PSA encourages Britons to 'go by ferry'

The Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) has encouraged British holidaymakers to travel by ferry if they want to avoid the "torrent of unilaterally imposed extra charges by no-frills and scheduled airlines".

William Gibbons, director of the PSA, made his comments prior to the broadcast of a Panorama programme that highlighted the additional charges and travel restrictions enforced by the budget airline Ryanair.

Mr Gibbons pointed out that none of the PSA's ferry company members charge for extra suitcases or impose a fee for failing to check in online.

He added: "Furthermore, on many continental ferry services, there is no charge for extra passengers as long as they can all board in your car, so it is perfectly possible for four or more passengers to travel on one car ferry fixed price."

More than 40 million Britons set off on holidays by ferry last year, according to PSA statistics.

People interested in travelling by sea can visit Ireland via the Holyhead to Dublin ferry route served by Stena Line or take ferries to Calais from Dover with either P&O Ferries or Seafrance.

Modern travel links also provide the option of taking ferries to Spain, Belgium, Holland and Denmark.

Posted by Mark Robinson