Isle of Innishmore - 'Sea' France differently!

Originally operating across the Irish Sea from Holyhead to Dublin and then Pembroke Dock to Rosslare, Isle of Innishmore built a large loyal fan base of seemingly regular customers. Now based at the Port of Dover to operate as part of Irish Ferries 'shuttle' service to Calais, could her fan base grow even further....I think so!

Let's go aboard and #a2bviasea will show you around.

Driving down to the Port of Dover and checking in at Irish Ferries desk was quick and hassle free, other than the fact the booth for tourist traffic happen to be on the offside of my vehicle and travelling alone necessitated the need for me to alight from my vehicle, walk around to the attendant within the check-in booth (squeezing my way past the side of the car and the booth as I pulled up as close as possible thinking the attendant and I could stretch across) alas, neither of us could stretch our arms that far!

A funny moment!

Arriving at the ferry berth in good time for my departure to Calais the vehicles could clearly be seen disembarking the ships' stern having just arrived from the French port. Very much in need of a coffee having set off on my journey at around 0400hrs, as soon as the last vehicle had disembarked we were called forward for boarding which is a very good thing, but no time to visit the nearby services building adjacent to Berths 7 & 8.

Being directed to the vessel I proceed up the ramp onto the upper vehicle deck passing between the twin funnels and beneath an impressive wall of glass which houses the ships' verandah.

The benefit of having twin funnels allows for a clear clutter free vehicle deck with unobstructed views of the way ahead when boarding; no funnel casing, lift shafts or stair wells to get in the way - they are neatly tucked away along the ships' sides.

Parked within easy reach of a staircase (in this case the 'blue stairs') it's just a short walk up to Deck 7, the first of two decks where the amenities can be found aboard.

Arriving on Deck 7 my immediate impression is of class; resembling a hotel lobby, the ships reception desk was ahead of me to one side with a three way stairwell opposite complete with chrome hand rails, lighting posts and foot treads with an etched glass mural behind.

Beautifully laid decorative floor tiling in brick red and beige effectively draws ones eye in all directions; glancing upwards a ceiling void actually forms a piece of art in the lobby of Deck 8 above; the hull of a boat with the surrounds formed of lengths of chrome tubing facing the direction of travel with a mirror image of its shape in lighting panels in the ceiling above.

Back on Deck 7 ahead of the lobby is Cafe LaFayette; a very 'homely', warm and comforting environment which is fully carpeted and boasts individual tub chairs and sofas positioned on a fully carpeted floor.

This is where I chose to have my much needed coffee - who could resist curling up next to one of the window lined seats and watch the passing scenery, especially on a beautiful day like this?!

Coffee together with light snacks are served from a central circular servery where I must say the Irish Ferries staff member was particularly polite, friendly, courteous and chatty; it really made me feel special.

Going back to the lobby and walking aft we come to the Irish Bar - still thankfully pretty much the same décor as when Isle of Inishmore operated across the Irish Sea, this facility is a real gem and a huge refreshing change to those familiar with cross channel ferry bars.

Passing the threshold you would be forgiven for thinking you have been transported over to Ireland!

Dark wood panelling, stained glass windows, beautiful muted lighting with brass fixtures & fittings, beautifully upholstered teal coloured tub chairs and sofas plus deep pile carpeting create an unbelievable environment.

Tiled chequerboard pathways effectively leads ones eye to the far end of this facility which lacks natural light but actually adds to the overall effect of the interior décor.

During the time of my visit this facility was closed so a HUGE thank you to Irish Ferries for allowing me access so I could share my thoughts and observations with you. Trust me, if you travel aboard have a look to see if this bar is open, as it is well worth a visit (and a drink, or several!).

Heading upstairs to Deck 8, at the stern is a feature which is now totally unique on a Dover based ferry - a huge glass 'Veranda'.

Spanning three decks this large glass conservatory affords magnificent views astern from its mezzanine levels.

Unlike the former SeaFrance Calais/Dover ferry 'Renoir' which had a similar construction, the interior aboard Isle of Inishmore is devoid of any purpose, other than to watch the passing vistas from one of the lightweight aluminium chairs.

I can personally see this area being a fabulous Mediterranean/French style pavement café, or better still a high quality restaurant - the views alone would create a huge interest!

This is what the similar area looked like aboard SeaFrance Renoir to illustrate my thinking:

That being said, even in its current guise the Veranda is a great place to visit and the kids will get quite a thrill watching the ships' wake disappearing into the distance.

Speaking of food, the ships' dining room can be found at the front of Deck 8.

Named Boylans Brasserie meals are served counter style from the servery - all very well presented on illuminated counters on tiled flooring and the ingredients are of great quality.

Like much of the rest of the ship, the dining room is fully carpeted and offers excellent views of the sea; long upholstered sofas and free standing chairs perfectly aligned show the crew take pride in their ship.

More than 'just a cafeteria', the décor is of very good quality; the warming tones of the fixtures, fittings and lighting entice passengers to dine at a relaxed pace and enjoy the experience.

But, don't eat too slowly....there is shopping to do!

Located amid ship on Deck 8 the large, spacious, open plan shopping centre can be found. Wide hard flooring aisles weave amongst the numerous free standing shelving units promoting duty free wines, beers, spirits, tobacco products, confectionary, toys, gifts, souvenirs and travel accessories.

This is a large store but products are easy to find and the staff within are more than happy to help you if you have any queries.

Onboard Isle of Inishmore children are very well catered for as the area surrounding the shop is devoted to them and their families.

A nautical themed playroom can be found on the starboard side and benefits from soft flooring, walls and play equipment together with a wall mounted TV showing children's programmes whilst on the port side is a gaming zone with a large array of electronic machines to keep the older children/teens (and adults) occupied.

A 'family zone' occupies the area between the two facilities so parents and guardians can relax safe in the knowledge their children are nearby and safe.

Although Cafe LaFayette, Boylans Brasserie and the Irish Bar are extremely comfortable areas to sit and relax, a dedicated [open plan] lounge can be found right outside the shop and is a great place to 'people watch' as undoubtedly at some point everyone passes through here.

Alternatively, why not treat yourself and upgrade to the Club Class Lounge.

Located on the uppermost deck it can be accessed by the stairwell opposite the reception within the lobby of Deck 7. NOTE, this lounge is not wheelchair accessible.

Upon entering you are met by an incredibly friendly member of staff who obviously takes pride in working here as on my voyage she proudly showed me around the facility with a big smile on her face; why wouldn't she - there are simply magnificent (almost wrap around) views through the slanting windows, plush high backed comfortable sofas, tub chairs and Pullman style executive looking chairs with head cushions by the tinted glass windows.

A counter service bar at the forward end offers complimentary soft drinks and snacks, and an exclusive lounge bar (alcoholic drinks chargable).

Purchasing a ticket to be within this exclusive environment also allows for priority boarding (and subsequent disembarkation at your arrival port).

Direct access to the exterior deck can be obtained from here.

Speaking of which, Isle of Inishmore benefits from having a large amount of exterior deck space - primarily 'on the roof' of the ferry on Deck 11, but also on the port and starboard sides of Deck 9 which is where the cabins are located (used when the ship operated on the longer Irish Sea crossing.

In closing Isle of Inishmore offers a different travel experience for those crossing the Straight of Dover.

With an air of Ireland about her, Isle of Inishmore is an intimate, much loved, well cared for ferry where the crew obviously take pride in their ship and were all too keen to 'show it off' and welcome passengers on board.

Now you have read the blog, why not see the ship through my eyes - here is my vlog of the crossing. Curl up and [virtually] come aboard.