Irish Ferries has informed holidaymakers that modern travel links mean they do not have to be ‘a slave to airlines’.
Declan Mescall, the company’s head of passenger sales, encouraged travellers to consider taking ferries to Ireland from Britain next year.
He said that extensive investment by ferry operators in recent years means ‘the time has passed’ that travellers were forced to rely on air travel.
‘Those who choose to go by sea can look forward to features such as club class lounges on board as well as priority boarding and discharge at ports of departure and arrival,’ Mr Mescall added.
The Irish Ferries spokesman also referred to airport congestion and baggage restrictions imposed by airlines as reasons for travellers to consider the option of sea crossings.
Fastnet line have announced that the Swansea Cork online booking system and pricing is now available on the website at www.fastnetline.com.
The Swansea to Cork service will commence on March 1st 2010, sailing from Cork to Swansea, departing at 21:00 arriving in Swansea at 07:00 the next morning. See the website for the full schedule.
Special Opening Offer – Kids Travel FREE on Fastnet Line !! That’s right – simply book at least one adult ticket with vehicle for travel during 2010 - and up to three children can travel with you absolutely free! Bookings must be made before 1st April 2010, children must be under 16 on the date of travel, excludes cabin.
If you need further information or have any queries, please check our FAQ at
http://www.fastnetline.com/faqs.html
We look forward to welcoming you on board MV Julia in 2010.
Regards
Ann Cronin – Sales & Marketing Manager
p.s. – Please feel free to forward this information to anybody you know who might be interested!
Fastnet Line, Ferry Terminal, Ringaskiddy, Cork, Ireland Tel: + 353 21 4530440 Email: info@fastnetline.com Web: www.fastnetline.com
The Celtic Link Norman Voyager cross-Channel ferry impounded by inspectors for failing basic safety tests has now been cleared to sail.
The newest conventional ferry on the cross channel route was detained by safety inspectors moments before it was due to sail out of Portsmouth to Cherbourg.
The Norman Voyager has capacity for up to 800 passengers, 200 cars and up to 120 freight vehicles. On board facilities include 110 cabins, bar, restaurant, lounges, cinema and a shop. Passengers who were already on board the vessel were told to disembark after it failed tests relating to fire safety, watertight integrity and staff safety training.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said the company and crew had worked hard to address its concerns and has now been given the all-clear to sail.
Celtic Link sub-charters the vessel from LD Lines which, in-turn charters it from another company called Epic. A spokesman for Celtic Link said it was unlikely the ferry would leave Portsmouth until the bad weather was over.
Severn Link chairman Chris Marrow has had to address concerns about the capability of the newly purchased Fast Cat ferries to cope with the new Ilfracombe to Swansea ferry route across the Bristol Channel.
The announcement of the new ferry crossing due to start sailing at Easter 2010 prompted a number of concerned voices to make themselves heard.
The Fast Cats which will run daily from Ilfracombe in North Devon to Swansea in South Wales have been bought for the new route from the Isle of Wight service, but Derek Gawn, from Ireland said he had lived on the Isle of Wight for some time and his experience was that anything more than “a slight blow” would mean the fast passenger ferry was suspended to avoid the bad weather, or replaced by a car ferry.
In his comment he said:
“I lived for 48 years on the Isle of Wight. I have been in the Merchant Navy. I have worked on passenger ships. I know the sea. I know all about the Solent, where these vessels have been running. I have travelled on these two vessels. When they operated between the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth their reliability was almost laughable — and that was a 4.5 mile trip in semi-sheltered waters. What on earth will a 20-plus mile trip across a very exposed stretch of water be like? It will be great on the best days of the summer, but the chance of running on bad days or in the winter will be pretty slim. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great idea — but the wrong vessels.”
Chris Marrow, chairman of Severn Link, has replied saying “Yes, there will be times when it is too bumpy for a crossing, but you’re going to get that whatever the vessel. The alternative is simple — no ferry. We are all professional sea-farers and we are consulting with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). The Fast Cats do have good sea-keeping qualities, but none-the-less these are 40m vessels and we are aware of the fact that they will sometimes be weather limited. But we are still discussing the limitations with the MCA. The vessels can cope up to a certain level, but after that they won’t sail, but that’s true of any ferry. The problems these vessels had at the Isle of Wight weren’t to do with conditions out at sea, but primarily with what they were like at Ryde Pier, where they were often unable to land.
“Our main concern is that we won’t strand anyone. Day-trippers will be refunded and anyone who is planning a holiday will be offered an alternative journey by coach — it won’t be what they hoped for, but at least they won’t be stranded.”
Sea trials in the Bristol Channel are due to be carried out in the coming weeks, with the MCA, and the first Severn Link ferry is due to make the crossing around Easter-time next year.
NEXT SPRING, WE’RE MOVING ENGLAND AND WALES FOUR TIMES CLOSER TO EACH OTHER.
