#HSSreturns – The festive season will bring thousands of people driving home for Christmas with the return of the HSS Stena Explorer on the Holyhead-Dun Laoghaire service for 12 days.

The fastcraft's Christmas service on the Stena Line route will run between 20-23 December, 27-30 December and in the New Year between 2-5 January. The additional sailings will provide people travelling to Britain and Ireland to visit family and friends, enjoy a short break or take advantage of New Year sales.

The 2 hour 20 minute service will operate to a single round-trip schedule on the selected dates listed above with departures from Holyhead at 10.30am and sailings from Dun Laoghaire at 1.30pm.

Fastcraft facilities include a children's play area and entertainment, free Wi-Fi and festive movies and wonderful dining options. The onboard shop has offers of up to 40% savings compared to high street prices on a wide range of cosmetics, jewellery, spirits and fragrances.

Stena Line's Head of PR and Communications, Diane Poole said: "We are delighted to be bringing back the Stena HSS Explorer over the Christmas period. We always experience extra demand at this time of year, so the additional capacity will be of great help to customers. The HSS also brings with it its own unique brand of style and comfort plus the additional option of Dun Laoghaire port.

"Everyone deserves a break this Christmas and taking the ferry is the perfect way to travel as people can look forward to a stress free experience, arriving at their final destination relaxed and ready for the celebrations ahead.

High demand for Christmas sailings is expected and customers are advised to book early for the best fares and to secure preferred sailings.