Cairnryan to Northern Ireland - who wins? We took P&O out and Stena back to compare!

We were heading to Belfast for the weekend and decided to use it a perfect opportunity to compare the two ferry operators crossing to Northern Ireland from Cairnryan in Scotland. Neither of us have made this crossing before so we were seeing it with very fresh eyes.
Cairnryan - Belfast: Sat 4th Sep, P&O European Highlander (£23.00 each oneway)
Belfast - Cairnryan: Sun 5th Sep, Stena Line Superfast VIII (£32.00 each oneway)
We crossed as foot passengers and the fare was the similar, so who comes out on top?
Hi, I’m Steve. I am a travel reviewer and post my trip reports here on KZbin. I pay for my own travel and produce my own videos. If you have any questions about my journeys or travel advice in general, please drop me a comment - I do read every single one. I’d also love to hear any recommendations you may have for future content, or why not challenge me to try something a little out of the ordinary! If you are looking to collaborate on any type of project, I’d love to hear from you - email me your ideas and hopefully we can work together in the future.
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/ stevemarsh
Music courtesy of epidemicsound.com
('Valley Dance' by Rune Dale)
#P&O #Stena #Ferry

[@McSynth]

I'm astonished that you both can do so much travelling (and walking !) and still make it to work on the Monday. Kudos ! 🙂

[@benc9765]

Definitely would love to see a longer version of the Belfast clips Steve

[@mstrdiver]

Concur - I would also note that this looked like an exceptionally fun trip just for the several transportation modes experienced during the journey.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Ben, will see what I can do :)

[@mashasheffa2248]

We would too 😊

[@odetbeauvoisin]

Extra Belfast footage sounds enticing…

[@belfasttrainspotting1686]

Hiya Steve. The train you were on was actually from 2004! It’s a class 3000 train, and the reason it was looking really fresh was because that fleet are currently going through a mid-life overhaul. The other class of train we have is the class 4000’s, which 7 of that class (the latter 7 of the class 4014-4020) are currently going through an extension programme to make them from 3 carraiges long, to 6 carraiges long, to negate the need for coupling 2 trains together. The first of these trains has now gone into service and there’s another batch of new carriages on its way now too for the next train to be converted. These extra carriages were the new investment in 2018. Our next batch of new multiple unit trains is planned to be around 2025 for new regional units. Then around 2027 we’re planned to invest in some new multiple unit trains for the “enterprise” service which goes from Belfast to Dublin. Hope this helps^ 😁

[@steve-marsh]

Absolutely! Thanks SO much for reaching out with this awesome information! All the best to you :)

[@juliamacfarlane2630]

Your partner is a trooper Steve! Can’t believe that 45 min walk to the van, then the 3 hour drive! Way after bed time!! I think she deserves a limo on your next adventure!

[@sheenamaclean8324]

No problem for her young legs, Steve on the other hand 😆

[@steve-marsh]

She really is Julia, but as much as she deserves a limo, I have a feeling the next time will be much the same :D

[@madr309]

Can't hide it, at one point she was definitely thinking, "Yeah, Steve'll be going solo on his next 'adventure'." I hope some day you two will manage to get to the U.S. - since you like ferries, you'd be fascinated by the Swan Quarter ferry from the mainland of North Carolina out to Okracoke in the Outer Banks.

[@sheenamaclean8324]

@@madr309 at least she would have had the opportunity to sleep in the van for the 3 hours there and the 3 hours back, not so for Steve as he was driving, he definitely deserves the pat on the back as far as I'm concerned.

[@joemdee]

@@steve-marsh is your partner Czech?

[@alanbates2827]

Hi Steve. Just to let you (and anyone else making the trip) the train will NOT wait. If the ferry is late you'll just have to get the next train.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks for the very useful info Alan!

[@heresdarren666]

Next time you are stuck for a lift or anything in Belfast give me a shout and if I'm not busy I could run you about.

[@niamhcampbell979]

The rail & sail tickets can take you from any train station to Belfast (includes the train to Ayr, coach to Cairnryan, ferry) and is such good value for money. It’s quite often cheaper than a foot passenger ticket bought straight from Stena. Can be a long day and I wouldn’t do it alone!

[@steve-marsh]

Great advice, thank you!

