Our Love Affair with the Ferry
As National Ferry Fortnight begins (9th-22nd May 2009), we look at some of the reasons that, despite other modes of transport, us Brits have a lasting love affair with the ferry...
By Anthea Gerrie
You'd think the seasickness-proof tunnel, with its shorter check-in time and shorter hop across the Channel, would have killed off ferry traffic long ago.
But you couldn't be more wrong.
It's a Whole New World
Not the longer sea voyage, nor the variable weather, not even the risk of an inconvenient fisherman's blockade can, it seems, keep Britannia off the waves.
More than 11 million of us sailed from Dover to Calais alone last year - not to mention the millions more who sailed to other French ports or all the way to Spain.
'Aye aye Cap'ain'
And ferries to many other enticing destinations surround the British mainland. You can reach Scandinavia and Holland from the east, Ireland from the west, and remote, lovely islands like Orkney, Shetland, Harris and Lewis from the north.
But it's the journey, not just the destination, that tempts soulful Brits who don't have booze-cruises on the brain.
Recommended Offers
 |
FREE Disney gift card worth up to $1000 Book a 14 night Disney holiday with Disney's Ultimate Tickets on selected dates and receive a gift card with a value of up to $1000! |
|
|
Low deposits on Summer 2010 Holidays Book your holiday for next summer and only pay a small deposit - from just £50pp! Then you only have to pay the balance 8 weeks before you travel. |
|
|
Top TV Offers Deals of the week including Cyprus, the Maldives, Rhodes, USA and Northern Europe Cruises. |
|
Beach holiday bargains Deals from your local airport Sky Travel cruise offers Tailor-made holidays City breaks and hotels |
|
Subscribe to Sky Travel's Newsletter
Sign up for our weekly email newsletter, packed with exclusive holiday deals, competitions, quizzes and travel ideas.
