Bookings are now open for DFDS’s winter schedule – but the operator has issued an apology in anticipation of a temporary pause of its high-speed Poole sailings, which it anticipates “will impact islanders and disappoint some travellers”.
DFDS’s Jersey route director Chris Parker said the ferry company was “sorry about the inconvenience” that would stem from the decision.
The operator has confirmed its winter ferry schedule for all Jersey routes through to 10 January, with 118 scheduled departures between the Island and the UK and 88 departures between Jersey and St Malo.
Freight services will also continue with 110 crossings via the Caesarea Trader.
Between November and March we will be offering capacity for up to 77,000 passengers to travel between Jersey and the UK, and up to 134,000 passengers between Jersey and France
CHRIS PARKER
The ferry company has said that schedules for January 11 onwards are currently being “finalised”, but expects to offer around 850 crossings between April and August
across the three routes to the UK and France.
DFDS also revealed that it will “temporarily pause” its high-speed Poole sailings with its Levante Jet vessel between November and April 30, due to “lower passenger numbers during the winter season”.
“Tarifa Jet will go to dry-dock in November and Levante Jet will cover the St Malo service,” the statement continued.
“Following Tarifa Jet’s return Levante Jet will lay up until it returns to provide the peak summer schedule for the Poole route. Tarifa Jet will provide additional sailings to Poole over the Easter period.”
Mr Parker added: “Our winter timetable is designed to meet demand while delivering a dependable service for islanders.
“Between November and March we will be offering capacity for up to 77,000 passengers to travel between Jersey and the UK, and up to 134,000 passengers between Jersey and France, well above the historical demand for these services over the winter.”
Commenting on the scheduled pause of the high-speed Poole sailings, Mr Parker said: “We understand that this decision will impact islanders and disappoint some travellers, and we are sorry about the inconvenience this will cause.
“We are focussing on delivering a long term sustainable service for Jersey including investment in future tonnage for the island.”