[@barvdw]

while Rail&Sail is a great offering, the long bus ride from Ayr often makes me a bit queasy, moreso than the ferry itself. That's why I prefer to travel all the way to the former ferry port of Stranraer and take a bus (much shorter bus ride). The train ticket from Ayr to Stranraer is reasonably priced (and even more when you have a reduction card), the bus is only a few quid, it's a much more pleasant experience imo.

[@Tailhook69]

Excellent video, packed with plenty of useful info. Thanks!

[@gwendolynfish2102]

Thanks for such a informative video! What a difference!

[@katesterly547]

Hats off to the stamina of you two. I thoroughly enjoy these weekend trips you take but I'm afraid I would never live through it. Thank you so very very very much for making these videos for as to enjoy and educate us on how to get around. I love riding on ferry's. Thank you once again. Stay well, be safe, love from Texas.

[@mstrdiver]

Sònraichte - tha bhidio ùr aig Steve! Outstanding - Steve has a new video!

[@TomCro73]

+1 to the love from Texas!

[@steve-marsh]

Awww thanks so much Kate! And also thanks for recognising how exhausting it was! (But very much worth it all the same) take care :)

[@Sssssssslf]

The energy these two have whew!!!! 🤯 I’m tired just watching! 🥱 I can’t believe they did that trip in a day then did a 45 minute walk in the pouring rain AND then a 3hr drive home AND work in the morning! They’re nuts! 😂 I could never!

[@doriskovalcik442]

Thanks for the weekend trip. I enjoy watching all your adventures. As I’ve said, thru y’all I get to see places I’d never get to see otherwise.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks Doris! :) can’t wait to hit the road again and take you somewhere else :)

[@conailrutherford6688]

I've taken this route a hundred plus times and it still takes my breath away. Love it. Thanks for posting.

[@steve-marsh]

Nice! Thanks so much for watching our crossing too! :)

[@stephendfromwigan3290]

Nice video. I Love the ferries and apreciate the inside info you giving us!

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Stephen :)

[@marykneeland1214]

Bless your HEARTS! Amazing adventure, always thank you!

[@poppyk6182]

Thanks for taking us on your journey guy’s. 👌

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Poppy! :)

[@jimdevlin2138]

I used to drivel to Belfast 4 times a month for work, I always chose Stena, better by far, and the food was so much better. The commercial drivers lounge was like a good hotel compared to P&O Great video Steve ,keep them coming .

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Jim!

[@SamG-py7ej]

P&O to Larne is cheaper, better of paying the extra, Stenna is much cleaner and a better ferry overall

[@tsr207]

Fascinating the difference between the two services ! Enjoyed the insights and the whole journey. Excellent !

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much John!

[@RiverDanube]

Both of the ships looked amazing. Good on you both with all that walking, great exercise and a good way of budgeting to be able to afford more travelling.

[@steve-marsh]

Exactly :) thanks very much

[@michaelstaunton1632]

Another enjoyable upload you put lots of work into your videos and it shows on the final outcome so well done & keep up the good work ☑️

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much Michael! Really appreciate it, the videos take a lot of work, so it’s nice when it’s recognised.

[@user-ul3ni5fl5k]

Hi Steve love your videos can't stop watching excellent work.

[@iandunn3497]

Your videos chill me out at the end of a hard day and rekindle memories of touring Scotland many moons ago.You have a lovely calming voice.Thank You.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much Ian! Great to hear it!

[@fircombehallrailwayoogauge1430]

Video, very well edited and presented! Thank you.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much! Appreciate it :)

[@jemaakpoghor3885]

Wowzy...authentic in your videos and in the flesh. Thank you for this exceedingly helpful video. So glad I stumbled on it.

[@steve-marsh]

Jema! Lovely to meet you yesterday!!!! See you around :)

[@Portmarnockpaul]

Another excellent vlog. Thanks Steve.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Paul!

[@robbojax2025]

Nice video. I always like something a bit different and you provide it Steve. And yes, I would like to see some clips of Belfast.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers, I’ll see what I can do :)

[@Timstravels01]

Super informative video. I love your enthusiasm! Keep up the good work.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks mate! This was an exhausting one for sure :D

[@harrybond9282]

Thank you very much Steve for sharing this video. Yes please love to watch LONGER VERSION VIDEO. Keep it up. Looking forward to your exciting video.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks Harry :)

[@charleswalker4182]

HI Steve, another great video, hope you got home safe. Thank you for visiting Larne and Belfast. Haste Ye Back!

