PLAIN SAILING
4.5
4.5
Date of visit: July 2025
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Excellent
This is our third time sailing with the Stena ferry on the Hoek van Holland-Harwich line. Each time, the stand-out factor for me has been the staff and their attitude towards me; they always addressed me directly and were so friendly and helpful; they couldn’t do enough to help on each of the three crossings I’ve been on. We booked a disabled cabin on the website which was really easy; we booked a 2 berth disabled cabin for a day crossing. On arrival, we were directed to the accessible parking area close to the lift; the boarding process was smooth and easy with space left for our ramp to unfold, I then accessed the lift via a steep but manageable ramp. The waiting area for the lift can get crowded but staff are around to help. My powerchair had space to get down the corridor to the cabin which opened via automatic doors. My only small suggestion might be that the initial turn into the cabin is a bit tight and I managed, however, there was evidence from the scuffs on the end of the bed that others had also found this to be a slight issue. Other than that the cabin was great with TV, kettle and coffee-making equipment available and easy-reach light- switches, the bed was comfortable for a stretch out and there was quite a lot of space in the shower room which had grab rails and a red cord and an emergency help button by the bed. There was also a full length mirror at a wheelchair friendly height. The restaurant areas were very accessible with lots of space for me to manoeuvre around tables, again, staff were amazing, friendly and very helpful. I was able to access the outer deck easily via automatic doors. From both the outside and inner deck areas, I had a great view of the sea from my powerchair. Disembarking was very crowded around the lift area but a member of staff took us to a different lift and told us that if we sailed again, we could just go to the Information Desk 10 minutes before unloading and a member of staff would take us off first to avoid the crowds and give us a bit longer to load up. I really enjoyed this crossing and I loved how so much effort has been made to ensure that you don’t have to worry about anything, you can just enjoy the exciting adventure of travelling somewhere new. Thank you Stena.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
It was easy to get around with space for my powerchair to manoeuvre; restaurant area and outer decks were great. The shop was a bit difficult for me to turn in the aisle as there were so many products crammed in, on a busier crossing, I would have had little chance of manoeuvring and would probably have avoided the shop. Elsewhere though, access was really good.
Parking & Transport
Good
We drove on but you can get trains directly to the ports if foot/wheelchair passengers but their accessibility isn’t always guaranteed on the UK side if replacement buses need to be used for works etc. Both ports have disabled toilets and are apparently accessible but I didn’t go inside. I never actually had to leave the car, even for Border Control, they came to me. Direction was given from checking-in to arriving at the disabled parking space next to the lift on the boat so parking was easy; they also left plenty of space for my ramp at the back to exit.
Accessible Toilets
Good
The disabled toilet next to the restaurant was really good, well-sign-posted with automatic doors, lots of space, it was very clean, had grab rails and a red cord, one at a lower horizontal level. The disabled cabin had an accessible shower and toilet, sorry, lost the photos for this but it was clean, functional and had enough space with grab rails and red cord.
Staff
Excellent
Staff were amazing: lovely and helpful and would restore your faith in human nature: they made the whole experience even better!
Additional Information
There were lots of hand sanitisers available throughout. Loved this sailing, can't recommend it enough!
