Ferry Crossings Are the New Favoured Choice For Holiday Makers

Posted on July 18, 2008 - Filed Under Online travel for less

With recent press articles highlighting problems with air travel, it appears that sea travel is being given a boost. Large numbers of passengers are now travelling by ship to get to their holiday destination.

But why are ferries gaining in popularity?

The recent problems at the new Heathrow Terminal 5, when the baggage system apparently could not cope and pictures of ‘luggage mountains’ of bags waiting to be reunited with their owners were seen in the media, certainly helped.

Passengers have realised that losing luggage is not only inconvenient, but can totally ruin a well planned holiday or even a wedding. There really is nothing that you can do to guarantee that your luggage will actually join you on your flight.

However, ferries have none of the weight restrictions that affect flying. You need to take a massive trunk for a long term stay overseas? No problem. You want to load your car with massive amounts of luggage, bicycles and other items for your two-week holiday in France? No problem.

The only criteria is that you, or your car, can actually carry your luggage through the security checks. Most ferry companies also have a secure baggage area for foot passenger’s luggage, so that you need not carry large bags around with you once on board.

Comfort on board is also a big factor in the decision making process. We have all heard stories of passengers being crammed onto aircraft with very little legroom between seats. Just getting out of the seats needs military precision planning.

In contrast, being able to wander freely around a ship from the moment you get on board seems a very attractive proposition. Cabins can be found on modern vessels that are close to cruise ship standard. The fact that you can also visit a restaurant, cafe, cinema, shops, and even hairdressers or swimming pools, makes it even more attractive. Some operators even provide children’s clubs with entertainment. Adults are not forgotten either, with cabarets being popular entertainment on board.

For the sophisticated touch, Brittany Ferries even display works of art on their vessels, specifically commissioned to add to the ambience on board. Rather like modern museums, you can even take an audio tour of these original pieces.

With these modern facilities, ferry crossings are now starting to become more like small cruises. Many longer crossings provide the opportunity to sample a mini-cruise. Sometimes these will be themed crossings with a particular band or entertainer on board. At other times they are just a chance to have some relaxing time at sea.

Marine wildlife watching is another pastime that is very popular. Ships travelling through the Bay of Biscay regularly encounter whales and dolphins. Operators even support wildlife organisations by allowing them to travel on board to monitor the numbers and behaviour of these beautiful animals.

Environmental concerns are also starting to affect people’s travel decisions. It has been suggested that travel by sea is a lot greener than travel by air, with large amounts of goods and people being moved using relatively small amounts of energy. Ships are now being fitted with new technology to help clean up the pollution that they do produce.

Many people are now taking the opportunity to travel by sea for the relaxing and stress-free advantages. Perhaps we are returning to the golden age of travelling, when the journey was as much a part of the holiday as the destination was?

Ian Wilson is a member of the Cheaper Ferries team. Leading suppliers of online cheap European ferry crossings for ferry bookings, cross channel ferries & European ferries.

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