Why We Chose Stena Line for Our Trip
Traveling with our dog, Daisy, often limits our transport options. Since flying and taking the train aren't feasible, we rely on ferries. Sometimes we take the car, and other times we don't. This time, we opted to bring our car because we planned to do a lot of exploring in Ireland. Despite driving on the "wrong" side of the road, the transition was surprisingly easy. Given our requirements, the ferry was our best travel option, and we booked our tickets with Stena Line online.
Our Experience with Stena Line
This was our first time traveling with Stena Line, though we have taken around 12 to 15 ferry trips with and without Daisy. So, while we were not new to ferry travel, we were curious to see how Stena Line compared to other operators.
Cost of Traveling with a Dog on Stena Line
Generally, when traveling with a pet on a ferry, you have a few options:
- Booking a pet cabin
- Booking a regular cabin and using the ferry's kennel
We never use ferry kennels. Regardless of the company, I would never recommend putting a small dog like Daisy in a kennel. They tend to be noisy, uncomfortable, and lack supervision. If you're traveling with your pet, invest in a pet-friendly cabin—it's worth every penny.
For a return trip, prices ranged from €600 to €1,000, covering:
- A pet-friendly cabin
- Two adult passengers
- A car
- The pet fee
The ferry journey takes about 18 hours, and since the tickets include accommodation, there's no need for extra onboard purchases unless you want food or drinks.
Booking & Boarding Process
Booking
The booking process was straightforward, and we secured our tickets online. Unfortunately, we couldn't get a cabin with a window, as none were available at the time of booking.
Arrival & Check-in
We arrived at the port 90 minutes before departure, as recommended. The check-in booths were easy to navigate, and the process was smooth. Since Daisy was traveling with us, her microchip and passport were scanned to confirm her identity.
One thing to note: Some ferries require dogs to wear a muzzle during boarding, but Stena Line did not enforce this rule. Since Daisy is small, we prefer carrying her in a travel bag, making the boarding process much easier, especially when using the elevator and stairwells, which can be crowded.
Cabin & Pet Facilities
Pet-Friendly Cabin
While we typically choose cabins with windows, this time we ended up in an inside cabin due to availability. This did impact our experience, as the lack of natural light made the space feel claustrophobic.
The biggest issue? The noise.
- The cabin vibrated constantly once the ferry started moving.
- There was a metallic banging sound throughout the night, making it difficult to sleep.
We've traveled on many ferries before and have never had this level of noise disruption.
Pet Facilities Onboard
Stena Line exceeded expectations in this department. The designated pet area was one of the best we've seen, featuring:
- Benches for pet owners
- Water bowls readily available
- A synthetic grass area for dogs to relieve themselves
Most ferries do not provide grass, which can be a huge issue for dogs accustomed to only peeing on real grass. Some dogs get stressed and refuse to go. Thankfully, Daisy is pee-pad trained, making traveling significantly easier.
Onboard Experience
Food & Entertainment
The ferry had restaurants, a bar, and some onboard entertainment. However, since pets aren't allowed in public areas, we stayed in our cabin for most of the trip. If you plan to eat, you can either order food and bring it back to your cabin or leave your pet alone—which some passengers did, but their dogs barked loudly in distress.
Internet & Connectivity
One of the things I love about ferry travel is the forced digital detox. While there is some Wi-Fi available, streaming and social media are limited. I typically enjoy unwinding with TV, but the noise from the cabin disrupted this experience.
Arrival in Dublin
Upon arrival, there was no additional pet check—just standard passport control and customs. This varies from trip to trip, as sometimes authorities will inspect pets more thoroughly.
Final Thoughts: Would I Recommend Stena Line?
Pros:
- Pet-friendly cabins available (highly recommended)
- Great outdoor pet area with water bowls and fake grass
- Smooth boarding and check-in process
- Affordable for what's included (cabin, pet fee, car, and two adults)
Cons:
- Noisy cabins (disrupted sleep significantly)
- Lack of window cabins available
- Older ship (felt outdated and not as comfortable)
Would I Sail with Stena Line Again?
If I had no other option, I would consider it again. However, given the noise issues and outdated cabin experience, I would prefer traveling with Brittany Ferries or Irish Ferries, both of which have provided far better experiences in the past.
Key Takeaways for Pet Owners Traveling by Ferry
- Always book a pet-friendly cabin. Do not use onboard kennels.
- Bring your own food, drinks, and essentials. You can save money and have everything you need.
- Train your dog to use pee pads. This makes ferry travel much easier.
- Check which ship you're sailing on. Older ships tend to be noisier and less comfortable.
- Prepare for possible pet checks at arrival. Ensure your dog's passport and microchip are up-to-date.
Overall, traveling by ferry remains one of the best ways to explore new places with a dog. While Stena Line wasn't our favorite experience, it was a viable option for getting from France to Ireland with Daisy. If you're planning a similar trip, consider checking ship details before booking to ensure a more comfortable journey!
