Optima Seaways ferry

MS Optima Seaways ferry is a Ro-Ro passenger vessel operated by the Denmark-based company DFDS SEAWAYS. The ship has a max capacity of 324 passengers and 180 cars (or 135 trucks/trailers). The vessel was launched in 1999 and currently operates on the Ireland-France ferry route Rosslare-Dunkerque/Dunkirk (crossing time 24 hours).

The service is once weekly, departing from Dunkerque on Wednesdays (at 8 pm) and from Rosslare on Saturdays (at 2 pm).

Prior to 2022, the cruise ship operated the Sweden-Lithuania ferry route Karlshamn-Klaipeda (crossing time 13 hours).

Cabins

As cruise ferry, Optima Seaways has 66 cabins (max capacity 4 passengers) and a total of 264 berths. bathrooms. The ferry company provides bed linens, towels, and toiletries. The ship has Commodore-class, double, triple-quad cabins. Baby cot beds are available on request (at ship's Reception Desk).

• (3 rooms on Deck 6) Commodore Deluxe cabins are sized 11 m2. Cabin amenities include a double bed, bedside table-cabinet, reading lamps, mirrored writing table with chair, mini-bar (fridge), LCD TV, wardrobe, low table with 2 leather armchairs, porthole window (square-shaped, non-opening), en-suite bathroom (WC, shower, hairdryer, towels).
• (3 rooms on Deck 6) 2-Bed Outside cabins with Porthole Window (square-shaped, non-opening) are sized 7 m2. Cabin amenities include 2 bunk beds (one stacked on top of the other, under-bed drawers, bedding), writing table with chest, chair, wardrobe, en-suite bathroom (WC, shower, hairdryer, towels).
• (11 rooms on Deck 6) 4-Bed Outside cabins with Porthole Window (square-shaped, non-opening) are sized 9 m2. Cabin amenities include 4 beds (2 lower plus 2 upper bunks, under-bed drawers, bedding), small writing table with chest, chair, wardrobe, en-suite bathroom (WC, shower, hairdryer, towels).
• (49 rooms on decks 5-6) 4-Bed Inside cabins are sized 9 m2. Cabin amenities include 4 beds (2 lower plus 2 upper bunks), bedding, small writing table with chest, chair, wardrobe, en-suite bathroom (WC, shower, hairdryer, towels).

Of the 49 Inside cabins, 2x are "disabled" and 4x are "Pet-friendly" (with linoleum flooring).

The ferry company provides bed linens, towels, and toiletries. Some staterooms are wheelchair-accessible (adapted for disabled passengers). DFDS Seaways ferries also have the so-called "Pet Cabins". Travelers with pets must book a whole cabin (quad occupancy). The animals must be transported in pet cages. Dogs (even service dogs) must be leashed and muzzled.

The boat additionally offers a Reserved Seating Lounge (Deck 5) with 72x reclining seats (aircraft-type seats) available for pre-booking.

All passengers must vacate their staterooms 30 min prior to homeport arrival. Passenger registration ends 1-hour prior ferry departure.

Shipboard facilities, dining, and entertainment

As facilities, the Optima Seaways ship offers:

• Restaurant 7 Seas offers a la carte-priced menu with a wide selection of starters, main courses, gourmet desserts, premium wines. Kids menu ("Happy Pirate") is also available.
• Food Express / Horizon Snack Bar / Self-Service Restaurant offers hot dishes, cold appetizers, desserts, soft drinks.
• Lighthouse Cafe serves beverages, cocktails, coffee drinks, light snacks, gourmet sweets, fresh fruits and juices, premium ice-cream. It is fitted with large TVs (satellite reception) for watching live sporting and musical programs.
• Road Kings area (with showers, restaurant, quiet lounge) is exclusively dedicated for truck drivers.
• Premium Lounge is the spot for travelers looking for extra privacy where they can enjoy complimentary coffees, teas, cold drinks, snacks, newspapers.
• Pirates Island / Children's Play Room is an indoor playground for kids. The club lounge is specially designed and fitted with ball pool, large TV (for watching cartoons), kids art tables (for drawing).
• Tax Free Sea Shop is a duty-free priced boutique / convenience store selling special occasion gifts and souvenirs, alcohol (brand spirits, wines), tobaccos, luxury-brand perfumes and cosmetics, jewelry, watches, sunglasses, leather goods, confectionery, fashion clothing and accessories, toys, electronics and gadgets, gourmet sweets, handmade teas and spices. Special offers (shopping promotions) are offered on each ferry crossing. Payments can be made in cash or via bank cards (VISA, MasterCard, EuroCard). Among the premium brands represented onboard are Versace, Elizabeth Arden, Tommy Hilfiger, Moschino, Paco Rabanne, Carolina Herrera, Hugo Boss, Gucci, L'Oreal, DKNY, Givenchy, Dolce-Gabbana, Face Inc.
• Wi-Fi service, ATM / cash machine (next to Information Desk / Reception).
• Reserved Seating Lounge is fitted with comfortable Pullman seats (fully-reclining leather armchairs) and large TVs.

The ship's top-deck is a Heli Deck with a helipad (helicopter landing area used in cases of emergency).

All onboard emergency instructions are displayed at the ship's assembly stations (aka muster stations). Life jackets are issued at the assembly stations. In case of emergency, the use of elevators/passenger lifts is forbidden.

Car decks

Follows a list of car decks related safety procedures:

• Disabled passengers or those requiring specific assistance should visit the ship's Information Desk (open 24-hours).
• Apply handbrake and place the vehicle in park or 1st gear position. Switch off the ignition, alarm, electrical equipment, headlights. Gas cylinders, if any, must be switched off. Lock the vehicle.
• From your vehicle take only valuables and essential hand baggage.
• Make a note of your vehicle's location and garage deck number/stairway before leaving the car deck.
• Access to the ship's vehicle (cargo) decks during the voyage is prohibited.
• Smoking on vehicle decks, as well as in cabins and passenger lounges is forbidden.
• Wait for the onboard announcement before returning to your vehicle.
• In order to avoid air pollution, don't start the engine until instructed.

The shipowner DFDS Seaways (fleet, 1866-founded, headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark) is a Danish shipping company that operates passenger and freight ferry services in Northern Europe.