Ferry operator Stena Line has announced that from 27 October, it will be withdrawing the cruise ferry Stena Vision from its Rosslare-Cherbourg route.
The development comes following a strategic review of its only direct Ireland-France route in which Afloat adds the Stena Vision only made its debut on the direct continental link last summer. The route is also operated by rival, Brittany Ferries, which in April this year chartered in a ropax from Condor Ferries, the Commodore Clipper, to provide additional capacity, likewise of Stena.
With the withdrawal of the cruise ferry featuring a Nordic spa, sauna, and jacuzzi, a three-day week service for freight and travel customers between Rosslare-Cherbourg will be provided by the ropax Stena Horizon. The much smaller ferry which opened the route for Stena in 2014, will be offering a choice of up to six crossings per week.
Stena Line will selectively deploy additional support vessels to the route during periods of peak demand from its freight and travel customers.
This 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. Stena Line can confirm that there will be no job losses in the ports as a result of this decision and will be making every effort to absorb the crew into the company.
The operator is currently advising affected customers of its decision and of alternative arrangements.