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Charles! Just a pity we had such a short time there! (We can’t wait to come back)

[@derekjohnson8859]

Thanks for taking me along again Steve. Very enjoyable trip. Best wishes to you and Alicja,

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Derek! aww the best :)

[@roroger2402]

Thanks for the fantastic video Steve, hope it was a good drive home. All the best.

[@steve-marsh]

Ohhh Roger, it was a real challenge getting home, but even more getting up the next morning!

[@roroger2402]

Thanks so much to you both. Cheers.

[@margaretwotherspoon566]

This was an awesome vlog, so enjoyed it. Thanks to both of you for sharing. Take care till next one, never know where your going to end up with you two but it's never dull.🤔😍

[@steve-marsh]

Haha thanks Margaret, even I have no idea where we’ll be next weekend!

[@Scottishheart1969]

Great stuff Steve ! Absolutely loved this ! And YES definitely love to see more footage for your Ireland stay !! Keep up the great work mate ! ( Australia is opening our international flights soon apparently so we’ll see you soon !!!!)

[@steve-marsh]

Great stuff Dean! :)

[@alexoestreicher1092]

Great stuff, my fiancée and I are planning a trip to Ireland and Scotland next spring and will now choose Stena for the crossing. Thanks!

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Alex! Oh, and apparently there IS a bus, but your better half deserves a taxi :)

[@brianmorrison9168]

Great video As a young child I moved to England from Holywood in Northern Ireland. For many years we returned to NI to see family and friends .. usually 2 or 3 times a year. There used to be only one route, from Stranraer to Larne, with the Antrim Princess and Ailsa Princess ferries. My father who used to be at sea, almost always booked a cabin, despite the journey only being about 2 hours. We would be bed at about 10:00pm but the ship only left at about 07:00. A nice breakfast on board then it would be time to head down to the car deck. For a kid, these trips were always exciting. I remember the Chaine Memorial even to this day 50+ years later The Cairnryan to Larne P&O route eventually started, which shortened the duration of the crossing. Regards from Whitley Bay

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much or sharing that Brian! Similar memories of the excitement of being in a cabin for travel from when I was a kid :)

[@yvonnejohnston9429]

used to travel many times on the ailsa and antrim princesses, though one brings back bad memories,, running around said ferry with my siblings, i ended up tripping over a step, at that time there were no carpets, just solid metal,, broken elbow.. never healed properly and still have trouble with it to this day, and that was over 30 years ag lol

[@brianmorrison9168]

@@yvonnejohnston9429 Yes, those ships were great. if I travelled with my mum, as I said earlier we would go by train, although on a couple of occasions dad would drive us to Stranraet .. quite a way from Whitley Bay. However, when we all went, we drove to Stranraer, with a picnic half-way break at Dumfries. Dad would usually book a cabin, so we could sleep on board. usually we hadn't even left port in the morning when we woke up, normally heavy lorries would make so much noise, nobody could sleep anyway. Dad used to be a chiel engineer at sea (Union Castle line) so loved going on the ship .. for some reason always first class too. He left the merchant navy a year or two after I was born ... I'm guessing I was too cute to miss .. or maybe too naughty.

[@gracesmith6199]

That was good again. You had some walk for the ferry home & some walk to get to your van, some of those big lorries were going fast, thanks again you pair ! 😁😁

[@steve-marsh]

We always end up with a dodgy walk somewhere in our videos :D

[@Hugh2007]

My wife and I love your videos! Please go on more ferry adventures preferably longer journeys please! Big fans from Singapore 😃😃.

[@steve-marsh]

Would be a pleasure John! I’ll get more planned for sure :)

[@freddo8384]

Another great video, keep up the good work :D

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much!

[@user-qf1vx2wn2w]

Looks very clean and pretty p&o ferries

[@matthewpepper1548]

Stena has always been the superior ferry brand. Their ships are fantastic. The HSS was a quality boat too

[@LimeplayzDefinitely]

I disagree, I have always had a bad experience with stena . Rude staff and more to be honest as a person that has been on p and o 30 times, I prefer p and o.

