As an autistic and socially anxious person this really helped me, knowing where to go and how everything is done is making me feel a lot more calmer about my small trip to Ireland next month!
Hello Jun - well it has a wonderful interior (imo), because I think it's really important for passenger comfort that there is space (both inside and out) on a longer journey and this vessel has it. I believe the other e-flexer ferries - Edda and Embla are now on the Liverpool - Belfast route. So it seems to me to have been well thought out in that respect. The one thing I would say about the deluxe cabins is that they are great inside, nice furnishing and big but the deck area they open out to is not private. Therefore, anyone can effectively wander into the cabin if the door isn't shut properly (this happened to me). They don't have to be sectioned off as I'm not expecting a separate balcony or anything like that, but Stena could easily put a sign on the outside of the door that says 'private - no entry' or something like that. Cheers Jun and thanks for commenting. All the best, Mark
Hello Mark. Recently made the trip from Holyhead to Dublin on the Stena Estrid. Excellen ferry and crew. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly recommended. Love your videos. Keep up the good work.
Hi Simon, it’s a pleasure, glad you enjoyed it. I’m flying back to BHX next with Aer Lingus and then that’s the end of my long weekend of travelling. I’m in Malta next then Latvia, Estonia and Finland. Then Portugal and Spain so hopefully some decent content to film and keep you all interested 😊👍
Thank you for making this video. We will be travelling the Liverpool-Belfat route on the sister ships in a few weeks. My little boy is Autistic so we have been showing him what the boat will be like - this has helped him (and therefore us) enormously, so thank you! Though he might get a bit of a let down with the inside 4 berth cabin we have booked instead!!
Hi Rachel, thanks for the comment. Great to know the videos are useful. The deluxe cabins are quite sought after now (there aren’t that many on the boat unfortunately and they are really nice!). But these ships are pretty good overall with lots of stuff to do. Have a great trip, I’m sure your son will enjoy it 😊👍
Hi Mark, recently discovered your channel and am really enjoying making my way through your videos. This is my favourite so far, really enjoyed seeing the cabin and the 'balcony'. Love d this video and your sleeper train video, really enjoy seeing the accomodation. Looking forward to more videos 😀👍🏻
Hi Stacey, thanks for the comment and I’m glad you’re enjoying my stuff! I really enjoyed this ferry, I’ve got a couple more coming up soon as well. The sleeper train, again I think it’s better than the Caledonian Sleeper though I’m thinking about taking that again soon - maybe up to Rannoch! All the best, Mark
Hi Mark commenting again, another great route for me to take to get to Belfast (I would be leaving from Liverpool though) and certainly a good option if I want to take the car to drive round instead of having to hire one. Really appreciate being able to see alternative ways of transport in and around the UK, whether that be small regional airlines, trains or ferries as opposed to the usual on TH-cam of someone being in a £10k first class plane cabin which unfortunately isn't a realistic option for most of us.
Yep, totally agree. I started off watching Paul Lucas & Noel Phillips on here, both of which I enjoy because they’ve put a lot of effort in to get where they are and do mix it up a bit as opposed to the likes of Sam Chui who’s really just advertising the airlines product! I sub to both their channels but also some lesser channels who have lower sub counts like myself but that doesn’t mean they’re not making great content. Also, they tend to engage with their followers more (which I like and try to do myself). I guess you must get to a point though where it’s really difficult to keep on track with it all - especially if you’re doing it all on your own. I’ll post-up some of the channels I sub to on my community page at some point and maybe others can add to the list? Anyway, I can’t afford to travel in business all the time 😂 so yeh, there may be the odd fancy flight coming up but most of what you’re gonna get is low cost trains, ferries and coaches etc! The Stena Estrid btw isn’t doing the Liverpool (Birkenhead) to Belfast route atm, it’s her sister ships the Stena Embla & Edda. Same ferries though effectively. I gather the deluxe cabin is very popular so you may need to book well in advance if you want that both ways. Cheers, Mark
Hello Mark ... great videos will you be making a Liverpool to belfast via stena line with transport links on how to get to stena line Birkenhead. or could you recommend best route from Liverpool lime st or bus station
Nice video Mark! Yeah, the new Stena Irish Sea ferries are really quite nice, although I've generally found that to be the case with Stena. Only complaint I have with them is the positioning of the car deck in relation to the cabins. You got lucky as it was empty, but when I did the Liverpool to Belfast crossing, it was full and car alarms would go on en masse every 5 minutes. I could hear it from the middle of the ship so I dread to think what it would have been like from the cabins. Other than that though, they're very nice!
Cheers mate! Yes it was a calm crossing as well which obviously helps. I reckon the cabins being where they are, it could well be an issue especially when vehicles are on the open part of the car deck on the stern. Of course they tell everyone to not set their car alarms but there’s always a few idiots that don’t listen or can’t be bothered.
Another great video. I think I watched this video 5 times before I caught the 'Beers for now' pun ! LOL (Always a pleasure to watch your channel ! Keep 'em coming !)
Hi Jim, thanks for the comment. Yes tbh I can't remember whether I gave a duration (apologies if not). I reckon the boat left Holyhead about 23:00 and we got into Belfast a bit late at 08:30. Plenty of time for some sleep!
Hi Sean, many thanks for the kind words. You’ll like the Estrid. When I did it, the Holyhead - Belfast route was obvs a lot longer so I was able to take advantage of the superb cabin overnight. Overall though, it’s a very nice, spacious boat. I’m hopefully going to be doing a few more ferries in the near future and a video will be out on the Douglas - Liverpool crossing with the IoM Steam Packet. Hope you enjoy the channel! Mark
That deluxe cabin was beautiful, and spacious. It was amazing that you were able to explore the various decks. I have done the crossing from Wales to Dublin. It was nice, however I did not book a cabin. It is something to think about in the future. Also it was nice that the ship was not crowded. Wonderful video.
