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Latest ferry news for January 2008
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4 Day Dover Calais sale
Date: 25 Jan 2008 Source: DirectferriesA 4 day sale starts at 10am today with P&O Ferries for Dover Calais sailings.
The sale comprises the following:
- 100,000 Dover Calais tickets available for just £25 each way.
- Valid for Car with up to 9 passengers & any duration.
- 4 day sale runs from 25th January at 10am to 28th January at midnight.
If you want to take advantage of this, please click on the link below from 10am today, enter your details into the fare search and follow the on screen prompts:
P&O Ferries Dover Calais Sale
Please note: Departures limited at peak times, normal terms and conditions apply, see online for details.
Stena HSS to get £2 million upgrade
Date: 21 Jan 2008 Source: Travel WeeklyStena Line is investing £2 million in an upgrade of Stena HSS.
The refurbishment will see an expansion of its Stena Plus service with a 160-seater lounge at the front of the ferry.
Customers choosing a premium ticket or paying an additional £14 for access to the Stena Plus lounge can make use of leather sofas and chairs, complimentary newspapers, snacks, refreshments and new toilet facilities.
There will also be a separate family area within Stena Plus, housing PlayStation 3 and PSP games consoles.
Two barista coffee houses will also be introduced, along with an expanded Curious George-themed children’s play area with cinema, soft-play zone and an interactive facility with touch-screen technology.
The £2 million upgrade is part of a massive investment by Stena Line in its northern corridor route (Stranraer to Belfast). A new £35 million ferry terminal has been built in the Port of Belfast and is due to officially open in early June.
Larne passenger numbers up by nearly 10 per cent
Date: 18 Jan 2008 Source: News LetterIncreased tourism helped Larne enjoy a bumper year, figures released by the harbour have revealed.
Total passenger numbers grew by almost 10 per cent over 2006 to 943,000, including 70,000 more passengers and an increase in tourist vehicles of 17 per cent.
“The range of ferry routes provided in Larne makes it an ideal option for tourists,” said the harbour’s managing director Keith Millar.
“Whether it’s tourists visiting Northern Ireland, people holidaying on the mainland or for short business trips, Larne’s location is ideal.”
Ro-ro freight traffic through the port also grew by 3.2 per cent last year as the port handled a total of almost 440,000 units, much of it Just-In-Time traffic, servicing the retail sector in Northern Ireland and providing the route for much of the country’s business exports.
“Sometimes the ro-ro freight business isn’t seen as glamorous by the public, but it is the lifeblood of our economy,” said Mr Millar.
“All our major supermarkets and retail businesses rely almost entirely on ro-ro traffic.”
The harbour is owned and operated by P&O Ferries whose Cairnryan service built on 2006’s record performance carrying 253,000 loads, while Stena’s service to Fleetwood grew by four per cent to 155,000.
Looking ahead, Mr Millar referred to the plans to upgrade the remaining section of the A8, Larne-Belfast road to dual carriageway standard, following the announcement of funding from the Republic of Ireland’s government for infrastructure improvements in the Province.
“Since the announcement, we have had confirmation from the Regional Development Minister, Conor Murphy, that the route corridor study of the last length of the A8 from Belfast to Larne is under way,” he said.
“Business and tourists have demonstrated that they want to use Larne. It is vital, therefore, that these improvements happen sooner rather than later. The importance of completing the Trans European Route and creating dual carriageway all the way to Larne can’t be over-emphasised. The port, the town and Northern Ireland want it and, more importantly, need it.”
Mr Millar also expressed satisfaction at the development within the Port of Larne Business Park which also continued its development with two new logistics hubs opened in 2007. Plans have also been submitted for a food, retail and leisure development.
“The value of setting up so close to the port with its 24/7 choice of ferry routes has been quickly recognised by many businesses and we are already receiving further significant interest,” he said.
“We fully support the supermarket proposal as Larne desperately needs a new convenience food retail offer. This site is ideally situated to make best use of existing infrastructure and capture some of those almost one million passengers, many of whom drive on without stopping.
“We feel this site is perfect for the people of Larne and servicing the traffic that uses the port.”
To book a ferry to or from the port, please click on the following links:
- Larne Ferry
- Ferry to Larne
Calais bound ferries resume sailings
Date: 17 Jan 2008 Source: Kent NewsSailings from the Port of Dover have resumed following strike action by French fishermen in Calais.
SeaFrance and P&O Ferries suspended their services Wednesday morning after the protests began in France at 9.30am.
Ferry sailings were started up again by P&O at 12.30pm once the demonstration had stopped.
Delays are still expected, but the ferry company has said it hopes to get things moving as quickly as possible. Operation Stack is still in place and Kent police are asking motorists to use the A20 to allow freight vehicles to travel more speedily on the M20.
One bag or two? No problem for ferry travellers
Date: 16 Jan 2008 Source: GeneralIt looks like the airlines forgot to make a New Year's Resolution to improve their customer service in 2008.
