SeaFrance Berlioz leads the fleet

SeaFrance's latest luxury superferry is the 1,900 passenger SeaFrance Berlioz.

The new ship, custom designed for the Dover-Calais route and named after the French composer Hector Berlioz, joined the fleet in April, 2005, further strengthening SeaFrance's link with French culture and reflects the continental atmosphere offered on board.

The arrival of the SeaFrance Berlioz is a tremendous asset to the SeaFrance fleet in today's tough passenger shipping market. SeaFrance offers 15 daily return crossings, with the majority of sailings on either the SeaFrance Rodin or the SeaFrance Berlioz, reinforcing the company's position as a major cross-Channel carrier.

The new ship has been built at Les Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire. She is similar in design to the award-winning SeaFrance Rodin, the company's current flagship. With a capacity of 1,900 passengers and 700 cars, she will also offer a 70-minute Channel crossing time, sailing at a top speed of 25 knots.

Says SeaFrance managing director Robin Wilkins:

"We are extremely excited about the launch of our new ship, the SeaFrance Berlioz. As a sister ship to the phenomenally successful SeaFrance Rodin, this new state of the art addition to our fleet will increase our quality and capacity, and further consolidate our position in the cross-Channel market."

Continuing with the award-winning formula of the SeaFrance Rodin, French interior designers, AIA are giving the SeaFrance Berlioz a continental flair to all her on-board passenger spaces, providing relaxed and informal surroundings with a choice of restaurants, all offering an international cuisine.

SeaFrance Berlioz Facts
Port of registry: Calais. Passenger capacity: 1,900. Car capacity: 700. Freight capacity: 120. Length:185m. Breadth: 28m. Draught: 6.5m. Service speed: 25 knots.