United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
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
Phil Davies
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Sustainable Tourism: Don Welsh on Community Values and Global Collaboration
Jane Cunningham: Enhancing European Engagement in Tourism
Kristin Dunne: Navigating Destination Strategy
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
EU airports bring back 100ml liquid rule
British Airways passengers endure 11-hour 'flight to nowhere'
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’
Gatwick braces for strike