JAMES JOYCE of Irish Ferries

 

JAMES JOYCE is a delightful Ferry.  The ship was built in Finland for Tallink as the STAR in 2007. STAR was chartered by Irish Ferries in 2023. Following a period of nearly 20 months the ship went back to her owners to operate on the Estonia to Sweden service. In a remarkable turn of events the STAR was sold to Irish Continental Group, the owners of Irish Ferries, she is due back in service with Irish Ferries in May of this year on the Holyhead to Dublin route.  JAMES JOYCE is just over 36.000 GT, she is a very fast ship with a total propulsion power of 65000 bhp, she can easily cruise at 27 knots. Last year, I have sailed on the ship from Cherbourg to Dublin and then, Dublin to Holyhead. JAMES JOYCE is a delightful ship to sail, unfortunately she doesn't have a great deal of open deck spaces, but her interiors are really smart and she is beautiful to look at. I am really pleased she is back in UK waters. JAMES JOYCE is seen here in July of 2024 arriving and docking at Holyhead. This was a spectacular day with very warm temperatures and a beautiful light for photography, the ship can be seen in the very good company of the STENA ESTRID and the cruise ships, REGAL PRINCESS and VIKING SATURN. Photos Vitor Francisco. 

STENA ADVENTURER

STENA ADVENTURER seen here departing Holyhead to Dublin was built in 2003. The ship has capacity for 1500 passengers, 500 cars and 3400 lane meters. She is a hard working ship, very reliable. I have sailed three times on the ship last year, these photos were taken in July of 2024.

 

My model of the BRETAGNE on board the mother ship

One of my most memorable experiences on board passenger ships was last year on a couple of occasions when I took my model of the BRETAGNE on board the mother ship. My model is seen here on the bridge of the BRETAGNE. Memories to last a life time. Photos Vitor Francisco October 2024.
 

MANXMAN, the new Isle of Man Steam Packet Company new build ro-pax ferry

The new MANXMAN seen here at Heysham 7.7.2024. Photos Vitor Francisco

 

Ferry spotting at Barcelona

 

I am a frequent passenger on the Mediterranean Ferries, Barcelona is a regular departing point for my trips with Grimaldi or GNV to Italy. It's very common for me to have time to photograph ships prior to embarkation whilst on Barcelona. September 2024 was the month that I took the photos here presented. GOLDEN BRIDGE, GNV SEALAND, HYPATIA and CIUDAD DE PALMA are on display here. Photos Vitor Francisco

MOBY OTTA, the former TOR SCANDINAVIA

Last year I had the great pleasure of sailing on board the MOBY OTTA. The ship is owned and operated by Italian based Moby Lines on their Genoa to Olbia route. The ship is the original TOR SCANDINAVIA built in 1976. It was the most amazing experience to be back on board a ship built in the 70's still retaining a lot of her original interiors. An experience that I strongly recommend. Photos at Olbia, top three and arriving Genova June and July 2024.

 

PRINCESS SEAWAYS sailing from North Shields earlier this year.

 

2sd of February 2025 at South Shields. PRINCESS SEAWAYS is seen here sailing from North Shields to IJmuiden ( Amsterdam ). Together with her near sister ship KING SEAWAYS these two ships provide one of the last true cruise-ferry experiences. Both kept in such good condition by DFDS, it's magic to sail on both. It's one of my favourite sea-voyages. Photos Vitor Francisco

The brand new GUILLAUME DE NORMANDIE

The brand new GUILLAUME DE NORMANDIE seen at Ouistreham on the eve of her maiden voyage. The ship was liberating the berth for the NORMANDIE. Photos Vitor Francisco 17.4.2025

 

SAINT-MALO departing her namesake

 SAINT-MALO. Photo Vitor Francisco 13.4.2025

"MONT ST MICHEL" departing Portsmouth

The beautiful "MONT ST MICHEL" departing Portsmouth to Ouistreham ( Caen ) back in February of this year, the ship was introduced in 2002 becoming a companion to the "NORMANDIE" on this route, a rather smart cruise ferry, extremely comfortable ship with impeccable service. Photo Vitor Francisco

"MARKO POLO" arriving Ancona

Early morning arrival from Split of the "MARKO POLO at Ancona, photo Vitor Francisco, 29.4.2019

Harwich and the "STENA BRITANNICA"

Harwich, the Waterfront of Harwich and old town, is one of those places that seems to have stood still with time, I can feel the atmosphere of the days of the MAYFLOWER, that's brilliant and I love it, I was back there this week for another sea voyage to Rotterdam on the "STENA HOLLANDICA". Photos of maritime Harwich and the "STENA BRITANNICA" arriving, 25.4.2019, Vitor Francisco

BRITTANY FERRIES LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

BRITTANY FERRIES in a clear sign of confidence in the future, has this week confirmed the charter of two new E-FLEXER cruise ferries from STENA, both ships are to be built by Chinese shipyard AVIC WEIHAI and the first one will arrive in time for the summer season of 2021. E-FLEXER cruise ferries are passenger and vehicle RoPax ships designed to be flexible and efficient, with a unique hull shape, the bow will reduce resistance around the thruster openings and the stern is shaped to reduce wave making, at 42.200 G.T., they are very similar in size to the "PONT-AVEN", both will have 214.5 meters in lenght and can cruise at a service speed of 22 knots. As a frequent passenger of BRITTANY FERRIES since 1992, this is excellent news, I feel part of this ferry operator, it is also good news for ferry travel out of Portsmouth to Santander and Bilbao, as a keen ship enthusiast and regular cruise ferry passenger, I will follow new developments with the utmost interest, image included from BRITTANY FERRIES

Elegant dining on "PONT-AVEN", flagship of BRITTANY FERRIES

"Consistently good" and a "wonderful way to start or end your Holiday", that's how the majority of passengers dining at "LE FLORA" Restaurant on board "PONT-AVEN", describe their experience. Elegant fine dining with waiter service, a very good waiter service, it's a culinary treat not to be missed, BRITTANY FERRIES still serves in my opinion, the best quality food at a reasonable price, followed closely today by DFDS, on their Newcastle to Amsterdam route. Photos taken on board "PONT-AVEN" 2.2.2018 Vitor Francisco