Isle of Innisfree in her thirties - a history of her interior

Regular readers of my blogs will know I write about my thoughts and observations of a ferry during a specific crossing, showing you the facilities aboard and how they would benefit you. However, this vessel is so significant I am going to do things differently.

Thirty one years to the day since Prins Filip, as she was then known, made her inaugural voyage with fare paying passengers (wow I feel old), over the decades she has operated for numerous companies under countless names.

Other than a relatively short stint where she operated from Portsmouth and Ramsgate she has always returned to Dover and from here operated to Boulogne, Calais, Dunkerque, Ostend and Zeebrugge.

Seemingly being in so much demand by ferry operators and so popular with those who travel aboard, this blog is dedicated to the history of the ship and how her interior has changed over the decades; showing you the changing tastes of ferry travel and the differing corporate image of the companies she has served over 31yrs - essentially this blog is a tribute to a truly excellent vessel.

Over the past three decades Isle of Innisfree has operated for several companies and had numerous names:

1991-1998 Prins Filip

1998-1999 Stena Royal

1999-2002 P&OSL Aquitaine

2002-2003 PO Aquitaine

2003-2005 Pride of Aquitaine

2005-2010 Norman Spirit

2010-2011 Ostend Spirit

2011-2013 Norman Spirit

2013-2021 Calais Seaways

Today known as Isle of Innisfree operating for #irishferries between Dover and Calais, her interior has been overhauled so many times she is (almost) unrecognisable from her original guise.

Let's take a look

Apologies in advance for some of the earlier photographs as cameras were not as good 30yrs ago as they are today - I really feel old now!

Now the good bit........grab a cuppa, curl up and enjoy as A2B via Sea takes you aboard

Prins Filip, as she was originally known, was specifically designed for the four hour Ostend/Dover route. Here are some artists impressions dating back to 1991 prior to her launch.

When finally introduced she set new standards never before seen on the Ostend route. Having no less than two bars, dance floor, two cinemas, conference suite with several 'breakout' rooms, Club Class Lounge, supermarket with adjacent shopping boulevard, children's 'ball pool' playroom, vast cafeteria, dual reclining seat lounge and many cabins, Prins Filip was an absolute cracker of a ship!

Prins Filip had a fully carpeted interior back in 1991 which gave her a very warm, comfortable and homely ambience. Her décor was filled with rich tones of red and burgundy and her halls and stairwells had polished brass handrails and tinted mirrored surfaces (the handrails remain to this day).

To get your baring's I will start on Deck 7 at the forward end and work my way aft.

Let's go back in time.............

The forward end of Deck 7, when Prins Filip was launched in 1991, consisted of many cabins. The key to your cabin door could be obtained from the 'key office' which was located in the starboard side corridor of the cabin block.

Up until 1999 these cabins remained until P&OStena Line obtained the ship renaming her POSL Aquitaine, later shortened to PO Aquitaine and then Pride of Aquitaine to deploy her on the 90min Dover/Calais crossing; these cabins were no longer required.

As such, all cabins in this area were ripped out and the space turned into the large Horizon Lounge. The former cabin windows on the port and starboard sides were replaced by much larger ones, although the cabin windows overlooking the bow still remained giving a decisively lack of a horizon!

NYC Deli serving sandwiches, rolls and beverages (the first outlet of its kind for P&O Stena) was opened with its servery being on the starboard side where the old 'key office' once occupied. The main seating area for this was adjacent to the new large windows and consisted of large family sized oval sofas decorated in very bright colours.

A large bar was introduced at the aft end of Horizon Lounge facing forward. The main décor within the rest of Horizon Lounge was primarily yellow and orange although splashes of blue were found within.

A TV lounge with fold-down aft facing seats was introduced in the port/forward corner and a children's playroom opposite in the starboard quarter. Note the original cabin windows.

In 2005 when introduced on LD Lines Portsmouth/LeHavre route as Norman Spirit, the Horizon Lounge was again gutted and the whole area became a vast reclining seat lounge, although the bar and children's playroom remained.

These reclining seats were upholstered in blue but the walls of the lounge were still yellow in colour from P&OStena days.

Note the original cabin windows in this view.

