Ferry good reasons to travel by water

Ferry travel has changed dramatically over the past number of decades and passengers who may not have travelled by sea in recent years will find they are pleasantly surprised. To highlight the advantages of taking the car and enjoying stress free travel the UK’s inaugural National Ferry Fortnight (May 9-22) is taking place across the country.

The main aim of the initiative is to put a spotlight on the ferry industry and focus on some of the key benefits of ferry travel when compared to operators like no frills airlines.

One ferry company leading the way is Stena Line which continues to do its bit throughout the UK and Ireland to help get the message across that ferry travel is fighting back when it comes to customer travel choices.

Over the last ten years alone Stena Line has invested over £250m in its five Irish Sea routes to improve customer experience onboard. With such a significant investment it’s no surprise more and more customers are choosing ferry travel for their holidays over no frills airlines.

Nigel Tilson, Communications Manager with Stena Line, said: “It’s a sign of just how far the ferry industry has progressed in recent years that we now have this nationwide initiative to focus attention on some of the key benefits of ferry travel. It would be fair to say that some people still have a traditional view of ferry travel shaped perhaps by experiences in their younger days. Back then ferry travel was light years away from what it is now.

“Today, for example, if you take our HSS vessel, it is one of the most advanced passenger crafts in the world and boasts a passenger experience more akin to a floating hotel than the more spartan experiences of yesteryear.”

He added: “You can get a manicure, have a choice of good value meals, enjoy a movie and free access to wi-fi… and all before you even reach your destination. This really is a world away from the experience which now seems to be typical of the no frills airlines. Increasingly we are finding that as more and more people experience modern ferry travel, they are genuinely and pleasantly surprised.

“In addition, our customers are telling us that this level of comfort and convenience when compared to the increasingly demanding experience of no frills airline travel makes the ferry operator an increasingly attractive carrier of choice… and no, we won’t be charging our customers to use the loo!!”

For National Ferry Fortnight, Stena Line has identified its Top Ten reasons why customers should travel by ferry instead of flying:

- Transparent pricing policy with no hidden taxes and charges
- No baggage restrictions
- No check-in queues
- Unlimited space to relax and unwind, unlike cramped plane conditions
- Family friendly - free nappy, baby food and play area
- Convenience of having your own car
- Good food in a choice of restaurants
- Premium class onboard service
- Free movies and wi-fi access
- Dedicated onboard quite lounges

National Ferry Fortnight runs from May 9-22. For more information on events and current offers, log on to Stenaline.co.uk.