[@yvonnejohnston9429]

@@LimeplayzDefinitely im opposite, never had any prolems whatsoever with stena, whereas p and o,, used them twice never again...

[@LimeplayzDefinitely]

@@yvonnejohnston9429 I think it depends what ship you go on

[@emily1]

Not a fan of P&O considering the past of their entire 'escapade'. Have always used Stena, much prefer the Superfast class of ships.

[@beagle8216]

First video I’ve seen of yours. Really good comparison you have done. Look forward to future videos

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Pete! Welcome aboard, really appreciate it :)

[@hcjkruse]

thanks for confirming what I thought. Seems you two enjoyed this. Love to learn more about Belfast.

[@merryannmac8096]

Oh, that was fun for sure. I have missed you guys. It's so good to see you back. I want to go to Ireland one day, but I would like to stay for a good few months so I can absorb more. Thanks for a nice weekend. Merry Ann from Minnesota

[@steve-marsh]

Hi Merry Ann! Oh we really didn’t spend enough time there, but it’s very close for us to return, maybe a flight next time to mix things up a little :) aw the best to you!

[@Oakleaf700]

@@steve-marsh You spent more time than me!...Son and I had to go to Rosslare to pick up a massive old rocking horse that I needed to see before buying, and son drove a long wheelbase van... We went to the port, the horse owners met us, we followed them home, saw horse, bought it, and came back on same ferry! It was so sad not to see more of Eire. I remember a lot of golden gorse and empty roads. The horse belonged to an Anglo~Irish family who were brewers and maltsters {and linked to Guinness family} The horse originally would have crossed the Irish Sea on a much smaller boat around 1880.

[@Oakleaf700]

We used Stena as opposed to Irish Ferries as that was what the family said were 'Better', but for a vehicle it was incredibly expensive. {over £300} plus £30 for a basic cabin But we needed the sleep after a very long day. I too love the deck space on Stena Europe. Many many years ago, as a child, I had a grim crossing on a tiny ferry called 'Falaise' going from Dieppe~Newhaven Urgh! it went on for an eternity, and the deck {There was only one, I think, the ship was so small} was closed due to the rough sea. People smoked in this days, and eventually the staff opened a ''Stable door'' type opening to let in fresh air, and my chin just reached it. Others crowded behind me, and tried to push me out of the way. A horrid man said ''Mind out kid, unless you want me to be sick in your hood'' Charming. Luckily he wasn't sick, or at least not near me. Years later, googling that old 1947 built ferry , I found out she was known to be ''A roller'' , and a poor young Spanish driver of a freight lorry {a load of oranges from Seville} was so prostrated by seasickness that despite the care of the staff, he died. The person telling this was her Quartermaster. The small ships made life a lot more miserable in rough weather.

[@damianrollins2074]

Great video as usual Steve this one sent me back to when I was a nipper, doing the crossing twice yearly to see family in Ireland. Keep up the good work mate.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Damian! Glad to bring back some memories :)

[@doubledutch13]

Great memories for me Steve, worked in NI for 18 months, home and back once a fortnight on the Highlander and Causeway, they were not plush back in 2004-2006 and I see they haven’t changed. (Nor has the weather) Belfast is such an under rated city, highly recommend it to anyone, love to see more, well done on another ‘braw’ film. Next time don’t be so tight and get that lovely lassie a taxi lol

[@steve-marsh]

Hey I did my best to find one! (Wait till you see where I took her for dinner) glad to bring back some memories!

[@doubledutch13]

@@steve-marsh 😂 good on you, cant wait for more,

[@ChrisGillucci]

Cracking video again Steve! As an Edinburgh native all i could think about as I watched you doing that trip was the fact you had that drive from the capital to Cairnryan and back again.....such an incredibly draining drive just to get to where you set off from!! Brilliant effort

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Chris - and great to see you appreciate how exhausting this trip was :D

[@orbitaaltube]

Really enjoyed the video. Brought back good memories of taking the stenaline from Belfast to cairnryan for our honeymoon in Edinburgh. A great way to travel.