DERREN BROWN, EAT YOUR HEART OUT.
British company Severn Link announces the first modern ferry service to connect South Wales and South West England
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Today, ferry operator Severn Link has announced plans to transform the lives of thousands of travellers within South Wales and the South West of England – with the creation of a regular fast, fun and affordable passenger ferry service between Swansea and Ilfracombe, due to commence operation early next year.
The Severn Link service will be the very first time a regular modern ferry route has joined the two shores of the Bristol Channel – creating a unique and much-needed connection between one of England’s most visited tourist areas and the populous economic and cultural hub of Wales. The Severn Link service is a bold new step to reconnect the communities, heritage and history of two areas which, despite lying within sight of each other, have never before had the opportunity within modern times to take advantage of their neighbouring status – whether practically, economically and socially.
Regular transport links between the two areas have, in modern times, been limited to road or rail travel, adding many hours onto travel times and many more pounds onto travel costs. By travelling via Severn Link ferry, travel times and environmental impact will be drastically cut – with its swift 34 knot, 360 passenger catamarans taking just fifty minutes to complete a journey which would take at least four times as long by car.
Severn Link is the brainchild of Chris Marrow, a highly respected marine professional and pioneer of international repute – and one of the few people in the UK with a proven track record in creating new ferry routes, all of which are in operation today. Chris has brought together a team of the highest possible calibre who share the Severn Link vision – including one of Britain’s top marine engineers, a world renowned fast ferry specialist and internationally respected financial expertise.
Speaking of the reasons behind setting up Severn Link, Chris said, “To my knowledge, there is no other comparable stretch of water in the world, linking similarly populated areas, which doesn’t have a heavily utilised ferry service – and market research1 has shown that there is a huge demand for this ferry route within South Wales and South West England. The Severn Link ferries will open up multiple opportunities – not just for ease of travel between the two regions for tourists, commuters and travellers, but also to help forge business links and bring the two neighbouring areas closer in many positive ways.”
Chris elaborated on just a few ways he perceived the Severn Link service as being beneficial to those living, working and travelling in the two regions. “Not only will the ferry service create easy travel to shopping and airport links in Cardiff and Swansea, it will assist with links to major sporting events and offer previously unviable day tripper and short break connections between the many tourist attractions throughout the wider areas of the South West of England and South Wales. Additionally we see Severn Link as instrumental in bringing the Celtic nations of Wales and Cornwall even closer together, including helping the thousands of families who are separated by the Bristol Channel to visit each other via fast, affordable and easy travel routes.”
The Ilfracombe – Swansea route is just the first route in a series of planned major destinations on both sides of the Bristol Channel, with plans for more exciting routes between South Wales and the northern coast of South West England currently in development and due to be announced next year.
Support for the forthcoming ferry service has been widespread with businesses, tourism chiefs and council dignitaries all lending their patronage. Councillor Chris Holley, Swansea Council Leader, said, “This is terrific news that comes in the wake of the announcement that the Swansea to Cork ferry is being reinstated. A fast cat service from Swansea to Ilfracombe would be a boost for the city’s tourism economy and would allow Swansea people easier access to Devon and the South West of England. The service would also introduce many visitors from the Devon area to Swansea Bay for the very first time where I’m sure attractions such as Gower would make a hugely positive impression and would encourage people to return. We’ve got so much in Swansea that would appeal to visitors. Investment in recent years has seen the opening of the £32million LC leisure centre, the National Waterfront Museum and the state-of-the-art Aspers casino. We’re fortunate to have first-class facilities and attractions that cater for all ages and interests.”
Leader of North Devon Council, Councillor Des Brailey commented, “This is fantastic news for Ilfracombe and will provide a tremendous boost to the economy as it presents so many opportunities for the town itself and the wider North Devon. This shows that external private investors have high confidence in the town and paves the way for a really exciting future for Ilfracombe.”
Swansea West Assembly Minister, Andrew Davies, spoke of the positive benefits the ferry service will bring to his constituency. “I am delighted that the Severn Link Swansea-Ilfracombe ferry will shortly be operating from the city. This will not only provide a welcome and regular service between south Wales and south west England but will also provide a number of good jobs for Swansea boosting the local economy and tourism. I wish it every success.”
The Severn Link website (www.severnlink.com) is now live and available to view destinations, ferry information, book advance tickets and discover further details about the company. You can also visit and follow Severn Link on Facebook and Twitter and get a preview of the ferry fleet on YouTube.
The service begins on 1st March 2010 – and is planned to operate year-round – for convenient travel both in and out of season.
Saves you 600km (375 miles) driving on a round trip and connects Cork direct to the M4 motorway (with hassle-free access to London, the south-west and the midlands)
Sailings between Cork & Swansea plannedsix nights a week, with additional sailings during peak periods and for special events.
