Plan your kid-friendly ferry trip

Packing to get away when you have kids should be its own Olympic sport, right? Spend more time stacking suitcases and less time negotiating which favourite toy makes the cut when you travel with Stena Line. You’re mostly free to bring as much as you or your car can carry, without any luggage fees. That means everyone can bring what’s important to them, without getting out the tape measure, weighing scales or a UN negotiator.

How much luggage can I bring?

We’re a family run company with our heritage anchored in the Gothenburg archipelago, and you’ll find a touch of that Swedish spirit on board with us. Think warm interiors, thoughtful design, and a nod to the cosy feeling of hygge. We want you to feel at home with us, and our friendly crew are key to a great experience. Continuing the Scandinavian theme, you’ll often find pastries in the café and a much-loved family favourite in the restaurant, Swedish meatballs.

View onboard menus.

Unlike other transport methods, you are welcome to walk about on board. Get some fresh air on deck, feed hungry tummies in the restaurant, or take a snooze in a quieter area. If there’s energy to burn, younger kids can play in Happy World*, while older children can take on a challenge in an entertainment area*.

Top tip: Even on day sailings, you can book a family cabin* so you can have your own private space to spread out. For younger children or wrigglers, we can provide a baby cot or side protectors free of charge, but they must be booked in advance due to limited availability. 

Every ferry is different, discover what’s on board here.

The thought of time without screens can cause teenage fingers to twitch uncontrollably, but our onboard Wi-Fi will keep your family connected as you sail. There’s a free connection that allows you to send texts at sea, and you can easily upgrade to faster packages that allow you to stream movies, browse socials and make video calls. Top tip: make sure to turn off data roaming as you sail if you want to avoid a huge phone bill.

Find out more.

Boke. Vomit. Spew. Chuck. Hurl. Whatever you call it in your family, it would be remiss of us not to mention travel sickness. Modern ships are much more stable, and most people quickly get used to the ship’s rhythms. But if someone is sensitive to motion, the golden parental rule of ‘be prepared’ is a good one. Stock up on travel sickness tablets and travel bands before you go, some ginger sweets, and one top tip from an old sea dog, green apples. Which will make for a healthy snack regardless of sea conditions.

Is it even a family holiday if you have to leave your pet behind? All our routes welcome pets, meaning your dog, cat or gerbil can come too. Pre-book your furry friend into a kennel, opt for a pet-friendly cabin*, or keep them inside your vehicle on selected routes. If you’re sailing between Belfast-Cairnryan, you can even reserve a seat in the dedicated Pet Lounge. Top tip: You must pre-book your pet’s travel regardless of how they will spend the journey, and it’s your responsibility to bring all the necessary paperwork.

Learn more about pet-friendly travel.

No matter how much you prepare, travelling with kids can often involve the unexpected hurtling in from a blindside. So, if something happens on board, or if you discover a favourite teddy has stowed away in the cabin long after you’ve left, our fabulous crew will do everything they can to help – this really is the Stena Line way. Find a crew member on board, visit Guest Services, or contact us directly.

If your plans are likely to change, why not consider booking a Flexi or Premium fare? These fares mean you can change your booking without having to pay an amendment fee – you’ll just have to pay any difference in fares. They also allow for a full or partial refund if you cancel, depending on how long before departure the change is made. (Please note, a small cancellation fee is charged).

Find out about fare types.

* Not available on all ferries

Don’t forget, you can save money with our Kids Go Free offer if you book your next family trip before 1 July 2025.