Do I have to wear a facemask?
Yes. In accordance with public health guidelines it is mandatory to wear face coverings where social distancing isn’t possible at our ports and on board all vessels on the Irish Sea, North Sea, on the ferry Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and on the route between Denmark-Sweden and Poland-Sweden.
When did the new rules come into force?
From 10th July face coverings are mandatory for all passengers on services on the Irish Sea and North Sea. From September this also applies on the route between Denmark-Sweden, Poland-Sweden and on the ferry Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
What Stena Line routes does this recommendation apply to?
Face coverings are to be worn by all passengers on all routes on the Irish and North Sea, including our service to France. And on the route between Denmark-Sweden, Poland-Sweden and on the ferry Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Why is Stena Line implementing recommending face coverings be worn?
In accordance with public health guidelines we have added face-coverings to our already extensive COVID-19 safety measures, which are intended to safeguard both the health of our passengers and crew and to ensure maximum safety whilst travelling by ferry.
Why are Stena Line requesting face coverings be worn when Wales has indicated that they are not mandatory when travelling on ferries?
While they are not mandatory in Wales, the Welsh Assembly has recommended that they be worn by passengers when travelling on public transport. We would like to apply the same standards of care and safety to all our routes and to avoid confusion for passengers we have applied the mandatory face coverings rule uniformly across all our services.
Do I have to wear a mask or will other types of face coverings work?
Passengers do not have to wear medical grade face masks. Homemade coverings or other types of face coverings are fine as long as they cover both mouth and nose e.g. a bandana or scarf. Follow UK government advice here www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-wear-and-make-a-cloth-face-covering/how-to-wear-and-make-a-cloth-face-covering
When should I wear a face covering?
Face coverings are to be worn whenever you are onboard our vessels or in our terminals, wherever social distancing isn’t possible. Examples include: embarkation and disembarkation, when queuing, or when moving around in enclosed spaces, such as stairs or corridors.
What social distancing measures are Stena Line applying?
Guidelines from regulatory authorities in some countries have indicated that where 2m is not viable, such as on public transport, then 1m social distancing is permitted if face coverings are worn. Where possible passengers should socially distance at least 2m at all other times.
If Stena Line are applying social distancing then why do I have to wear face coverings?
By combining face coverings and social distancing we aim to make ferry travel as safe as possible for our customers.
How will I eat or drink?
Passengers do not need to wear a face covering when eating or drinking as long as social distancing is adhered to. We recommend passengers should put their face coverings back on when moving about the restaurant and once they have finished their meal.
What about smoking?
Stena Line vessels have designated smoking areas on the external decks of the ship. Passengers will not be recommended to wear face coverings when smoking in these areas. However, face masks must are recommended be worn when walking to and from designated smoking areas.
Who is exempt from wearing masks?
Children under the age of eleven and individuals with a breathing condition, illness or disability that prevents or hinders them from wearing a face covering are exempt from this recommendation.
How long will this recommendation will be in place?
This recommendation to wear face coverings will remain in place until further notice and will be reviewed as Government advice relating to the wearing of masks changes.
Is there a link to the UK government guidance?
www.gov.uk/government/news/face-coverings-to-become-mandatory-on-public-transport
Do face coverings need to be worn in the Terminal?
Yes, passengers are requested to wear them whenever they are in a Stena Line building or ferry.
Do face coverings need to be worn on a Stena Line bus?
Yes we recommend wearing face covering whilst onboard any transfer bus to and from the ferry.
Do face coverings need to be worn on the walkway to the ferry?
Yes we are requesting that face coverings be worn whilst walking to and from the ferry.
Will Stena Line be selling face masks at check-in and onboard?
Yes we will be selling face masks for our customers at check-in and onboard our vessels at a cost of £1/€1.
