Women are favouring travel by ferry in ever increasing numbers, according to a recent survey of passenger opinion carried out by Irish Ferries on their services to Britain and France.
Among the female passengers surveyed, a majority said that they would prefer to travel by sea – up from 42% to 57% since the research was last conducted three years ago. Frustrated with tight controls on baggage and other restrictions imposed on air travellers, women are now expressing a preference for the ‘take as much as you want’ freedom of ferry travel.
The introduction of the Beauty Salon onboard Irish Ferries’ ‘Oscar Wilde’ cruise ferry to France, combined with Club Class lounges with priority boarding on services to Britain with reserved seating and complimentary refreshments, were quoted as major reasons. Mall-style onboard shopping, free wi-fi, the provision of children’s play zones, and the avoidance of invasive security screening were also cited as reasons to go by sea.
“The changes introduced on our ferries in recent years are all part of the pampering we believe passengers deserve,” said Declan Mescall, Irish Ferries’ Head of Passenger Sales.
