My first trip on the Stena HSS Explorer. It’s hard to believe this young lady has been crossing the seas for over 15 years. I was very lucky that the weather was “kind”, a force 7-9 wind and a three metre wave height gave rise to a rough crossing. Perfect – I could not have asked for more. I was booked on a round trip the day before, but due to severe weather conditions, the timings were changed in order that the vessel may avoid the worst of the weather. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get to Holyhead in time, so travelled the next day instead.

Here are a few short video clips of the action from on board the HSS

From the forward lounge

….and again from the forward lounge

….just watch where the horizon goes

…plenty of sea spray on the outer deck

and finally the propulsion jets

In my view, the HSS held the sea very well. However, many on board at the time would disagree!

Of course. not everyone is a storm chaser. For those on board for business or pleasure, there are various facilities for you to enjoy

Stena HSS – what’s on board?

• Self service restaurant
• Barrista coffee bar with panoramic lounge
• On board shopping
• Childrens play area
• Free WiFi
• Stena Plus lounge (“first class”) with complimentary refreshments
• Video games arcade
• Outer deck area – with a space for smokers

Fantastic trip and worth every penny on a “round trip” fare. Another round trip is detailed here on the Motorhome Voyager website. This trip took place in sumer 2014. Various round trip and day trips special offers are available throughout the year from Stena Line.

Since writing this article, the HSS Explorer has been sold. She left Holyhead for the last time in November 2015 and was towed to her new home in Turkey. Her new owners are intending to convert the craft into floating offices. (The latest information is that the vessel is once again for sale, rumours of just £1,000,000 for this fine lady.) She is currently named the One World Karadeniz.