Avoid the hassle of the High Street and consider the High Seas for savings this Christmas

Bag some bargains with a Duty Free Day Trip across the Irish Sea 

As we head into December, last minute shoppers are faced with the dual dilemma of either facing the Christmas crowds or hoping anything they order online will make it in time for the big day.

While many avail of Black Friday deals in late November, 2023 statistics showed that 25% of consumers will not have completed their Christmas shopping by the 18^th of December with 19% leaving it for a mad dash on Christmas Eve.

Many believe Duty Free discounts are reserved for when travelling through airports, but few are aware of how even a short sailing between Ireland and GB can result in a treasure trove of savings compared to the High Street.

Ferry company Stena Line has released details of savings that can be found in its onboard Duty Free shopping for routes between Ireland and Wales and, with day trips starting from as little as £15/€18pp return, savvy shoppers can bag their bargains while avoiding the crush of Christmas chaos.

Passengers can enjoy significant discounts on the biggest global names in beauty, with up to 60% off RRPs, including Benefit, Elizabeth Arden, and Clarins, while all the big players in designer fragrances, including Paco Rabanne, Calvin Klein, Armani and more, are represented.

A 50ml bottle of Paco Rabanne Pure XS Eau De Parfum for women has an average price on the High Street of £67/€81 yet is available onboard for £30/€36, a saving of 56%.

Bargains can also be found on big brand tech such as Sekonda watches and JBL speakers, as with a huge range of toys and games, clothing, stocking fillers and homeware, allowing for everyone’s wish list to be ticked off, regardless of age or area of interest.

With premium alcohol also available, passengers can stock up for the party season with savings on tipples such as Tanqueray No.10, 25% cheaper than its RRP back on shore.

With eight sailings daily between Holyhead and Dublin, and four between Fishguard and Rosslare, a Duty Free day trip provides a relaxing and stress-free alternative to a mad dash on land, with lounges, restaurants, and kids’ entertainment areas to choose from onboard.

To learn more about Duty Free Trips with Stena Line and personal Duty Free allowances visit stenaline.co.uk/onboard/duty-free-shopping or, to book your trip, visit stenaline.co.uk/save.