BY TIM HEDGLEY, GROUP TRAVEL EDITOR
WHEN traveling across to the mainland I have been a frequent user of the Belfast to Cairnryan route, and I have despite living relatively close to Larne, forgotten that P&O do actually provide the shortest fastest crossing to Scotland.
So last weekend I decided to remind myself how good the journey can be.
And I was surprised what I found and it was all very good.
P&O Ferries operate the most frequent crossings between Northern Ireland and Scotland and with more sailings to choose from and lots to do on board. And it is easy to forget that travelling to Scotland has never been easier and quicker than with P&O Ferries!
There have been quite a few developments too, for example there has been new seating added and a very reliable Wi-Fi that actually works.
There are also new food menus, improved kids play areas and so much more. So you’ll get where you want, when you want, on a newly improved P&O ferry.
Flexibility to travel
With up to seven P&O Ferries sailings a day, no baggage restrictions and a journey time of just two hours, the Larne to Cairnryan route makes getting to Scotland even more convenient, after leaving Larne you are more or less an hour on th eopen sea and then you heading into Lough Ryan, and that’s it quick and simple.
WI_FI that works
Wi-fi at sea as for a long time been a bit of a hit and miss affair, and I do have experience of logging on and being connected, but just not being able to actually get anywhere on the web because the signal was so poor and finally I just gave up. P&O Ferries offers a free Wi-Fi service that really works well.
A high quality and dependable Wi-Fi connection on-board ferry sailings between Larne and Cairnryan is available to all passengers free of charge. So on this route you and your kids can be connected and peace will reign.
In fact it was so good I was able to update apps on my Ipad and browse at the same time, so take it from me that is good.
Road networks that suits easy connections.
With the completion of the newly improved A8, the main road network linking Belfast and other major gateways to the Port of Larne, it makes it even easier for passengers sailing across the Irish Sea to Scotland.
The new link to Larne is fast and efficent and long gone are the long delays behind an articulated lorry on a single track road to Larne.
On Board experience
If you’re feeling peckish, the new on-board catering menu offers a variety of meals, to include a vegetarian option and a specially designed children’s menu full of tasty favourites, as well as a great range of light snacks to suit all times of travel.
Customers can also upgrade to enjoy Club Lounge with a range of complimentary newspapers and magazines, refreshments and Wi-Fi. It costs £12 per person if booked in advance and £14 per person if booked on board.
I used this facility and if you want to have a little more peace and a quiet space with all those goodies, £12 is a very small price to pay for a peaceful lounge that adds a little more luxury to your crossing.
Keypad entry system keeps the club lounge an upper class area for those who have paid for the privilege.
And it’s a small price to pay for a bespoke executive lounge on this great crossing.
Great Staff
Its obvious the staff are aware that for some passengers it may be their first time sailing with P&O and they go out of their way to make you fell as welcome and as comfortable as possible.
Smiles from all the staff, greeting every passenger they see and a warm welcome is just what you want and its just what you get.
On-board, there is a shop offering a wide range of souvenirs, books, toys and games and for those tempted there are perfumes to snap up at up to 40% off its high street prices.
Or simply sit back and relax in the lounge with lots of seating areas. Or visit the cinema.
For young sailors there’s plenty to keep them happy with the newly decorated kids play area and game zone.
The children’s entertainment room has a play area and a video screen playing all their favourite shows and the arcade room will keep the older ones happy.
P&O’s great value fares start from £74 each way from Larne to Cairnryan for a car and driver.
For further information on all sailings and the latest P&O Ferries offers please visit POFerries.com or call 0800 130 0030.