[@steve-marsh]

Nice one! Totally agree :)

[@damianrose3113]

I love your content keep it up mate nice job 👍

[@Michael-wr1yy]

Great video and what a brilliant trip to take for the weekend.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Michael!

[@salvatorediprima943]

Another great video,wouldn’t travel with p&o after the sackings earlier in the year

[@steve-marsh]

Aye, easy choice now!

[@alistairmccausland1580]

Hi Steve, you keep coming up with great films of interest & I now know Stena ships are by far the best with facilities to suit everyone's taste.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much Alistair! We loved both crossings but Stena had real wow-factor!

[@robfield2150]

I've been on the Stena line a couple times, never been with P & O, but definitely would after seeing how much easier the transport connections are there! Great video, hope you enjoyed yourselves :)

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Rob!

[@gavinhind5521]

Surprised at the difference in ferries Steve but another cracking video for us to marvel over Certainly the two of you get to experience the pleasures of life and of course the Beamish Once again well done you

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Gavin!

[@a_eastcoast.pacer1]

Yes! I was waiting for this video! I recently went on pando ferries on this route! And stena a few years ago!

[@steve-marsh]

Glad it arrived safely :)

[@raydavies7328]

Great wee video, Belfast is fairly close to my own town and it's lovely to know you enjoyed your trip to Norn Iron, if I'd known I could have said hello and at least got you back the Stena Line terminal as a thank you for the enjoyment your videos bring to our family. Yes please! We'd love to see the extended version, you got to The Crown, that's important 😁 Cheers and thanks again!

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Ray! Ahhh where were you for the lift :D I’ll try pull together the clips from awesome Belfast into some kind of video!

[@lorlabear]

Glad you made it to visit us in NI. For your information Tranlink Metro operate a bus to/from Belfast City Centre in connection with the Stena ferry. It's Metro route number 96. Definitely better than the long walk down Duncrue Street! Viewers also need to note that the NI Railways service from Larne Harbour does not "connect" with the ferry, so if the sailing is late arriving you can't be sure there will be a train waiting. There are also Translink Ulsterbus services from Larne Town to Belfast.

[@TomCro73]

As society, we still seem to struggle with this - I recently awaited an Amtrak from Houston to New Orleans, that was running about 3 hours late. The connecting buses were there to meet it... they departed right on time - perhaps obviously, with zero passengers. Tax dollars at work...

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much for the awesome info, and apologies for spending such an unacceptable short time over there!

[@Dreyno]

The Stena is about 50% bigger. I suppose that means you can cram more facilities in. You were blessed with the crossings. It can be a stomach churner. The Irish Sea is famously rough.

[@steve-marsh]

Ohhh good to know - although a stormy crossing makes for a more popular video :D

[@alexandermenzies9954]

Very informative, Steve. I knew almost nothing about the NI ferries. Hope you had a good drive back to Edinburgh.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Alexander - the drive home was tough, but not as tough as the Monday at work :)

[@lindahart6049]

I’m exhausted just watching! Great video, as always.

[@steve-marsh]

Haha thanks! I'm still recovering :D

[@mashasheffa2248]

The fantastic video! You've got a really fabulous bonus when embarked by bus😊 And of course, the exclusive weather on the back way. I completely agree that lorries must be hidden underground during the rain time😉

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much! :)

[@simonwhitlock9189]

Another great trip even if it got a bit soggy at the end, hope you had a safe journey home. Take care and look forward to your next video, cheers.

[@steve-marsh]

Simon the drive home was a challenge, but not as much as the Monday at work :)

[@simonwhitlock9189]

@@steve-marsh I know exactly what you mean, I used to play in bands and getting home at three in the morning only to get up at seven to go to work makes for an interesting day.

[@juanitahardy8583]

Always hoped to do this trip my next trip to Scotland so this really was useful.

[@alasdairvincent6248]

I know this area well. My first job was near Stranraer. Back then the ferry for Larne sailed from the Stranraer terminal. There was a train called the Paddy which transported people by rail to and from the Stranraer terminal. There was a ship breakers yard at Cairnryan back then. I remember they broke the old Ark Royal Navy ship there. There was a ferry called the Stella Nordica which did the Stranraer to Larne crossing, along with other ones. A fascinating video which I enjoyed.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Alasdair! Shame Stranraer doesn’t have a crossing anymore!

