Andy

Her entry into service has been further delayed to the 30th July.

The first commercial sailing was actually scheduled to be on 29th April, between Santander and Cork. But, delay aside, her first sailing will certainly mark an interesting chapter in the history of Brittany Ferries with this 'Brexit-bypass' route.

Some more on this: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-43827258 and now available on iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b09z9tdh/south-today-evening-news-19042018

The maiden voyage of the Connemara on the 3rd May, between Santander and Cork, will be a full commercial sailing, carrying both passengers and freight.

Last Tuesday the Barfleur welcomed an American World War 2 veteran, Mr John Waller, and his family for the sailing from Poole to Cherbourg. They were on board to retrace Mr. Waller’s wartime footsteps: on Christmas Eve 1944 he was one of 2,000 American soldiers on board the troopship SS Léopoldville crossing the English Channel from Southampton to Cherbourg. In the middle of that night just 5½ miles from Cherbourg the Léopoldville was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-486. 763 American soldiers were killed and the bodies of 493 were never recovered. As Barfleur approached the coast of Cherbourg Commandant Roignant invited the family on to the bridge, and skilfully manoeuvred his ship alongside the wreck site and into the lee of the wind, to allow Mr. Waller to pay his respects and to lay a wreath into the sea. Also on board to record the story was BBC South transport correspondent Paul Clifton – and his report is due to be shown on BBC South Today tonight at 18:30 on BBC1.

There's a new blog entry on the Honfleur mini site which gives some more insight into her interior design - click here

Portsmouth to Le Havre 18 April 2018 23:30 - We are sorry to inform you that due to industrial action by dockers in the port of Le Havre this sailing has been CANCELLED. Please call +44 (0)1752 648637 for advice and assistance. Please accept our apologies for the inconvenience.

The Connemara's ship guide has now been published. Largely an identical layout to that of the Etretat, with the addition of cabins on deck 7. It's interesting that it contains a foot passenger information section, given that none will be carried (initially at least). Connemara.pdf

Normandie will be heading to Cherbourg in June where repairs to her thruster will be completed. She will operate a 22:45 Portsmouth - Cherbourg departure on Monday 4th June, and resume service on Friday 8th June with the 08:45 departure from Caen to Portsmouth.

Corsica Ferries have launched their new Balereric Route with a rather comical take on the advantages taking the ferry versus the plane.

I would expect the menu's on Connermara to be similar to that found on the Etretat - click here

Viking Grace has now received her Rotar Sail:

Quite a frequent mistake sadly (particularly for the BF house flag!). On a side note, traditionally flying a flag upside down is understood as a distress signal.

This years menus have now been published for the a la carte and self service restaurants. Self Service 2018.pdf A la Carte 2018.pdf Buffet 2018 2.pdf Buffet 2018.pdf

Got to love the Herald!