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Topics - 20knots

#1
Presumably due to low traffic levels at this time of year a number of weekend sailings on the Southern and Central corridors have been scaled back.

On Rosslare - Fishguard there is no 23:45 ex Fishguard on Sundays and no 07:30 ex Rosslare on Mondays though both sailings reappear for the Easter travel period.

On the Central Corridor both the 02:15 ex Dublin and 02:15 ex Holyhead are not operating on either Sundays or Mondays. The sailings reappear next month.
#2
The News Board / Christmas sailings - foot passengers
November 22, 2020, 06:25:49 PM
Irish Ferries have opened up the night sailings e.g. 20.55 ex Dublin to foot passenger bookings over the festive period commencing Friday 18th Dec.

Wonder will Stena Line follow...i.e. 20.40 & 02.15 ex Dublin

Pre-Coronavirus all Stena Line sailings and most IF sailings (including the 20.55 ex Dublin & 02.40 ex Holyhead) accepted footies but with significantly reduced traffic/ essential travel only the night sailings don't carry foot passengers at the moment.

Despite the restrictions in place either side of the Irish Sea there is likely to be some increase in traffic over the period.
#3
The News Board / Passenger locator form - going online
August 23, 2020, 10:22:45 PM

QuoteThe Passenger Locator Form will move to an online process next week, the Minister for Health has confirmed. It previously had to be filled out manually.

Stephen Donnelly said regulations underpinning the move to an online form will come into effect on Wednesday, 26 August.

It is an offence not to complete the form on arrival to this country, outlining where you will be residing for the following 14 days.

The form must be completed by all arrivals, whether coming from a Green List country or not. However, arrivals from Green List countries are not required to self-isolate.

Not filling out the form - or failing to provide accurate information - is punishable by a fine of up to ?2,500 or a maximum of six months' imprisonment.

Minister Donnelly said: "The public health advice remains that all non-essential travel overseas should be avoided, but we understand that some people need to travel for essential personal and family reasons.

"Today's change is aimed to facilitate this travel and make the completion of the Covid-19 Passenger Locator Form easier for those who need to travel.

"Importantly we are rolling out an enhanced system of engagements with passengers, which will include issuing targeted public health advice by text message."

Mr Donnelly added: "Completion of this form helps our public health officials carry out follow-up checks on those arriving into the State.

"It also facilitates contact tracing efforts in the event of a suspected or confirmed case of Covid-19 on a flight or ship that has landed in Ireland."

If you are travelling on or before 25 August, you can still fill out the Passenger Locator Form manually. It will be online only from 26 August.

People travelling directly onwards to Northern Ireland will not have to complete all sections of the form.
One form should be completed for each passenger aged 16 or older. Children under the age of 16 can be included on a form completed by an accompanying adult.

Source - RT? News
#4
Discussion Board / Storm Brendan 13th Jan 2020
January 12, 2020, 04:43:15 PM
As this storm approaches I thought it may be of interest to record how it will affect sailings

Dublin - Holyhead  (Stena Line) possible disruptions noted for sailings ex Holyhead

Dublin - Holyhead (Irish Ferries) currently showing tomorrow's sailings as "on time"

Rosslare - Fishguard (Stena Line - Stena Europe)

Early sailing - the scheduled 23.45 ex Fishguard will sail at 23.00
Tomorrow's 08.00 ex Rosslare & 13.10 ex Fishguard are cancelled
Tomorrow's 18.10 ex Rosslare is in doubt

Rosslare - Pembroke Dock (Irish Ferries)
02.45 ex Pembroke Dock operating
remaining three sailings for tomorrow and Tuesday's 02.45 cancelled
#5
Discussion Board / Christmas break vessel positions
December 26, 2019, 02:42:07 PM
I thought it may be of interest to record where ships are/were over Christmas

Three Stena Line vessels at Holyhead Adventurer, Superfast X and, just offshore, Estrid.

