Ferry Time blog

P&O Ferries is looking forward to the launch of Spirit of Britain, by far the largest ferry ever designed for the Dover – Calais Ferry route.

The Spirit of Britain ferry is nearing completion prior to starting service in mid January 2011.

The operator P & O Ferries is building a pair of these new ships, the second being Spirit of France which enters service next September.

“This reflects a certain degree of confidence for the long term as the pair of ships are costing the company a cool €360 million,” said a spokesman from P & O.

P&O Ferries New Ships for Dover Calais

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.