Ferry bookings surge as ash grounds hundreds of flights
The websites of Irish Ferries and Stena Line experienced difficulties yesterday as thousands of stranded passengers logged on to get last minute transfers to and from Britain. The companies said from early yesterday they were inundated with enquiries to their call centres.
Irish Ferries said yesterday was the busiest day in its 30 year history. Its fast sailings from Dublin to Holyhead sold out before lunchtime.
The company said all its sailings operated normally on all routes yesterday.
It was also forced to draft in extra staff to handle the demand. Stena Line’s spokesman Eamonn Hewitt said the phones were “ringing off the hook” since early yesterday morning when people were informed their flights had been cancelled.
“We are working with customers to accommodate their travel requirements, and although sailings are booking up fast, we still have some space available on crossings to Britain,” he said.
Mr Hewitt said demand was “hectic” all day and some of its sailings were fully booked. Stena were advertising a sail and rail fare from €36 one way yesterday which includes a rail connection to places such as Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and London.
Mr Hewitt also said ferry booking so far this year have been on-par with last year adding the “unprecedented events” of yesterday will give people a chance to experience what it’s like to travel by ferry.
Hotels were also quick to offer stranded travellers a helping hand. The Louis Fitzgerald Hotel in Newlands Cross announced “Volcanic Value” to those stranded with overnight accommodation with breakfast for €60 in the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel and €69 at The Arlington Temple Bar and O’Connell Street.
