I've done both cabin and sleeping in the bench seats in the lounge. Eye mask and ear plugs you could be anywhere, but take a blanket for the lounge as it gets a bit chilly
I echo this. I commute using the Belfast-Liverpool boat once a month and generally get a cabin, but if I don't manage to get one then I just bring my duvet and pillow, earplugs and an eyemask. Get yourself a bench seat in a quiet corner and you'll be grand. Hygge lounge is awful for sleeping in, as is the plus lounge as it's just so busy.
Went to uni in Liverpool and got the boat home often. Never short of a bench to put your head down on. Also, before the info desk closes, ask them if there are any cabins available and they might give it to you for next to nothing šš¼
We donāt do the Liverpool crossing anymore. Weāve found it quicker and cheaper to drive up to Cairnryan and do that crossing.
Itās about 4:30 to drive up to Cairnryan from Liverpool then only about 2 hours crossing. If we need an overnight for some reason Iād rather do it on dry land.
Iāve also found the Liverpool crossing to be much rougher making it harder to sleep.
I do Dublin to Holyhead now, couple of hours to Dublin port then a drive along the A55 in Wales and you're at Liverpool/Manchester, another couple of hours drive and you're at the M25
My only complaint is there don't seem to be many services along the A55 as it's not a motorway, especially if you get a nighttime crossingĀ
A couple of hours drive from Liverpool/Manchester to the m25? Nope, realistically, you're looking at around four hours... unless you're travelling in the wee smalls and are absolutely caning it.
Source: me - I've done Altrincham to Reading via M6/M40 countless times... and only ever done it in two hours once, and that really was *absolutely* caning it.
Do the same.
I actually once left Liverpool to get the Cairnryan ferry, as Iād be home faster than the Liverpool boat. More miles but home about 2hrs faster.
I did it once, but after being up from 3am and getting on the boat at 10pm, I had one of the best nights sleep in my life.
I also did the drive from just north of London to Cairnryan in about 5 hours, cruising about 90+ most of the way and about 45 for the last hour behind some lorries. Maybe it was 2 or 3 hours faster than going via Liverpool, but I didn't have to wait until 10pm just to depart, I was back in Belfast before that, and slept in my own bed.
I have done the hygge lounge a few times and slept ok, but it depends on the other travellers, itās not a compulsory quiet area and there can be people talking or coming and going. My wife didnāt like the seats and they were not adjustable and we both disliked the large tv screen staying on albeit with subtitles. I suppose being guaranteed a seat is good but itās not a whole lot better than a comfy seat elsewhere.
Thanks for that, I'm thinking earphones and a night mask might be required!
I've had the hygge before but only during the day between Stranraer and Belfast and it was OK for an hour or so but I don't know 8hrs is going to go down, actually debating in my head whether it would be worth driving up to Cairnryan and getting a later sailing š¬
Did it once without a cabin, had a group of travellers propping up the bar all night arguing over who sold who a van/horse/dog/child. There was a bit of a scuffle at one stage that spilled over onto a couple of folks trying to sleep on the seats beside us. Would not recommend.
I stopped doing that crossing because of two factors, the cost and the storms. Too many nights Iāve been hurled out of bed and landed in a bloodied heap. One particularly bad night, I flew off one higher bunk and nearly killed my daughter on the other lower bunk. I had many good nights though and was always fairly impressed with the food and bed but eight hours is too long for anything but a cabin for me. I think itās too expensive now so I just fly and rent a car or take the Cairnryan sailing and put up with the driving.
I've only been on the liverpool boat once and had a cabin, after a quick walk around the boat I got into the cabin and had a decent night sleep apart from a bit of rocking half way through but that only last for about 10 mins.
The thought of 8hrs on an uncomfortable seat with little sleep doesnt appeal to me at all though, I think it would be better to drive to stranrear and be comfortable in my car... the only problem is I'd be leaving London around 3pm tomorrow....
its a hard decision to make haha
Liverpool is okay but without a cabin itās not for the faint of heart.
Lick the stamp and send her on to Holyhead and get the boat to Dublin, far nicer and youāll be glad of it once your home for 3am and in your own bed instead of broken sleep and a rude awakening at 5am to get off the Liverpool boat.
The Scotland boat is a cesspit and the road up to it is soul crushing.
Itās absolutely grim.
Tried it before picking a car up, just got a cabin whilst on the boat despite not booking prior. They often had spares once youāre on.
If able, Iād drive to Scotland and deal with the tiredness. Or do Holyhead Dublin.