Yes it was a great cabin - my partner was very jealous. I’ve promised her a trip on it, so might do Liverpool - Belfast (out in the day, back overnight) on Stena Embla or Edda which are basically the same ships. I certainly wouldn’t mind another trip on them 😊
I have opted for this ferry to go Holyhead/Dublin very soon. I usually sail with Irish Ferries but the equivalent times would put me on their horrible Epsilon! Urrgghhh. Also had no discount emails from I.F. since Covid started. I've booked Plus lounge there and back so looking forward to it. Thanks for the video.
Hey Chain Saw, no worries hope it helped! I haven’t been on Epsilon, I was thinking about WB Yeats down to Cherbourg next year which is supposed to be a nice ship 👍
Great video. I’ve been looking forward to this video. It was definitely an unusual route for stena line. I believe they were taking advantage of the booming staycation traffic over the peak school holiday season. Definitely one of the better ships. The other 2 that operate the Belfast to Liverpool route are the exact same. ✈️
Thanks AFUK, yes that’s true though it was pretty quiet I must say, when I was on it. I do think if you do the day crossing and book the deluxe cabin, you could get better use out of it possibly. I will probably do a day/night return from Liverpool at some point. Last time I was at the Birkenhead terminal you could park for free though I believe you have to pay for the privilege now!?!
Hey Mark... Nice to see you again... Hey that looks a Trip that I want to do... I will take myself a tin of spinach though 😆 Cheers again 👍..keep them coming 😀
Hey Richard, thanks pal! Yes, I’m recommending this trip to everyone. Well! I should say I’m recommending a different trip with a different ship! But it’s kind of the same experience😂. If you follow that, what I mean in a nutshell is you should do liverpool (Birkenhead) to Belfast on the Stena Edda or Embla. I hope that makes sense 😂
@@LetsMakeaTrip sure does m8.... its the perfect escape for when you just want to relax... I also fancy doing the one from North shields to Norway... DFDS I THINK THAT DOES IT... Apparently the views are stunning going into Norway
@@richardturnbull6333 sounds like a good trip. I know there used to be some kind of route over there but not sure of the details though I haven’t really looked at that area tbh. Let me know if you have any links mate 👍
I went in the first class lounge on a day crossing from Birkenhead to Belfast in 2019. It was worth it for the free snacks and coffee, also because not many people used it, it was quiet and plenty of seating. Wine was available, and I think bottled beer??? But as I was driving on motorways after I disembarked, I didn't have any. Coming back, I did Irish Ferries Dublin to Holyhead; they had a similar first class lounge but charged for the cinema.
Simon, do you reckon there was any limit on the amount of wine/beer you could have? The lounge does look pretty good tbh and, if there were the two of us, that would be a very comfortable crossing for the equivalent (day) price of the deluxe cabin. Cheers.
@@LetsMakeaTrip The buffet/ bar was unmanned - you just helped yourself. Staff replenished supplies from time to time as needed. I suspect that if anybody had become drunk and disorderly, they may have been asked to leave, but as far as I could tell, it was to all intent and purpose unlimited.
Sail rail I think is great value really and I quite fancy doing the train from Belfast to Dublin (or vice-versa) next time, ferry both ways then. Ulysses with Irish Ferries has been suggested which I’m quite keen to try too. Lots of options!
Smashing video. Looking forward to trying it out one day. Maybe returning to Holyhead as I was planning going to Pembrokeshire then onto Dublin from Rosslare, spend some time in Ireland (Ring of Kerry) and then return to Holyhead and onto Anglesey. Won't be anytime soon though. Keep up the good work. Definetely want to try the train to Holyhead too.
Hi John, thanks for the comment. The Pembrokeshire thing, I did it last year from Pembroke to Rosslare just before the pandemic and I don’t mind saying it was a total disaster (well kind of). If you go searching my ‘back catalogue’ when my videos were pretty bad just shot on my old phone and nobody watched them (still don’t 😂), there’s one in there that I did during Storm Jorge. Actually the train from Rosslare to Dublin was the best bit. I would definitely recommend that and you kind of do a circular trip back to Holyhead (although I flew back on that occasion). If you can stand the dodgy footage, it’s worth a look. Cheers.
@@LetsMakeaTrip No problem with the dodgy footage, you showed the journey, warts and all. We've just got back from an eight day Spirit of Scotland trip that was a challenge due to the additional cancellations to the reduced timetable. But superb scenery nonetheless.
Cheers John. Yeh I was thinking about Ulysses when I did this as it does look a great ship (as does WB Yeats). I haven’t been on it so maybe a trip will ‘change my mind’! Always open to suggestions and this is definitely going on the list 👍. All the best, Mark
Looks like a nice ship.... Have you ever been on the "Pont Aven"? (P&O Ferries) I've been on it numerous times - especially the Balcony Cabins! Thanks.
Cheers Bill, yes it was nice, really great cabin. I’ve been on the Pont Aven a few times down to Spain. It’s a Brittany Ferries boat and I’ve been on all their fleet at least once - the joys of chalet camping for years and years! Pont Aven imo is the one ferry that actually looks a bit more like a cruise ship inside with a swimming pool and decent entertainment. Brittany Ferries flagship really. My other favourite ferries of theirs are the classic Bretagne and probably Armorique I would say.
