Irish Ferries Normandy or Celticlink Ferries to France

ninja900 wrote: »

Don't worry, you'll end up spending the difference on board! Seriously though, the longer the crossing the more revenue extracting potential there is. Also their ship is a floating sh**heap so they have to cut prices to compete.

ninja900 wrote: »

Don't worry, you'll end up spending the difference on board! Seriously though, the longer the crossing the more revenue extracting potential there is. Also their ship is a floating sh**heap so they have to cut prices to compete.

Carawaystick wrote: »

obviously depends on where in France you wanna go, but I'd be on the Pont Aven all the way.

times are limited to leaving /arriving on saturdays though

kbannon wrote: »

I presume you mean indoors but not on deck!

Dub13 wrote: »

Looks good,is she brand new...?

23 July 2007
O'er the Snotgreen Sea
Last month the Literary Standard reported on Irish Ferries' new advertising campaign, which highlights writers who escaped the island (and sometimes returned) via ferry. Now Irish Ferries is replacing the Normandy, which plies the waters between Ireland and France. And it has decided to name the Normandy's replacement the Oscar Wilde. It's a new name for an old ship. What will become the Oscar Wilde is currently the Kronprins Harald, and it's operated by a Norwegian firm named Color Line. It was built in Turku, Finland, in 1987, and will be refurbished beginning in September. The press release notes that this will be the third literary-themed Irish Ferries vessel, following the Ulysses (the world's largest car ferry, connecting Dublin and Holyhead and named after James Joyce's novel) and the Jonathan Swift. It also promises "children's play areas and other passenger facilities in themes that will reflect the link with Oscar Wilde." One can only imagine.

‘Oscar Wilde’ Chosen As Name For New Irish Ferries’ Ireland/France Cruise Ferryl

Irish Ferries has announced that its new Ireland/France cruise ferry, purchased to replace its present vessel 'Normandy' on routes between Rosslare, Cherbourg and Roscoff, will be given the name ‘Oscar Wilde’ before it enters service ahead of the 2008 season.

The vessel will be renamed ‘Oscar Wilde’ after it completes its programme on the Baltic Sea route between Oslo and Kiel where it is currently operating under a charter arrangement agreed between Irish Ferries and its previous owners, Norwegian ferry operator Color Line, from whom it was purchased last January at a cost of €45million.

In choosing the name ‘Oscar Wilde’, Irish Ferries was influenced by the exceedingly high regard in which the writer and his works are held internationally.

Born in Dublin and renowned for his characteristic wit, Wilde is universally acclaimed as one of the most celebrated Irish writers. One major factor which influenced the choice of name was Wilde’s close association with France, the country from which Irish Ferries carries a significant proportion of its passenger volume. After leaving Reading prison in 1897, Wilde took up residence in Berneval-sur-Mer near Dieppe where he wrote ‘The Ballad of Reading Gaol’. Exiled for many years in Paris, he died and was buried there in November 1900.

Newer and significantly more luxurious than the vessel it replaces, the
‘Oscar Wilde’ will be the third vessel in the Irish Ferries fleet whose name has been inspired by a leading figure from the world of Irish literature. Other examples are their Dublin-Holyhead cruise ferry ‘Ulysses’ (still the world’s largest car ferry) whose name is derived from the work of writer James Joyce, and their Dublin-Holyhead fast ferry ‘Jonathan Swift’.
The ‘Oscar Wilde’, currently operating under the name 'Kronprins Harald', was built in Turku, Finland in 1987. At 31,914 gross registered tonnes, it is substantially larger than the 'Normandy'. With sleeker lines and excellent sea going qualities, it will have a faster speed of 21.5 knots delivered by four more powerful engines saving one hour on current crossing times.

With eleven decks, it will carry up to 1,458 passengers and 580 cars - an increase of 160 cars/40%. Its extra vehicle lane metres (1,220 versus 645) will be reflected in significantly greater freight vehicle capacity (62 units versus 43). Other good news for car and freight drivers alike is the fact that cars will have their own deck separate from the freight deck.

Under current plans, it is expected that the vessel will be taken in charge by Irish Ferries in early September after which it will spend an approximately four weeks period in dry dock so that some necessary changes and minor modifications can be carried out. This process will include the restyling of restaurants, bistros, lounge bars, children’s play areas and other passenger facilities in themes that will reflect the link with Oscar Wilde. It will also include some technical improvements and re-branding in Irish Ferries livery.

Passengers will be impressed with the range and quality of cabins on board. All ensuite, they range from standard 2 Berth to luxurious De Luxe with flat screen TV, minibar and sofa, a significant improvement on the current style of cabin on the Normandy.

Commenting, Irish Ferries Marketing Director, Tony Kelly said ‘given the enormous affection and respect which Oscar Wilde commands in Ireland, France and throughout continental Europe, our new vessel, with its new name and modern on-board facilities, will present us with wide-ranging opportunities to re-brand and revitalise our Ireland/France service in a manner that will have very positive benefits in the future’.

‘Bigger, better and faster than the vessel it will replace, with greater car and freight capacity, more berths and a wider choice of stylish cabin accommodation, the ‘Oscar Wilde’ will bring new standards of comfort and luxury to our long established Ireland - France service’, Mr. Kelly said.