[@paullarcher4300]

That trek to the van at the end of the weekend would have killed me. Good on you! Would love to see more of your Belfast adventures as I haven't been there in over 30 years and it's where my dad was from.

[@steve-marsh]

Would be a pleasure Paul! I’ll try patch something together from out Belfast clips :)

[@paullarcher4300]

@@steve-marshCheers Steve!

[@alasdairmacmillan5359]

will be heading to Belfast in early February, so thanks for the video

[@mcallisterk]

Great video Steve that was very interesting would definitely like to see more of Belfast the comparison was interesting thanks.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks Kenneth!

[@exileinderby51]

I'm a new subscriber and I love you videos and yes, I'd like to see more of your Belfast visit

[@steve-marsh]

Welcome aboard! Thanks so much for the sub, appreciated and makes a real difference :) I’ll see what I can patch together from Belfast!

[@notyhbynorthwest]

Yes, would love to see more from your time in Belfast. Another video???? Looks like you had a good time in the pubs! Interesting comparison between the P&O and Stena Line ferries, a really startling difference between the two ships. Hope you didn't get too soaked on the hike back to your van.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers! We dried off on the 3 hour drive :)

[@MK_2023.]

If you ever get the chance, you should check out the Stena Line ferry from Dublin to Holyhead in Wales. It's a massive ship, I think you'd like it.

[@steve-marsh]

Sounds right up my street! Will do, cheers :)

[@hughrainbird43]

Ferry interesting.... Looking forward to your Belfast adventure.

[@t-dawg5813]

Yes, would love to see more of your Belfast excursion!

[@steve-marsh]

I’ll try patch something together :)

[@muchasgracias6976]

Northern Ireland is still a bit of a hidden gem, but there's so much to see and do. Belfast one of the friendliest and cleanest cities I've ever visited. I would love to see more of your time there. When I visited a few years back, we hired a car and did the east coast route from Belfast to the Giants Causeway which was utterly beautiful. A few Game of Thrones locations as well as other sights worth seeing, including Bushmills distillery and The Dark Hedges. Highly recommended and do-able in a day.

[@steve-marsh]

Oh we’d love to get out and see more of the country - overdue a trip over in the van, it’s just so expensive on the ferry with it though!

[@redrunnercfc5438]

you havent seen enough of belfast then lol

[@muchasgracias6976]

@@redrunnercfc5438 Maybe you're right. From your comment, I suspect you're either from Belfast or another part of NI, but honestly I thought the city centre was relatively smart when compared to Dublin which is great, but generally looked a bit run down apart from Temple Bar.

[@jamiew6476]

In what way is NI hidden 😂😂

[@Oakleaf700]

@@steve-marsh Isn't it so! Freight and vehicles is where they really make their money, I think.

[@garethrobson8143]

Mate, whatever your day job is, you are wasted !!! What a delightful film. And you are such an adorable couple !!!! Does she really never complain?!! Top troopers both 😍

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much Gareth!

[@Norvik_-ug3ge]

I have been on the P&O European Highlander several times and you could go outside to either side and up to the top deck and walk or sit. It was nice, I haven't been on the Stena ship on that route but it didn't feel cramped even thought it was busy. The food court does a lovely fish and chips.

[@steve-marsh]

Yeah, I saw a ship map that suggested more would normally be open, but not on my trip

[@ManxAndy]

Excellent video , Thankyou 👍🇮🇲

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Andy!

[@hikingwithadhdbrain2022]

Thanks for a great video! Gotta say it looks great in Belfast! Here you got a new subscriber! Wishing you all a good weekend! Greetings from Norway!

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much! Really appreciate the sub, welcome aboard! A bonus-footage video from Belfast coming soon :)

[@hikingwithadhdbrain2022]

@@steve-marsh Looking forward to a longer video from Belfast! Great videos you make!

[@TyRex93]

will be taking this trip soon.. was very informative thanks! :D

[@steve-marsh]

Have fun! :)

[@TyRex93]

@@steve-marsh big drive before it so will try lol thanks!

