In early April Dublin-based Irish Ferries announced that it will charter the ferry Star from Tallink to boost its fleet ahead of the summer season.
Irish Ferries said it will be the largest and fastest passenger cruise ferry on the Irish sea. It has a capacity of over 2,080 passengers, with a possible top speed of 27.5 knots.
The ship has 134 cabins and over 2,380 lane meters for cars, coaches, and freight vehicles. It also has a large duty free shopping space, a self-service restaurant, an à la carte restaurant, a bar, gaming facilities, pet facilities and family-friendly features such as a children’s play area.
‘Along with usual advantages of ferry travel in terms of no luggage restrictions or security queues, we are confident that Oscar Wilde will become a firm favourite with our passengers and freight drivers, and we look forward to welcoming them on board,” said Andrew Sheen, Irish Ferries Managing Director.
The ship will enter service on the Rosslare-Pembroke route in early June, replacing the chartered Blue Star 1 for the summer period. Irish Ferries operated a previous ship called Oscar Wilde, which ICG sold to MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company for €28.9 million in 2019.
‘The decision by Irish Ferries to bring the new Oscar Wilde ship to the Rosslare to Pembroke route is the latest boost for passengers, including tourists, travelling to and from our port,” said Glenn Carr, authority director for Rosslare Europort.
Mr Carr said the news that Oscar Wilde will be operating the Rosslare to Pembroke route from June follows the introduction of the Rosslare to Bilbao route on the Salamanca by Brittany Ferries, and Stena Line’s doubling of the Rosslare Europort to Cherbourg services from June to six each way weekly, with the introduction of the Stena Horizon on the route.
‘All three vessels from all three shipping lines are of an extremely high standard for passengers,” he said. Mr Carr said he believes these services will make Ireland a more attractive destination for UK and European tourists.
