Which is Better: Irish Ferries or Stena Line?

Finding the Best Irish Sea Ferry Option & How to Save on Your Booking

Travelling between Great Britain and Ireland has never been more convenient, thanks to Irish Ferries and Stena Line, the two leading ferry operators on the Irish Sea. Whether you're planning a family holiday, a business trip, or a scenic road trip, choosing the right ferry service can make all the difference in comfort, cost, and overall experience.

For many travellers, the decision comes down to which ferry operator offers the best routes, pricing, onboard experience, and reliability. But beyond these factors, savvy passengers are also looking for ways to save money on their ferry bookings—and that’s where we come in.

Why Choosing the Right Ferry Operator Matters

Booking a ferry crossing is more than just picking a route—it's about ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey. Factors like:

• Travel time & frequency – Does the ferry schedule fit your plans?
• Cost-effectiveness – Which operator provides better value for money?
• Onboard facilities – Will you have access to food, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating?
• Reliability & customer service – How well does each company handle delays or cancellations?

Whether you're travelling as a foot passenger, with a vehicle, or even with pets, comparing these elements is crucial in choosing the best ferry for your needs.

Why Finding the Best Deal is Essential

Ferry crossings can vary in price depending on:

• Seasonality (prices rise during summer and peak holiday periods).
• Time of booking (early bookings often secure lower fares).
• Passenger numbers (travelling with a car, family, or pets can add extra costs).

With the right discount codes, you can reduce these costs significantly, making ferry travel more affordable while still enjoying a comfortable and stress-free journey.

How Voucher Codes Can Help You Save on Your Booking

At My Favourite Voucher Codes, we specialise in finding and sharing the latest ferry discounts. Whether you’re booking a one-way, return, or multiple crossings, our Stena Line discount codes and Irish Ferries discount codes help passengers save money instantly at checkout.

By applying a discount code when booking online, you can access exclusive savings on ferry crossings, including:

• Percentage discounts on ticket prices
• Special promotions for vehicle and family bookings
• Kids go free offers
• Seasonal and holiday deals

Save Money & Support Charity at the Same Time

What makes booking through our platform even better? Every time you use one of our voucher codes, you’re not just saving money—you’re giving back to a good cause.

We donate 20% of our profits to charity every month, meaning your ferry savings help support important causes, from healthcare initiatives to environmental charities.

So, whether you choose Irish Ferries or Stena Line, you can travel for less while making a difference—a win-win for both your wallet and the world.

Stena Line vs. Irish Ferries – A Head-to-Head Comparison

A breakdown of key differences to help travellers make an informed decision.

Routes & Destinations

Choosing the right ferry service starts with finding the most convenient route. While both Stena Line and Irish Ferries connect Great Britain with Ireland, Stena Line offers more route options.

Main Routes Across the Irish Sea

Which Company Offers More Routes & Greater Flexibility?

• Stena Line offers more route options, including Belfast sailings, which Irish Ferries does not provide.
• Irish Ferries provides a fast ferry option (Dublin Swift), making it the quicker choice for Holyhead-Dublin travel.
• If you’re traveling to or from Belfast, Stena Line is your only choice.

Money-Saving Tip: Use our Stena Line offer codes and Irish Ferries promotional codes to cut costs on your booking.

Pricing & Affordability

Ticket Prices & Seasonal Pricing Trends

Ferry fares fluctuate depending on demand, seasonality, and booking time. Prices tend to be higher during peak holiday periods.

Family & Car Travel Costs – Which Offers Better Value?

• Irish Ferries: Offers kids go free promotions during certain seasons.
• Stena Line: Provides discounted vehicle fares, particularly on longer crossings.

Available Discounts & Promotions

• Advance booking deals
• Loyalty programs (Irish Ferries Club & Stena Line Extra)
• Vehicle & passenger bundle offers

Save More: Check our Irish Ferries and Stenaline discount codes to reduce your ticket price.

Onboard Experience & Facilities

Cabins & Seating Options – Which Provides More Comfort?

• Irish Ferries: Standard, premium, and club-class seating, as well as private cabins with en-suite facilities.
• Stena Line: A wider range of cabin choices, including luxury Stena Plus lounges and family-friendly areas.

Food, Shopping & Entertainment – What’s Available Onboard?