Service is resuming with the 14.00 Stena Adventurer sailing to Dublin today, St. Stephen's Day. Superfast X resumes with the 08.55 tomorrow.

Stena Europe at Fishguard since operating the delayed 18.10 ex Rosslare on Christmas Eve. Resumes service with the 23.45 ex Fishguard tonight.

Isle of Inishmore at Rosslare (berth 1) and resuming with the 08.45 to Pembroke Dock tomorrow morning.

Stena Horizon at Rosslare (berth 3).

Ulysses at Dublin terminal 1 and resuming with the 08.05 sailing in the morning.
WB Yeats upriver at Alexandra Basin and resuming with the 14.30hrs.
#6
Noticed in recent days whilst passing through the port at night that some work appears to be underway here with a mini crane et cetera to be seen...
#7
Discussion Board / Stena Europe essential maintenance
November 18, 2018, 05:46:29 PM
Tonight's sailings at 18.10 ex Rosslare & 23.45 ex Fishguard are cancelled as are tomorrow's (Monday 19th Nov 2018) sailings at 08.00 ex Rosslare and 13.10 ex Fishguard. Ferrycheck cites "essential maintenance" - can anyone elaborate on the issue(s)? Thanks.
#8
In recent months I've completed a number of "What Do You Think?" leaflets as well as an e-mail or two to Stena Line's Customer Services with feedback following sailings. To date I've not had the courtesy of a response to any. All were polite and constructive.

Is there a backlog? Why would this be?
#9
Discussion Board / "HSS Lounge" Holyhead
May 10, 2018, 06:38:42 PM
This topic arose previously:
https://www.irish-ferries-enthusiasts.com/forum/index.php/topic,294.msg15045.html#msg15045
so I thought my experience from a journey last week may be of interest:

I travelled on the 02.30 sailing ex Holyhead one night last week (Stena Adventurer) and the upstairs lounge was in use for us to wait in prior to boarding the shuttle bus.

In an ideal world this comfortable lounge would be located prior to security so that passengers could access it after arriving on their trains.
#10
Discussion Board / Hurricane Ophelia
October 15, 2017, 10:08:14 PM
At 20.00 Met Éireann extended the red weather alert nationwide

Dublin – Holyhead

Ulysses en route to Holyhead. 02.40 Monday Holyhead - Dublin to sail. All sailings cancelled during the day with Monday's 20.55 Dublin – Holyhead in doubt.

Epsilon cancelled Tuesday morning (01.55 ex Dublin; 08.00 ex Holyhead)

Stena Adventurer on her way to Holyhead and to return at 02.30 Monday. Next sailing would appear to be 08.20 ex Dublin Tuesday morning (Ferrycheck page mentions the time of the next sailing out of Holyhead but not from Dublin)

Superfast X on way to Dublin. Next sailing would appear to be 02.15 ex Dublin Tuesday morning



Rosslare – Fishguard

Stena Europe currently in Fishguard. 23.45 to Rosslare to operate. Next sailing expected to be 08.00 ex Rosslare Tuesday.



Rosslare – Pembroke Dock

Isle of Inishmore on passage to Pembroke Dock and to leave there early (circa 02.00 Monday) for return crossing. Resuming 08.45 ex Rosslare Tuesday.



Rosslare – France

Departure of Stena Horizon's 15.00 Sunday sailing ex Cherbourg has been delayed.
Oscar Wilde sailed from Rosslare at 18.00 for France. Currently at 20.3 knots.



France – Dublin

Epsilon at 22.4 knots off Cornwall bound for Dublin (She sailed from Cherbourg at 16.00hrs instead of the scheduled 17.00)
If the Hurricane advances faster/conditions deteriorate sooner could she need to head for Rosslare or Wales?

Haven't looked at the North Channel or Liverpool yet...
#11
Received an e-mail invite to partake in this survey which is also available via the website though when I clicked on the survey link it doesn't work...