In 2011 when operating from Ramsgate as Ostend Spirit the area remained exactly the same, although the bar and NYC Deli having been boarded up; the 'Y' of NYC could be seen behind the hoarding!

It was not until 2013 when DFDS overhauled this facility and enlarged the forward windows overlooking the bow. All of the above mentioned reclining chairs were removed and in their place comfortable sofas, tub chairs and bar stools were introduced.

Numerous TV's within the lounge showed films and cartoons. An extensive children's playroom with TV, brightly coloured play equipment and fantastic water 'bubble tube' with colour changing lights made this lounge a families paradise,

The former NYC Deli was removed and its place taken for the use as a side lounge.

A further refit by DFDS transformed this area yet again providing laminate flooring, localised carpeting and hints of spring yellow and cool grey to freshen the ambience whilst modern bar stools give a contemporary feel within.

The well equipped children's playroom affords an excellent position within the lounge allowing parents to relax in the comfort of a nearby sofa or tub chair whilst sipping a beverage or sampling a snack from the bar counter which is prominently positioned in the centre.

Today operating for Irish Ferries the same facility has been rebranded as Café LaFayette but retains the cool relaxed vibe.

It is amazing to think 30yrs ago this area was a maze of cabins and corridors and now it is a huge, bright, airy and spacious facility; the only indications of her heritage being the windows within the children's playroom which are still the original cabin windows.

Working aft past the forward hall one comes to the vast cafeteria. This facility remains to this day though is vastly different to how she originally looked.

The servery is located amid ship aft with all the seating forward.

As Prins Filip this area was used as a self service restaurant and commercial drivers restaurant, with a formal restaurant being introduced on the port side a bit later. As the years went on both the formal and commercial drivers restaurants were relocated.

As the 'Aquitaine, the Calais foot passenger gangway would have been located on the starboard side at the forward end.

Prins Filip (1991-1998)

Pride of Aquitane (2003-2005)

Ostend Spirit (2010-2011)

Calais Seaways (2013)

Calais Seaways (2019)

Today as Isle of Innisfree, the same area has been rebranded as Boylan's Brasserie.

Spotlessly clean white floor tiles and impeccable display counters with an array of dishes too tempting to ignore entice passengers to dine.

Though this restaurant occupies a large space, waist height Scandinavian style divides and localised carpeting effectively zones the facility into numerous areas creating a more intimate atmosphere. Tables specifically for those persons in wheelchairs were available.

Walking aft along the same deck we come to what was the Boulevard and Shopping Centre.

As the Prins Filip in 1991 this area was essentially a long carpeted corridor with windows along her starboard side and a row of tables and chairs..

Display cabinets showed the range of goods available within the supermarket, which had its entrance at the aft end of the corridor. The fully carpeted shop was surprisingly small but did sell an adequate range of items.

A small 'ball pool' was positioned within the boulevard and other than a few gaming machines aboard, this was the only children's playroom.

Times were changing and now introduced onto the high capacity Dover/Calais route a larger shop was required along with new catering facilities for passengers and freight drivers. As such, this area was overhauled accordingly.

Pride of Aquitaine

Ostend Spirit 2010-2011

Calais Seaways 2013

When DFDS took over this ship they created an area specifically for commercial drivers. By knocking through the dividing wall between the coffee shop and the ro-ro restaurant they made one large space.

Divided from the adjacent public corridor by a half height wall, this allowed natural light to flood into this otherwise windowless facility. However, it did lack privacy from people like me who tend to peer in!

Calais Seaways 2019

Note - the dividing wall a little bit higher to allow for privacy.

Today, as Isle of Innisfree corporate branding has been introduced

Continuing aft we come to the ships' main lobby. Essentially a corridor, the information desk is to port and the bureau de change opposite on the starboard side.

When introduced as Prins Filip in the early 90's a wonderful 3D mural was positioned on the bulkhead opposite the stunning staircase which its self had polished brass handrails and tinted mirror creating almost a hotel lobby feel.

Pride of Aquitaine

Ostend Spirit

Calais Seaways-2013

Leading off this lobby working aft are a pair of corridors, one port and one starboard, both of which give access to (what was) the music bar and dance floor.

