Irish Ferries has announced its roll-on/roll-off cruise ferry Isle of Innisfree will move to its Rosslare-Pembroke route, replacing a temporary charter ship which is currently servicing the route.
The Isle of Innisfree was built in 1992 by the Boelwerf shipyard in Belgium and has the capacity to carry up to 1,140 passengers, 83 freight vehicles or 600 cars. The ship offers a host of quality facilities for freight drivers/passengers including Boylan’s Brassiere self-service restaurant, Café Lafayette, a Club Class lounge, onboard duty-free shop, children’s play area and spacious outdoor decks. A freight driver’s lounge and cabins complete the accommodation.
Irish Ferries has also confirmed the addition of the Spirit of Britain to its fleet. The ship, which will be renamed, will join the Dover to Calais route in June, replacing the Isle of Innisfree on this busy route, the key trade link for the UK to Europe.
Spirit of Britain entered service in 2011, following construction at STX Europe (Aker) shipyard in Rauma, Finland. The 213m long ship has capacity for up to 2,000 passengers, 1,059 cars or 180 freight vehicles, and can travel at a speed of up to 22 knots.
The ship will undergo rebranding to its livery and to add the popular Irish Ferries outlets, completing the comfortable passenger areas and on-board facilities, which includes a Club lounge with its own outdoor area, children’s play area, Duty Free Shop, pet lounge, and expansive outdoor decks. Freight drivers can also enjoy the well-equipped facilities, including a drivers’ lounge and dedicated showers.
Andrew Sheen, Managing Director at Irish Ferries, said: “The addition of the Isle of Innisfree on the Rosslare Pembroke route and the Spirit of Britain on the Dover – Calais route is a sign of our ongoing commitment to these routes, and ensuring we offer our freight and passenger customers quality service for these important connections between Britain and Ireland and Britain and France. We look forward to welcoming passengers on board to experience our award-winning hospitality and service.”
Prices for one-way sailings start from €170 for a car plus 1 adult on its Rosslare Pembroke route and from €84 for a car and up to nine passengers on its Dover Calais route.
