Vessel To Begin Services From Rosslare – Cherbourg In December

Irish Ferries has taken delivery of its new Ireland/France cruise ferry Oscar Wilde following completion of its service on the Baltic Sea route between Oslo and Kiel under its previous owners, Norwegian ferry operator Color Line.

Set to commence service with Irish Ferries on the Rosslare/Cherbourg route in early December ahead of the 2008 summer season, the vessel is now due to spend the next four weeks in dry dock in the Danish port of Fredericia where some new facilities, interior styling improvements and minor technical modifications will be added before it begins operations into/out of Ireland.

This work will include the construction of two new state of the art 55-seat cinemas, the restyling of restaurants, bistros, lounge bars, children's play areas and other passenger facilities in themes that will reflect the link with Oscar Wilde, including a major upgrade to the main restaurant - the Left Bank Brasserie, and the fitting of an extra bow thruster for improved manoeuvrability,

Other items include the fitting out of a new hair & beauty salon, revamping of the main reception area, the provision of 130 new reclining seats, the fitting of new passenger information signs and the re-branding of the vessel in Irish Ferries livery.

Built in Turku, Finland in 1987, the 31,914 tonnes Oscar Wilde is substantially larger and significantly more luxurious than the vessel it replaces. Purchased last January at a cost of €45million, it is the third vessel in the Irish Ferries fleet whose name has been inspired by a leading figure from the world of Irish literature.

With sleeker lines and excellent sea going qualities, it will have a faster speed of 21.5 knots (delivered by four more powerful engines) delivering a saving of one hour on current crossing times. With eleven decks, it will carry up to 1,458 passengers and 580 cars - an increase of 160 cars/40%.  Its extra vehicle lane metres (1,220 versus 645) will be reflected in significantly greater freight vehicle capacity (62 units versus 43). Other good news for car and freight drivers alike is the fact that cars will have their own deck separate from the freight deck.

On board, passengers will be impressed with the range and quality of cabins. All ensuite, they range from standard 2-berth to luxurious De Luxe with flat screen TV, minibar and sofa - a significant improvement on the current style of cabins. 

Commenting, Irish Ferries Marketing Director, Tony Kelly said 'With its new name and modern on-board facilities, the Oscar Wilde present us with wide-ranging opportunities to re-brand and revitalise our Ireland/France service in a manner that will have very positive benefits in the future'.

'Bigger, better and faster than the vessel it will replace, with greater car and freight capacity, more berths and a wider choice of stylish cabin accommodation, the 'Oscar Wilde' will bring new standards of comfort and luxury to our long established Ireland - France service', Mr. Kelly said.