Always looking for fresh and interesting material to present to my loyal readers, when I was approached by DFDS to sample their brand new service from Dunkerque in north eastern France to Rosslare Europort in southeast Ireland, to undertake the passenger journey from start to finish; making the booking, boarding, sampling the onboard facilities and disembarkation, I jumped at the chance!
A2B via Sea would be Europe’s first independent travel blogger to undertake the full passenger experience therefore, grab a cuppa, curl up and ‘virtually’ come aboard with me, as this new route may be the missing link you’ve always yearned for and may make your future travel plans so much more convenient.
If you are travelling to the Emerald Isle or the Benelux Countries just think, you will not have to use the UK as a ‘land bridge’ nor have to contend with a lengthy car journey to more established French ports in Normandy or Brittany saving you the expense of motorway tolls, fuel, potential overnight hotel accommodation and meals.
DFDS launched the Ireland to France ferry route in January 2021 for commercial drivers as a result of Brexit and to reduce potential freight customer wait times at the port due to customs related paperwork.
However, due to an appetite from locals in France and Ireland who have asked to use the service, DFDS introduced a trial operation for a maximum of ten vehicles per voyage (cars and motorhomes only – no pets or foot passengers permitted) until September 2022. Should demand dictate, not least due to extensive marketing, the service will be operational for subsequent seasons.
Bookings are presently made via an online form – a DFDS representative will make the booking on your behalf and e-mail you the booking reference and a comprehensive, though easy to read booklet.
Starting our exciting journey in Dunkerque, vehicles are required to drive to the DFDS TICKET OFFICE at the DFDS UK TERMINAL (for the Dunkerque/Dover route). NOTE, do not go directly to the signposted Irish Terminal.
Passengers should arrive no earlier than three hours before sailing and no later than two hours before departure. Make yourself known to the personnel within the building then relax in the adjacent lounge which offers WC facilities and vending machines for hot & cold beverages and sweet snacks.
Having waited a short time A2B via Sea is escorted by a DFDS car in convoy with other tourist vehicles through the Port of Dunkerque to their Irish Sea Terminal – just a short drive away - where we are checked-in by an exceptionally polite, friendly and courteous member of staff.
Once checked-in and you’ve passed through the customs formalities you will wait a short time until being called forward for boarding. And that’s it, how easy was that! No lengthy queues and as DFDS is the only operator at the Port of Dunkerque, you know you have the undivided attention of all personnel; all is very swift and stress free - it feels like DFDS has been operating a passenger service on this route for years!
If travelling from Rosslare (Ireland) to Dunkerque (France) just follow the signage for the Port of Rosslare Europort then for vehicle check-in.
The Coffee Dock catering outlet in the embarkation lanes of Rosslare Europort maybe closed therefore, if arriving before 2000hrs the coffee outlet in the terminal is open – go there before checking in or stroll across from the car lanes – just show security your boarding card to get through the security gate.
Now the exciting bit – time to embark.
Regina Seaways is a stern-loader; vehicles transit a single shore side ramp down to a pontoon towards the HUGE ‘mouth’ of the vessel.
I was genuinely awe-inspired at the cavernous size of the freight decks and should have paid more attention to the AB Seaman dressed in bright yellow clothing who was trying to direct me to a dedicated parking zone for tourist vehicles.
To my surprise, upon entering the massive void which is Deck 3, I was instructed to complete a ‘U-Turn’ and park right at the stern of the vessel. Of course, this is to permit my modest little saloon vehicle facing the right direction so when we reach Ireland my vehicle is facing the right way for disembarkation but, also this means I would be one of the first to disembark – how great is that! Priority loading and unloading without any additional cost!
Of course, this is why DFDS ask you to report at the designated time as this ensures tourist cars are safely tucked away so commercial vehicles can embark.
If you have walking difficulties please state this on your initial booking form as upon boarding you will be directed up to Deck 4 where your vehicle will be positioned close to the elevator enabling swift access to the main amenities deck.
