P&O Ferries has launched its latest vessel – Spirit of Britain – offering passengers a revolutionary new option when crossing the English Channel.

The €180 million ship – which can accommodate up to 2,000 passengers – incorporates a new design with a unique hull form which reduces drag in shallow Channel waters and enhances fuel economy.

Three separate vehicle decks are also included, capable of carrying nearly four kilometres of traffic parked end to end.

P&O Ferries will now be able to carry twice the payload of today’s ferries for the same running costs, both boosting the company’s environmental credentials and helping to keep ticket prices low.

Helen Deeble, chief executive of P&O Ferries, said: “We are delighted to welcome this fantastic new ship to Dover ready to start her service.

“She offers a leap forward in terms of her size and the quality of the build and I am confident that she will provide a fantastic experience for all of the customers who will travel on her in the years to come.”

Passengers will experience unparalleled levels of comfort and convenience on board the largest ever cross-Channel ferry.

Indeed is so long and wide in comparison to every other Dover ferry that it requires a unique offset docking arrangement in the ports of Dover and Calais just to be able to tie up.

Creature Comforts

Motorists access the ship via their own private car deck which has special lanes for those selecting priority loading.

There are also reserved spaces for customers simply parking on the ship in order to shop on board in the extensive airport-style retail outlets during a return Channel cruise.

For those wanting a bit more luxury and style, the ship’s exclusive Club Lounge comes complete with its own private sheltered outside deck equipped with cruise-style teak furniture.

Meanwhile, freight drivers, whose lorries will fill the ship’s lower two vehicles decks, get the five star treatment in the Routemasters Lounge with their own private showers, restaurant, relaxation area with recliners and a seat back entertainment system plus their own outside deck area.

Spirit of Britain, to be officially named by Dame Kelly Holmes at the end of March, will be joined on the Dover-Calais service by a sistership, Spirit of France, in September.

The giant new ferry sails for Calais five times per 24-hours and standard return ticket prices start at £39 each way for a car and up to nine passengers travelling throughout 2011.

P&O Ferries was recognised as the World’s Leading Ferry Operator by the prestigious World Travel Awards in 2010.

Spirit of Britain can carry up to 2,000 passengers

World Mobi

Also in Europe today, World Mobi is celebrating the success of its new city guide to Dover. 

World Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the World Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.

However, each city retains its own mobile identity via a dedicated domain. Already on offer are Brussels.Mobi, London.Mobi, Sanfrancisco.Mobi and Sydney.Mobi.

Dover.Mobi is the latest in this illustrious line up, offering click to call functionality – which means no scribbling down telephone numbers.

Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed.

Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport.

World.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.