[@GHExploration]

Great footage once again, only been on a ferry once Hull to Amsterdam with school 35 years ago, everything looks pretty reasonably priced so we will have to go somewhere again at some point, stay safe you two 👍

[@steve-marsh]

I also made that trip around 35 years ago! :)

[@johncoyne2995]

Great video guys (found purely by chance) I'll be travelling on Superfast VII in 10 days,so it was good to get a heads up. Currently,after what P & O has just done to their staff, I was only ever going to travel with Stena

[@steve-marsh]

Good choice mate! You'll never see us on a P&O again for sure!

[@Oakleaf700]

I'd never use P&O again, either. What greed to lay off properly trained staff to employ others who know nothing , at a less than living wage. I didn't realise until a Captain was interviewed about how every staff member had a dual role join a ferry. directing people to safety in event of an accident, {Accidents on ferries can get nasty pretty fast } and staff are needed to help bemused passengers to get to their muster stations/life-rafts. If none of the new staff know the ship's layout, or how to firefight, or what to do in an emergency, it's bad for them, as well as the passengers.

[@cindymswyo]

Just found your videos, love them. Will probably be the only way for me to see your part of the world! Hello from Idaho mountains, USA

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much Cynthia and welcome aboard! I have many happy memories from a fleeting visit to wonderful Idaho, would love to come back!

[@davidrendall2886]

An excellent video again Steve

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much David!

[@gabilang8407]

Fine video and I hope you have more pictures from Belfast . Stay safeyou both !

[@steve-marsh]

A few Gabi, but it’ll be a ‘bonus’ video rather than a proper one :)

[@assassinjane]

Ahoy Pirates! :D So great to see you out and about! Awesome adventure! Cool ferries, wish we had ones like those, haha! XD You both are badass to the bones! .) Want to see the longer version of Belfast for sure! .) Captain of the good old Blackthorne

[@steve-marsh]

I was looking out for you paddling across the Irish Sea

[@jeremyhaines3847]

This is very interesting and informative

[@steve-marsh]

Glad it was helpful Jeremy!

[@cartersubaru]

Another very good video. Nice to see the comparison between the two ferry companies. Looked a bit wild on the way home. Bet you were a bit knackered for work in the morning.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much! Ohhh the Monday was tough! And it was also a difficult edit as I had a camera malfunction and all the clips were out of order! :)

[@RabLavery]

Great Video Steve nice one !!!

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Rab, glad you enjoyed it!

[@marcusblemmings8484]

Really enjoyed this video, Steve. Chuffed you came to Northern Ireland, there’s more to see than Belfast, should come to the north coast and possibly inland to where I live in County Tyrone. I will buy you a pint for all the joy your videos give me.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Marcus, I’ll hold you to that! :) aye, it was just a video idea to compare the ferries, can’t wait to have more time to go back and explore properly :)

[@philhoultby]

Fast becoming my favourite channel this!

[@steve-marsh]

Phil - thanks so much for the support!!!

[@ozgirl45]

Great video! The Stena ferry looked amazing - so many amenities for a fairly short trip. There were a lot more people on board compared to the P&O.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks Heather - certainly more people knew more than me how much better the Stena was :) although to be fair, the P&O was still very enjoyable :)

[@AHJ99.]

As an ex-P&O officer on the Causeway (and occasionally P&O Express) we made our money with lorries and trailer drops, tourists just topped off the profits. Larne has proper customs facilities for wagons, especially farm facilities with an animal welfare/disease control point at Larne port. Stena invested in their ships and went for the tourist market, and cargo just tops off their profits nicely. As P&O crew I’d much rather travel on the Stena ships, but they nearly went under during COVID as their freight offering wasn’t enough to keep them healthily in profit!

[@vivellasmum]

Went from Stranraer, don't remember it at all, 40 yrs ago! Enjoyed the comparison thanks.

[@WhoDaresWins-B20]

Thanks for the wonderful tour Steve and Mrs Steve. I remember taking the Stenna Line ferry from Holly Head to Dun Dun Laoghaire in Eire many years ago. That was a trip and a half. I never stopped laughing for the entire week I was there. The mother is Half Irish and Half Scots, but she always favoured the Irish side of her Heritage. I remember "taking the mickey" out of the the old Darlin one day and she said to me "Don't talk like that, you are halfIrish yourself." I came back with a quick: "That's it Mither; I am going for a blood transfusion this afternoon. Happy days. Dad'd mither was from County Antrim. I would have loved to have visited and had a look at the Titanic museum, but time did not permit me to do so. Happy travels my friends. Slainte`

[@danielbettsmanwithautism6421]

Fantastic ferry video! Last week I was on the Northlink overnight ferry from Lerwick to Aberdeen and the Stena ferries had way more facilities than them and better kitted out, despite a shorter journey! :o

[@steve-marsh]

I've got a soft spot for the Northlink, but you're so right!

