http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/ en david.simpson@seaview.co.uk Copyright 2012 2012-02-03T12:26:24+00:00 http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/dfds-ld-lines-calais-dover-operation-sets-sail-on-february-17/ http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/dfds-ld-lines-calais-dover-operation-sets-sail-on-february-17/#When:11:26:24Z A new DFDS/LD Lines Dover-Calais operation is to be launched on February 17. Initially the service will be operated by the Norman Spirit,  flying the French flag. A further ferry under the French flag will be added on the Dover Strait as soon as we can be ready with a suitable ship. More than 300 staff are to be recrited for sea and shore operations in addition to those already employed. The process of hiring people, many of these being former SeaFrance staff, has already started. A statement issued today said: “DFDS and LDA are grateful for the support which we have received from the French Government, Chamber of Commerce, the local authorities and the ports, whose support have been important factors in being able to start already on 17 February. “We look forward to continuing this fruitful cooperation to the benefit of the future development of the route as well as employment. “We are confident that our customers and the many people and freight companies that travel between France and Dover will benefit from the flexibility we can now offer with both a northern leg on Dover-Dunkerque and a southern leg on Calais- Dover. “We therefore look very much forward to being able to welcome passengers as well as freight customers to our new Calais- Dover service, and, in cooperation with our new employees as well as our staff in Dover and Dunkerque, we look forward to providing an attractive and efficient customers service and a sustainable workplace.” Ferry Operators, DFDS Seaways, LD Lines, Ferry News 2012-02-03T11:26:24+00:00 http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/irish-ferries-is-still-tops-with-the-irish/ http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/irish-ferries-is-still-tops-with-the-irish/#When:16:40:02Z Irish Ferries has been voted Best Ferry Company at the Irish Travel industry awards for a second year.The award is made by the Irish Travel Agents Association, with votes cast by travel industry staff across Ireland. Receiving the award, Irish Ferries’ head of passenger sales Declan Mescall thanked travel agents for their recognition, adding: “We are very proud to receive this award for the second year in succession: it’s a clear reflection of the high level of service our passengers have come to expect from Irish Ferries.” Irish Ferries operates two routes between Ireland and the UK.  Holyhead in North Wales to Dublin is the route for the company’s Ulysses cruise ferry and the Dublin Swift fastcraft.  The Isle of Inishmore sails from Pembroke in South Wales to Rosslare. Fares start at £79 one-way for a car and driver. Ferry Operators, Irish Ferries, Ferry News 2012-02-02T16:40:02+00:00 http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/hovertravel-boosts-morning-peak-services-with-extra-sailing/ http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/hovertravel-boosts-morning-peak-services-with-extra-sailing/#When:09:28:36Z Hovertravel is adding the 8:30am hovercraft service from Ryde to Portsmouth due to popular commuter demand.Neil Chapman, managing director of Hovertravel, said:  “We are always listening to the needs of customers so we can ensure that our services suit their schedules. Feedback over the last month has revealed that an extra service during the morning commuter peak period would make a big difference to our Island commuters.” Hovertravel has seen growth over the last six months in travel from the Island. In particular the morning commuter period has a more concentrated flow of passengers between 7:15 and 8:45. Chapman continues: “Currently, Hovertravel has the biggest market share in our history. One of the areas of steady growth for us has been from regular travellers and commuters. This is why we have put in place initiatives for us to listen better to their needs through channels such as the Hovertravel User Group. “The addition of the 8:30am hovercraft service is a great example of where we have listened and responded quickly.” Hovertravel has also launched a new appreciation voucher scheme as a small way of thanking their loyal customers. Those who purchase an Adult six-month season card, Adult 250 