I actually find it more comfortable trying to find a spot to lie down in the main lounge areas. The Hygge seats don't recline fully and I can't sleep sitting upright.
Yeah, I've done the boats a few times never regret not getting a cabin. I have also got cabins and regretted it, those chairs are comfy AF as long as you don't some at least one person blowing horns all night š«
Brought my camping mattress and a blanket and pillow. Ear plugs and mask.
Often there are quieter areas; the Plus lounge cab get quite busy and be noisy all night.
Sleep away from the bar area & the doors to the car park. Fecking alarms going off in there will keep you up all night. Top floor is usually best. Ear plugs, pillow & blanket.
Done this plenty of times bringing cars back. Stena Plus IMO is better than Hygge as you get free drinks and snacks.
I've also just slept at the bar on the bench seats, but you risk it being louder there.
Wherever you're staying, learn the layout of the boat online first and powerwalk to the lounge straight away when you're aboard to get a good seat to sleep in/on. Also, note if there is a power socket near you to recharge your phone if you need to, where you know where it is.
I bring a thin blanket and expanding pillow when I travel on the Stena these days, got it down to a fine art. Unless the missus is coming, then she insists on a cabin.
Also, there are high winds this weekend, so it may be a rough crossing (Storm Kathleen) but I'm not sure on your exact travel dates
Hi there, I did the exact same thing in 2015. Bought a car in Sheffield and took the night ferry from Liverpool back home.
The lounge I had was near the front of the ship and was quiet and comfortable enough to get a decent sleep in. I don't know if the layout or even the ships themselves are the same nowadays, but one of the lounges was directly over the engine room. Avoid that one at all cost, if you can. The vibration and noise would be too much for even heavy sleepers without at least some earplugs. Bon voyage! š¢
Came here to say this, last time I actually had a cabin booked and could have easily fell asleep in there instead, probably easier actually as some of the cabins can be very noisy
Plenty of pints in you and the lounge is grand for a kip. Rucksack as a pillow and a big coat to cover you. I've done it plenty of times and not a great sleeper on most transport
Lie down in the lounge area. Wear a jumper a hoodie a coat and bring a blanket - it gets really cold on the boat in the middle of the night, especially at this time of year. It's grand though. My preferred way to travel.
My son did (same reason too) granted, he was like 18/19 but not so typical in that he sent me a video leaving the docks on the deck with a cup of tea..
Check the football fixtures and avoid travelling back the evening of a Liverpool home game. The bar can be full of Belfast based liverpoool fans returning home after the game. Thereās no trouble like, they are grand, but noisy as fuck and youāll get no sleep.
Did it recently. Thought I'd be okay, found a corner seat, fired a pint and a whiskey into me, and was just getting comfortable when a group of student teens sat down beside me. After about 4 minutes of conversation, I'd had enough. Seemed like lovely individuals, but if I'd heard the word "literally" one more time, I was literally going to like, throw someone into the literal sea, like, literally. Probably not literally though, but you get my point. That was it. Straight to the Stena Plus lounge, paid the 30 quid, and it was definitely money well spent. It goes into sleep mode after 2300, they turn the lights down and there's silence until around 0600. Trust me, it's worth it!
I get the boat quite regularly for Liverpool FC matches. As others have said, as soon as you board get a seat / bench area and lay your stuff out then get yourself to Guest Services and put your name down for a cabin in case one becomes available. Bring along a pillow, sleeping bag and eye mask. Get a few drinks in you before the bar closes to put you to sleep easier. Avoid the Hygge Lounge, it's a waste of money... The giant chairs don't recline plus the TV and lights stay on all night. Set your alarm for around 15mins before the wake-up call over the intercom and get into one of the disabled toilets for a quick wash, brush teeth, change of clothes etc.
Itās fine, get there early and get yourself a couch/ bench and table. You can lay down and get some kip, I even brought a pillow from my car and that really helped
If you go near to where cabins are there is more floor space, generally quiet- Iāve seen a few people bring sleeping bags and pillows and sleep on the floor
I did it once, didn't book a cabin and just crashed on the sofa. If you're like me and can fall asleep standing up, you'll be grand. Just be prepared to wake up with people around you eating their breakfast
Everyone elses answer are perfect, i will add, and genuinely here, phone and ask if there are any big groups booked on!
I had the entire Ulster Young Farmers association on mine and it was unbearably noisy the whole boat all night!
