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DFDS brings “biggest ferry” to Newcastle
DFDS Seaways has brought the Val de Loire from Brittany Ferries in order to offer increased capacity on the Newcastle-Amsterdam route.
The vessel, which sailed for the French line on the Portsmouth-St Malo route, is due to start operating for DFDS from March next year.
The firm claims the ferry, to be renamed King of Scandinavia, will be the biggest ship to cruise from Newcastle on a scheduled service.
It will sail alongside the Queen of Scandinavia offering daily sailings from Newcastle to Amsterdam (IJmuiden).
The introduction of the ferry means that DFDS Seaways’ overall daily on the North Sea route will increase from 2,870 passengers and 780 cars to 3,800 passengers and 960 cars.
Replacing the ferry Duke of Scandinavia, the larger vessel’s on-board facilities will include more outside cabins, increased restaurant choices, a swimming pool and gym, two cinemas and a nightclub with live entertainment as well as more vehicle deck capacity for cars and coaches.
DFDS Seaways managing director John Crummie said: “We are delighted to offer agents an even greater opportunity to sell our product. The increased vehicle deck space means that we have more capacity for coach groups, as well as couples and families buying high yield transportation and motoring holiday packages.
“We are adding even better facilities than before, with a greater number of luxury cabins with sea view, restaurants and entertainment choices.
“This is a big investment for DFDS Seaways and demonstrates our confidence in the market. There is a great opportunity for the trade to present holidaymakers with an alternative form of travel to the quick yet sometimes stressful low-cost option.
“We have recently witnessed an increasing number of motoring holidaymakers using this route, not just to travel to Northern Europe but also further afield to France, Spain and Italy.”
Report by Phil Davies
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