New French ferry service

LD Lines has announced that it will introduce a new direct Ireland — France ferry service between Rosslare and Cherbourg starting on September 19.

This new service which will replace the current Rosslare-Le Havre route will increase frequency and offer shorter crossing times between Ireland and France.

LD Lines Norman Voyager, which will operate the new service, will provide three return sailings each week with a crossing time of 17 hours. The recently built vessel has capacity for up to 800 passengers, 200 cars and up to 120 freight vehicles. Onboard facilities include cabins, reclining seats, restaurant, bar and wifi area.

Prices start at €79 for two passengers and car. For information on 0818 332100, www.ldlines.ie or any travel agent.

PANORAMA Holidays is offering grannies and grandads a free holiday in summer 2010 — providing they take the children.

This is just one of many incentives being offered by the Dublin-based travel company in what is described as a price buster brochure that’s now available.

The new brochure features 40 properties in 16 destinations from Tenerife and Turkey to Egypt and Greece and, primarily focusing on the family market. Panorama offers early booking discounts on select properties when booked before February next. Part of the family “sweetener” programme includes free child places for older children up to the age of 18, albeit to a limited number of properties and destinations.

Single parent families are also catered for, with Panorama offering six properties where free child places are available with one full paying adult between May 1 and May 23 and August 22 and October 30.

Further information on 0818 20 20 20, www.panoramaholidays.ie or any travel agent.

ABBEY Travel has put together an 11-night escorted tour package to South Africa starting on November 11.

Including all taxes, the company has pitched the cost at a tad over €2,000 for a tour that includes flights from Dublin to Cape Town and nine nights accommodation, three of them in that chic city, two on safari and four in hotels along the Garden Route, a not to be missed experience for anyone travelling to South Africa. The price is based on two people sharing. A number of special side-tours are included. Details can be had from the company on 01 8047100 or by visiting www.abbeytravel.ie.

HUNGARIAN airline Malev celebrates 10 years of operation in Ireland by offering €10 base return fare (plus taxes) sale to Budapest for travel out of Dublin up to October 24, although bookings for the lower fare won’t be accepted after September 25.

Call 0818 555577 or visit www.Malév.com. All sale fares include on-board service with meals, refreshments and a 23kg baggage allowance.