Don’t fret and fly this summer, sail and stay instead

Brittany Ferries is today urging holiday makers to consider a ferry relaxing vacation this summer. The company, which serves beautiful destinations in France and northern Spain, says international holidays by sea could be set for a big come-back.

Air travel has taken centre stage, following government confirmation of the traffic light system for international travel. But there are other ways to enjoy a get-away – that’s not far away – without battling busy terminals and sitting cheek by jowl in cramped tubes.

“We want to remind people that there are attractive alternatives to air travel this summer,” said Christophe Mathieu Brittany Ferries CEO. “Taking the ferry means there’s no need to mingle in a busy terminal building, or arrivals hall, alongside passengers from multiple destinations. Drive on-board in your own car, then head straight to a cabin which is fed by fresh sea air. Step outside on deck, visit a bar, restaurant or shop, and do so while social distancing in safety and comfort. This is the modern ferry experience and it’s why we urge everyone to consider a sail-and-stay holiday in 2021.”

France and Spain are currently on the UK government’s amber list. However, Brittany Ferries hopes and expects these countries to turn green at the first review in three weeks’ time. That’s because infection rates are falling, while vaccination rates are rapidly rising in both countries. The green light from government should release an avalanche of latent demand for late June and the peak summer season.

The company sails to destinations in so-called green Spain and north west France. These are not population centres, but rural regions characterised by sweeping beaches, snow-capped mountains (Picos de Europa for example) and ancient forests. They should appeal in particular to those with concerns about holidaying in big cities or busy resorts.

Brittany Ferries has also confirmed that there will be no increase in prices this summer. The cost of a voyage in 2021 will be no different to last year, whatever changes government makes to the traffic light system. Furthermore, for peace of mind, the company also offers fully flexible tickets. This means, if the Covid situation changes, travel plans can be changed too – hassle-free.

In the UK, Brittany Ferries sails from Portsmouth, Poole and Plymouth. It carries around 2.5 million passengers a year (pre-Covid average), 85 percent of whom are British.

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