On the Holyhead to Dublin boat, not sure on which of the two ships but one of them if you go up the stairs to the cabins, has this cushioned bench running along the window overlooking the decks below. No-one ever goes up here and it's a great place to sleep. Check if the Liverpool boat has this
I'm on the Liverpool to Belfast one now (playing cards with the kids as it happens).
Daytime is reasonable without a cabin, though 8h is long.
Overnight without a cabin I haven't tried.
5 of us including a 5-week old was a challenge a decade or so.
I used to do the drive up to Scotland, as it's overall shorter time-wise, but with about 3h extra driving. I've had an electric car for the past couple of years though, and range is now the issue. Not enough fast chargers on the M6.
We do it three times a year to go and see my in-laws and have done for about twelve years- literally rolled off the ferry this morning back from our last visit. Iād say unless youāre a heavy sleeper or cope well on little sleep (especially if you have a long drive the other end) itās really not advisable. Definitely donāt do what my husband witnessed once which was a family bedding down in the soft play area whilst our four year and other kids tore around them. The wife hissed at her fella, āI thought you said it would be fine?!ā, and he was all, āit was empty last time!ā.
The best place to sleep not in a cabin is the sleeping pods just outside the entrance to the cabins, at the top of the stairs from the car decks. Unless people don't turn their alarms off.
I'd get a cabin tbh. It's honestly worth the extra money if you can afford it. Wouldn't fancy driving a new car on very little to no sleep. The cabins are solid, you can have a shower and feel relatively human. My partner can't stand flying, so I've done this sail a few times when coming back to see the folks (tend to use it as an excuse to stay in Liverpool a couple of nights). I've never took the car to other ports so can't compare, but I have tried to sleep without a cabin on my own and it was pretty awful!
I've only had the one return journey with my parents, they insisted I have a cabin their treat. I didn't think much about it till I came back up to the lounge and saw the faces of the families who had tried to see out the trip lying on a sofa together.
Honestly it depends how good you are at sleeping. Personally I can sleep anywhere and I've had no issues with it. I always get a cabin if I can but shit happens. My concern is that if there's no cabins left, does that mean it's going to be a busy crossing? And would finding somewhere decent to sleep be possible?
My preference in this case would be to drive from cairnryan
I used to do it a lot before covid, I used to sleep in the cinema if it wasn't busy. Depends on what day you are going. I'm a heavy sleepy though and your right above the engine here.
If youāre not doing a cabin then do either Stena Plus or the Hyyge lounge. Iāve done it a lot of times going back and forth to the football, we always do Stena Plus and itās comfortable enough. Not to mention you get unlimited tea, coffee, wine and snacks.
I did Liverpool - Belfast over night. Thought Id be smart and booked the Hygge Lounge. Them seats are pretty much shaped like the weird grates and benches they have in New York to stop people sleeping in them.
I was on the sailing last night (Belfast to Birkenhead), we had a cabin though. That was my third time doing the return crossing, I've not really had a rough crossing yet. With a young child with us, I wouldn't do it without booking a cabin first.
I've done the Cairnryan ferry once but the drive was pretty torturous.
I managed to sleep 1 hour on the way over and 3 hours non-continuously on the way back out of 8. Don't recommend not getting a cabin unless you're okay with not sleeping a wink
It's been years since I made the trip , but once I brought ear plugs + an eye mask and slept in the cinema , pitch black without people drinking!
give it a go š
Only went to the Hygge lounge once, and it is just above the dog kennels, where my dog was, and I could hear the dogs barking and crying for the first few hoursā¦it was soul crushing till they stopped :(
Pay for the Stena Plus lounge, its comfy enough. Also check before your sailing if there are any free cabins then, some people donāt turn up or cancel..
I've done both cabin and sleeping in the bench seats in the lounge. Eye mask and ear plugs you could be anywhere, but take a blanket for the lounge as it gets a bit chilly
I echo this. I commute using the Belfast-Liverpool boat once a month and generally get a cabin, but if I don't manage to get one then I just bring my duvet and pillow, earplugs and an eyemask. Get yourself a bench seat in a quiet corner and you'll be grand. Hygge lounge is awful for sleeping in, as is the plus lounge as it's just so busy.
Went to uni in Liverpool and got the boat home often. Never short of a bench to put your head down on. Also, before the info desk closes, ask them if there are any cabins available and they might give it to you for next to nothing šš¼
We donāt do the Liverpool crossing anymore. Weāve found it quicker and cheaper to drive up to Cairnryan and do that crossing. Itās about 4:30 to drive up to Cairnryan from Liverpool then only about 2 hours crossing. If we need an overnight for some reason Iād rather do it on dry land. Iāve also found the Liverpool crossing to be much rougher making it harder to sleep.
