NORTHERN Ireland’s leading ferry company has announced a sharp increase in bookings for its Landbridge fare to Europe and it is no surprise given holidaymakers can save over £1,000.

In a price comparison carried out by Stena Line for a family of four going on holiday to Bordeaux, customers can travel from Dublin to Holyhead on Saturday 28 June and onward from Dover to Calais for as little as £414* return with no baggage restrictions or excess charges, compared to £1,432 return, departing on the same date charged by a major airline from Belfast to Bordeaux with an additional £136 baggage charges for luggage.

Further savings can be made by customers travelling by ferry as they will have no airport parking or car hire.*

Ian Baillie, Stena Line’s Key Account & Product Sales Manager, believes taking the car to Europe provides NI holidaymakers with the freedom of creating their perfect holiday not to mention making their Euro go further.

“Not only is travelling by ferry the more stress-free way to start your holiday, but in a recent price comparison we worked out that a family of four people can save up to £1,171.29* compared to those who fly. This is a huge saving which can make a big difference when planning the rest of your holiday. Holidaymakers can travel from only £95* single for a car and driver and a low deposit of only £100 secures your holiday.

“Our Landbridge fare provides NI holidaymakers with their own route to Europe in just two easy crossings offering hundreds of fantastic holiday destinations to choose from. Taking the car means you don’t have to worry about how many outfits you stuff into your suitcases or how much camping gear or sports equipment you pack into the car. What’s more, you can create the perfect holiday for your family as you have the freedom and flexibility to do what you like, when you like, where you like,” Ian said.

“You can travel from Dublin Port to Holyhead and stop off along the way on your journey to Dover and treat the kids to an action packed day at Alton Towers or spend time visiting family and friends. You don’t have to stay in the same place the whole time and having the car even allows you to stay in different countries during your holiday. With a Stena Line Landbridge holiday, the world is your oyster and it is action packed journeys like this that make the family summer holiday even more memorable,” Ian added.

Travel with Stena Line and the fun starts as soon as you step onboard with excellent facilities including children’s play areas, free onboard movies, free Wi-Fi, wonderful dining options with great value meal deals and an onboard shop which offers up to 40% savings compared to the high street on a wide range of cosmetics, jewellery, spirits and fragrances and much more.

With Stena Line’s wide route network, customers can travel on any one of Stena Line’s five Irish Sea routes to Britain and onward to France, Holland, Spain and Denmark.

For further information or to book, customers should go to http://www.stenaline.co.uk/ferries-to-britain/europe-by-car, call 0845 762 762 or visit their local travel agent.