Hot on the heels of the confusion over hand-baggage - with the lunatic situation, for example, of being able to take two items into the cabin from Heathrow to Jersey but only bring one back - comes the Holiday Which? report on the `extras' still being charged to customers by airlines.
Says Declan Mescall, Head of Passenger Sales for award-winning Irish Ferries: "Certain airlines are charging up to £20 just to check luggage into the hold - some even charging to use the check-in desk - as well as additional costs for fast-boarding services.
"Compare this with the transparency - and ease - of travelling by ferry. With Irish Ferries there are no hidden extras; once the ticket is purchased there's no charge for baggage handling and holidaymakers can bring as much luggage as the car can hold!
"With air fuel surcharges, long check-in times (our ferry check-in time is just 30 minutes), plus the cost of airport parking and car hire, surely travelling by air just doesn't stack up where there are viable options for travelling on modern, comfortable ferries."
Calais bound Ferries hit by 'blockade'
Date: 16 Jan 2008 Source: BBC NewsSome ferry services from the Port of Dover have been suspended because of a "blockade" in Calais.
SeaFrance and P&O Ferries said they had halted crossings because of action taken by fishermen at the French port.
Services at Dover had been returning to normal following restrictions caused by the stormy weather on Tuesday.
Operation Stack is still in place and Kent Police have asked motorists to use the A20 to allow freight traffic access to the M20.
For regular online updates, please Click Here
If you have booked with Direct Ferries and wish to make alternative arrangements, please call 0871 222 3312 (10p/min).
Try Channel hopping to beat airport hassles
Date: 15 Jan 2008 Source: Liverpool Echoby Susan Lee, Liverpool Echo
I'm worried about our carbon footprint,” said my better half, leafing through the holiday brochures.
I was less concerned with the environment and more worried about lost luggage, airport delays and cancelled flights.
Somehow flying had lost its attraction.
Which is why we found ourselves cosily ensconced on the overnight ferry from Portsmouth to St Malo on our family getaway to France.
My sea legs aren’t all that good but our Brittany ferry was bright and spacious with a good choice of restaurants, bars and entertainment. The kids were thrilled with the adventure of it all and the sense that the travelling, normally something to be endured, was in fact part of the holiday.
Best of all our four berth cabin was small but comfortable and we all slept well, rocked by the gentle swell of the sea.
One of the other bonuses of travelling by overnight ferry – apart from not having to eat airline food – is you arrive in France refreshed and ready to begin your holiday.
Our base for the next nine days was with mobile home specialists Keycamp at La Grande Métairie, a large, well equipped site in the parklands of a former manor.
It offered good sized tree-lined pitches, a stunning indoor and outdoor pool complex and – a favourite with the nine-year-old – a tree-top climbing area complete with zip wires.
Also on hand were horses to ride, goats to feed and even a pig to pet – manna from heaven for our animal-mad daughter.
Add to all that kids’ clubs, tennis courts, table tennis tables and an excellent play area – as well as a nice bar and restaurant for mum and dad – and you could quite happily stay on site in your mobile home or tent for your entire holiday.
That, however, would be to miss some of the best beaches and prettiest villages in France.
So we hired bikes from the site and set out to see what this particular bit of southern Brittany had to offer.
First stop was on our doorstep – the world famous standing stones at Carnac.
They are an astonishing sight, 2,000 stones which pre-date both the Pyramids and Stonehenge, spread across fields and alongside roads. There’s a handy museum and visitor centre if you want more information but we found simply cycling round them as the sun set experience enough.
The kids were champing at the bit for the beach and we found the ideal spot less than 10 minutes’ drive away but there were plenty of others from which to choose including the busier and nearer Carnac Plage.
Our particular little bit of paradise was quieter – just an ice cream vendor and some toilets – but it offered safe bathing, clean sand and fascinating rock pools. With a picnic, a bucket and spade and plenty of suncream, holidays don’t really get any better.
Another favourite was La Trinité-sur-Mer. No beach here but fabulous yachts to ogle in the marina, interesting shops to browse and a wonderful jetty off which to fish and crab.
We returned again and again, often with some success. But nothing rivalled the day our neighbours, two French boys, landed a crab the size of a dinner plate. Our kids still talk about it.
If it’s a touch of history you’re after you can’t go wrong with Auray, a jaw-dropping medieval town based around a lovely harbour. Higgeldy-piggeldy houses line twisting streets packed with bars and eateries.
We bought cake from the baker’s shop and climbed above the town to enjoy it and the view.
Our final must-see was the village of Locmariaquer. Reminiscent of a Cornish fishing village it was a peaceful place with stunning coastal scenery and, when we were there, very few others.
It’s famed for its oyster beds and you can try the delicacy, washed down with a glass of the local cider, at one of the small restaurants.
The beauty of this area is you don’t have to travel far to see an awful lot. There are beaches and villages, walks to enjoy and boats to hire.
