LEADING ferry company Stena Line is looking forward to another busy year with an increasing number of
Northern Ireland holidaymakers choosing to take their cars to Europe.
Stena ookings for travel from the Province to a choice of European destinations via Britain are up by 40 per
cent on 2003, highlighting the continent's popularity with local travellers.
With Stena Line's current Landbridge fares starting from £130 single for a car plus two passengers to
France - a saving of £400 over direct services offered by other ferry companies, claims Stena Line - the
company says it is not hard to see why customers are choosing to take their own car to mainland Europe.
And caravan owners will have even more to smile about when they book travel, as Stena Line are the only
ferry operator to offer free caravan places on selected sailings to Europe!
In partnership with P&O Ferries, Brittany Ferries, SeaFrance, Condor Ferries and DFDS Seaways, Stena Line
can also ensure that customers enjoy the best value fares to Jersey, Guernsey, Spain, Holland, Denmark,
Sweden, Norway and Germany with a choice of five routes from Ireland (Belfast, Larne, Dun Laoghaire,
Dublin Port and Rosslare).
France is the favourite with Northern Ireland travellers with 70 per cent of passengers going there.
Paul Grant, Stena Line's Head of Travel Market, Irish Sea, is delighted with the figures and believes the
Landbridge 2005 package will be very popular with customers.
"The increase of 40 per cent on last year's Landbridge bookings from Northern Ireland is very encouraging,"
said Paul.
"A Landbridge holiday to the continent is an ideal break for families in Northern Ireland and the savings
that can be made by travelling to Europe via the UK can make all the difference when booking a family
holiday," added Paul.
"When travelling from Northern Ireland via the UK, the holiday begins as soon as you board the Stena HSS in
Belfast or on whichever route you choose to travel. We take all the hassle out of your holiday by booking not
only your travel across the Irish Sea but also across to the continent.
"Many holidaymakers also choose to stop over in Britain for a night to break up the journey, visit
friends and family or fit in a bit of last minute shopping for their holiday.
"Now it's better value than ever. All you have to do is compare our Landbridge prices with direct sailings
to Europe and see how much you can save," he concluded.