

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	Three passenger decks are step-free via the lift.
Boarding for foot passengers	Foot passengers transfer to the vehicle deck via a port passenger transfer vehicle.
Accessible parking	Priority parking lanes on Decks 2 and 3 are located beside lift lobbies.
Passenger lifts	A primary accessible passenger lift connects vehicle decks to all three public passenger decks. Lift dimensions (1,000 mm by 1,000 mm) 890 mm door width.
Accessible toilets	Accessible toilets are located on Deck 4 near the Social Bar, and on Deck 6 near the Stena Plus Lounge. Unrestricted access is provided with no key required.
Changing Places facility	A dedicated Changing Places facility is not available onboard.
Accessible cabins	An accessible en-suite cabin is available onboard, sleeping up to two passengers (must be booked in advance). Doors provide over 775 mm of clear width with space for a standard wheelchair.
Wheelchairs and mobility scooters	Mobility scooters and manual or powered wheelchairs are welcome across the three passenger decks. Lift dimensions (1,000 mm by 1,000 mm) 890 mm door width provide turning space.
Hearing support	A fixed hearing loop is fitted at the Guest Services desk, and one portable hearing loop unit is available onboard. Subtitles are not enabled on all 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 onboard across passenger areas and cabins and must wear a designated jacket.
Outside deck access	You can reach outer promenade decks without steps or assistance on Deck 4 port forward only (Blue Exit); all other decks have a single step to the promenade decks (ramps are available upon request).
Emergency arrangements	Assembly stations A (Deck 4) and B (Deck 5) are used. Written emergency instructions in Braille are available at Guest Services.

Boarding and Vehicle Access

Travelling on Foot

Foot passengers transfer to the vehicle deck via a port passenger transfer vehicle. Boarding points are highlighted at each terminal building for those needing assistance. Port terminal staff assist with boarding, walking aids, and luggage on all sailings.

Travelling by Car

Priority parking lanes on Decks 2 and 3 are located beside lift lobbies. Ramps and dropped kerbs provide step-free access. Cars display a windscreen mirror hanger with the letter 'A' and use hazard lights. Vehicle deck crew assist on all sailings.

Disembarkation Process

Communication and Instructions

Disembarkation calls and sequence updates are broadcast audibly over the PA system as the vessel berths.

Assisted Foot Passengers

Assisted foot passengers should meet near the Guest Services desk prior to arrival for coordinated transfer bus boarding.

Lifts

A primary accessible passenger lift connects vehicle decks to all three public passenger decks. A secondary forward lift on Deck 3 is available with crew escort only. Lift doors open 1,000 mm wide, and lift floors measure 1,000 mm wide by 1,000 mm deep. Controls are set at wheelchair height with Braille markings and spoken floor arrival announcements.

Accessible Toilets

Locations

Accessible toilets are located on Deck 4 near the Social Bar, and on Deck 6 near Stena Plus Lounge.

Features

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

Access

Unrestricted access is provided with no key required.

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

An en-suite accessible cabin is available onboard, sleeping up to two passengers (must be booked in advance). Doors provide over 775 mm of clear width with space for a standard wheelchair. Features include accessible-height bunks, reachable switches, and a step-free wet room shower with grab rails, shower stool, accessible toilet, lowered sink, and emergency call button at floor and wheelchair height.

Mobility Scooters and Wheelchairs

Mobility scooters and manual or powered wheelchairs are welcome across the three passenger decks. Lift dimensions (1,000 mm by 1,000 mm) provide turning space. Dedicated securing points are not available. Please notify us at least 48 hours before you sail.

Hearing and Sensory Support

A fixed hearing loop is fitted at the Guest Services desk, and one portable hearing loop unit is available onboard. Subtitles are not enabled on all televisions. Travel delay updates are given 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 lettering. Lift control panels feature Braille markings.

Getting Around Onboard

Three passenger decks are step-free via the lifts. Internal corridors offer at least 1,000 mm of clear width, and main doors provide at least 775 mm of clearance. You can reach outer promenade decks without steps or crew help on Deck 4 port forward only; all other decks have a single step to the promenade decks (ramps are available upon request). The Guest Services desk does not have a lowered counter, but crew will step out to assist you directly.

Assistance Dogs

Certified assistance dogs are welcome onboard across passenger areas and cabins and must wear a designated jacket. A dedicated outdoor relief area is not available on this vessel.

Lounges, Restaurants and Seating

Dining venues, bars, and lounges are step-free with doors at least 775 mm wide. Four dining tables close to serving counters are reserved for passengers with reduced mobility. Accessible unisex washrooms on Decks 4 and 6 are close to lounge and dining areas.

Emergency Information

Assembly stations A (Deck 4) and B (Deck 5) are used. Written emergency instructions in Braille are available at Guest Services. Evacuation equipment is carried onboard.

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.