French ferry company Brittany Ferries has said that it is restoring its fast UK to France cross-Channel ferry route for 2022.
Starting from late May until early September 2022, the Normandy port of Cherbourg will be linked with the south coast ports of Portsmouth in Hampshire and Poole in Dorset, with weekend departures linking the UK and France in two hours and 30 minutes. The summer service, which was suspended in 2020 due to the pandemic, is aiming to resume to meet post-lockdown travel demand.
The fast service is to operate from May 27 to June 5, and from July 15 to September 4, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. It will depart from Portsmouth at 07:00, arriving at Cherbourg at 11:00. A return service will depart Cherbourg at 11:45, arriving at Poole at 13:15.
The sailings will be operated on Brittany Ferries’ behalf by Condor Ferries using its fast ferry Condor Liberation. The service will complement Brittany Ferries’ conventional car-ferry sailings from Poole to Cherbourg which will resume on March 28, 2022, having also been suspended in 2020 following reduced demand during the initial pandemic.
Paul Acheson, sales and marketing director, Brittany Ferries said: ‘As we emerge from Covid-19, we’re delighted to restore choice and flexibility for our customers as they make their cross-Channel travel plans for 2022.
‘Demand is now roaring back, and we’re ready to meet it. Condor Liberation will offer passengers on our shorter routes to Cherbourg additional flexibility and choice.
‘This will complement our conventional service operated by Barfleur on the Poole-Cherbourg route, and our overnight sailings from Portsmouth to Cherbourg with our newest ships Galicia and Salamanca.’
Condor Liberation carries 850 passengers and 200 cars, and comes with a range of onboard facilities as standard. The ship offers several spacious open seating lounges, meanwhile for an extra fee, Club Lounge is available offering reclining seats, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary hot drinks. Condor Liberation also offers an extensive duty-free shop, bistro cafe and bars.
