Accessible travel on Stena Superfast VII and Stena Superfast VIII

Welcome onboard Stena Superfast VII and Stena Superfast VIII.

 

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 spaces across public passenger decks on Decks 7 and 8 provide step-free access via passenger lifts.

Boarding for foot passengers

Foot passengers board via a direct covered gangway from the terminal, which is approximately 250 metres in length.

Accessible parking

Parking spaces on vehicle decks are not permanently marked beside lifts by default.

Passenger lifts

Passenger lifts connect vehicle decks to public passenger decks on Decks 7 and 8, as well as Deck 10 for Spa and Suites access. On both vessels, the Blue Lift serves Decks 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, and 10. Red Lift serves Decks 3, 5, 7 and 8.

Accessible toilets

Accessible public toilets are located on Deck 7 within the main public passenger area on both ships. On Stena Superfast VII a Radar/NKS key is required which is available from Guest Services. On Stena Superfast VIII, the accessible toilet on Deck 7 is open access with no key required. 

Changing Places facility

A dedicated Changing Places facility is not available onboard Stena Superfast VII or Stena Superfast VIII.

Accessible cabins

Please note that neither Stena Superfast VII nor Stena Superfast VIII features' cabins specifically designed for wheelchair access due to structural design constraints, which include narrow doorways, raised thresholds, and high steps into en-suite bathrooms. Passengers with reduced mobility who require cabin accommodation are strongly advised to contact us prior to travel to discuss individual needs and suitability.

Wheelchairs and mobility scooters

Mobility scooters and manual or powered wheelchairs are welcome across all public passenger decks on Decks 7 and 8. 

Hearing support

A fixed hearing loop is installed at the Guest Services desk on Deck 7. Subtitles are enabled on selected television screens across public lounge areas.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme

Supported onboard – trained crew available to provide discreet assistance, additional time and understanding

Assistance dogs

Certified assistance dogs are welcome across all public passenger areas on both vessels. A designated outdoor relief area for assistance dogs is provided on the outside deck.

Outside deck access

Assistance may be required to access outer promenade decks due to raised doorsteps.

Emergency arrangements

Assembly Station A is clearly marked, step-free, and accessible. Written safety instructions are available in Braille at the Guest Services desk.

Boarding and Vehicle Access

Travelling on Foot

Foot passengers board via a direct covered gangway from the terminal, which is approximately 250 metres in length. The walkway features shallow ramps and handrails, allowing manual wheelchair users to board independently. 

 

Alternatively, a ship's minibus or wheelchair-accessible transfer vehicle is available upon request to assist foot passengers. Boarding points are highlighted inside each terminal building for passengers needing assistance. Please confirm your assistance requests with our customer service team at least 48 hours in advance and with our check-in teams upon arrival at the port of departure. 

 

Travelling by Car

Parking spaces for accessibility onboard are close to lifts and allocated upon check-in when requested at least 48 hours in advance. Passengers should re-confirm their requirements with the check-in agent upon arrival so vehicle placement and support can be finalised. Vehicle deck crew are available to assist passengers upon request on all sailings.

Disembarkation Process

Communication and Instructions

Disembarkation sequences, calls, and instructions are broadcast audibly over the public address system across all passenger decks and displayed visually on selected lounge television screens.

 

Assisted Foot Passengers

Assisted foot passengers should meet near the Guest Services desk on Deck 7 prior to arrival for escorted disembarkation across the covered walkway or via dedicated terminal transfer.

Lifts

Passenger lifts connect vehicle decks to public passenger decks on Decks 7 and 8, as well as Deck 10 for Spa and Suites access. On both vessels, the Blue Lift serves Decks 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, and 10. The Red Lift serves Decks 3, 5, 7, and 8. All lift controls are positioned at wheelchair height. Please note that lifts do not feature audio floor announcements or Braille control buttons.

Accessible Toilets

Locations

Accessible public toilets are located on Deck 7 within the main public passenger area on both ships.

 

Features

The accessible toilet facilities are equipped with fitted grab rails, a toilet backrest, an accessible washbasin, a hand dryer, and an emergency pull cord.

 

Access

On Stena Superfast VIII, the accessible toilet on Deck 7 is open access with no key required. On Stena Superfast VII, access requires a standard Radar/NKS key, which can be borrowed from the Guest Services desk on Deck 7 or accessed using your own Radar key.

Changing Places Facilities

A dedicated Changing Places facility is not available onboard Stena Superfast VII or Stena Superfast VIII. If you require additional space for personal care, please contact us before travel so we can support your journey as best as possible. While our crew will always attempt to assist where feasible, a ceiling hoist and adult-sized changing bench are not available on these vessels.

Accessible Cabins

Please note that neither Stena Superfast VII nor Stena Superfast VIII features cabins specifically designed for wheelchair access due to structural design constraints, which include narrow doorways, raised thresholds, and high steps into en-suite bathrooms. Passengers with reduced mobility who require cabin accommodation are strongly advised to contact us prior to travel to discuss individual needs and suitability.

Mobility Scooters and Wheelchairs

Mobility scooters and manual or powered wheelchairs are welcome across all public passenger decks on Decks 7 and 8. Dedicated securing points are not available onboard. 

Hearing and Sensory Support

A fixed hearing loop is installed at the Guest Services desk on Deck 7. Subtitles are enabled on selected television screens across public lounge areas. Travel delay updates and safety announcements are delivered audibly 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

Wayfinding signage throughout public spaces uses large, clear lettering. General signage and lift control panels do not feature Braille or tactile markings.

Getting Around Onboard

All main indoor spaces across public passenger decks on Decks 7 and 8 provide step-free access via passenger lifts. Corridors range between 950 mm and 1,000 mm in width, doors provide a minimum clear opening of 775 mm, and thresholds are level. The Guest Services desk does not feature a lowered counter section, but crew members will step out from behind the desk to assist you. Assistance may be required to access outer promenade decks due to raised doorsteps.

Assistance Dogs

Certified assistance dogs are welcome across all public passenger areas on both vessels. A designated outdoor relief area for assistance dogs is provided on the outside deck.

Lounges, Restaurants and Seating

All restaurants, bars, and lounges feature step-free entrances with clear opening widths of at least 775 mm. Dedicated or permanently marked seating for passengers with reduced mobility is not provided. Accessible toilets are situated nearby on Deck 7.

Emergency Information

Assembly Station A is clearly marked, step-free, and accessible. Written safety instructions are available in Braille at the Guest Services desk. Dedicated evacuation equipment is carried onboard both vessels.

Contact us

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.

Customer Service

Do you have questions or need help with your booking? Contact our customer support or find the answers to the most common questions in our FAQ.