Our Dover to Calais ships offer a fun and relaxing way to cross the Channel, and you can start your holiday as soon as you step on board. Here, we share some top facts about the ferries that travel on this route, and the reasons why you should choose them for your next trip!
The Spirit of Britain and the Spirit of France
Sister ships the Spirit of Britain and the Spirit of France were built in Finland in 2010 and first set sail on our Dover to Calais route in 2011. Measuring 213m in length, these ferries are two of the largest ships operating in Europe today. Designed to reduce drag, the Spirit of Britain and the Spirit of France are capable of reaching 22 knots, and have an impressive 12 decks each.
When plans were being put into place for these fantastic ships, we carried out research with tourist passengers, freight drivers, and P&O Ferries employees, to find out what they’d like to see from the new designs. This way, we could be confident that we were creating ships that everyone would love. Our research resulted in two ships boasting great onboard facilities, with the capacity to carry 1750 passengers and up to 1059 cars.
The Club Lounge on these ships is modern and comfortable, with plenty of windows offering uninterrupted sea views. You can choose to sit outside as you sail if you like, as the Club Lounge outside deck is home to a number of chairs, tables, and sun loungers. On these ships, you can serve your own soft and hot drinks in the Club Lounge, and someone will be on hand to take your food and alcoholic beverage orders.
The Pride of Kent and the Pride of Canterbury
Built in Germany in 1991, our second set of Dover to Calais sister ships, the Pride of Kent and the Pride of Canterbury, previously sailed on a freight route travelling from Dover to Zeebrugge as the European Pathway and the European Highway. Since 2003, they have carried both tourist passengers and freight drivers from Dover to Calais, after being converted, refreshed, and renovated, to suit this purpose.
These two ships measure 179.7m in length, and have capacity for 2000 passengers, 600 cars, and 115 freight vehicles. They boast 8 decks each which are packed full of all of the onboard facilities you expect from our Dover to Calais ships, including The Brasserie, Food Court, Family Lounge, and Club Lounge.
The Club Lounge on the Pride of Kent and the Pride of Canterbury is located at the front of the ship, and its huge windows make you feel like you could be the captain! These lounges are very spacious, and you’ll be served drinks, food, and snacks by one of our helpful employees. With a number of comfortable seating options to choose from, you’re sure to spend your journey feeling relaxed and well looked after.
The Pride of Burgundy
Built in Germany in 1992, the Pride of Burgundy has sailed on our Dover to Calais route since 1993 – making it the longest serving ship on this route today. Able to to hold 1420 passengers and 465 cars, it has one of the smallest capacities of the P&O Ferries fleet, despite being the same length as the Kent and the Canterbury.
One of the Pride of Burgundy’s highlights saw the ship being chartered to Ramsgate for the official opening of the Thanet Wind Farm in 2010. During this trip, the ferry took news crews, wind farm employees and their families, and VIPs, up to the turbines so that they could experience them up close. The next day, the ship was back on the Dover to Calais route transporting tourist passengers and freight drivers to their destinations.
The Club Lounge on the Pride of Burgundy can be found at the back of the ship, so you can wave goodbye to the White Cliffs of Dover, or Calais, depending on which leg of the journey you’re on. This Club Lounge has lots of character, with a vintage feel to its décor scheme, and you can help yourself to a selection of small snacks, or order drinks and food from the bar which will then be brought to your table.
Now that you know all about our Dover to Calais ships, book your crossing to France with us today and experience them for yourself.