NOTE, before leaving your vehicle take all of your belongings which you will require for the voyage, including overnight toiletries, books, hand-held games and children’s toys as access to the vehicle decks is prohibited during the voyage.
Back on Deck 3, once you have parked your vehicle a member of ships’ crew will direct you towards a heavy wooden door which gives access to the main passenger accommodation.
Well, as I opened the door my face lit up like it was Christmas morning as I was not expecting what was before me – a dual escalator / stairwell within a cavernous void giving access to a gleaming spotlessly clean stylish ‘tunnel’ running along the ships starboard side towards the main accommodation. It was as if I had opened the door and entered a completely different ferry!
Localised overhead lighting reflected beautifully off the polished tiled flooring and wall mounted circular mirrors, with not even a scuff mark evident on the floor or finger print on the glass – it was spotless!
The repetitive floor to ceiling white and brown panels created interest and depth as you transit along its length before ascending a second escalator up to deck 5.
Passing a full width exterior deck with a wall of glass giving views over the ships stern we enter the main accommodation of Regina Seaways. Well, there were no words.....
Presented before me was an aisle of ivory coloured floor tiles flanked by two spacious open plan lounges with mirrored bulkheads and inset ceiling spot lights leading ones eye towards a grand looking reception desk with a chunky marble topped counter, which would not look out of place within the lobby of a four star city centre hotel.
A dark coloured façade contrasts beautifully against the light coloured bulkhead beyond which proudly displayed illuminated DFDS branded signage.
Approaching the reception I am greeted by a member of ships crew dressed in full uniform and with a genuine smile I was welcomed aboard. At this point, upon presentation of my boarding card, a cabin was allocated to me.
Passenger cabins are located on Deck 6 but, I will give more details later......
Back on Deck 5, the aforementioned lounges are fully carpeted and offer comfortable seating consisting of red ‘wave’ shaped sofas and violet coloured tub chairs, localised brass and glass circular side tables, complimentary reading material and high quality board games to use at your convenience during the 24hr voyage with no deposit to pay. How good is that!
Plus, a selection of DVD’s are available for you to watch at your convenience – just insert into the communal DVD player and curl up with the family to watch the movie of your choice. These DVD's are replaced every few weeks therefore, if using this ferry on both your outward and return journey's you may well find a totally different selection to keep the family entertained.
Of course, nothing goes better with a movie than a family sized bag of sweets. These can be obtained from the onboard shop at reasonable prices.
The later is located amidships and is open by and large throughout the voyage. In addition too fragrances and toiletries, bottled alcoholic drinks are also available for purchase, though it is not permitted to consume these whilst aboard. These however can be obtained from the Captain’s Bar (English translation) which is opposite.
Open throughout the voyage a wide selection of wines, beers and soft drinks are available at reasonable prices and served by an exceptionally courteous member of staff who will remember your drinks order – customer service at its finest! It should be noted that the sale of alcoholic beverages ceases 8hrs prior to your arrival in port.
This large and spacious facility is divided into two owing to the main fore/aft corridor passing through. Within there are two wall mounted flat screen TV monitors, one showing BBC World News whilst the other is playing continuous ‘lounge music’ – all very civilised.
A comfortable wrap around sofa encompasses the lounges whilst individual tub chairs and localised tables enables couples, families and groups to make the space their own but, undoubtedly as the evening draws on it is inevitable you will make new friends and share stories with one another as I certainly did – being aboard Regina Seaways is like being a member of a small club where the crew make time to talk to you and ensure you are well catered for and fellow passengers, both tourist and commercial, will share stories.
A full height etched glass wall with its pattern neatly mirrored within the design of the bar acts as a divide to the main restaurant located at the forward end of the ship.
Periodically open for breakfast, lunch and dinner the freshly cooked meals are tasty and served ‘counter style’ by friendly members of crew.
All meals are included in the cost of your ticket – all DFDS ask is that you don’t pile your plate high and waste food; just return for seconds if you so desire. Just think how much money you are saving not having to purchase meals!
