Ferry Firm's Future Fine

As ash continues to 'cloud' travel arrangements with its on-off impact on flights, a ferry company, Stena Line, is finding that continued air disruption due to the volcanic ash cloud that is invading UK and Irish air space is prompting more than just a temporary increase in passenger numbers.

Since the first airport closures at the end of last month, the company has had the opportunity to promote the experience of travelling by ferry to more than 60,000 additional consumers on its Irish Sea routes alone, many of whom may not have used this mode of transport for many years.

Passengers affected by airport closures have even been contacting Stena Line to compliment the company not only on the quality of its onboard facilities and the efficiency of the service offered and some travellers claim to have been 'converted' from air travel as a result of their experiences.

Stena Line's UK Communications Manager, Nigel Tilson, pictured with Legally Blonde 'Elle' (aka Katherine Milligan) who is enjoying the Stena Plus treatment, said: "While we don't expect every new customer to travel exclusively with us in the future, we do hope to see a long-term increase in passenger numbers.

"People realise that the benefits of travelling with us extend beyond our lack of baggage restrictions and the absence of lengthy check-in procedures and additional charges for basic services.

"It was gratifying, for example, to see how passengers responded to onboard services such as Stena Plus with its complimentary food and drinks, waiter service, newspapers, magazines and free wifi, kids facilities such as our Curious George soft play area, and our nail bar and massage area was a big hit with those looking to unwind.

"We have had an amazingly positive response from customers who travelled with us during the period of airport closures, many of whom had not set foot onboard a passenger ferry for a number of years," he said.

(BMcC/GK)