http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/ en david.simpson@seaview.co.uk Copyright 2012 2012-05-21T10:29:01+00:00 http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/hovertravel-new-day-trips-and-short-breaks-to-mainland/ http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/hovertravel-new-day-trips-and-short-breaks-to-mainland/#When:09:29:01Z Isle of Wight operator Hovertravel has teamed up with established travel operator Lucketts Travel to offer day trips and short breaks on the mainland and in Europe.In addition, Hovertravel is offering a 20 per centdiscount on crossings when purchased with a Lucketts Travel booking. Loretta Lale, marketing manager at Hovertravel, explains, “This partnership will allow us to provide an extensive choice of excursions for our Island customers - just in time for the summer season.” For the first time Lucketts Travel coaches will be stopping at the Hovertravel terminal on Clarence Esplanade in Southsea. It means passengers can transfer from the hovercraft to a coach with the minimum of fuss. Ian Luckett of Lucketts Travel said: “We’re always looking at ways of making it easier for people to enjoy an excursion or short break. Teaming up with Hovertravel makes sense for both companies, allowing customers to book ferry and coach tickets in one place. “The deal opens up a world of travel opportunities for people living on the Island, and hopefully will allow us to expand our business too.” Ferry Operators, Hovertravel, Ferry News 2012-05-21T09:29:01+00:00 http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/nows-the-time-to-take-advantage-of-weak-euro-says-po-ferries/ http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/nows-the-time-to-take-advantage-of-weak-euro-says-po-ferries/#When:11:37:54Z British holidaymakers can cash in on the improving euro exchange rate and cross the Channel to sunnier climes withoput their Continental holiday breaking the bank.The sterling-euro exchange rate has improved by more than eight per cent over the past 12 months and the continuing economic turmoil in the eurozone looks sets to continue to help hard-pressed households in search of a summer getaway. Spirit of France operates on P&O Ferries’ Dover-Calais servive Simon Johnson, passenger services director for P&O Ferries, said: “With a continuing recession and a long wet spring at home it is no wonder our customers are starting to think about their summer holidays. “We think they are in for a pleasant surprise this year when they realise the economics of taking their cars abroad are working in their favour. “British families heading to the southern part of Europe in search of sea, sun and sand will find the cost of fuel for the car, dining out and shopping in France or other European countries much better value than a year ago. “And when you add the convenience of taking your own car and beating the airport queues the traditional motoring holiday takes a lot of beating.” P&O Ferries’ summer season return fares on the shortest Dover - Calais crossing start at £70 for a car and up to nine passengers, The route features the company’s two new giant ferries, Spirit of Britain and Spirit of France, and offers up to 25 departures per day in each direction. Alternatively, the company offers overnight services on the North Sea between Hull – Rotterdam and Zeebrugge with summer prices starting at £138 each way for a car, four passengers and cabin accommodation. Ferry Operators, P&O Ferries, Ferry News 2012-05-15T11:37:54+00:00 http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/deal-seaways-launched-on-new-dover-calais-route/ http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/deal-seaways-launched-on-new-dover-calais-route/#When:09:55:35Z DFDS Seaways and LD Lines have launched the second vessel to sail on the new Dover-Calais route. The new vessel, named as the Deal Seaways, brings the total number of daily sailings out of Dover to Calais to 10. Passengers can now travel across to Calais from just £29 each way for a car and up to four passengers. The second vessel has been chartered from Brittany Ferries, and was previously known as the Barfleur before being renamed ahead of her launch. Chris Newey, passenger director for the English Channel at DFDS Seaways, said: “We have been really pleased with the uptake of the new route between Dover-Calais, and are delighted to be able to respond to demand with the launch of the second vessel, therefore doubling the number of crossings. We’re confident our customers will benefit from the flexibility of sailing times, as well as still having the option to travel to Dunkirk.” Ferry Operators, DFDS Seaways, LD Lines 2012-05-07T09:55:35+00:00 http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/get-ready-for-a-car-cation-...-a-new-stena-line-craze/ http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/get-ready-for-a-car-cation-...-a-new-stena-line-craze/#When:17:47:33Z Heard of "Car-cation?" Well it seems this so-called craze is about to sweep the nation, thanks to Stena Line. Pack it all up and enjoy the best travel experience to Ireland or Holland. With no baggage charges, feel free to bring the kitchen sink! Take your shoes, your golf clubs and even your dog - all for FREE! Your holiday starts the moment you step onboard. Sit back and relax in an exclusive Stena Plus Lounge, take a snooze in a comfy cabin or chill out in the spa and take a dip in the Jacuzzi. Keep your finger on the pulse with free WiFi, catch a free movie, say hello to Curious George or shop ?til you drop in our onboard shop, the choice is yours. With the most routes, the most sailings and the largest ferries, take your car on a Car-cation and get away the easy way Ferry Operators, Stena Line, Ferry News 2012-04-27T17:47:33+00:00 http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/condor-ferries-shortlisted-for-coach-tourism-awards/ http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/condor-ferries-shortlisted-for-coach-tourism-awards/#When:20:00:34Z Condor Ferries is celebrating