Ferry firms announce new Ramsgate service
Ramsgate will get a new passenger ferry as part of a tie-up between two cross-Channel firms.
LD Lines and Transeuropa have announced plans to run the massive Norman Spirit ferry between Ramsgate and Ostend, with services due to start before the end of March.
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The Norman Spirit will be running from Ramsgate to Ostend by the end of March
Dominique Penel, general manager of Transeuropa Ferries, said the ship would bring more tourists into the town.
He said: “This makes good economic sense for both companies. Transeuropa has established an excellent, solid freight business via the Ramsgate – Ostend route since we began in 1998 and now, with a larger ship, we have the potential to improve the level of service to our freight customers, while also developing the tourist traffic through LD Lines’ passenger marketing resources.”
The 30,000 tonne ship, which has been working between Dover and Boulogne since last year, will be renamed The Ostend Spirit when it begins to make the four-hour crossings.
It contains a self-service restaurant, a coffee bar, the Dirty Duck Pub, 59 cabins, a shop and a kids’ play area.
As part of a starting-up deal, a crossing for a car and five passengers will cost £24.
For more information and to book, visit www.ldlines.com
5 Comments
by Patrick, Broadstairs, Kent
Wednesday, February 10 2010, 9:03PM
“It may be the right time for Port Ramsgate, or whoever has the reponsibility, to get the walkway right. This would allow the ferry operator to bring in foot passengers. Or what about getting foot passengers on and off with a coach that might drive people to Ramsgate town centre or Westwood, the ideal place to get rid of excess Euros? Shouldn't the shops and facilities in and around Westwood invest in continental advertising and provide financial support for that coach as a long term investment.
From over 25 years of experience in tourism I know tourists from Belgium, The Netherlands (Some parts of latter are less than a 1 hour drive to Ostend) really do enjoy that area with some of its 24/7 shops. Add to that the worthless Pound Sterling and you've got an great Euro Hoover...”
by Lissie, France
Wednesday, February 10 2010, 1:54PM
“There aren't enough people who want to cross to your area as footpassengers, I ask amongst my friends, they always say London or Scotland ! The former is accessible by Eurostar, the latter by plane ......
All ports are primarily an access route..... the days of anything else are finished.”
by john, tunbridge wells tn2
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 8:29PM
“i read the headlines and thought great, i can go to ramsgate, spend a night there,then go over on the ferry as a foot passenger. wrong!! no footies.....think again transeuropa, it will bring drive through only [you probably know that anyway]”
by Craig Villain, Medway
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 1:01PM
“I agree with John, Car loads and coaches full of people are no good! We need foot passengers with their Euros ! Ban cars from the ship i say”
by John Fox, Ramsgate,Kent
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 8:56AM
“Is this really good news for the town?
I understand that they won't take footpassengers.
Only footpassengers with their Euros can boost the town again.
Its the daytrippers who bring in the money not the car and freightdrivers.”