[Article] Brittany tipped to take over axed Cherbourg ferry route

Victor

http://home.eircom.net/content/unison/national/2957349?view=Eircomnet

Brittany tipped to take over axed Cherbourg ferry route
From:The Irish Independent
Monday, 5th April, 2004

BRITTANY Ferries was last night being tipped as the front-runner for a new Ireland-France service after P&O Line axed its Dublin-Cherbourg route at the weekend.

But the French company, which unveiled its new €165m flagship vessel, the mv Pont-Ave, in Cork on Saturday, is also looking at options other than Dublin for its Irish port. They include a possible second mid-week service to Cork or a new service out of Rosslare.

Brittany Ferries managing director David Longden confirmed the company's interest in a second Irish service. He told the Irish Independent: "If it makes commercial sense we'll not ignore it."

But Stena Line will not be taking over the Dublin-Cherbourg route.

Sales and marketing manager Sam Wilson said it could not do so because of its current commitments on the Irish Sea and the necessity to have a ship with sufficient cabin capacity for the overnight journey.

Leading Cork and travel industry dignitaries were at Ringaskiddy to welcome the Pont-Aven when she arrived on her maiden voyage.

The 41,000-ton ship, which is more like a small cruise liner, has capacity for 2,400 passengers and 650 cars. And apart from restaurants, a bistro and bars, it boasts a swimming pool, two cinemas, live entertainment - and even a kennel for animals.

The Pont-Aven has cut the sailing time from 14 hours to 11.

According to Brittany Ferries general manager for Ireland, Hugh Bruton, the new ship will set itself apart for its competitors because of its "quality, luxury and convenience".

Meanwhile, the south of the country is expected to experience a tourism boost with the clinching of three deals which could deliver over 100,000 extra passengers to Cork Airport, writes Ralph Riegel.

United Travel is to launch new direct services from Cork to Dubai with Gulf Air together with city-break services to Prague, Budapest and Warsaw.

Cork Airport has also clinched a dedicated aircraft from Canadian firm, First Choice Airways, which will be based at the facility to handle over 300 charter services this summer from Cork and Shannon.

Furthermore, Cork will launch a new service by budget carrier, BMIBaby, to Gatwick from April 30 next.

Frank Khan

loyatemu

no mention of why P&O axed the service.
was anyone using it at all? was it any quicker than driving to Rosslare and getting the ferry from there?