New cruise ferry for Cork
Ferry Online Travel News 18/09/2009
Swansea-Cork ferry route to be re-opened next spring
West Cork's Tourism Cooperative Society has announced the purchase of a cruise ferry for 7.8 million euros.
The cruise ferry, named Julia, has been bought ahead of the next spring's re-opening of the ferry route between Cork and Swansea. The new cruise ferry will be operated by Fastnet Line, and is being heralded as the dawn of a new era for the Cork region.
Julia will commence services in March 2010, operating on the Cork-Swansea route. Operator Fastline expects it will create more than 500 jobs in the Cork region, and lure thousands of tourists every year.
The re-opened route is also expected to promote Irish tourism into Wales. Fastnet Line will also provide a sea crossing alternative for hauliers operating between the two regions. The sea route could reduce round trip road travel distances by over 600 km.
The cruise ferry Julia was built in 1982. since its launch, Julia has operated on many routes in the Scandinavian Peninsula. Julia's has a capacity for 1,860 passengers, and can accommodate around 440 cars as well as 30 freight vehicles. The ferry has ten decks, several restaurants and bars, a cinema and over 300 cabins. A children's play area is also available.
The 300 passenger cabins give Julia a distinct edge for night crossings between Cork and Swansea.
West Cork Tourism is continuing to make efforts to raise capital to run the business route. Aktia Bank, the Finnish bank, and its finance subsidiary, Atkia Yritysrahoitus Oy, have provided funds for the acquisition of Julia, by granting a mortgage of €6.3 million.
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