@@LetsMakeaTrip Sorry yes, of course Brittany Ferries, (my bad) although on a couple of occasions we did go on the "Pride of Bilbao" (P&O Ferries) to Bilbao from Portsmouth, (near to where I live) so really convenient. Although that old Tub used to take 36 hours compared to 24 on the Aven! I've even got the Train from Bilbao to Porto, That's some journey! The one time coming back from Santander to Portsmouth it was on the 4th or 5th of November 2013 and it was so rough that even the Barman in the Piano Bar was saying that we shouldn't have sailed! I think it got up to Force 10/11 during the night. I saw many people fall over - and not young either! I have to say I was quite nervous - I even chose to sleep on the floor rather than the bunk! One blessing is I don't get ill, nor does the wife.... Never have luckily! It was so bad that we actually docked in Plymouth and get on the supplied Coach to Portsmouth! Anyway, thanks for the Videos, much appreciated. Ciao.
I've been travelling the Irish Sea crossing for more than 50 - actually closer to 60 years, Starting witrh the Old Belfast Steamship Co on the "Dukes." To be honest, they were pretty awful!! In the last 40 years, I've been travelling as an ex-pat Ulsterman living in Southwest Wales, so travelling to Belfast by motorcycle could be daunting, depending on the weather and route. I've done them all: Fishguard-Rosslare; Pembroke-Rosslare, Holyhead-Dublin; Stranraer-Larne. Most trips have been either Stena or Irish Ferries, but as they are only a four=hour trip (thereabouts), no point in taking a cabin. As I'm much older now, I had been using the Hoyhead-Dublin route to break up the biking distance, but the only problem with that is almost always catching bad weather on the Welsh leg. So I'm now deciding to use the Birkenhead-Belfast route from now on as the road road route is much better (but not so scenic)! That way, I have the bike distance shorter, and with the 8-hour cross-channel route taking 8 hours, I can get a cabin. I have to say that I've never been impressed with either Stena or ISF in the past; I've always found the staffs rathe surly and not over-keen to be pleasant or helpful. In fact, in most cases they could never be found! I'm wondering if the latest crews have had personality training!? This was a well-produced video, enlightening and useful. Well done.
Hi Reg, thanks for the comment and I must say I found this a fascinating read - really interesting. I think I’ve done all the routes as well over the years. Also the Swansea to Cork ferry - remember that!? I think the ferry is very much part of the trip now and for me, comfort and deck space are the two big things. The new Stena eflexers have both and if you ever get the chance, I would recommend the deluxe cabin. They tend to get sold out now quite quickly. I think everyone wants one! The staff were great on this crossing, very helpful as you probably gathered from the video. I’ve been on all the Brittany ferries routes and ships too and I still think the Stena Estrid is hard to beat. All the best, Mark 👍😊
Very nice! Shame the minibar was soft drinks only though, I recall Noel slowly getting drunker on an overnight ferry! How was disembarking? Bus in the car deck again, or footbridge? Looking forward to the next leg!
Yeh, should have brought some vodka on with me (i'll remember next time)! Disembarking was just via a covered walkway (I think), then you're in the terminal, miles away from anywhere with little chance of getting a bus for hours! There's a yellow phone inside where you can call for the fastest taxi drivers in the world. Good luck!
@@simondavey7787 yes and me. I’ve been on that ferry but not in that kind of cabin. Might watch it again actually as I got the impression at the time, he was confined to his cabin? Might be wrong but I didn’t see much else of the ship.
Hi Paul, cheers! I was watching a programme last night about Northern Ireland, and I must venture a bit further afield next time I’m over there. Enniskillen in-particular looked really nice and interesting too. All the best, Mark
@@LetsMakeaTrip Fermanagh and it's loughs are beautiful,also the North Coast,Bushmills,Ballintoy Harbour, Giants causeway & the dark hedges are all a must see 👍
@@paulscarah5467 nice one Paul, thanks. The dark hedges sound interesting. Actually when I think about it, it’s probably best to hire a car would you say? It’s trying to get round all the sights in a reasonable period of time. Great suggestions - much appreciated 👍
this changes everything I was a masters student in International human rights law in QUB and i needed a trip to the International Criminal Court so Know i now there is a nother route across the irish Sea I don't have to go through Scotland
Thanks Roman. Yes check out something like the Direct Ferries website there are plenty of options from Holyhead, Fishguard, Pembroke Dock even Liverpool if you have a car.
@@LetsMakeaTrip it saves me 200 miles through Scotland So I can take the m4 down to teh M25 abd m40 down to the otheer ferry across teh channel and take E30 down to the Hague saves me 4 hours of driving
Sorry I'm late, had a busy week! 😁 I believe the shape of that window is called a rectoval... Sounds like something you need some cream for! 🙈 Excellent video Mark, lots of useful information! Ps. We're the drinks and snacks complimentary? 🥤🚢
Yes that makes sense doesn’t it. There must be loads of other shapes like this: a triancle, oblsquare, hexagle etc etc 🤣 . I did like this ship, pleased to say all the snacks/drinks in the cabin were free - no alcohol included unfortunately, though it sounds like you can pay £20 to drink what you want in the Stena Lounge. I might need to try that one soon!
That certainly looks like an impressive ferry. In your opinion, is the crossing to Dublin worth doing overnight? I like to explore, but also make use of the cabin. I'd be interested in people's thoughts.
