35,286 Foot Passengers Carried

35,286 foot passengers carried during the week ending 22 April – more than five times the corresponding week in 2009.

Passengers unable to return to the UK by air recently have been forced to use ferries, many for the first time, and lots of them have discovered to their surprise that Brittany Ferries’ vessels - with their excellent French cuisine, attentive staff, cinemas and comfortable cabins - are more like cruise ships than ferries.

The company is receiving many letters' from passengers, complimenting it on the service provided and the good value offered. A few of them also share their experiences online at www.brittanyferries.com/testimonials. Whilst the high number of passengers being carried has meant that Brittany Ferries’ ships have been more crowded than usual and it has taken longer for calls to be answered, with extra staff drafted in and by working overtime, there has been little compromise in standards of service.

Gareth Bewley, Passenger Services Manager, comments: “The number of calls made to our reservations centre in Plymouth last Monday was more than anyone can remember and our staff have been working flat out to cope – we managed to answer 5,600 calls with a further 28,000 trying to get through, an unprecedented amount. Nonetheless, despite the difficulties, our customers have been almost without exception good natured and very grateful to obtain a booking. It was certainly gratifying for us to be able to help so many people who were desperate to return home.” Gareth added: “Online bookings have also seen a massive increase - up 108% over the past week.”

But the surge in Brittany Ferries’ bookings has not been confined to travel during the crisis period. Passengers have been booking ahead for the main summer season as it appears they have lost confidence in air travel and are unwilling to risk their main summer holiday being disrupted. They now see ferries as a more reliable option.

To book a ferry crossing click here.