The press release refers to "bus, coach and train services operated from the port." Not aware of any scheduled bus or coach services serving the port - the only bus nearby is an Ulsterbus town service and its nearest stop is a few hundred yards from the terminal. The regular rail service from the integrated ferry terminal is pretty much the sum total of onward travel for foot passengers and is perfectly adequate for this purpose as there are departures across the day.
Quote
ISLE OF MAN STEAM PACKET COMPANY INVITES COMMENTS ON NORTHERN IRISH SERVICES

14/8/2017

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has launched a public consultation as it considers operating services to and from the Port of Larne in Northern Ireland to help boost visitor and other traffic.



The ferry company currently operates into Albert Quay, Belfast, but is investigating the merits of relocating to Larne, which could provide a service for heavier vehicles such as vans, motorhomes, coaches and freight that cannot be accommodated through Belfast.



A professional research company has been engaged to conduct a public survey, which it is hoped people who have used the Douglas-Belfast route will respond to.



The survey, which is open to all, is available online, with links shared from the Steam Packet Company's social media channels and shared directly with some customers who have used the route.



It can be viewed at www.islandglobalresearch.com/steampacketsurvey and is expected to run for three weeks.



Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: 'We constantly review our routes to ensure the best passenger experience possible is offered. We have identified that Larne could deliver an enhanced service compared with the Belfast facilities, but we want to know what our passengers think.



'We would like anyone who has used the route, or might intend to, to share their views. We want to hear all opinions on Albert Quay and Larne, good and bad, as passenger feedback will be a central factor in the final decision.'



Larne Port, which is already used by P&O Ferries for passenger services and has been used during the TT in the past, is on the Antrim Coast, a short 30 minute drive north east of Belfast. It offers passenger facilities including a coffee shop, newsagents, cash machine and car parking, and is adjacent to a range of restaurants, shops and a supermarket.



There are bus, coach and train services operated from the port for ongoing travel across Northern Ireland and into Ireland. The port is also well connected to the Causeway Coast and to the A8, a major route which gives easy access to the Northern Irish road network, including the M2 motorway.



This year both Ben-my-Chree and fast craft Manannan have visited Larne to ensure the berthing facilities are suitable for both vessels.



Relocating Belfast services to Larne would lead to reduced sailing times between Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man, as well as allowing some schedules to be revised to offer more convenient departure timings from Douglas.



Importantly, Larne's dedicated harbour facilities would allow for much larger vehicles to be accommodated than can use the linkspan at Albert Quay.



Mr Woodward said: 'The type of vehicle traffic we can carry on the Northern Ireland route is restricted by the facilities in Belfast. At Larne we would be able to look at opening up travel for larger vans, motorhomes and coaches, which could help boost tourism to the Isle of Man as well as being a benefit to Island residents.



'We would also be able to look at providing new freight capability between Douglas and Northern Ireland, which could be a boost for businesses too.'



He added: 'We believe operating through Larne could offer real benefits to passengers, the visitor economy and our freight customers, but any change has advantages and disadvantages so we would invite customers to complete the short survey and let us know their thoughts.'

(Seems to be a glitch with the internet whether my side or Forum side I don't know as the post didn't transmit and then appeared twice so I've deleted the duplicate)
#12
Discussion Board / Jonathan Swift Technical issue
January 06, 2017, 11:35:33 PM
Wondering what the technical issue with the Jonathan Swift is. Has resulted in the cancellation of yesterday's, today's and tomorrow (Sat 7/1/'17) morning's sailings with the pm sailings currently in doubt.

QuoteIrish Ferries regrets to advise that due to technical reasons, the 08:45hrs Swift Fast Craft sailing is cancelled.

Passengers can be accommodated on either the 08:05hrs or 20:55hrs M.V Isle Of Inishmore Cruise Ferry. Check-in time is 30 minutes prior to departure.
#13
Discussion Board / STENA LINE ONE-DAY OFFER
July 30, 2016, 01:36:00 AM
MUST BE BOOKED BY 23:00 TONIGHT, Sat 30th July

http://www.stenaline.ie/friendship

QuoteToday is a day for celebrating friendships worldwide. So embrace the day by letting a friend know how much you appreciate them with a buddy break to Britain. Absolutely FREE. That's FFF for you – Ferry a Friend for FREE. Just to put the icing on the cake, kids travel free on all Irish Sea routes!


