Brittany Ferries announce schedule for 2004 sailing season

New ship to cut sailing time to France by three hours

Brittany Ferries are pleased to announce its new schedule for the 2004 sailing season.  Already the shortest, fastest direct ferry crossing from Ireland to France, the new summer schedule reflects an even quicker crossing time, reducing the journey by three hours.  The faster travel time will be due to the arrival of their new flagship, the Pont-Aven, which will be entering service on the Cork-Roscoff route starting in Spring 2004. 

Brittany Ferries’ 2004 schedule has changed from previous years, so customers are asked to please take note of the new sailing times.  Hugh Bruton, operations manager for Brittany Ferries in Ireland, is optimistic the change in schedule will not adversely affect Irish travellers.  “The Pont-Aven will cut the summer sailing time from here to France to 11 hours, down by three hours, making it by far the fastest direct sailing out of Ireland,” said Bruton.  “By now our customers are used to a quicker sailing, but in 2004 the reduced time combined with the luxury of the new ship will provide a service unlike any other on offer here in Ireland.”

The 2004 schedule is as follows:

Departing Cork

• From 3/4/04 to 28/5/04 and from 11/9/04 to 30/10/04 the Pont-Aven will depart Cork on Saturdays at 17.30 and arrive in Roscoff at 07.00 the following day.
• From 29/5/04 to 10/9/04 sailings will leave Cork every Saturday at 23.00, arriving in Roscoff at 11.00 the following day.

Departing Roscoff

• From 2/4/04 to 27/5/04 and from 10/9/04 to 29/10/04 the Pont-Aven will depart Roscoff on Fridays at 22.00 and arrive in Cork at 11.00 the next day.
• From 28/05/04 to 9/9/04 sailings will leave Roscoff every Saturday at 10.30, arriving in Cork at 20.30 on the same day.

Customers who book sailings in 2004 are in for a special treat as Brittany Ferries launches its flagship Pont-Aven on its Cork to Roscoff route.  During the short 11-hour journey, customers will be able to enjoy luxurious on-board facilities normally only found on cruise ships including a choice of four classes of cabin – Standard, Club Class, De-Luxe and Commodore.  All cabins, except Standard, have a flat screen TV and comfortable seating, and Commodore cabins feature patio doors and private balcony/terrace.  Other on-board facilities include:

• a pool and bar area with glass panels and panoramic windows where you can relax, swim or enjoy a meal
• a wide choice of restaurants and bars
• two cinemas showing the latest films
• stylish shopping malls with low tax prices
• live music and dancing
• a special leisure area for young people

Bookings for the 2004 sailing season are currently being taken, but customers are advised to book early to ensure their first choice of dates and crossing times.  For bookings and further information on Brittany Ferries’ routes and schedules, customers should ring 021 427 7801

-ends-

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

Released 28 October 2003