Ferry company aiming to help shoppers as consumers expect to feel the pinch over festive season
Amid reports that people are tightening their belts ahead of Christmas, Stena Line is doing its bit to help bargain hunters keep costs down.
In recent days the Chief Executive of the Food & Drink Federation has said that current prices were “steeper than anything in recent decades”, leading shoppers to consider tightening their belts in the run-up to Christmas [1].
With shoppers particularly feeling the pinch around food and drink, average spending per head during the Christmas period in 2025 is expected to vary between £732 in the North East to as much as £993 in London [2].
Eager to bring some extra Christmas cheer this festive season, Swedish-owned ferry company Stena Line has come up with a fantastic festive day trip to help savvy shoppers save while getting in the mood for Christmas with family and friends.
Stena Line have been running a special series of Festive Duty-Free Day Trips this November and December, with the final two trips taking place on Saturday 6th and Saturday 13th of December. These trips are backed with entertainment, onboard offers and special surprises!
Travel as a foot passenger for just £25 return and enjoy seasonal savings [3] on spirits, beer and wine, as well as travel exclusives and Stena MORE Member offers (worth the trip alone) on spirits, fragrances and confectionery.
Stena Line have lined up some of North Wales’ leading musicians to entertain passengers on their merry adventures at sea. Guests can enjoy live performances from popular bands like 45RPM and Baker Wicked, as well as Knoxx, a band formed by musicians who work at Holyhead port. On December 13th, it’ll be a day trip with a difference as talented Bangor choir, Encor! come on board to perform. Set sail on the 09.00 crossing and enjoy live entertainment on board before checking out the special offers, discounts and samples in the onboard shop.
Spend over £50 on duty-free (excluding tobacco) and receive a £15 off your purchase!
Return home on the 14.45 sailing and soak up even more seasonal cheer with extra festive entertainment on board. Grab a late lunch, relax in one of the lounges or enjoy a stroll on the deck.
Orla Noonan, Travel Commercial Manager for the Irish Sea, said: “Christmas can put pressure on everyone’s budget, but at Stena Line we’re making it easier for passengers to stretch their spend with extra savings on board.
“With great entertainment and shopping, our duty-free day trips are the perfect way to make a day of it with friends or family.”
To book visit stenaline.co.uk.