Prins Filip, port side looking aft

Pride of Aquitaine

Ostend Spirit

Calais Seaways 2013

Calais Seaways 2019

Today as Isle of Innisfree bold signage welcomes all passengers aboard. You are in no doubt that you are aboard an Irish Ferries vessel!

The personnel within the reception are polite, friendly and courteous.

And finally we reach the aft end of Deck 7;

When she entered service in the early 90's this area was a music bar with its own dance floor.

This space was thoroughly overhauled in 1999 when the ship began operations on the Dover/Calais route as P&OSL Aquitaine. Converted into a mammoth shopping centre, all of her external windows were covered over.

When boarding as a foot passenger in Dover you literally walked through the shop; a corridor linked the foot passenger walkway with the main ship reception via a starboard side corridor, new bi-fold doors kept closed.

Once passengers were aboard these bi-fold doors were opened.

Initially there was a gift shop on the starboard side of the corridor whilst the port side had all of the fragrances, wines, beers and spirits.

Between 2005 and 2013 whilst operating from Portsmouth and Ostend this shopping area was systematically decommissioned and it would appear that it was turned into cabins/couchettes however, in 2013 the port side was turned back into a shopping centre; the old gift shop/cabins/couchettes (starboard) were locked out of use.

This is the mammoth shopping area today aboard Isle of Innisfree - a vast space with wide aisles providing an uncluttered and spacious environment incorporating the full width of the deck - accessed via the starboard side corridor and exited via the port side near to the ship's reception.

An excellent range of wines, beers and tobacco products are available along with travel accessories, gifts and toys.

You feel like you can wander around at your leisure just browsing at the items and, of course, making a few spontaneous purchases! The staff within are more than happy to help you find what you are looking for.

Floor to ceiling shelving units of a wide range of products aboard Isle of Innisfree

The fragrance section aboard Isle of Innisfree

So that was Deck 7.

As you could see, over the past 30yrs this ship has had some considerable internal modifications.

Lets head on up to Deck 8, this time starting at the aft end (above what is now the shop) and working forward.

Bodegabar, as it was called, occupied the aft end of Deck 8 when Prins Filip was introduced. It was only open during certain sailings and if you were lucky enough for it to be open during your voyage you would find it a very comfortable place to relax. Decorated in royal blue and gold, and with glass dividing screens within, it was a very intimate place to relax. A few years into her service a kids corner was introduced within the starboard corner of the lounge.

P&OStena overhauled this lounge and renamed it Silverstones Sports Bar. The main bar and slightly raised levels within the lounge remained however, a new gaming arcade was introduced at the aft end between the two doors which give access to the exterior deck.

As Ostend Spirit this same facility remained the same as above with the exception of the introduction of a casino table on the starboard side. Many of the gaming machines had been removed.

Calais Seaways 2013, other than a little refurbishment very little had been done to this facility

Calais Seaways - 2019

By this point this area was called Lighthouse Café. Unfortunately it was closed during my trip however, peering through the windows from the exterior deck shows a massive transformation compared to the previous few decades. She looks so fresh, bright and spacious! The main bar and the central 'step' remain.

During my voyage aboard Isle of Innisfree this area along with the adjacent exterior deck were closed therefore, I was unable to see if there were any interior décor changes. However, onboard signage does show this area is now called O'Flaherty's Bar & Lounge

Working forward towards the bow you will come to a large foyer (this is the area directly above the information desk and bureau de change on the deck below). You wouldn't think a foyer would necessitate its own entry into my blog, especially as it is simply a foyer; a void space with nothing but toilets on either side. However, take a look - it's amazing the difference 30yrs makes-you should see how I have aged :(

1991 - Prins Filip

1999-P&OSL Aquitaine

2010-Ostend Spirit

2011-Norman Spirit

Calais Seaways-2013

Calais Seaways-2019

Isle of Innisfree present day

Remaining in present day, the rest of Deck 8 aboard Isle of Innisfree was closed to passengers.

But, lets continue with the tour and see how the remaining areas looked over the previous 30yrs.

Working forward, on the port side off this hall was the Admiral Class Lounge, later transformed into a dining area and renamed Langans Brasserie.

As Norman Spirit (to LeHavre) this area was renamed Tweed Club Reclining Seat Lounge. Over the next few years little, if any, refurbishment was undertaken.