[@BLUETERRIER7]

Great vid Steve👌👌

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Nigel!

[@billnict1]

Hi Steve, Excellent video! I see that the Stena Line boat is £9 more than the P&O which I would say was money well spent! I for one would love to see a video of your adventures in Belfast. Stay safe!

[@steve-marsh]

Totally Bill! Thanks so much :)

[@sophiestransportscenes2100]

Hey☺️I’m a boat train enthusiast. Glad to see this video about the ferries and the train. I believe the train you were on has been refurbished. Although there is a new one out in service which is the same model☺️

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much Sophie, great info. Love boats, this was a fun weekend :)

[@robinsmith6094]

That's a fab review! It's been a fair few years since I've been on that ferry route or Belfast. I'd live to see your Belfast trip, because hubby & I are thinking about doing it for our wedding anniversary in November. 😁

[@johnmehaffey9953]

Believe it or not the natives are very friendly norn iron people will go the extra mile to help you, plenty to see and do in Belfast but you’re not too far away from anywhere in Northern Ireland enjoy your trip when you arrive only drawback as far as I can see nowadays is the price of a pint has rocketed so bring plenty of beer vouchers with you a beer voucher looks like this £ 💷

[@steve-marsh]

Would be a pleasure (although quality of clips affected by alcohol) congratulations for November!

[@robinsmith6094]

@@steve-marsh Och! It will be a joy - I love your videos! They're giving me the travel bug! I've been off my feet for six weeks with a knee injury but am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel now. Thanks for the congratulations - the big 14 years in November! Something to celebrate, right enough. 😁

[@seanyboy3]

Would usually use the P&O route due to being slightly cheaper. They'd also allow us mid crossing (i presume only in fair weather) to pop down with their supervision to check on my dog in the car. Stena do not allow that. I also decided that we'd use Stena over P&O after what P&O did to their staff. Especially to the very nice gentlemen who came down to supervise me to check on my dog with me multiple times over the years! Of course the route people may choose will depend on where they're travelling to on the other side. I go somewhere in the middle of both Belfast and Larne so it doesn't make much difference to us.

[@colinroughton7505]

Hi Steve Colin from Port Augusta South Australia. My wife and I both love you r videos we get envious of all the greenery and lovely villages. Would love to see more on Belfast and also the Isle of Skye.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much to you both! It will be a pleasure to bring you a wee bonus-feature on Belfast at the start of next week - not much with the clips I have, but better than nothing :) and Skye is high high on the list for a video! :)

[@johncassels3475]

A very "plummy" English accent on the P&O ship announcements for a ferry travelling between Scotland and Northern Ireland! 😄 Nice video - I enjoyed that.

[@jackharrison6771]

I did the Heysham/Belfast crossing in 1971 and of course the whole experience was completely different. The weather was very bad, with people being sick all over with the toilets a-wash. As we approached the Copeland Islands, Dad told me of the Princess Victoria - the mail ferry which went down [about 1953]. . I believe the lifeboat carrying women and children was smashed against the ferry and all on THAT boat were lost. We lost our two ferry firms from Fleetwood [first B & I, then Pandoro ]. A sombre feedback but a great vid; thank you both.

[@simonbrown140]

I'm going to Belfast on my motorbike a week today, using Stena Line there and back. Looks lovely on board :)

[@steve-marsh]

Have a great trip Simon!

[@simonbrown140]

@@steve-marsh Thanks mate, 5 days touring on the bike :)

[@DerrickNedzelMtnBike]

Great video - I didn’t realize it’s just 35 miles from Scotland to Northern Ireland. Looks like an easy ferry ride. I’d like to see more of your Belfast content. Thanks!

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Derrick! I’ll get a wee bonus Belfast video up next week :)