after being shortlisted at the annual Coach Tourism Awards.The Poole-based ferry operator is one of six finalists in the Cross-Sea Carrier of the Year category, and will find out the results on stage at a prestigious gala awards evening on 10 May. The Coach Tourism Awards specifically focus on the coach tourism community, recognising the very best coach operators, tourism suppliers, coach-friendly destinations and visitor attractions. Being nominated for an award represents a highly valued endorsement in this important market sector. The nomination comes after Condor Ferries saw a 70% increase in its groups business in 2011, welcoming hundreds of coach travel passengers on its popular routes to the Channel Islands of Guernsey and Jersey, as well as further afield to St Malo in France, throughout the year. Condor has also recently introduced an individual check-in option for group travel passengers, with further investments planned for group passengers this year, including the option to pre-purchase meals on board. Graham Hopcraft, group sales manager at Condor Ferries, commented: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for these prestigious awards. We welcome many coach groups on board our ferries each year, and are continually updating and improving our services for group bookings. We are keeping our fingers crossed for good news on the night.” Ferry Operators, Condor Ferries, Ferry News 2012-04-25T20:00:34+00:00 http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/take-a-purrfect-break-with-po-ferries/ http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/take-a-purrfect-break-with-po-ferries/#When:15:05:08Z Head to the Belgian city of Ypres on May 13 for an extraordinary celebration of all things feline, at the Kattenstoet Cat Festival. The festival’s macabre roots date from the Middle Ages when surplus moggies were culled by hurling them from the belfry tower, while witches were burned at the stake. Throwing real cats off the belfry was banned in 1817 so toys are used to maintain the tradition these days and witches have become an important part of the carnival parade. The whole parade, which takes place every thee years, is so extensive that it takes a couple of hours to pass by. Ypres is an hour’s drive from the ports of Calais and Zeebrugge, both served by P&O Ferries with 23 sailings a day on the Dover – Calais route and an overnight service between Hull and Zeebrugge. For more festival details ... www.kattenstoet.be Ferry Operators, P&O Ferries, Ferry News 2012-04-18T15:05:08+00:00 http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/cruise-dine-and-learn-about-wine-with-brittany-ferries-all-for-65/ http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/cruise-dine-and-learn-about-wine-with-brittany-ferries-all-for-65/#When:09:30:50Z Brittany Ferries is offering wine lovers the chance to deepen their knowledge of wine and winemaking by taking a one-day wine-themed minicruise. These cruises are available daily from May 4 to 18, departing Portsmouth in the morning, sailing across the Channel to Caen on the Normandy coast, and returning to Portsmouth in the evening. Participants will enjoy an expert-guided wine tasting as well as a three-course meal with a specially created menu where each dish is accompanied by a matching glass of wine. The day also includes a cheese and wine pairing workshop and the opportunity to learn about wine and winemaking from Brittany Ferries’ onboard experts. Each wine cruise is limited to a small group of 12 people ensuring a personalised service, and relaxed atmosphere in which to savour and learn about the wines being presented. And on many dates, participants will also have the opportunity to chat to a special guest winemaker from one of France’s leading producers including Château La Tour de By (Bordeaux), Maison Loron (Beaujolais) and Bouchard Père et Fils (Burgundy). During the day there will be ample time to enjoy the luxurious facilities on board including restaurants, bars and lounges, as well as the boutiques where a range of tempting moneysaving wine offers will be available - for example, six bottles for the price of five on selected wines. Passengers will also have the chance to enter a prize draw to win one of two wine-themed weekends in Burgundy. Says Mike Bevens, Brittany Ferries’ Passenger Commercial Director: “Over the last 40 years we’ve built up strong relationships with many famous French wine producers allowing us to offer good wines at affordable prices. These cruises combine a relaxing day out with a fascinating opportunity to try some of these wines while learning about where they come from and the people who make them.” Wine cruises start from £65 per person on weekdays and £70 at weekends. Ferry Operators, Brittany Ferries, Ferry News 2012-04-13T09:30:50+00:00 http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/ferry-happy-birthday-condor-ferries-celebrates-25-years-of-travel/ http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/ferry-happy-birthday-condor-ferries-celebrates-25-years-of-travel/#When:13:56:17Z Condor Ferries is today celebrating 25 years of passenger services between the UK and the Channel Islands.The first passenger sailing left Weymouth for the Channel Islands on April 10, 1987, in a year which also saw the first television appearance of The Simpsons, the release of Michael Jackson’s iconic Bad album, and the launch of MTV across Europe. Condor Vitesse is one of Condor’s streamlined vessels Since then, Condor Ferries has transported over 12 million passengers and more than 2.2 million cars, maintaining a vital lifeline for both passengers and cargo travelling between the UK and the Channel Islands. Condor has made a significant contribution to the local economy around all its ports, currently employing more than 650 people on board its ferries and in its reservations and harbour teams, some of whom have been with the company for the whole of the past 25 years. Condor has also raised around £1.5 million in sponsorship for good causes in the