Hi Simon, thanks for the comment. The crossing to Dublin (from Holyhead) only takes 3 hours 15 mins, I think there’s a true overnight ferry to Dublin from Liverpool with P&O Ferries high takes about 8 hours. I’ve never been on it so would be interested to hear if anyone has. I’d still do this one with Stena and go down to Dublin on the train afterwards tbh. Cheers, Mark
@LetsMakeaTrip my aunt works for Stena in Belfast so I remember her talking about this route at the time. She probably forgets about it as well to tell you the truth.
Hi Laura, well I would certainly recommend this one. You can get some good deals too if you look around - especially day trips as foot passengers. Scotland has an extensive network on the west coast too.
I prefer the P&O ships the Pride of Hull and Pride of Rotterdam each 60k tons against the DFDS ships the King, Queen , Prince etc as they are only 40k tons which makes a heck of a difference on the North Sea runs.
Hi Yusuf, thanks for your comment. I'm definitely going to do some more, probably not in Belfast yet as I was only really there a few hours this time. My next bus will be between Riga and Tallinn next month which is going to be really exciting by the looks of it and I've also got a couple of others planned in the UK as well. Watch this space!
Hi Anders, cheers for the comment. The atrium area certainly makes the interior more spacious (as you would expect). Also I liked the amount of deck space compared to some of the other Stena ferries that used to run on the Birkenhead- Belfast route not so long ago. What would you change externally if you had the chance?
@@LetsMakeaTrip My problem with them is the side profile of what you calll it in English. They are not bad looking but just very basic. But I do realise that its just a cookie cutter design so Stena Line can make them cheap. Irish Ferries has some more interesting design in their ferries and the new Aura and Luna Seaways for DFDS Seaways also looks more interesting.
Hi CC, I believe it’s a separate part of the ferry designated for the exclusive use of lorry drivers making the crossing. They probably get food and drink in there as well.
I did point that out (see 2:28) as it can be confusing for people who don’t know - especially when it’s advertised as sailing to/from Liverpool. Personally, having sailed from the Birkenhead Terminal in the past I think it’s much easier and you could park for free in those days too. AFIK the only ferries that use the Liverpool side are the IOM Steam Packet fast ferry and P&O to Dublin a bit further up the shore. The latter isn’t accepting foot passengers either otherwise I’d try it. All the best, Mark
@@LetsMakeaTrip hi mark yes I did realise that when I went back sorry mate. I agree it’s a lot quieter over our side it’s so much easier to park still although I’m not sure if you now have to pay. I binge watched your channel last night after finding it and I absolutely love it mark you seem to be a man interested in all the same stuff as me especially coaches trains and planes awesome stuff take care mate and keep up the great work 🙌
Also mark there is sea truck operating out of Liverpool to Dublin to and the Isle of Man ferry (Ben my chree) docks of a weekend on the waterfront where the Stena lines dock and does the Douglas Wirral crossing 👍
Yes I remember the slow boat to the IOM moored up there. I go to the football sometimes and coming up from Chester, if I’ve got time, I’ll get off at Hamilton Square, walk down to the ferry and go across to pier Head from there. Some great views of the boats too! I’d love to go on the Sea Truck but I’m presuming it’s freight only?
People who are kinky and want to say theyve done it at sea are probably using that cabin, so it feels a bit icky, if I was travelling alone I'd rather just a normal cabin, thanks
As an autistic and socially anxious person this really helped me, knowing where to go and how everything is done is making me feel a lot more calmer about my small trip to Ireland next month!
Hi, I was in charge of the interior part of this ship. If you have any comments or advice, please let me know.
Hello Jun - well it has a wonderful interior (imo), because I think it's really important for passenger comfort that there is space (both inside and out) on a longer journey and this vessel has it. I believe the other e-flexer ferries - Edda and Embla are now on the Liverpool - Belfast route. So it seems to me to have been well thought out in that respect.
The one thing I would say about the deluxe cabins is that they are great inside, nice furnishing and big but the deck area they open out to is not private. Therefore, anyone can effectively wander into the cabin if the door isn't shut properly (this happened to me). They don't have to be sectioned off as I'm not expecting a separate balcony or anything like that, but Stena could easily put a sign on the outside of the door that says 'private - no entry' or something like that.
Cheers Jun and thanks for commenting. All the best, Mark
Fun trip! Thanks for sharing!!!🚢
Hello Mark.
Recently made the trip from Holyhead to Dublin on the Stena Estrid. Excellen ferry and crew. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly recommended.
Love your videos. Keep up the good work.
Cheers John. I really liked this ferry. Shame it doesn't do the Holyhead - Belfast route anymore but it was a bit of a short-lived thing at the time.
Lovely ferry top class cabin, very interesting. 👍🏻😎
Cheers Michael, yes best cabin I’ve had that was 👍
Lovely journey thanks for taking me along,stay safe and look forward to seeing your next video.
Hi Simon, it’s a pleasure, glad you enjoyed it. I’m flying back to BHX next with Aer Lingus and then that’s the end of my long weekend of travelling. I’m in Malta next then Latvia, Estonia and Finland. Then Portugal and Spain so hopefully some decent content to film and keep you all interested 😊👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip Sounds wonderful only wish that I could be there myself, will be keen to see your videos, good luck and keep well, cheers.
That cabin was one of the nicest ones I have seen
Hi Dan, yeh it’s pretty smart. I’ve been meaning to book it again though it’s proving quite popular atm!
Thank you for making this video. We will be travelling the Liverpool-Belfat route on the sister ships in a few weeks. My little boy is Autistic so we have been showing him what the boat will be like - this has helped him (and therefore us) enormously, so thank you! Though he might get a bit of a let down with the inside 4 berth cabin we have booked instead!!