Hot beverages and cordials are complimentary and available 24/7; just help yourself! I cannot stress enough how appreciative I was for this. For those of you who regularly read my blogs you know I love my coffee! I was able to grab a cuppa at silly o’clock in the morning and take this onto the ships’ exterior deck to watch the morning sun come up over the horizon – absolute bliss!
The dining room consists of large tables and, on the port side, circular booths where families and groups can make the space their own.
Those sitting at the front of the ship are treated to exceptional views overlooking the bow and the horizon ahead.
A point well worth noting is children’s highchairs are available should you need one.
Regina Seaways offers younger travellers their own playroom which includes a colourful ball pool, small climbing frame and slide plus, for toddlers there is a drawing table.
Chatting to a delightful family who saw the benefits of this new ferry route told me having read the literature DFDS sent them, they brought their own children’s toys, games and a pack of playing cards. However, not a single one was required as everything they needed was available onboard.
As you can see all of the ships public areas are on a single deck making navigation easy. The passenger cabins are located upstairs on Deck 6 and can be accessed by numerous stairwells and an elevator.
All passenger cabins have a window; those overlooking the bow are cabins 6001 through too 6009 inclusive. All of these cabins have either a double bed or twin beds and a point of note is that 6008 and 6009 are ‘corner’ cabins offering an enlarged footprint.
The good thing about Regina Seaways is that a cabin specifically designed for the use of a wheelchair is available and benefits from having a larger floor area, wider doors to accommodate the wheelchair and a specially designed ensuite bathroom.
All passenger cabins however have a window, bed side table with light, power socket, bedding, towels, ensuite facilities including a shower and those cabins overlooking the bow have a wall mounted flat screen TV.
Regardless of the cabin you are allocated, I can assure you the beds are extremely comfortable with high quality bedding and mattress – I had the best night’s sleep!
I sampled cabin 6006 which had a double bed beneath the slanting forward facing window; the clear sky enabled the full moon to illuminate the cabin with a comforting glow and the views of the passing ships silhouetted against the mirrored sea is an image I simply will not forget!!
Regina Seaways benefits from having an extensive amount of exterior deck space to watch the passing vistas, including the upper most deck (7) where a helicopter landing area can be found – essentially a large uncluttered space where passengers were observed walking a few laps and, like myself, dolphin spotting. That’s right! I saw several dolphins during the voyage and with a telescope located on the upper deck you’ll have an even better view.
Having a cold beer up on deck watching the scenery was absolute luxury for me - are we really on a "no frills" ferry?
A shelter deck with a wall of glass overlooking the stern can be found at the after end of Deck 5 - a great place to get some fresh air if the weather is poor. A point of note is this is the designated smoking area.
As Regina Seaways enters the port of arrival passengers are called down to the vehicle decks. It is necessary to vacate your cabin around two hours prior to arrival however, timings will be advised during the voyage.
Don’t forget, being parked right by the ships’ door, you’ll be disembarking within moments; the transit through the Port of Rosslare Europort and Dunkerque being exceptionally swift.
In closing my journey aboard DFDS Regina Seaways was excellent. The crew were second to none, all of whom went above and beyond to make the journey as pleasurable as possible. The vessel exceeded my expectations; she was impeccably clean and well maintained with an adequate range of facilities for the voyage which is just shy of 24hrs.
As passenger numbers grow other facilities will become available such as the Lighthouse Café – a counter service outlet located within the DVD Lounge which will serve hot and cold beverages and light snacks plus, the dedicated reclining seat lounge positioned off the main reception could become a cinema lounge.
Exciting times ahead!
If you are looking for a different way to travel to the Emerald Isle or perhaps the Benelux countries then seriously consider this voyage as an alternative to using the UK as a ‘land bridge’ or the lengthy drive through France to one of the ports in Normandy or Brittany - Rosslare/Dunkerque will save you money as all meals, hot beverages and ensuite cabin accommodation are included in the price.
Here is my Vlog of the journey - virtually come aboard....
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