travel card or Triple Term card can claim for 20 single appreciation vouchers that are valid for one single journey and can be transferred to friends & family. Customers that purchase an Adult 12-month season card can claim for 40 Appreciation vouchers. Ferry Operators, Hovertravel, Ferry News 2012-02-02T09:28:36+00:00 http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/po-ferries-spirit-of-france-sails-into-dover/ http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/po-ferries-spirit-of-france-sails-into-dover/#When:16:47:16Z P&O Ferries’ second new €180m ship Spirit of France arrived at Dover for the first time today following a four-day delivery voyage from her construction shipyard at Rauma, Finland.The ship arrived at the port at 1100 and will now start final preparations for entry into service on the Dover – Calais route from Thursday February 9. Spirit of France has arrived in Dover She joins her sister ship, Spirit of Britain, on the service. The combined cost of €360m for the two ships represents the largest investment ever made by P&O Ferries. At 47,500 gross tons, these ships are the largest ever constructed for operation on the Dover Strait, each ship capable of carrying 160 articulated lorries which is twice the freight capacity of the vessels they are replacing. In addition they can also carry up to 250 cars, caravans and motorhomes on a separate vehicle deck. Their passenger accommodation with capacity for 2,000 offers impressive levels of comfort and convenience including luxuriously appointed lounges, bars and restaurants plus a separate and extensive rest and relaxation facility for freight drivers complete with its own restaurant, showers,  DVD seat back entertainment and a private outside deck. 2012-01-28T16:47:16+00:00 http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/dfds-seaways-has-the-answer-to-24-hour-belgium-strike/ http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/dfds-seaways-has-the-answer-to-24-hour-belgium-strike/#When:16:09:48Z DFDS Seaways is coming to the rescue of ferry travellers facing difficulties as a result of the 24- hour national public sector strike across Belgium on Monday.DFDS Seaways (formerly Norfolkline) Dover – France ferries has space currently available for additional car passengers looking to travel to and from the UK on Sunday and Monday (29 and 30 January). All passengers looking to avoid the strike action threatening the entire Belgium rail network, which will also affect Eurostar services to and from Brussels, shouid make their arrangements as soon as possible to secure a crossing this Sunday and Monday to travel with their car. DFDS Seaways sails between Dover and Dunkirk, which is situated in the North of France, with easy access from the main European arterial roads. The Port of Dunkirk is only 97 miles from Brussels, and is an ideal departure point from France and the Continent. Please note that DFDS Seaways does not carry foot passengers on its Dover - Dunkirk route. Ferry Operators, DFDS Seaways, Ferry News 2012-01-28T16:09:48+00:00 http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/spirit-of-france-begins-1400-mile-journey-to-dover/ http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/spirit-of-france-begins-1400-mile-journey-to-dover/#When:15:38:11Z Spirit of France, P&O Ferries' second new €180 million ship, Spirit of France, has begun its 1,400 mile voyage to the UK following a handover ceremony at the STX Europe shipyard in Rauma, Finland.The vessel, under the command of Captain Steve Johnson, the senior master, is expected to arrive in Dover at 1100hrs on Saturday (January 28), where final preparations will then be made for the new ship to take up service on the Dover – Calais route by mid-February. At more than 47,000 tons and 213 metres in length, Spirit of France, and sister ship Spirit of Britain which began service last year, are the largest ferries ever built for the Dover Strait. The combined cost of €360 million is also the largest investment ever made by P&O Ferries. Helen Deeble, chief executive, said: “This investment gives us the finest cross-Channel ferries ever commissioned for the Dover Strait and is a bold statement of our determination to continue to raise the bar in terms of the quality and comfort of ferry travel. “I look forward to welcoming customers on board the first sailing of Spirit of France in due course.”  