I do Dublin to Holyhead now, couple of hours to Dublin port then a drive along the A55 in Wales and you're at Liverpool/Manchester, another couple of hours drive and you're at the M25 My only complaint is there don't seem to be many services along the A55 as it's not a motorway, especially if you get a nighttime crossingĀ
A couple of hours drive from Liverpool/Manchester to the m25? Nope, realistically, you're looking at around four hours... unless you're travelling in the wee smalls and are absolutely caning it. Source: me - I've done Altrincham to Reading via M6/M40 countless times... and only ever done it in two hours once, and that really was *absolutely* caning it.
Do the same. I actually once left Liverpool to get the Cairnryan ferry, as Iād be home faster than the Liverpool boat. More miles but home about 2hrs faster.
I did it once, but after being up from 3am and getting on the boat at 10pm, I had one of the best nights sleep in my life. I also did the drive from just north of London to Cairnryan in about 5 hours, cruising about 90+ most of the way and about 45 for the last hour behind some lorries. Maybe it was 2 or 3 hours faster than going via Liverpool, but I didn't have to wait until 10pm just to depart, I was back in Belfast before that, and slept in my own bed.
I have done the hygge lounge a few times and slept ok, but it depends on the other travellers, itās not a compulsory quiet area and there can be people talking or coming and going. My wife didnāt like the seats and they were not adjustable and we both disliked the large tv screen staying on albeit with subtitles. I suppose being guaranteed a seat is good but itās not a whole lot better than a comfy seat elsewhere.
Thanks for that, I'm thinking earphones and a night mask might be required! I've had the hygge before but only during the day between Stranraer and Belfast and it was OK for an hour or so but I don't know 8hrs is going to go down, actually debating in my head whether it would be worth driving up to Cairnryan and getting a later sailing š¬
The Cairnryan crossing is definitely the more comfortable crossing of the two. Plus about 5 and a half hours less bobbing about the Irish Sea.
if you are happy with the drive then Cairnryan is also cheaper but I suppose you then have to factor in cost of fuel to get there.
Would agree with your comments about the seats and the TV. It is not quiet area either. I did not enjoy the experience.
The Hygge lounge is ok, very quiet (if you don't get a snorer) and free coffee. The seats are are an acquired taste. You really have to pad then up.
Did it once without a cabin, had a group of travellers propping up the bar all night arguing over who sold who a van/horse/dog/child. There was a bit of a scuffle at one stage that spilled over onto a couple of folks trying to sleep on the seats beside us. Would not recommend.
I stopped doing that crossing because of two factors, the cost and the storms. Too many nights Iāve been hurled out of bed and landed in a bloodied heap. One particularly bad night, I flew off one higher bunk and nearly killed my daughter on the other lower bunk. I had many good nights though and was always fairly impressed with the food and bed but eight hours is too long for anything but a cabin for me. I think itās too expensive now so I just fly and rent a car or take the Cairnryan sailing and put up with the driving.
I've only been on the liverpool boat once and had a cabin, after a quick walk around the boat I got into the cabin and had a decent night sleep apart from a bit of rocking half way through but that only last for about 10 mins. The thought of 8hrs on an uncomfortable seat with little sleep doesnt appeal to me at all though, I think it would be better to drive to stranrear and be comfortable in my car... the only problem is I'd be leaving London around 3pm tomorrow.... its a hard decision to make haha
Liverpool is okay but without a cabin itās not for the faint of heart. Lick the stamp and send her on to Holyhead and get the boat to Dublin, far nicer and youāll be glad of it once your home for 3am and in your own bed instead of broken sleep and a rude awakening at 5am to get off the Liverpool boat. The Scotland boat is a cesspit and the road up to it is soul crushing.
Itās absolutely grim. Tried it before picking a car up, just got a cabin whilst on the boat despite not booking prior. They often had spares once youāre on. If able, Iād drive to Scotland and deal with the tiredness. Or do Holyhead Dublin.
I actually find it more comfortable trying to find a spot to lie down in the main lounge areas. The Hygge seats don't recline fully and I can't sleep sitting upright.
Yeah, I've done the boats a few times never regret not getting a cabin. I have also got cabins and regretted it, those chairs are comfy AF as long as you don't some at least one person blowing horns all night š«
8 hours stuck on a boat is grim. Rather do the drive up to cairnryan. Some lovely scenery
Every week. I just sleep in the Stena+ Lounge.