Booking Process & Customer Service

Ease of Online Booking Platforms

Both ferry operators provide user-friendly online booking systems, allowing passengers to choose departure times, ticket types, and seating preferences.

Cancellation & Refund Policies – Which is More Flexible?

Reliability & Travel Time

Average Sailing Durations for Each Route

Whichever ferry you choose, book with one of our voucher codes to save on your ticket price!

Pros and Cons of Irish Ferries and Stena Line

An objective look at the advantages and disadvantages of each operator.

Irish Ferries

Irish Ferries has long been a popular choice for travellers crossing between Ireland and Great Britain. Known for its mix of standard and fast ferry services, it provides a quick and efficient way to travel across the Irish Sea.

Pros of Irish Ferries

• Offers both standard and fast ferry options on some routes
  - The Dublin Swift fast ferry provides a shorter journey time on the Holyhead-Dublin route (2 hours 15 minutes).
  - The Ulysses ferry offers ample space and comfort on the same route.
• Competitive pricing with various promotional offers
  - Special promotions include:
  - Kids go free deals
  - Discounted vehicle fares
  - Loyalty program benefits (Irish Ferries Club)
• Positive reviews for onboard amenities and comfort
  - Modern facilities, including:
  - Comfortable seating & cabin options
  - A variety of restaurants & cafes
  - Entertainment for families & children
  - Duty-free shopping

Cons of Irish Ferries

• Limited route options compared to competitors
  - Only operates two key routes:
  - Holyhead → Dublin
  - Pembroke → Rosslare
  - If you're travelling to Belfast, Irish Ferries is not an option.
• Some users report mixed experiences with customer service
  - Issues reported include:
  - Refunds & cancellations
  - Booking amendments
  - Communication during delays

Want to save on Irish Ferries tickets? Use our latest Irish Ferries voucher codes to secure the lowest price on your next booking!

Stena Line

Stena Line is one of the largest ferry operators in Europe, offering a more extensive route network and highly rated onboard facilities. If you're looking for flexibility, comfort, and reliability, Stena Line may be the better choice.

Pros of Stena Line

• Extensive route network, offering greater flexibility
  - Stena Line operates more Irish Sea routes, including:
  - Holyhead - Dublin
  - Fishguard - Rosslare
  - Cairnryan - Belfast
  - Liverpool - Belfast
• High ratings for cleanliness & onboard facilities
  - Clean, modern, and well-maintained vessels
  - Luxury lounges (Stena Plus)
  - Quiet areas & family-friendly zones
  - Comfortable cabins with en-suite facilities
  - Entertainment options, including onboard cinemas
• Reputation for reliability & punctuality
  - Punctual sailings and a well-maintained fleet
  - More stable in rough weather conditions compared to smaller fast ferries

Cons of Stena Line

• Pricing can be higher on certain routes
  - Some routes, like Liverpool - Belfast, tend to be more expensive.
  - However, our Stena Line voucher codes can help you save.
• Limited availability of faster ferry services
  - Unlike Irish Ferries, Stena Line does not currently offer a fast ferry service on the Holyhead-Dublin route.
  - If speed is your priority, Irish Ferries' Dublin Swift is the better choice.

Looking to book with Stena Line? Check out our latest Stena discount codes to save on your next ferry trip!

Which Ferry Operator is Right for You?

• Choose Irish Ferries if:
  • You want the fastest ferry option (Dublin Swift).
  • You're looking for budget-friendly fares with frequent promotions.
  • You don’t need to travel to Belfast or Liverpool.
• Choose Stena Line if:
  • You want more route options (including Belfast & Liverpool).
  • You value cleanliness, onboard luxury, and reliability.
  • You need flexible departure times & a stable schedule.

No matter which ferry you choose, you can book for less with our latest voucher codes!

How to Get the Best Deal on Irish Ferries & Stena Line

Top tips to save money when booking your ferry crossing.

Using Voucher Codes to Save on Irish Sea Ferry Crossings

Voucher codes are a simple yet powerful way to lower the cost of ferry travel. Whether you’re a solo traveller, a family, or a driver taking your vehicle on board, discount codes can provide instant savings at checkout.

Where to Find the Latest Stena Line & Irish Ferries Voucher Codes

At My Favourite Voucher Codes, we regularly update our ferry discount codes to ensure you always get the best deal available.