Hi Rachel, thanks for the comment. Great to know the videos are useful. The deluxe cabins are quite sought after now (there aren’t that many on the boat unfortunately and they are really nice!). But these ships are pretty good overall with lots of stuff to do. Have a great trip, I’m sure your son will enjoy it 😊👍
Hi Mark, recently discovered your channel and am really enjoying making my way through your videos. This is my favourite so far, really enjoyed seeing the cabin and the 'balcony'. Love d this video and your sleeper train video, really enjoy seeing the accomodation. Looking forward to more videos 😀👍🏻
Hi Stacey, thanks for the comment and I’m glad you’re enjoying my stuff! I really enjoyed this ferry, I’ve got a couple more coming up soon as well. The sleeper train, again I think it’s better than the Caledonian Sleeper though I’m thinking about taking that again soon - maybe up to Rannoch! All the best, Mark
Hi Mark commenting again, another great route for me to take to get to Belfast (I would be leaving from Liverpool though) and certainly a good option if I want to take the car to drive round instead of having to hire one. Really appreciate being able to see alternative ways of transport in and around the UK, whether that be small regional airlines, trains or ferries as opposed to the usual on TH-cam of someone being in a £10k first class plane cabin which unfortunately isn't a realistic option for most of us.
Yep, totally agree. I started off watching Paul Lucas & Noel Phillips on here, both of which I enjoy because they’ve put a lot of effort in to get where they are and do mix it up a bit as opposed to the likes of Sam Chui who’s really just advertising the airlines product! I sub to both their channels but also some lesser channels who have lower sub counts like myself but that doesn’t mean they’re not making great content. Also, they tend to engage with their followers more (which I like and try to do myself). I guess you must get to a point though where it’s really difficult to keep on track with it all - especially if you’re doing it all on your own. I’ll post-up some of the channels I sub to on my community page at some point and maybe others can add to the list?
Anyway, I can’t afford to travel in business all the time 😂 so yeh, there may be the odd fancy flight coming up but most of what you’re gonna get is low cost trains, ferries and coaches etc! The Stena Estrid btw isn’t doing the Liverpool (Birkenhead) to Belfast route atm, it’s her sister ships the Stena Embla & Edda. Same ferries though effectively. I gather the deluxe cabin is very popular so you may need to book well in advance if you want that both ways.
Cheers, Mark
Hello Mark ... great videos will you be making a Liverpool to belfast via stena line with transport links on how to get to stena line Birkenhead. or could you recommend best route from Liverpool lime st or bus station
Nice video Mark! Yeah, the new Stena Irish Sea ferries are really quite nice, although I've generally found that to be the case with Stena. Only complaint I have with them is the positioning of the car deck in relation to the cabins. You got lucky as it was empty, but when I did the Liverpool to Belfast crossing, it was full and car alarms would go on en masse every 5 minutes. I could hear it from the middle of the ship so I dread to think what it would have been like from the cabins. Other than that though, they're very nice!
Cheers mate! Yes it was a calm crossing as well which obviously helps. I reckon the cabins being where they are, it could well be an issue especially when vehicles are on the open part of the car deck on the stern. Of course they tell everyone to not set their car alarms but there’s always a few idiots that don’t listen or can’t be bothered.
@@LetsMakeaTrip Hahaha, it was more than a few on my crossings 😅
Sounds like the North Shields International Ferry World is miles along the River Tyne from North Shields.
Another great video. I think I watched this video 5 times before I caught the 'Beers for now' pun ! LOL (Always a pleasure to watch your channel ! Keep 'em coming !)
Haha, cheers! I think you’re the only one who’s spotted it - my very poor attempt at ‘humour’ 🤣
@@LetsMakeaTrip I'm still trying to get over the 'baby changing' joke in a previous video ... :)
@@anianoenrique2115 haha! Yeh, I’m not sure if many people laughed but kudos for spotting it 😂
Very nice indeed. In my day the ferries were 3,500 tons ( Inused to work on them)
Cheers Jim, appreciate the comment and good to hear from someone who used to work on the old ferries 😊👍
Mark, thanks for this interesting video, but I missed the duration,if you told us from departure to do king in Belfast.
Hi Jim, thanks for the comment. Yes tbh I can't remember whether I gave a duration (apologies if not). I reckon the boat left Holyhead about 23:00 and we got into Belfast a bit late at 08:30. Plenty of time for some sleep!
I had that exact same cabin on the Edda for a day sailing from Belfast to Liverpool.
It’s worth every penny !
It’s very nice yes, they’re quite popular too so if I do it again I’ll be looking well in advance. Cheers for the comment 😊👍
What a ship!!
Excellent 👍💖😇👊😍☀️😀🥳😁😁
Thank you Derisley as always. Your support is much appreciated 😊👍
Hi Mark. I've booked on the estrid for a trip to England this weekend. This video was excellent, I really enjoyed it. Big fan of your channel now!
Hi Sean, many thanks for the kind words. You’ll like the Estrid. When I did it, the Holyhead - Belfast route was obvs a lot longer so I was able to take advantage of the superb cabin overnight. Overall though, it’s a very nice, spacious boat. I’m hopefully going to be doing a few more ferries in the near future and a video will be out on the Douglas - Liverpool crossing with the IoM Steam Packet. Hope you enjoy the channel! Mark
Just to add to last message.... bus takes you directly from Newcastle to North shields for departure to Norway on DFDS buses mate 👍
Hi Richard, cheers mate. I think I missed your last message sorry but I’ll check it out tonight when I get in. All sounds quite interesting!
Lol so Amsterdam is in Norway now :-)
Stena Estrid is one of the new Chinese built E-FLEXER class ferries several ferry companies have purchased recently...