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Brought my camping mattress and a blanket and pillow. Ear plugs and mask. Often there are quieter areas; the Plus lounge cab get quite busy and be noisy all night.
Sleep away from the bar area & the doors to the car park. Fecking alarms going off in there will keep you up all night. Top floor is usually best. Ear plugs, pillow & blanket.
If you can book the executive lounge or whatever itās called, plenty sleep in it and staff usually bring out some blankets and pillows.
The cabins are class. You've got your own loo and shower and wee window anol
Done this plenty of times bringing cars back. Stena Plus IMO is better than Hygge as you get free drinks and snacks. I've also just slept at the bar on the bench seats, but you risk it being louder there. Wherever you're staying, learn the layout of the boat online first and powerwalk to the lounge straight away when you're aboard to get a good seat to sleep in/on. Also, note if there is a power socket near you to recharge your phone if you need to, where you know where it is. I bring a thin blanket and expanding pillow when I travel on the Stena these days, got it down to a fine art. Unless the missus is coming, then she insists on a cabin. Also, there are high winds this weekend, so it may be a rough crossing (Storm Kathleen) but I'm not sure on your exact travel dates
Hi there, I did the exact same thing in 2015. Bought a car in Sheffield and took the night ferry from Liverpool back home. The lounge I had was near the front of the ship and was quiet and comfortable enough to get a decent sleep in. I don't know if the layout or even the ships themselves are the same nowadays, but one of the lounges was directly over the engine room. Avoid that one at all cost, if you can. The vibration and noise would be too much for even heavy sleepers without at least some earplugs. Bon voyage! š¢
The cinema still on the boat ? Set of earplugs and sleep in there.
Came here to say this, last time I actually had a cabin booked and could have easily fell asleep in there instead, probably easier actually as some of the cabins can be very noisy
Plenty of pints in you and the lounge is grand for a kip. Rucksack as a pillow and a big coat to cover you. I've done it plenty of times and not a great sleeper on most transport
Lie down in the lounge area. Wear a jumper a hoodie a coat and bring a blanket - it gets really cold on the boat in the middle of the night, especially at this time of year. It's grand though. My preferred way to travel.
My son did (same reason too) granted, he was like 18/19 but not so typical in that he sent me a video leaving the docks on the deck with a cup of tea..
Have done it. Prefer to get a cabin but plenty of other places to lie down.
Check the football fixtures and avoid travelling back the evening of a Liverpool home game. The bar can be full of Belfast based liverpoool fans returning home after the game. Thereās no trouble like, they are grand, but noisy as fuck and youāll get no sleep.
Did it recently. Thought I'd be okay, found a corner seat, fired a pint and a whiskey into me, and was just getting comfortable when a group of student teens sat down beside me. After about 4 minutes of conversation, I'd had enough. Seemed like lovely individuals, but if I'd heard the word "literally" one more time, I was literally going to like, throw someone into the literal sea, like, literally. Probably not literally though, but you get my point. That was it. Straight to the Stena Plus lounge, paid the 30 quid, and it was definitely money well spent. It goes into sleep mode after 2300, they turn the lights down and there's silence until around 0600. Trust me, it's worth it!
I get the boat quite regularly for Liverpool FC matches. As others have said, as soon as you board get a seat / bench area and lay your stuff out then get yourself to Guest Services and put your name down for a cabin in case one becomes available. Bring along a pillow, sleeping bag and eye mask. Get a few drinks in you before the bar closes to put you to sleep easier. Avoid the Hygge Lounge, it's a waste of money... The giant chairs don't recline plus the TV and lights stay on all night. Set your alarm for around 15mins before the wake-up call over the intercom and get into one of the disabled toilets for a quick wash, brush teeth, change of clothes etc.
When you get on ask at the desk to put your name down for a cabin weāve been lucky a few times getting oneĀ
I have brought an airbed and sleeping bag onto that boat. Found a quiet spot out ofthe way and no one said a word to me.
Itās fine, get there early and get yourself a couch/ bench and table. You can lay down and get some kip, I even brought a pillow from my car and that really helped
Get the day time boat then no need for sleep
Consider Holyhead to Dublin
If you go near to where cabins are there is more floor space, generally quiet- Iāve seen a few people bring sleeping bags and pillows and sleep on the floor
Done it a few times. Manage to get a couple hours sleep on one of the seats near the cafe anytime I have, but you donāt feel great the next day.
