The company has chosen Caen, in Normandy, for its new service. The Caen Express reduced the crossing from Portsmouth to just 3 hours and 25 minutes, saving up to four hours compared to traditional ferries.
The fast ferry has capacity for 800 passengers and 210 cars. On board facilities include a cafe bar serving drinks and light snacks, a self-service restaurant with a selection of hot and cold food, a spacious Club Lounge, and shopping centre.
The new service represents a major strategic move for P&O Ferries by expanding and investing in its western Channel ferry services.
Says Russ Peters of P&O Ferries: "Our customers want faster crossings during daylight hours which the Caen Express will provide. But they also want luxury overnight services of the
type we can provide on our Le Havre ships. It's the best of both worlds.
"As well as offering a fast alternative for customers taking their main holidays, I'm confident our new service will grow the market by creating new opportunities for short breaks and day trips."
The existing Portsmouth-Cherbourg fast ferry has also been refitted for the 2004 summer season. The conventional ferry Pride of Cherbourg also received a £1 million upgrade to its passenger facilities during the winter, adding a new style of main bar and expanding the Club Lounge and rest chair areas.
To book your P&O Ferry click here or call 01697 345697 for SeaView's personal attention.