Yes there’s a few now (Edda, Embla, Estrid).
Another company that goes down the cheap "made in China" route........ there's plenty of shipyards in the UK and Europe.
That deluxe cabin was beautiful, and spacious. It was amazing that you were able to explore the various decks. I have done the crossing from Wales to Dublin. It was nice, however I did not book a cabin. It is something to think about in the future. Also it was nice that the ship was not crowded. Wonderful video.
Yes it was a great cabin - my partner was very jealous. I’ve promised her a trip on it, so might do Liverpool - Belfast (out in the day, back overnight) on Stena Embla or Edda which are basically the same ships. I certainly wouldn’t mind another trip on them 😊
I have opted for this ferry to go Holyhead/Dublin very soon.
I usually sail with Irish Ferries but the equivalent times would put me on their horrible Epsilon! Urrgghhh. Also had no discount emails from I.F. since Covid started.
I've booked Plus lounge there and back so looking forward to it.
Thanks for the video.
Hey Chain Saw, no worries hope it helped! I haven’t been on Epsilon, I was thinking about WB Yeats down to Cherbourg next year which is supposed to be a nice ship 👍
Great video. I’ve been looking forward to this video. It was definitely an unusual route for stena line. I believe they were taking advantage of the booming staycation traffic over the peak school holiday season. Definitely one of the better ships. The other 2 that operate the Belfast to Liverpool route are the exact same. ✈️
Thanks AFUK, yes that’s true though it was pretty quiet I must say, when I was on it. I do think if you do the day crossing and book the deluxe cabin, you could get better use out of it possibly. I will probably do a day/night return from Liverpool at some point. Last time I was at the Birkenhead terminal you could park for free though I believe you have to pay for the privilege now!?!
Hey Mark... Nice to see you again...
Hey that looks a Trip that I want to do... I will take myself a tin of spinach though 😆
Cheers again 👍..keep them coming 😀
Hey Richard, thanks pal! Yes, I’m recommending this trip to everyone. Well! I should say I’m recommending a different trip with a different ship! But it’s kind of the same experience😂. If you follow that, what I mean in a nutshell is you should do liverpool (Birkenhead) to Belfast on the Stena Edda or Embla. I hope that makes sense 😂
@@LetsMakeaTrip sure does m8.... its the perfect escape for when you just want to relax... I also fancy doing the one from North shields to Norway... DFDS I THINK THAT DOES IT...
Apparently the views are stunning going into Norway
@@richardturnbull6333 sounds like a good trip. I know there used to be some kind of route over there but not sure of the details though I haven’t really looked at that area tbh. Let me know if you have any links mate 👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip Will do m8.
I went in the first class lounge on a day crossing from Birkenhead to Belfast in 2019. It was worth it for the free snacks and coffee, also because not many people used it, it was quiet and plenty of seating. Wine was available, and I think bottled beer??? But as I was driving on motorways after I disembarked, I didn't have any. Coming back, I did Irish Ferries Dublin to Holyhead; they had a similar first class lounge but charged for the cinema.
Simon, do you reckon there was any limit on the amount of wine/beer you could have? The lounge does look pretty good tbh and, if there were the two of us, that would be a very comfortable crossing for the equivalent (day) price of the deluxe cabin. Cheers.
@@LetsMakeaTrip The buffet/ bar was unmanned - you just helped yourself. Staff replenished supplies from time to time as needed. I suspect that if anybody had become drunk and disorderly, they may have been asked to leave, but as far as I could tell, it was to all intent and purpose unlimited.
They might also ask if you're driving if they see you drinking a lot.
@@simonc7947 Right, I need to review this. IMMEDIATELY 🤣
@@LetsMakeaTrip I accept no responsibility if the policy has changed "due to Covid"
Great Video Mark!
I need to do Stena across to Ireland at some point!
Sail rail I think is great value really and I quite fancy doing the train from Belfast to Dublin (or vice-versa) next time, ferry both ways then. Ulysses with Irish Ferries has been suggested which I’m quite keen to try too. Lots of options!
Smashing video. Looking forward to trying it out one day. Maybe returning to Holyhead as I was planning going to Pembrokeshire then onto Dublin from Rosslare, spend some time in Ireland (Ring of Kerry) and then return to Holyhead and onto Anglesey. Won't be anytime soon though. Keep up the good work. Definetely want to try the train to Holyhead too.
Hi John, thanks for the comment. The Pembrokeshire thing, I did it last year from Pembroke to Rosslare just before the pandemic and I don’t mind saying it was a total disaster (well kind of). If you go searching my ‘back catalogue’ when my videos were pretty bad just shot on my old phone and nobody watched them (still don’t 😂), there’s one in there that I did during Storm Jorge. Actually the train from Rosslare to Dublin was the best bit. I would definitely recommend that and you kind of do a circular trip back to Holyhead (although I flew back on that occasion). If you can stand the dodgy footage, it’s worth a look. Cheers.
@@LetsMakeaTrip No problem with the dodgy footage, you showed the journey, warts and all. We've just got back from an eight day Spirit of Scotland trip that was a challenge due to the additional cancellations to the reduced timetable. But superb scenery nonetheless.
Great video!
Its a lovely ferry no doubt , but for me , ya can't beat Ulysses. Great video by the way👍
Cheers John. Yeh I was thinking about Ulysses when I did this as it does look a great ship (as does WB Yeats). I haven’t been on it so maybe a trip will ‘change my mind’! Always open to suggestions and this is definitely going on the list 👍. All the best, Mark
Looks like a nice ship.... Have you ever been on the "Pont Aven"? (P&O Ferries) I've been on it numerous times - especially the Balcony Cabins! Thanks.