Overnight sailings departing at 21.00 & arriving 07.00 next day – so you arrive relaxed and ready to continue your holiday or onward journey.
Efficient, straightforward on-line booking system (coming soon) – so you don’t have to spend hours ‘on hold’ waiting for an operator.
Over 300 Cabins and ample ‘Pullman’ seating, for a comfortable, relaxing trip
Capacity for 1,860 passengers, 440 Cars, 40 Trucks – plenty of room for commercial and leisure travellers alike
Extensive selection of Bars, Restaurants, Shopping, Cinema and Kids Area on board – not just a ferry crossing – more of a mini-cruise – your holiday starts the moment you get on-board!
Julia is currently docked in Cork City at Horgan’s Quay preparing for initial sailing – if you’re in the area, come and see her from the quayside – she’s impressive!
The Julia and Fastnet Line are owned by a co-operative of small investors – we aim to be the most customer-focused ferry service on the Irish Sea.
Visit the website for more information, to pre-register, to give us your comments and suggestions or to find out about partnering opportunities for Travel Agents and Group organisers with Fastnet Line
The Fastnet Line is the new passenger & freight ferry service linking Swansea in Wales with Cork in Ireland, replacing the previous service which stopped sailing in 2006.
It was a great example of how a community can get organised to prevent the big business ferry operators from cutting them off from important transport links. A local campaign was mounted and eventually succeeding in putting together a proposition to get the Swansea Cork ferry sailing again, this time as “The People’s Ferry”
Fastnet Line will provide holiday passengers with a comfortable overnight crossing in a fully-equipped ship, also carrying freight. Lorry drivers will be able to to rest overnight and cut out hundreds of miles of unnecessary driving in Ireland and Wales.
Fastnet Line to Swansea service from Cork will start on 1st March 2010 – the new ship MV Julia having been already purchased for only 7million Euros and now berthed at Horgans Quay in the centre of Cork City since 25th September 2009. Here she is sailing into the port of Cork with some commentary from the organisers .
With effect from 1st September 2009, the ferry company DFDS Seaways will be
introducing a fuel surcharge across all of their products. The price
of oil has reached a level which gives DFDS Seaways considerable extra
costs for the purchase of fuel. The temporary fuel surcharge will be
£5pp each way and children are exempt from the surcharge.
Their website at www.dfds.co.uk is updated with the new fuel-inclusive
prices since Saturday 29th August 2009.
The price of oil has fluctuated a great deal during the last year, and
the ferry company chose to wait as long as possible before
introducing a surcharge. Now the price of oil has stabilised at a high
level so they can no longer absorb the higher fuel costs by making
savings in other places.
Other ferry cpmpanies are expected to follow suit, if they have not
done so already.
Ferry from Pembroke Dock, Wales to Ferrol, Galicia, Spain
Here’s a new ferry route planned which sounds great for Wales and Galicia but with restricted passenger numbers. A new ferry service which could take cargo and passengers directly from Pembrokeshire to the north coast of Spain is now under discussion and could be up and running as early as next year, 2010. The possible route between Pembroke Dock and the city of Ferrol, in north western Spain, is still in its early stages, but could give huge advantages to haulage companies if it goes ahead.
Passenger ferry service
Unfortunately for potential holidaymakers and tourists, the ferry service being discussed by the Milford Haven Port Authority (MHPA) and port bosses at Ferrol would only have room for about 10 to 12 passengers, the main focus being on transporting freight, unaccompanied by drivers, which would be dropped off at the ferry in Pembroke Dock and picked up at the other side. In other words, this would be a container ferry rather than a car ferry or even long distance lorry ferry.
Ferries reduce environmental impact
MHPA commercial director Joe Besch said:
The benefit would be that you don’t have a lorry driving right across England, France and Spain. Companies can save on the environmental impact and on the roads and costs of drivers”
Research has already shown that there are between 90 to 100,000 potential truck loads which could use the service, with around 16,000 units needed to make the route viable.
Mr Besch continued
The more people we can get the better, because you are increasing the utilisation of the ferry terminal at Pembroke Dock and we also have a twice daily service with Ireland and this would allow for Irish cargo to come from Ireland and send cargo directly over to Spain. We have spoken to ship owners and ferry companies, the next stage is to do more market research and find out who the companies are who could use the service.
Where is Ferrol?
Ferrol is a city in the Province of A Coruña in Galicia. Located on the Atlantic coast in north-western Spain, it has urban population of 77,859 and metropolitan area of over 241,528 (2007)
The city has been a major naval shipbuilding centre for most of its history, being the capital of the Spanish Navy’s Maritime Department of the North since the time of the early Bourbons. Before that, in the 17th century, Ferrol was the most important arsenal in Europe. Today, the city is also known as the home of the shipbuilding yards of Navantia.
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