But be quick to show your plus one the love as this is a one day only sale, just use offer code MATE before 11pm tonight to book.


What's the deal?


    Travel by car or take a short stay by foot
    Available for travel until 16 December
    Valid on the Dublin – Holyhead or Rosslare – Fishguard route
    Book by 23.00hrs, 30 July 2016


How to book:


Travelling by car: It's easy! Simply select your preferred route and sailing dates from the booking panel to the left. The discount will automatically apply.


Travelling by foot: Simply click on the destination below you wish to visit and on the short stay page, select your preferred route and sailing dates from the booking panel to the left. The discount will automatically apply.
#14
By chance I noticed a portacabin in Kilrane with (current) Stena Line signage affixed to the front (where there is also a window and a door).

Wondering if this is a base/ mess for a small number of crew from time to time/in emergency. Or perhaps it is a local sports base just sponsored by Stena Line.

(Kilrane is the next village along the main road upon leaving Rosslare Harbour and these days the two settlements essentially merge into one another)

Going towards the port the portacabin is located just after the Kilrane Inn on the same side.
#15
Quote
Have your say on the future of sea services
Monday, 28 September 2015

The Department of Infrastructure is seeking feedback about the future of the Isle of Man's strategic sea services.

A public consultation has been launched today, Monday 28 September 2015, and the responses will help to shape any new agreement for the Island's lifeline ferry operations.

People can submit their views via an online survey at https://www.snapsurveys.com/wh/s.asp?k=143946711910 or in writing to Mrs Ann Reynolds, Director of Ports, Department of Infrastructure, Sea Terminal, Douglas, IM1 2RF. The deadline for responses is 5pm on Monday 9 November.

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK is encouraging members of the public, businesses and passenger groups to have their say on this important issue.

He said:

    'The Department is reviewing the long-term future of ferry services in order to secure the best possible outcome for the Isle of Man and its economy. Our sea links have played a crucial part in the Isle of Man's development and quality of life for centuries and will continue to do so for many years to come.'

The Minister added:

    'I expect the public consultation to generate comments about current service standards and delivery, but I would urge people to also think about broader issues. We need to explore how the Isle of Man can best secure its key trade route to protect economic activity and standards of living. This process is not asking for comment on the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company; it is a consultation about the issues and priorities that affect all our futures.'

The current ferry arrangements are governed by the Linkspan User Agreement, which provides preferential access to the Department's linkspan in return for a guaranteed minimum level of service. The agreement was first approved by Tynwald in 1995 to provide long-term stability and to enable Government to control aspects of fares and schedules.

Minister Gawne told Tynwald in July how the User Agreement had helped the Isle of Man to secure modern ships, market growth, competitive fares and improved services.

The current User Agreement runs until 2020, with a six-year extension option that can be triggered by the Department or the current provider, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.

The Department is considering its long-term strategic plans and has already established that a number of experienced ferry operators may be interested in bidding for the Isle of Man contract if it is put out to a competitive tender. Consequently, the Department is looking at three options –

    Respect the current User Agreement and start a tender process in 2022, so that a potential new operator would be in a position to take over in 2026.
    Agree to a request from the Steam Packet to end the current User Agreement early and then go out to market.
    Invite the Steam Packet to propose a new agreement that offers such exceptional value to the Isle of Man that Tynwald can agree the benefits outweigh the advantages that could be gained from competitive tendering.

The Department will report on the results of the public consultation later this year.