The photos below are the same room and were taken in 1992, 1999, 2012, 2019 and again 2019 respectively

On the (opposite) starboard side was a magnificent dual cinema back in the early 90's with its own box office and gaming arcade. Over time this area has been transformed beyond recognition.

Prins Filip-1991

'Aquitaine 1999

When introduced onto Dover/Calais the two cinemas were knocked through and the area transformed into the First Base Burger Bar. If it wasn't for the shape of the windows you'd be forgiven this is a different ship!

Ostend Spirit-2010

Eleven years later the burger bar had been ripped out and its place taken by an extensive reclining seat lounge. Having studied the deck plans it would appear the burger bar was called Prime Burger when this ship operated to LeHavre as Norman Spirit between 2005 and 2010. However, the signage shown below clearly shows LD Lines so at some point during this period the burger bar was ripped out.

Calais Seaways 2013

Calais Seaways 2019

I find this picture fascinating; the cupboard on the right adjacent to the window can be seen in the first photo from 30yrs ago and you can accurately compare the two pictures.

Continuing forward on Deck 8 we arrive at the vast reclining seat lounge which spans the whole width of the deck. Essentially located above the large self service restaurant below, it is two large lounges separated by toilet blocks, baggage storage and general utilities. The reclining seat lounge stayed the same for 12years, even surviving four years when the ship was operating Dover/Calais

1991-2003

The first two pictures were taken aboard the Prins Filip in 1992 and the second two as Pride of Aquitaine in 2003

In 2004 the starboard lounge was reconfigured into a 'Harbour Coffee Lounge

Ostend Spirit 2010

At the time of my visit the port side lounge was seen to be devoid of chairs; it was just a huge empty room. The starboard side however had new carpeting and truly fantastic fully reclining chairs which converted into airline style beds. A desk and magazine rack was seen at the aft end. Note the original Harbour Coffee signage beneath the new signage.

Norman Spirit 2012

Peering through the dirty windows (the door was locked) the previously void lounge on the port side now has seating. The lounge on the starboard side (also locked) had not been refitted. Old P&O signage still evident.

Visiting Calais Seaways in 2019 I discovered the whole area to be closed off.

Again, peering through the windows there were no noticeable interior changes since 2010. Although, I did spot a sneaky sign that got missed off the during the previous refits; this dates from 2004!

The forward end of Deck 8 still has cabin accommodation, but presumably this is now used for crew?

I took the following photograph back in the early 90's when this was used as passenger accommodation for the 4hr Ostend/Dover route. At that time it was the only area aboard Prins Filip where you could have forward facing views of the sea, unless you paid for a forward facing sea view cabin on the deck below. I wonder if the carpeting and décor has changed in this corridor; I have not seen it in 30+ years!

Finally we move up to Deck 9. The only accessible passenger facility other than one of the numerous exterior decks, is the Club Class Lounge; originally a conference suite in the

Prins Filip days, then a Club Lounge in P&O days.

The main access is via the aft stairs which lead off the reception on Deck 7 and takes you to a lobby with toilet facilities:

Prins Filip

Pride of Aquitaine

Ostend Spirit

Calais Seaways

Present day - Isle of Innisfree

Prins Filip, area used as a conference suite

Pride of Aquitaine, area used as a Club Class Lounge

Ostend Spirit

Calais Seaways

Isle of Innisfree - present day

Isle of Innisfree has a large amount of accessible exterior deck space to breathe in the wonderful fresh sea air - Deck 9, Deck 8 and Deck 7 (aft end accessed via deck 8).

A great feature is the quantity of seating - an ideal way to relax and watch the world go by

And there you have it.

A whistle stop tour of the 30+ year old Isle of Innisfree.

Even at this age she is still highly respected by her crew and those passengers who travel aboard her.

She has a large bar area, vast dining room and extensive shop together with a very comfortable Club Class Lounge and extensive exterior deck areas.

Here is a walk about tour of Isle of Innisfree seen through my eyes. It was filmed for YouTube channel A2B via Sea on TV. Why not subscribe, there are over 200 videos on there to watch!

https://youtube.com/c/A2BviaSeaonTV?sub_confirmation=1