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.