UK and Channel Islands. Alicia Andrews, sales and marketing director at Condor Ferries, commented: “We’re delighted to be marking this important anniversary this month. We are proud to have been providing residents and visitors to local area and the Channel Islands with this service for a quarter of a century, and hope to see many of them return to take advantage of our anniversary offers. “We would like to thank our customers and staff for their tremendous support over the last 25 years. We continue to work hard to improve our services, and are looking forward to the next 25 years with great optimism and enthusiasm.” Bill Gibbons, directorof the Passenger Shipping Association, added: “Ferry travel has come a very long way since 1987 and the service and vessels offered today by Condor provide the customer with a reliable, value for money and flexible way to travel.” One staff member who has worked for Condor Ferries since that first passenger sailing is Ian Milner, who currently works as Condor’s Guernsey director. Ian commented: “I started out with Condor Ferries as Port Manager for Guernsey, and have worked in a variety of roles in the past 25 years. My most memorable moment has to be the arrival of Condor 10 in 1991 – the first time we had carried cars across to the Channel Islands, and a project that I managed for two years. No day at work for me is the same – the job has always been challenging – and I am very proud to have been part of Condor Ferries for so long.” Over the years Condor Ferries has carried much more than just passengers, their vehicles and freight. Dozens of more unusual consignments have also been transported between the UK and the Channel Islands, including a colony of penguins and an adult male gorilla destined for their new homes at Jersey’s Durrell Zoo, a life-size model of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, and, most recently, a full-sixed working replica of a Second World War tank. Famous faces who have chosen to travel with Condor in the past 25 years include the late Sir Jimmy Saville, Nigel Mansell, Martin Clunes and Tony Robinson, as well as the Teletubbies and even Pudsey Bear. Passengers travelling on today’s anniversary sailing received a commemorative mug, along with the chance to win prizes in on-board competitions. Passengers booking day trips to the Channel Islands uop to April 24 will be able to book at the special anniversary rate of £19.87 per person for selected travel dates in April and May 2012. Ferry Operators, Condor Ferries, Ferry News 2012-04-10T13:56:17+00:00 http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/dfds-and-ld-lines-double-frequency-on-new-calais-dover-route/ http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/dfds-and-ld-lines-double-frequency-on-new-calais-dover-route/#When:09:52:43Z The DFDS - LD Lines Calais-Dover service is to be doubled by the arrival of Barfleur, which has been chartered from Brittany Ferries.From April 27, frequency of the service will be doubled to ten daily departures from each port. Barfleur has been chartered for the new DFDS - LD Lines Dover-Calais service “It has been our plan all along to operate the route with at least two ships in order to be able to deliver a satisfactory service and frequency to our many customers, Carsten Jensen, head of DFDS’ routes in the Channel, said. “Following a successful start, we are therefore extremely pleased to announce that we have succeeded in securing the Barfleur as the second ship on the route. “With two ships, we will be able to double our frequency on the route from five daily departures from each port to 10 daily departures. In total, there will be 22 daily departures out of Dover and an equal number out of Calais and Dunkerque combined.” The vessel has been chartered from Brittany Ferries and will be renamed prior to entry into service. She was built in 1992 and carries 1,212 passengers, 550 cars and a freight capacity of 1,530 lane metres. She will fly the French flag and be operated by a French crew. This means that the total number of French employees will increase to about 300. The new ship will be put into service on April 27 and is currently being prepared for the future task. “We thank our loyal customers and our partners in France and the UK for the support. With this move we are showing our commitment to the new route, to providing our passengers and freight customers with an attractive service and an exciting and dynamic workplace for our staff,” Jensen added. Ferry Operators, DFDS Seaways, LD Lines 2012-03-26T09:52:43+00:00 http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/brittany-ferries-fast-channel-crossings-return-to-portsmouth/ http://www.seaviewferries.co.uk/news/article/brittany-ferries-fast-channel-crossings-return-to-portsmouth/#When:10:56:08Z Brittany Ferries’ high speed ferry Normandie Express resumes operrationas from Portsmouth to France on March 29, providing the only direct fast ferry crossings on the English Channel.With daily return sailings to Cherbourg, passengers will once again be able to travel to western France with their car in as little as three hours. Normandie Express resumes fast crossing from Portsmouth on March 29 Normandie Express departs Portsmouth each morning at 09.00, allowing holidaymakers to arrive in Cherbourg in time for lunch before making the easy drive to some of the best holiday areas of France From May 25, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, convenient morning departures to Caen are offered, as well as afternoon departures to Cherbourg. With four hours in Cherbourg, this service is perfect for a day trip to France, allowing just enough time for lunch, sightseeing and shopping. Fares are from as little as £23 per person. Travel on the Normandie Express can be combined with any of Brittany Ferries’ other services from Portsmouth, Poole or Plymouth, as well as a wide range of great value, ferry-inclusive holiday accommodation in France and Spain. Ferry Operators, Brittany Ferries, Ferry News 2012-03-21T10:56:08+00:00