Ally

Irish Ferries has announced that its new Ireland/France cruise ferry, purchased to replace its present vessel 'Normandy' on routes between Rosslare, Cherbourg and Roscoff, will be given the name ‘Oscar Wilde’ before it enters service ahead of the 2008 season.

The vessel will be renamed ‘Oscar Wilde’ after it completes its programme on the Baltic Sea route between Oslo and Kiel where it is currently operating under a charter arrangement agreed between Irish Ferries and its previous owners, Norwegian ferry operator Color Line, from whom it was purchased last January at a cost of €45million.

In choosing the name ‘Oscar Wilde’, Irish Ferries was influenced by the exceedingly high regard in which the writer and his works are held internationally.

Born in Dublin and renowned for his characteristic wit, Wilde is universally acclaimed as one of the most celebrated Irish writers. One major factor which influenced the choice of name was Wilde’s close ***ociation with France, the country from which Irish Ferries carries a significant proportion of its p***enger volume. After leaving Reading prison in 1897, Wilde took up residence in Berneval-sur-Mer near Dieppe where he wrote ‘The Ballad of Reading Gaol’. Exiled for many years in Paris, he died and was buried there in November 1900.

Newer and significantly more luxurious than the vessel it replaces, the ‘Oscar Wilde’ will be the third vessel in the Irish Ferries fleet whose name has been inspired by a leading figure from the world of Irish literature. Other examples are their Dublin-Holyhead cruise ferry ‘Ulysses’ (still the world’s largest car ferry) whose name is derived from the work of writer James Joyce, and their Dublin-Holyhead fast ferry ‘Jonathan Swift’.


The ‘Oscar Wilde’, currently operating under the name 'Kronprins Harald', was built in Turku, Finland in 1987. At 31,914 gross registered tonnes, it is substantially larger than the 'Normandy'. With sleeker lines and excellent sea going qualities, it will have a faster speed of 21.5 knots delivered by four more powerful engines saving one hour on current crossing times.

With eleven decks, it will carry up to 1,458 p***engers and 580 cars - an increase of 160 cars/40%. Its extra vehicle lane metres (1,220 versus 645) will be reflected in significantly greater freight vehicle capacity (62 units versus 43). Other good news for car and freight drivers alike is the fact that cars will have their own deck separate from the freight deck.

Under current plans, it is expected that the vessel will be taken in charge by Irish Ferries in early September after which it will spend an approximately four weeks period in dry dock so that some necessary changes and minor modifications can be carried out. This process will include the restyling of restaurants, bistros, lounge bars, children’s play areas and other p***enger facilities in themes that will reflect the link with Oscar Wilde. It will also include some technical improvements and re-branding in Irish Ferries livery.

P***engers will be impressed with the range and quality of cabins on board. All ensuite, they range from standard 2 Berth to luxurious De Luxe with flat screen TV, minibar and sofa, a significant improvement on the current style of cabin on the Normandy.

Commenting, Irish Ferries Marketing Director, Tony Kelly said ‘given the enormous affection and respect which Oscar Wilde commands in Ireland, France and throughout continental Europe, our new vessel, with its new name and modern on-board facilities, will present us with wide-ranging opportunities to re-brand and revitalise our Ireland/France service in a manner that will have very positive benefits in the future’.

‘Bigger, better and faster than the vessel it will replace, with greater car and freight capacity, more berths and a wider choice of stylish cabin accommodation, the ‘Oscar Wilde’ will bring new standards of comfort and luxury to our long established Ireland - France service’, Mr. Kelly said.