Crucially, when you’ve been out on a hard day’s sight-seeing or sunbathing, you know you’re coming back to an excellent campsite where you can relax with a glass or two while the kids play with their new-found friends.
And when it’s time to go home there’s no worry about airport delays.
Susan Lee travelled with Brittany Ferries. Fares start at £69 Portsmouth-St Malo and £48 Cherbourg-Poole for a car plus 2 people. (£117 return)
For more information or to make a booking, please visit our Brittany Ferries page.
Newhaven Ferry port set for facelift in 2008
Date: 11 Jan 2008 Source: Worthing HeraldNewhaven Ferry Port is to undergo a complete facelift this year.
Transmanche Ferries has committed to spending up to £1 million on modernising the port and terminal building to make it more welcoming to passengers travelling between Newhaven and Dieppe.
James Howe Davies, marketing director of Transmanche UK, said the idea was to create a general facelift for the area, including a change in road layout.
Terminal A freight lounge, including showers, toilets, an outside smoking area and a cafe serving hot food for lorry drivers travelling to and from France is among the first phase.
The official opening will take place on January 14.
Another part of the project has been to close the former foot passenger terminal in December and direct car and foot passengers through what was the car terminal.
The terminal will now be revamped with two check-in desks and a passenger cafe, The Haven Cafe, which is set to be ready next month.
Mr Howe Davies said: 'We have committed to spending half a million to a million pounds over the next two years. 'There are a number of things we are doing.
'We are, over time, going to change the road layout of the port just to allow better access and use of space, both for passengers and freight.
'Another thing we have done is to install a new weighbridge. We have always had a weighbridge to weigh freight as it comes in, and that has been relocated to change the flow of traffic.
'The freight drivers' lounge is opening on Monday and that looks a lot better. 'When Louis Dreyfus took over the ferry at Newhaven port in March it was a pretty horrible place to go and a number of freight drivers wouldn't even go in there.
'That is now completely re-done.
'It is basically a general facelift to the whole area.'
For more information or to make a booking please visit the following links:
- Newhaven Ferry Port
- Newhaven Ferry
- Newhaven Guide
Support grows for North Devon ferry
Date: 9 Jan 2008 Source: Devon 24An influential shipping expert has added his support for a North Devon ferry service from Ilfracombe to South Wales after saying it was "inevitable."
Professor Alf Baird, head of the Maritime Research Group at Edinburgh's Napier University, has joined other leading British academics to back proposals for a multi-million pound 45-minute fast catamaran service to Swansea.
Supporters have also been given the thumbs up by leading Welsh academic Professor Brian Morgan, who undertook a detailed analysis of the financial and business plans and said they were "very robust."
Momentum for the twin commercial link between North Devon and South Wales plus Penarth to Minehead have been spurred on after a business plan, plus all the facts and figures were set before top experts - and not found wanting.
"The routes are inevitable!" said Professor Baird.
"Many historic ferry routes are being re-started due to rising road transport costs and worsening congestion, aided by ongoing technological advances in ferry design."
Population
Organisers behind the scheme have produced hard data to support the project, looking at target populations and the number of passengers already using ferry services in other parts of the UK and around the world.
Chris Marrow, who is leading the project, said it was a definite milestone and although there had been a great deal of market research in the past, this was the first time the data had been properly analysed to produce hard figures.
"Our business plan is now being finalised," he added.
"A company has already been formed, the financing of the first vessel is being actively discussed with the banks and equity partners are being sought.
"The experts have endorsed the principle, verified the calculations and said the business plan is robust, so this puts us in a very strong position in terms of getting funding and means we will be taken that much more seriously by potential investors."
The potential of the service has clearly impressed. Mr Marrow gave one Scottish route as an example of how well used ferries could be:
"On the three main routes crossing the Clyde, you have got three-and-a-half million passengers per year," he said.
"When you add the target population of that area together, it is actually lower than that of South Wales, Devon and Somerset."
Although not so unrealistic as to suggest such figures were achievable in the foreseeable future, over "an extended period" of several years Mr Marrow said he thought the new Bristol Channel service could still see in the region of one million people climbing aboard.
Third Dieppe crossing starts in new year
Date: 1 Jan 2008 Source: Transmanche FerriesA Third daily crossing between Newhaven and Dieppe began on Monday.
Transmanche Ferries decided to increase the service by 50 per cent in response to high demand, particularly from freight drivers.
It is hoped the new crossing will also increase the number of foot passengers.
The news has been well received by members of Tug Horizon, an Anglo-French group with a keen interest in maintaining links between Dieppe and Newhaven and keeping the ferry crossing busy.
The group meets regularly and includes business people and other interested parties or individuals who enjoy close links between England and France.
For more information or to make a booking, please visit the following links:
- Newhaven Dieppe Ferry
- Ferry to Dieppe
- Transmanche Ferries
© Direct Ferries Ltd
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