Brittany Ferries' Pont-Aven Makes Maiden Irish Voyage

€165 Million Investment is Biggest Yet for Ferry Company New Ship Cuts Journey Time by almost 25%

Brittany Ferries will celebrate the arrival of its new flagship, mv Pont-Aven, into Ireland tomorrow (Saturday, 3 April 2004) at a ceremony in Ringaskiddy harbour, Cork.  The €165 million vessel will set the standard for car ferries operating out of Northern Europe by offering cruise ship-like facilities and finishes and an impressive cruising speed of 27 knots that will cut travel time between Ireland and France by three hours.

The Pont-Aven is now the largest vessel in the Brittany Ferries fleet, with an increased capacity of 2,400 passengers and 650 cars.  It is also the fleet's quickest vessel - a service speed of 27 knots will effect a significant reduction in crossing times, taking the travel time from Cork to Roscoff from 14 hours to eleven - a three-hour decrease which will get Irish passengers to holiday France faster than any other ferry company. 

The increased speed of the Pont-Aven also means a new schedule on its Irish route.  Beginning with its first commercial voyage out of Ireland tomorrow through 28 May and from 11 September to 30 October, Pont-Aven will depart Cork on Saturdays at 17.30 and arrive in Roscoff at 07.00 the following day.  From 29 May to 10 September sailings will leave Cork every Saturday at 23.00, arriving in Roscoff at 11.00 the following day.

The return schedule will also vary from previous schedules.  From 2 April to 27 May and from 10 September to 29 October the ship will depart Roscoff on Fridays at 22.00 and arrive in Cork at 11.00 the next day.  From 28 May to 9 September sailings will leave Roscoff every Saturday at 10.30, arriving in Cork at 20.30 on the same day.

The Pont-Aven's facilities, which up until now have only been found on cruise ships, will impress even the most experienced traveller:

• pool and bar areas with panoramic sea views and surrounding leisure facilities
• wide choice of restaurants and bars, tea rooms and bistros
• a wrap-around promenade deck for a brisk, early morning walk
• a central, five-deck atrium with panoramic lifts
• two cinemas showing the latest films and stylish shopping malls with low tax prices
• live music and dancing for the adults and special leisure areas for teenagers and kids
• specialised kennel area which can be accessed at anytime by pet owners

As with everything else on board, cabin accommodation will also be of the very highest level. All 650 cabins match any good hotel and will be air-conditioned with full en suite facilities. Four classes of cabin will be available: Standard • Club Class • De Luxe • Commodore.
All, apart from standard cabins, will be provided with a flat screen TV and comfortable seating. The luxurious Commodore cabins will feature wide patio doors that offer panoramic views and lead directly onto your own private balcony.

Built in the Meyer Weft shipyard in Germany, the Pont-Aven is Brittany Ferries' most significant investment to date.  Hugh Bruton, General Manager of Brittany Ferries in Ireland, explained the company's reasoning behind commissioning the new €165 million vessel. "Travelers have more choice today than ever before.  We wanted to set ourselves apart from our competitors by committing to higher standards of quality, luxury and convenience and faster crossing times for all our customers," said Bruton.  "I believe we have accomplished that with the Pont-Aven.  Nowhere else will Irish holiday-makers appreciate real value for money than when they step on board the Pont-Aven and experience true cruise ship quality and service at a cost that won't break the bank."

For bookings and further information on Brittany Ferries' routes and schedules, customers should ring 021 427 7801.

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For further information please contact:
Claire Guiney, WHPR @ 01 669 0030
claire.guiney@ogilvy.com

Released 4 April 2004