• Visit our dedicated ferry discount page.
• Browse the current live offers for both operators.
• Click on the best deal for your trip and copy the voucher code.

Tip: Checking for new voucher codes before booking can make a significant difference in savings.

How to Apply Discount Codes at Checkout

• Visit the official website of your chosen ferry operator (Stena Line or Irish Ferries).
• Select your route, travel date, number of passengers, and vehicle (if applicable).
• Proceed to the payment page and look for the "Promo Code" or "Discount Code" box.
• Enter the voucher code and click "Apply" to see the discount reflected in your total price.
• Complete your booking and enjoy your savings!

Types of Discounts Available

• Percentage Off Tickets – Save 10%, 15%, or more on your ferry booking.
• Kids Go Free Deals – Special promotions where children travel for free with a paying adult.
• Car & Passenger Bundle Discounts – Savings on vehicle crossings, especially during off-peak seasons.
• Seasonal Offers – Discounted fares during holidays, summer, and off-peak months.
• Round-Trip Savings – Some promotions offer discounted return fares when booking a round trip.

Tip: Sign up for ferry email alerts from both Stena Line and Irish Ferries to be notified of exclusive offers before they expire.

When to Book for the Best Price (Seasonal Deals & Limited-Time Offers)

• Book Early – Prices are often lower when booked weeks or months in advance.
• Travel Off-Peak – Avoid peak seasons such as school holidays, Christmas, and summer weekends.
• Look for Flash Sales – Both Irish Ferries and Stena Line run occasional flash sales with huge discounts.
• Check for Midweek Discounts – Some ferry routes have cheaper fares on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
• Use Voucher Codes – Combine early booking discounts with voucher codes for maximum savings.

Why Booking Through Us Helps You Save & Give Back

At My Favourite Voucher Codes, we do more than just help you save money—we also give back to charity with every purchase.

We Provide Regularly Updated Voucher Codes for the Best Savings

• We source and update the best ferry discount codes so you don’t have to search for them yourself.
• Our site features only verified codes, ensuring that every voucher we list is valid and working.
• We cover both Stena Line and Irish Ferries, offering deals for solo travelers, families, and those traveling with vehicles.

Tip: Bookmark our ferry discount page and check back before each trip to find the latest offers.

20% of Our Profits Go to Charity, So You Save Money While Supporting Great Causes

• We donate 20% of our profits to charity every month—so your savings help support good causes.
• Past charities have included health organisations, environmental projects, and social welfare programs.
• You can save money and support a great cause at the same time—at no extra cost to you.

Tip: Every time you use a voucher code from our site, you’re not just saving on your trip; you’re giving back to a cause that needs support.

Every Purchase Using Our Voucher Codes Contributes to Charities at No Extra Cost to the Customer

When you book your Irish Ferries or Stena Line crossing using a voucher code from us, you're getting:

• Discount on your ferry booking
• A chance to contribute to charity effortlessly
• Peace of mind knowing you’ve secured the best deal

Ready to book your next ferry trip? Check out our latest Irish Ferries and Stena Line voucher codes to save today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When planning a ferry trip across the Irish Sea, it's natural to have questions about routes, services, and onboard facilities. Below, we’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions about Irish Ferries and Stena Line, covering everything from pet travel to pricing and onboard amenities.

Can I take my pet on board with both Irish Ferries and Stena Line?

Yes, both Irish Ferries and Stena Line allow pet travel, but policies vary depending on the route and type of pet.

• Irish Ferries: Pets can travel in onboard kennels or stay in vehicles (on select crossings).
• Some ships have pet-friendly cabins for added comfort.
• Pets must be pre-booked, and vaccination requirements apply.
• Stena Line: Pets can travel in onboard kennels or inside vehicles.
• On select ships, pet-friendly cabins are available.
• Assistance dogs are welcome free of charge.

Are there Wi-Fi services available on the ferries?

Yes, both Irish Ferries and Stena Line provide Wi-Fi access onboard. However, connectivity can vary depending on:

• The ship and route (Wi-Fi is stronger on larger vessels).
• Your location on board (signal may be weaker in some areas).
• Weather and sea conditions (which may affect signal strength).

What are the check-in times for vehicles and foot passengers?