Cheers Bill, yes it was nice, really great cabin. I’ve been on the Pont Aven a few times down to Spain. It’s a Brittany Ferries boat and I’ve been on all their fleet at least once - the joys of chalet camping for years and years! Pont Aven imo is the one ferry that actually looks a bit more like a cruise ship inside with a swimming pool and decent entertainment. Brittany Ferries flagship really. My other favourite ferries of theirs are the classic Bretagne and probably Armorique I would say.
@@LetsMakeaTrip Sorry yes, of course Brittany Ferries, (my bad) although on a couple of occasions we did go on the "Pride of Bilbao" (P&O Ferries) to Bilbao from Portsmouth, (near to where I live) so really convenient. Although that old Tub used to take 36 hours compared to 24 on the Aven! I've even got the Train from Bilbao to Porto, That's some journey!
The one time coming back from Santander to Portsmouth it was on the 4th or 5th of November 2013 and it was so rough that even the Barman in the Piano Bar was saying that we shouldn't have sailed! I think it got up to Force 10/11 during the night. I saw many people fall over - and not young either! I have to say I was quite nervous - I even chose to sleep on the floor rather than the bunk! One blessing is I don't get ill, nor does the wife.... Never have luckily!
It was so bad that we actually docked in Plymouth and get on the supplied Coach to Portsmouth!
Anyway, thanks for the Videos, much appreciated. Ciao.
I've been travelling the Irish Sea crossing for more than 50 - actually closer to 60 years, Starting witrh the Old Belfast Steamship Co on the "Dukes." To be honest, they were pretty awful!! In the last 40 years, I've been travelling as an ex-pat Ulsterman living in Southwest Wales, so travelling to Belfast by motorcycle could be daunting, depending on the weather and route. I've done them all: Fishguard-Rosslare; Pembroke-Rosslare, Holyhead-Dublin; Stranraer-Larne. Most trips have been either Stena or Irish Ferries, but as they are only a four=hour trip (thereabouts), no point in taking a cabin. As I'm much older now, I had been using the Hoyhead-Dublin route to break up the biking distance, but the only problem with that is almost always catching bad weather on the Welsh leg. So I'm now deciding to use the Birkenhead-Belfast route from now on as the road road route is much better (but not so scenic)! That way, I have the bike distance shorter, and with the 8-hour cross-channel route taking 8 hours, I can get a cabin.
I have to say that I've never been impressed with either Stena or ISF in the past; I've always found the staffs rathe surly and not over-keen to be pleasant or helpful. In fact, in most cases they could never be found! I'm wondering if the latest crews have had personality training!?
This was a well-produced video, enlightening and useful. Well done.
Hi Reg, thanks for the comment and I must say I found this a fascinating read - really interesting. I think I’ve done all the routes as well over the years. Also the Swansea to Cork ferry - remember that!? I think the ferry is very much part of the trip now and for me, comfort and deck space are the two big things. The new Stena eflexers have both and if you ever get the chance, I would recommend the deluxe cabin. They tend to get sold out now quite quickly. I think everyone wants one! The staff were great on this crossing, very helpful as you probably gathered from the video. I’ve been on all the Brittany ferries routes and ships too and I still think the Stena Estrid is hard to beat. All the best, Mark 👍😊
Very nice! Shame the minibar was soft drinks only though, I recall Noel slowly getting drunker on an overnight ferry! How was disembarking? Bus in the car deck again, or footbridge? Looking forward to the next leg!
Yeh, should have brought some vodka on with me (i'll remember next time)! Disembarking was just via a covered walkway (I think), then you're in the terminal, miles away from anywhere with little chance of getting a bus for hours! There's a yellow phone inside where you can call for the fastest taxi drivers in the world. Good luck!
I remember that video with Noel; it was entertaining! I was impressed with this ferry.
@@simondavey7787 yes and me. I’ve been on that ferry but not in that kind of cabin. Might watch it again actually as I got the impression at the time, he was confined to his cabin? Might be wrong but I didn’t see much else of the ship.
Welcome to Belfast,Northern Ireland is such an underated Country
Hi Paul, cheers! I was watching a programme last night about Northern Ireland, and I must venture a bit further afield next time I’m over there. Enniskillen in-particular looked really nice and interesting too. All the best, Mark
@@LetsMakeaTrip Fermanagh and it's loughs are beautiful,also the North Coast,Bushmills,Ballintoy Harbour, Giants causeway & the dark hedges are all a must see 👍
@@paulscarah5467 nice one Paul, thanks. The dark hedges sound interesting. Actually when I think about it, it’s probably best to hire a car would you say? It’s trying to get round all the sights in a reasonable period of time. Great suggestions - much appreciated 👍
this changes everything I was a masters student in International human rights law in QUB and i needed a trip to the International Criminal Court so Know i now there is a nother route across the irish Sea I don't have to go through Scotland
Thanks Roman. Yes check out something like the Direct Ferries website there are plenty of options from Holyhead, Fishguard, Pembroke Dock even Liverpool if you have a car.
@@LetsMakeaTrip it saves me 200 miles through Scotland So I can take the m4 down to teh M25 abd m40 down to the otheer ferry across teh channel and take E30 down to the Hague saves me 4 hours of driving
Sorry I'm late, had a busy week! 😁 I believe the shape of that window is called a rectoval... Sounds like something you need some cream for! 🙈
Excellent video Mark, lots of useful information! Ps. We're the drinks and snacks complimentary? 🥤🚢
Yes that makes sense doesn’t it. There must be loads of other shapes like this: a triancle, oblsquare, hexagle etc etc 🤣 . I did like this ship, pleased to say all the snacks/drinks in the cabin were free - no alcohol included unfortunately, though it sounds like you can pay £20 to drink what you want in the Stena Lounge. I might need to try that one soon!
