Brittany Ferries Announces Return of England – France Fast Ferry

By: Gary Andrews
Date:
Last updated:
CONDOR LIBERATION. Image: Condor Ferries, Copyright © Maritime Photographic.
CONDOR LIBERATION. Image: Condor Ferries, Copyright © Maritime Photographic.

French ferry company Brittany Ferries has confirmed that it will resume its fast UK to France crossings in 2022.

The summer service was suspended in 2020 due to the pandemic.  However, with demand for travel expected to be significant next year, the route is to make a welcome return.

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. Weekend departures linking the UK and France will take as little as 2 hours 30 minutes.

The quickest route to Western France will operate from 27 May to 5 June and from 15 July to 4 September on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Sailings to France will depart from Portsmouth at 07:00, arriving at Cherbourg at 11:00. A return service to the UK will depart Cherbourg at 11:45, arriving at Poole at 13:15.

The sailings will be operated on Brittany Ferries’ behalf by Channel Islands operator Condor Ferries using its fast ferry, CONDOR LIBERATION.

The previous Brittany Ferries’ fast craft NORMANDIE EXPRESS is now on charter to Condor Ferries as the CONDOR VOYAGER. The two companies are linked through Brittany Ferries being a minority shareholder in Condor.

NORMANDIE EXPRESS. Image: Brittany Ferries
NORMANDIE EXPRESS. Image: Brittany Ferries

Mix and match ships

The fast ferry service will complement Brittany Ferries’ conventional car-ferry sailings from Poole to Cherbourg which will resume on 28 March 2022.  This route was also suspended in 2020 due to reduced demand during the pandemic.  The usual Poole – Cherbourg vessel, BARFLEUR, has been laid up in the Caen area since.

Also operating on the Portsmouth – Cherbourg route in summer 2022 will be the E-flexers GALICIA and SALAMANCA.  Both vessels will offer a weekly roundtrip. The latter vessel is shortly due to be delivered to Brittany Ferries, entering service in March.

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.”

Brittany Ferries Press Release 22 November 2021 https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/fast-channel-sailings-are-back/
YouTube video

Range of facilities on offer

CONDOR LIBERATION has a stated capacity of 850 passengers and 200 cars.

The 2010-built ship offers several spacious open seating lounges. Meanwhile for an extra fee, a Club Lounge is available offering luxurious reclining seats, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary hot drinks. 

The CONDOR LIBERATION also offers an extensive duty-free shop, bistro café and bars.

CONDOR LIBERATION deck plan. Image: Condor Ferries

To view more details of the routes and to book, visit the fast ferry section of the Brittany Ferries website here


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