Ferry Operators, P&O Ferries, Ferry News 2012-01-25T15:38:11+00:00 http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/gourmet-cruise-to-st-malo-with-brittany-ferries-from-95-pounds/ http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/gourmet-cruise-to-st-malo-with-brittany-ferries-from-95-pounds/#When:10:13:14Z As night falls and the bright lights of Portsmouth slide out of view, this gastronomic adventure begins on board Brittany Ferries’ flagship Pont-Aven.In the Le Flora restaurant, you will discover hors-d’oeuvre and dessert tables weighed down by an array of mouth-watering delights. Le Flora restaurant on Brittany Ferries’ Pont-Aven But be sure to leave room for one of the delicious main courses on offer, not forgetting the obligatory cheese course. After a restful night on board enjoy a continental breakfast buffet in Le Flora before starting you day in St Malo. There’s plenty of time to work up an appetite exploring the winding, cobbled streets of Intra-Muros before a lunch reservation in the popular, friendly, family run Le Café de l’Ouest. The three-course offering includes a welcome aperitif and coffee, and features local highlights such as Cancale oysters, Mackerel in white wine and a home made crème brulée. There is also the option to dine at the Michelin-starred Le Chalut for a £20 supplement.. After a leisurely afternoon exploring the area or perhaps stocking up on the Breton delicacies, you can board Pont-Aven any time after 6 pm. There’s time to discover all the excellent facilities on board this cruise ship style ferry and have dinner in one of the two restaurants (if you have room!) as she sails back to Portsmouth. Cruises, available from February 17 to March 26 inclusive, start from £95 per person including overnight cabin accommodation and meals. Available on Monday or Friday night departures at 20.15 from Portsmouth arriving back at 08.00 on Wednesday or Sunday Quoted price based on two foot passengers sharing an inside two-berth cabin, departing Portsmouth on Monday evening, dinner and breakfast on outward crossing and lunch at Le Café de l’Ouest Supplement for Friday night departures of £4 per person Ferry Operators, Brittany Ferries, Ferry News 2012-01-25T10:13:14+00:00 http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/sail-to-the-isle-of-lurve-for-valentines-day/ http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/sail-to-the-isle-of-lurve-for-valentines-day/#When:15:28:17Z With Valentine's Day approaching fast, Hovertravel is claiming the Isle of Wight is the most romantic island in the UK. With beautiful beaches perfect for walking hand in hand, to a luxurious stay at The Hambrough, a smart boutique hotel facing the sea in Ventnor, the Isle of Wight has something for all Valentine budgets. After skimming across the Solent on the hovercraft, couples can simply sit and eat some of the best seaside fish and chips just watching the sea. Alternatively would-be romantics can enjoy some fabulous pub grub beside a real log fire in pubs such as The Boathouse in Seaview or The Folly in East Cowes. If you are looking for something extra special you can treat your partner to gourmet excellence at The Hambrough’s Michelin-starred restaurant, prepared by Chef Patron Robert Thompson; perhaps even stay the night and enjoy breakfast in bed the next morning. Says Loretta Lale, marketing manager for Hovertravel: “A Valentine trip to the Isle of Wight with Hovertravel is sure to impress. The speedy, ten-minute crossing is the fastest way to the island’s many romantic locations. Also with 2012 being a leap year we may even see a hover proposal or two!” Ferry Operators, Hovertravel, Ferry News 2012-01-24T15:28:17+00:00 http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/dfds-seaways-mini-cruise-breaks/ http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/dfds-seaways-mini-cruise-breaks/#When:06:43:01Z For a well-earned short break away, why not consider one of DFDS Seaways' great-value two and three-night mini cruises. With nights spent onboard a luxurious cruise ferry and plenty of time in your chosen destination, a mini cruise is the perfect way to unwind from the stresses and strains of everyday life. 2 for 1 - a two-night Mini Cruise Break to Amsterdam from Newcastle from £79 for 2 people Relax in the vibrant city of Amsterdam - enjoy 2 nights onboard with great food and entertainment, plus several hours to explore this beautiful city and stroll down its tree lined canals. 