All aboard…
Good news for those who prefer their travel of a sea-faring nature; a new ferry route from Rosslare to Dunkirk is set to be made available for passengers this week.
In January of 2021, pan-European ferry company DFDS began operating on the route, though it was reserved exclusively for freight services. Now, that’s all about to change.
The new service will officially launch to the public on Friday (5 August) and will be introduced on a trial basis, offering tourists a direct link between southeast Ireland and northern France.
Initially, the ferry service will focus on car and motor-home traffic, with limited capacity available to complement existing freight traffic.
Crossings on the route will take almost a full day, clocking in at 23 hours and 45 minutes. It is being sold as a “stress-free” alternative for holiday-goers looking to escape without facing the potential disruption of using an airport. One notable substitute here – there are currently no luggage restrictions when you take your car to Europe via ferry.
DFDS will operate up to five sailings per week from Rosslare to Dunkirk. Prices for a car and four passengers with a standard onboard cabin start from €650 in August and €550 from September, with four meals included. Motor homes, meanwhile, start from €750 in August and €650 in September.
The vessel – the Regina Seaways – includes bar areas, onboard shopping outlets, play and recreational areas for children, and purchasable wi-fi packages.
“We launched a freight service between Rosslare and Dunkirk in January 2021, and it has proved extremely popular with customers looking to move goods between Ireland and continental Europe without the need to use the land-bridge via the UK,” said Chris Parker, route director at DFDS.
“Adding passenger services to the route will further strengthen the service and we expect strong demand from holidaymakers in Ireland and in Northern Europe.
“Rosslare is at the heart of the ‘sunny southeast’ and a short drive from Dublin and Cork, making it a very popular destination. Irish customers will benefit from a direct link into the heart of Europe.”
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