Check-in times differ based on the ferry operator and route, but the general guidelines are:

• Foot passengers: Arrive at least 30–45 minutes before departure.
• Passengers with vehicles: Arrive at least 60–90 minutes before departure.
• Passengers with pets: Allow extra time for pet check-in procedures.

Do both ferry operators offer loyalty programs or memberships?

Yes, both Irish Ferries and Stena Line offer loyalty schemes that provide savings and benefits to frequent travelers.

• Irish Ferries: "Frequent Traveller Scheme" – Earn discounts on multiple crossings and access exclusive offers.
• Stena Line: "Extra" Loyalty Program – Earn points on bookings for discounts and enjoy priority boarding & lounge upgrades.

Are there facilities for passengers with reduced mobility?

Yes, both Irish Ferries and Stena Line are fully equipped to assist passengers with reduced mobility.

• Accessible cabins available on most routes.
• Elevators & wheelchair-accessible seating areas onboard.
• Priority boarding for passengers needing assistance.

Can I amend or cancel my booking if my plans change?

Both Irish Ferries and Stena Line allow amendments and cancellations, but fees and terms vary depending on ticket type.

• Flexible tickets: Can be changed or refunded with minimal fees.
• Standard tickets: Changes allowed, but cancellation fees may apply.
• Non-refundable tickets: Generally cannot be cancelled, but some amendments may be allowed.

Are there dining options available on board?

Yes! Both Irish Ferries and Stena Line offer a range of dining options, including:

• Self-service restaurants with hot meals.
• Cafés serving snacks, sandwiches, and drinks.
• Bars & lounges with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Special menus catering to dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options).

Do the ferries have entertainment facilities for children?

Yes! Both ferry operators cater to families by providing kid-friendly entertainment.

• Play areas designed for younger children.
• Onboard cinemas with family-friendly movies (on selected routes).
• Arcade games & activity packs available on some vessels.
• Wi-Fi and TV areas to keep children entertained.

Which ferry is faster – Irish Ferries or Stena Line?

If you’re looking for the quickest crossing, then Irish Ferries’ Dublin Swift is the best option.

• Irish Ferries’ Dublin Swift: 2 hours 15 minutes from Holyhead to Dublin.
• Stena Line Holyhead-Dublin service: 3 hours 15 minutes (longer but with more onboard facilities).

Which ferry is more budget-friendly?

The cost of ferry tickets varies depending on:

• Route & operator – Irish Ferries and Stena Line have different pricing structures.
• Time of booking – Early bookings tend to be cheaper than last-minute reservations.
• Seasonality – Peak travel times (e.g., summer holidays) often mean higher fares.
• Voucher codes – Using discount codes can significantly reduce your fare.

Looking to book your next ferry trip for less? Check out our latest Irish Ferries and Stena Line voucher codes and start saving today!

Conclusion – Which Ferry Operator is Better?

Choosing between Irish Ferries and Stena Line ultimately depends on your travel priorities. Both operators provide reliable and comfortable crossings across the Irish Sea, but certain aspects may make one more suitable than the other based on your individual needs.

• For the fastest crossings - Irish Ferries’ Dublin Swift is the best choice, completing the Holyhead to Dublin route in just 2 hours 15 minutes.
• For more route options - Stena Line provides greater flexibility, covering Holyhead, Dublin, Belfast, Fishguard, Rosslare, and Liverpool.
• For budget-conscious travelers - Both operators offer competitive pricing, and with our voucher codes, you can secure the lowest fares on your journey.
• For comfort & onboard experience - Stena Line often ranks higher in passenger reviews, thanks to its modern ships, spacious seating, and premium lounges.
• For flexibility in travel - Both ferry operators offer various ticket options, but Stena Line provides a wider range of routes, giving travelers more choices and alternative sailings.

No matter which ferry service you choose, the best way to save on your Irish Sea ferry crossing is by using our latest voucher codes. Not only do you cut down on your travel costs, but you also support great causes, as 20% of our profits go to charity.

Final Call to Action

Ready to save on your next ferry trip?

• Check out our latest Irish Ferries discount codes and Stena Line voucher codes.
• Book your next ferry crossing for less while supporting charity!

Save money, travel smart, and give back, all at the same time.

by Julian House 12th February 2025