Ferries: Luxury travel at a low cost

An increasing number of people have turned to ferry travel as an alternative to flying in the past year, a trend that only looks set to continue in 2010 as operators launch new promotions and holidaymakers become increasingly disillusioned with airlines. With the recent aviation crisis caused by the volcanic eruption in Iceland showing the importance of ferry companies as a reliable alternative to air carriers, there has never been a better time for consumers to discover the advantages of sea travel.

An affordable option

One of the most attractive aspects of ferry travel for many people is its affordability. The leading operators offering services throughout Britain and Europe regularly launch special offers that make it possible for everyone to benefit from low prices. For those heading to Europe this year, Norfolkline is currently offering fares starting from just £19 for a car and up to four passengers travelling on its ferries from Dover to Dunkerque.

LD Lines also provides a range of affordable options for people travelling to the continent, including fares starting from less than £30 on its Newhaven to Dieppe and Dover to Boulogne ferry routes. The company introduced some promotions recently to mark the beginning of its partnership with TransEuropa Ferries. The operators are currently collaborating to offer cheap ferries from Ramsgate to Ostend, which provide quick and easy access to Belgium and the rest of Europe.

For passengers travelling between mainland Britain and Ireland, options include Stena Line's ferries from Stranraer to Belfast, which are currently offering prices starting from £110 for a car plus two passengers on a return journey.

In addition to the range of low fares, ferry travel offers the reassurance that passengers will never be hit by additional luggage fees, regardless of how much French cheese or Belgian chocolate they bring back with them. This arrangement is in stark contrast to the policies used by many airlines, which boost their profit margins by charging for extra luggage and bags that exceed weight limits.

Commenting earlier this year on the differences between plane and ferry travel, Declan Mescall of Irish Ferries said: "Extra security, earlier check-in, longer pre- and post-flight delays, tighter baggage restrictions and all of the other measures that air travellers have to endure - including fares that fail to measure up on the what-you-see-is-what-you-get scale - have meant that more and more people now prefer the comfort of travelling by car using ferry connections."

Comfortable and convenient

While catching a flight is often seen as a stressful chore that must be endured before one can begin to enjoy a holiday, ferry travel is quite the opposite. The wide open decks, comfortable lounges and well-equipped entertainment facilities available on most modern ferries allow passengers to admire the scenery, do some shopping or simply take some time to stretch their legs and relax during their journey. Some sea crossings - most notably on DFDS Seaways' ferries from Newcastle to Amsterdam and services to Spain operated by P&O Ferries and Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth and Plymouth - offer the opportunity for passengers to spot marine wildlife including whales and dolphins.

As well as providing a fun and relaxing experience, ferry crossings represent a highly convenient way for travellers to reach their destinations. The majority of ports, including those at Dublin, Rotterdam and Ostend, are located close to their respective city and town centres, meaning sea travel can be an efficient option for people on business trips.

Those travelling for leisure purposes have the added convenience of being able to take their car, allowing them to exit the port quickly and easily upon arrival to set off on their overseas adventure. Caravan owners simply have to hook their mobile home to their vehicle for the peace of mind that, wherever they end up, they will have comfortable and affordable accommodation.

Travel expert Simon Calder recently published an article in the Independent highlighting some of the benefits of sea travel, in which he pointed out that ferry companies are often much more lenient than airlines with regards to checking in and boarding. Passengers who miss their planned sailing will have a good chance of being able to take a later crossing, while those who arrive ahead of time will be invited onto an earlier departure if there is enough space.

Ideal for those with an eye on the environment

There are few more pressing concerns facing the travel sector today than the effect the industry is having on the environment. People who get to their destination by ferry can be confident that the ship they are sailing on has a number of eco-friendly features. According to the Passenger Shipping Association (PSA), modern ferries are "awash with energy-saving technology and know-how", including systems that harness excess heat generated by the engines and use it to provide hot water and warmth in public areas.

The PSA stressed that, while ferries may be an older method of transport than aircraft, their environmental credentials are "firmly up to date". The association commissioned a study which found that ferries produce less greenhouse gas than aeroplanes - an average of 0.12kg of carbon dioxide per passenger kilometre. The research was carried out by leading sustainability consultancy Best Foot Forward, which analysed data from a number of operators.

Stena Line recently announced that its two new 'superferries' - which will be introduced to the Harwich to Hook of Holland ferry route this summer and autumn - are "groundbreaking" in their energy efficiency. The deployment of the new ships will also allow modern vessels to be launched on some of the company's routes in the Scandinavia region, leading to emissions reductions of around 30 per cent on some crossings.

Many other companies are increasing the efficiency of their route planning, using non-polluting paints and providing support to organisations such as Oceanopolis and SeaSearch, which monitor life in the oceans.

So whether travellers' concerns relate to cost, convenience, efficiency or the environment, ferry travel offers the simplicity and flexibility to meet all demands.

Posted by Mark Robinson