Vessel to be largest and fastest cruise ferry on the Irish Sea

IRISH FERRIES has announced the addition of a new cruise ferry to its fleet, confirming the purchase of the STAR 1 from Tallink Hansaway Limited. Built in 2007 in Finland at the same shipyard as the ULYSSES, the vessel previously operated with Irish Ferries under charter and will now return to service under its former name, JAMES JOYCE.

The JAMES JOYCE will rejoin the fleet in May, operating on the Dublin–Holyhead route alongside the ULYSSES and the DUBLIN SWIFT.

With capacity for more than 2,000 passengers and 2,380 lane metres for cars, coaches, and freight vehicles, the JAMES JOYCE will become the largest and fastest passenger cruise ferry on the Irish Sea. It also boasts the largest onboard retail space on any cruise ferry in the region, with over 17,000 square feet dedicated to shopping, making it a key destination for duty-free bargains.

Designed with both comfort and functionality in mind, the ship features a blend of classic and modern interiors. Facilities include ample cabin accommodation, a Club Class lounge, a self-service restaurant, an à la carte restaurant, a bar, gaming area, pet-friendly spaces, a children’s play area, and amenities tailored to freight drivers.

One of the standout features of the JAMES JOYCE is its top speed of 27.5 knots, making it the fastest cruise ferry with the largest passenger capacity on the Irish Sea. This speed advantage will allow Irish Ferries to offer both passengers and freight customers a quicker and more reliable journey between Ireland and the UK.

Irish Ferries Managing Director, Andrew Sheen, said:
“We are delighted to announce the return of the JAMES JOYCE to our fleet. This new ship will be a fantastic addition to our service, offering customers the very best in terms of comfort, speed, and onboard facilities. Combined with the usual benefits of ferry travel—no luggage restrictions, no long security queues—we’re confident the JAMES JOYCE will become a firm favourite among passengers and freight drivers alike. We look forward to welcoming them on board.”

The JAMES JOYCE will enter service on the Dublin–Holyhead route in May, with fares starting from €138 / £132 for a single journey with a car and one adult. With its combination of scale, speed, and state-of-the-art amenities, it is set to become the premier choice for travel across the Irish Sea.

Irish Ferries also operates sailings between Rosslare and Pembroke Dock in Pembrokeshire, and frequently rotates vessels across its routes—so who knows, we may one day see this fine vessel serving the people of West Wales too.