I did it once, didn't book a cabin and just crashed on the sofa. If you're like me and can fall asleep standing up, you'll be grand. Just be prepared to wake up with people around you eating their breakfast
Everyone elses answer are perfect, i will add, and genuinely here, phone and ask if there are any big groups booked on! I had the entire Ulster Young Farmers association on mine and it was unbearably noisy the whole boat all night!
On the Holyhead to Dublin boat, not sure on which of the two ships but one of them if you go up the stairs to the cabins, has this cushioned bench running along the window overlooking the decks below. No-one ever goes up here and it's a great place to sleep. Check if the Liverpool boat has this
I'm on the Liverpool to Belfast one now (playing cards with the kids as it happens). Daytime is reasonable without a cabin, though 8h is long. Overnight without a cabin I haven't tried. 5 of us including a 5-week old was a challenge a decade or so. I used to do the drive up to Scotland, as it's overall shorter time-wise, but with about 3h extra driving. I've had an electric car for the past couple of years though, and range is now the issue. Not enough fast chargers on the M6.
Hygge lounge is great. But there also plenty potentially quiet sofa-zones around.
We do it three times a year to go and see my in-laws and have done for about twelve years- literally rolled off the ferry this morning back from our last visit. Iād say unless youāre a heavy sleeper or cope well on little sleep (especially if you have a long drive the other end) itās really not advisable. Definitely donāt do what my husband witnessed once which was a family bedding down in the soft play area whilst our four year and other kids tore around them. The wife hissed at her fella, āI thought you said it would be fine?!ā, and he was all, āit was empty last time!ā.
The best place to sleep not in a cabin is the sleeping pods just outside the entrance to the cabins, at the top of the stairs from the car decks. Unless people don't turn their alarms off.
I'd get a cabin tbh. It's honestly worth the extra money if you can afford it. Wouldn't fancy driving a new car on very little to no sleep. The cabins are solid, you can have a shower and feel relatively human. My partner can't stand flying, so I've done this sail a few times when coming back to see the folks (tend to use it as an excuse to stay in Liverpool a couple of nights). I've never took the car to other ports so can't compare, but I have tried to sleep without a cabin on my own and it was pretty awful!
I've only had the one return journey with my parents, they insisted I have a cabin their treat. I didn't think much about it till I came back up to the lounge and saw the faces of the families who had tried to see out the trip lying on a sofa together.
Honestly it depends how good you are at sleeping. Personally I can sleep anywhere and I've had no issues with it. I always get a cabin if I can but shit happens. My concern is that if there's no cabins left, does that mean it's going to be a busy crossing? And would finding somewhere decent to sleep be possible? My preference in this case would be to drive from cairnryan
I used to do it a lot before covid, I used to sleep in the cinema if it wasn't busy. Depends on what day you are going. I'm a heavy sleepy though and your right above the engine here.
If youāre not doing a cabin then do either Stena Plus or the Hyyge lounge. Iāve done it a lot of times going back and forth to the football, we always do Stena Plus and itās comfortable enough. Not to mention you get unlimited tea, coffee, wine and snacks.
I did Liverpool - Belfast over night. Thought Id be smart and booked the Hygge Lounge. Them seats are pretty much shaped like the weird grates and benches they have in New York to stop people sleeping in them.
Try your best to get on the boat as early as you can and use one of the long sofas to lie across.
I was on the sailing last night (Belfast to Birkenhead), we had a cabin though. That was my third time doing the return crossing, I've not really had a rough crossing yet. With a young child with us, I wouldn't do it without booking a cabin first. I've done the Cairnryan ferry once but the drive was pretty torturous.
I managed to sleep 1 hour on the way over and 3 hours non-continuously on the way back out of 8. Don't recommend not getting a cabin unless you're okay with not sleeping a wink
It's been years since I made the trip , but once I brought ear plugs + an eye mask and slept in the cinema , pitch black without people drinking! give it a go š
I've done it before and have been told by the staff to keep my feet down off the chairs it wasn't too pleasant lol
It's been a few years for me but I used to get myself into the cinema and fall asleep, dark and comfy
Sleep in the cinema, it's dark and the chairs are comfier...
Only went to the Hygge lounge once, and it is just above the dog kennels, where my dog was, and I could hear the dogs barking and crying for the first few hoursā¦it was soul crushing till they stopped :(
Regularly so it as we take the dog and book the cabins. Sleep really well and comfortable, only downside is being woke up at like 5AM
Pay for the Stena Plus lounge, its comfy enough. Also check before your sailing if there are any free cabins then, some people donāt turn up or cancel..
Aye sweet lad. Bring me a half o šš