"Oi Oi" It's you again, this will be, er, erm fun lol
I hope you enjoyed it Didderly - one of my favourite trips this was!
@@LetsMakeaTrip As it happens, I did.
@@Didderlyhaha, good man 😊👍
That certainly looks like an impressive ferry. In your opinion, is the crossing to Dublin worth doing overnight? I like to explore, but also make use of the cabin. I'd be interested in people's thoughts.
Hi Simon, thanks for the comment. The crossing to Dublin (from Holyhead) only takes 3 hours 15 mins, I think there’s a true overnight ferry to Dublin from Liverpool with P&O Ferries high takes about 8 hours. I’ve never been on it so would be interested to hear if anyone has. I’d still do this one with Stena and go down to Dublin on the train afterwards tbh. Cheers, Mark
That cabin looks great! Nice ship - shame it was built in China - we used to have a great shipbuilding industry...
Yep, fantastic cabin that was and certainly needed after a long day!
Hi Mark. I've been watching your videos for a few days now and it suddenly occurred to me that I'd not subscribed. That's remedied now.
Hi Tudor, many thanks for the sub and the comment. Much appreciated and I’m glad you’re enjoying the content 😊👍
I kinda forgot that this route existed for a few weeks
Yep, Estrid now working the usual Holyhead - Dublin crossing.
@LetsMakeaTrip my aunt works for Stena in Belfast so I remember her talking about this route at the time. She probably forgets about it as well to tell you the truth.
The window is oval or more correctly ovoid
Never been on a ferry before
Hi Laura, well I would certainly recommend this one. You can get some good deals too if you look around - especially day trips as foot passengers. Scotland has an extensive network on the west coast too.
I prefer the P&O ships the Pride of Hull and Pride of Rotterdam each 60k tons against the DFDS ships the King, Queen , Prince etc as they are only 40k tons which makes a heck of a difference on the North Sea runs.
I will hopefully be trying that out next year 👍
Window is elliptical.
Can you do a bus video when you are in Belfast
Hi Yusuf, thanks for your comment. I'm definitely going to do some more, probably not in Belfast yet as I was only really there a few hours this time. My next bus will be between Riga and Tallinn next month which is going to be really exciting by the looks of it and I've also got a couple of others planned in the UK as well. Watch this space!
@@LetsMakeaTrip okay thanks
The window shape is obloval
Maybe they are beautiful from the inside but I think the E-Flexers are so dull looking from the outside.
Hi Anders, cheers for the comment. The atrium area certainly makes the interior more spacious (as you would expect). Also I liked the amount of deck space compared to some of the other Stena ferries that used to run on the Birkenhead- Belfast route not so long ago. What would you change externally if you had the chance?
@@LetsMakeaTrip My problem with them is the side profile of what you calll it in English.
They are not bad looking but just very basic.
But I do realise that its just a cookie cutter design so Stena Line can make them cheap.
Irish Ferries has some more interesting design in their ferries and the new Aura and Luna Seaways for DFDS Seaways also looks more interesting.
@@anderslarsen6009 yep, quite fancy the Irish ferries Dublin-Cherbourg route with W B Yeats at some point. That looks a nice ship!
What is a truckers lounge?
Hi CC, I believe it’s a separate part of the ferry designated for the exclusive use of lorry drivers making the crossing. They probably get food and drink in there as well.
Hi mate it’s not Liverpool it’s from Birkenhead stena terminal 100% not Liverpool 😂❤️
I did point that out (see 2:28) as it can be confusing for people who don’t know - especially when it’s advertised as sailing to/from Liverpool. Personally, having sailed from the Birkenhead Terminal in the past I think it’s much easier and you could park for free in those days too. AFIK the only ferries that use the Liverpool side are the IOM Steam Packet fast ferry and P&O to Dublin a bit further up the shore. The latter isn’t accepting foot passengers either otherwise I’d try it. All the best, Mark
@@LetsMakeaTrip hi mark yes I did realise that when I went back sorry mate.
I agree it’s a lot quieter over our side it’s so much easier to park still although I’m not sure if you now have to pay.
I binge watched your channel last night after finding it and I absolutely love it mark you seem to be a man interested in all the same stuff as me especially coaches trains and planes awesome stuff take care mate and keep up the great work 🙌
Also mark there is sea truck operating out of Liverpool to Dublin to and the Isle of Man ferry (Ben my chree) docks of a weekend on the waterfront where the Stena lines dock and does the Douglas Wirral crossing 👍
Ah cheers mate, thanks for watching. Don’t go back too far though, I think the quality of some of the early mobile phone stuff isn’t great tbh 😂
Yes I remember the slow boat to the IOM moored up there. I go to the football sometimes and coming up from Chester, if I’ve got time, I’ll get off at Hamilton Square, walk down to the ferry and go across to pier Head from there. Some great views of the boats too! I’d love to go on the Sea Truck but I’m presuming it’s freight only?
Try working on it
No thanks 😊
The Estrid sails Holyhead Dublin not Belfast she was covering drydock of the superfasts a few years back
People who are kinky and want to say theyve done it at sea are probably using that cabin, so it feels a bit icky, if I was travelling alone I'd rather just a normal cabin, thanks
Yeh but people who are cheapskates and ALSO kinky are probably using your normal cabin too! Any port in a storm 😂