Ferry tales

March is the ideal time to snap up a deal on your next sea trip to France, as operators highlight the range of Channel crossings, says Eleanor O’Kane

If you are in the midst of planning your summer holidays, make a note of National Ferry Fortnight, which takes place from 15-29 March. The promotion, now in its sixth year, features special deals for travellers from the UK to several European countries including France. 
For 2014, ferry travel as a family-friendly option is high on the agenda. Brittany Ferries is one of the operators taking part in National Ferry Fortnight. 
Its group commercial director, Mike Bevens, said: “As a dad I know that when the kids are happy, the parents are happy and ferries tick all the boxes for our children. For a start you can pack all their stuff in the car – so no worries about having to leave things behind – and once you’re on board, there is loads of room to spread out, dedicated play areas and acres of open deck space where, if you’re lucky, you might even glimpse a whale 
or dolphin!”

Ferry travel on the English Channel dates from 1821, when the paddle steamer Rob Roy began transporting passengers and post between England and France. Cross-Channel ships have come a long way since then; now passengers can expect cinemas, children’s clubs, live entertainment and even swimming pools while sailing back and forth to France.

Other cross-Channel operators taking part in National Ferry Fortnight include Condor Ferries, DFDS Seaways, Irish Ferries, Myferrylink and P&O Ferries.

For more details of National Ferry Fortnight deals visit www.discoverferries.com.