2 nights from £79 for two people sharing inside cabin September to December travel Search and book>> 2 for 1 two-night Mini Cruise Break to Esbjerg from Harwich from £89pp Visit the delightful maritime town of Esbjerg on a 2 night mini cruise from Harwich. With a range of 2 night breaks available, there is no better time to visit Denmark. 2 nights Mini Cruise Break from £89pp based on 2 sharing, from £160pp for four sharing, kids go FREE January to March Search and book 2 for 1 two-night Mini Cruise Break to Haarlem from Newcastle from £99 Whisk a loved one away to the historic Dutch city of Haarlem on this relaxing mini break. 2 nights from £99pp based on 2 sharing inside cabin, £173 for four sharing Search and book>> 2 night Mini Cruise Break to Alkmaar from Newcastle from £95pp Take a 2 night midweek break to the traditional cheese markets at Alkmaar in Holland. 2 nights from £95pp based on 2 sharing, £73pp based on four sharing Search and book>> 3 night Mini Cruise Break to Esbjerg & Ribe from Harwich from £127pp Enjoy 3 nights away onboard our cruise ferry to Denmark and enjoy visiting the beautiful Danish towns of Esbjerg and Ribe as you relax on your short break away. 3 nights from £127pp based on 2 sharing outside cabin, from £100 based on four sharing Search and book>> 2 night Mini Cruise Break to Copenhagen from Oslo from £34pp Enjoy historic Copenhagen with your partner on this break, with 2 nights on board one of our modern cruise ferries and time to explore Denmark’s fascinating capital. 2 nights from £34pp based on two sharing, from £20 based on four sharing Search and book>> 2 night Mini Cruise Break to Oslo from Copenhagen from £34pp Explore Oslo with a loved one: enjoy 2 nights in an en suite cabin with great entertainment as you sail, plus time in between to enjoy the Norwegian capital. 2 nights from £34pp based on two sharing, from £20 based on four sharing Search and book>> Ferry Operators, DFDS Seaways 2012-01-22T06:43:01+00:00 http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/something-extra-special-from-dfds-seaways-themed-mini-cruise-breaks/ http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/something-extra-special-from-dfds-seaways-themed-mini-cruise-breaks/#When:10:34:47Z Add something extra special to your two-night mini cruise break with one of DFDS Seaways' exclusive themed cruises packed with entertainment as your cruise across the North Sea.There is a themed mini cruise break for everyone, but if you can’t make it on any of these specially selected dates, then check out our mini cruise break section for a full list of other options. 2 night Comedy Cruise to Amsterdam from Newcastle - 2 for 1 Join in the laughter onboard the comedy mini cruise to Amsterdam. With top live comedy acts on the outward sailing and an open mic competition on the return crossing, you may need to pack more underwear than needed! Book by 30th March and one goes free! 2 nights from £99 based on two people, £173 for four Search and book 2 for 1 two-night School Disco Mini Cruise to Amsterdam Re-live your school years, on this school disco cruise to Amsterdam. Buy one ticket and get one free when you book by 21 November. Departs November 25. 2 for 1 deal, from £99 for two people, from £173 for four Search and book>> 2 for 1 two-night Mini Tropical Island Mini Cruise to Amsterdam In need of relaxation, fun and dreaming of the tropics? Buy one ticket and the other’s on us when you book by December 1. From £99pp, based on two sharing Search and book>> 2 night Romantic Cruise Break to Amsterdam from Newcastle Amsterdam is the ideal destination for a romantic getaway. Enjoy two nights at sea, including breakfasts and evening meals, plus a day to explore the city together. 2 nights from £168pp, daily departures Search and book>> Valentine’s Day Mini Cruise to Amsterdam from Newcastle Whisk your loved one off on a short romantic break to Amsterdam this Valentines Day as a special treat. Sailing from Newcastle 11-14 February. 2 nights from £100pp Search and book>> 2 for 1 St. Patrick’s Day Mini Cruise to Amsterdam Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on this themed mini-cruise to Amsterdam from Newcastle. Includes special Irish entertainment and plenty of Guinness! Buy one ticket and the other’s on us when you book by 12 March. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated all around the world, and where better to celebrate it than onboard a DFDS Seaways cruise ferry, while sailing to the cultural city of Amsterdam. 2 nights from £99 based on two people, £173 for four Search and book>> Ferry Operators, DFDS Seaways, Ferry News 2012-01-16T10:34:47+00:00