Minister Gawne has also established a working group of Tynwald Members to review the responses, to provide support in assessing any proposal made by the Steam Packet Company and to help the Department gain the best possible understanding of what Manx residents and visitors want from any future agreement. The group comprises Minister Gawne as chair, Bill Malarkey MHK, vice-chair, Chris Thomas MHK, Graham Cregeen MHK and Geoffrey Boot MHK.
#16
Here's a link to this week's Wexford People newspaper (4/8/2015) where there's a write-up of a trip to Oakwood. Stena Line are promoting trips to Oakwood strongly which are possible by car or coach (not by rail because Oakwood isn't served by rail):
http://www.wexfordpeople.ie/lifestyle/a-rollercoaster-of-a-day-trip-31427451.html

The only suggestion I'd make is that given the unsocial timing of the return journey (02.30 ex Fishguard) a cabin on the return should be the default all-in offering or at least the possibility of a cabin on the return could be mentioned in the publicity material (not necessarily obvious particularly to folk who may have not travelled by ferry for years).

http://www.stenaline.ie/ferries-to-britain/day-trips/rosslare-fishguard-oakwood-by-car
http://www.stenaline.ie/ferries-to-britain/day-trips/rosslare-fishguard-oakwood-by-coach
#17
For the last number of years several sailings have been provided from Larne to Douglas and vice versa to provide extra capacity during the Isle of Man's TT Races.

The sailing of Express tonight (Sun 14th June 2015) from Larne to Douglas and its return working in the early hours of Monday is the last such sailing this year but could possibly be the last Larne-IOM sailing ever.

The sailing schedule is:
Depart Larne 23.30, arrive Douglas 02.15

Depart Douglas 03.00, arrive Larne 05.45
#18
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-31407987

wonder was this a shuttle bus (as used between the ferries and main terminal)
#19
Discussion Board / New look P & O Ferries website
January 08, 2015, 09:40:28 PM
http://www.poferries.com/eu/HomePage

Just been having a brief look through this - have found several features I like such as displaying the onboard Bureau de Change rates and a section for updates not just for the ferries themselves but for delays to road and rail services en route to the respective ports.
#20
A new sailing schedules comes into effect next week. In summary several crossings see an increase in passage time and there are some relatively minor retimings.

QuoteROSSLARE - CHERBOURG TIMETABLE

TIMETABLE

Until 5th January 2015

Depart Rosslare   Arrive Cherbourg   Duration
Tuesday 21:30   Wednesday 15:30   17hrs
Thursday 21:30   Friday 16:30   18hrs
Saturday 16:00*   Sunday 10:00   17hrs
Depart Cherbourg   Arrive Rosslare   Duration
Wednesday 21:00   Thursday 15:00   19hrs
Friday 21:00   Saturday 12:00   16hrs
Sunday 16:00   Monday 09:00   18hrs

From 5th January 2015

Depart Rosslare   Arrive Cherbourg   Duration
Tuesday 21:30   Wednesday 16:15   17.45hrs
Thursday 20:30   Friday 16:30   19hrs
Saturday 16:30   Sunday 10:30   17hrs
Depart Cherbourg   Arrive Rosslare   Duration
Wednesday 20:30   Thursday 15:30   20hrs
Friday 20:30   Saturday 12:30   17hrs
Sunday 15:45^   Monday 08:15   17.5hrs

Notes:
All times are local. Continental time is +1hour ahead of Ireland.
*On the following dates the arrival time for this sailing will be 12.00: 26 July, 9 & 23 August, 7 & 21 September 2014.
^Sunday sailings from Cherbourg to Rosslare between 24 May 2015 and 6 September 2015 will depart at 15:00 instead of 15.45.
There are no sailings on Mondays.

Christmas 2014 Schedule

Post Christmas:

Sat 27 Dec 2014 1600 Departure Rosslare – Cherbourg
Sun 28 Dec 2014 1600 Departure Cherbourg – Rosslare

Sat 3 Jan 2015 1600 Departure Rosslare - Cherbourg
Sun 4 Jan 2015 1600 Departure Cherbourg – Rosslare

Resumes regular schedule on 6 Jan 2015 2130 Rosslare to Cherbourg