By
Rebecca Gibson |
DFDS Seaways welcomed its new Côte des Dunes passenger ferry into the port of Dover, UK on 9 February following her inaugural sailing from Calais, France.
Côte des Dunes has undergone a complete transformation since DFDS took delivery of her at the end of last year. The ferry features the new DFDS livery, which includes the company’s updated logo and darker blue colour palette, as well as numerous cafes and bars. Other facilities include a self-service restaurant named 7 Seas, a large shop, a dedicated children’s area and a new Premium Lounge, which offers complimentary teas, coffees, cold drinks and snacks. The vessel also boasts a Road Kings area for commercial drivers, which has showers, a restaurant and a lounge area.
“We are always striving to deliver our customers the best possible experience on our ferries,” said Carsten Jensen, senior vice president at DFDS. “Côte des Dunes is an important part of our commitment to offer customers a sustainable, frequent and reliable cross Channel ferry service.”
Côte des Dunes is the first of two new ships scheduled to enter service on DFDS’ Dover-Calais route this month. The second, Côte des Flandres, is due to enter service the week of 22 February. Both vessels will join Calais Seaways on the service, boosting DFDS’ daily sailings up to 30. Malo Seaways, which is currently chartered by DFDS and sails alongside Calais Seaways on the Dover-Calais service, will temporarily serve as the third ship on the route while Calais Seaways undergoes routine maintenance and will then be returned to its owner.
When combined with DFDS’ three ferries on the Dover-Dunkirk route, DFDS will now operate the largest fleet on the Dover Strait, with up to 54 daily sailings to the two French ports.