Ferry transport is tops for freedom and convenience
More than 80 per cent of ferry passengers choose to travel by sea because of the convenience and freedom offered by having their car on their travels, according to a telephone poll of motorists that have travelled with Stena Line in the past year.
A whopping 63 per cent of passengers opt for ferry travel because of the convenience of having their car, while an additional 20 per cent claim that the freedom to travel around afforded by taking their car is their main reason for travelling by sea. A further 18 per cent are motivated by the extra luggage capacity and nine per cent by the number of people travelling, with seven per cent believing it cheaper to take the ferry than to fly.
A number of travellers (two per cent) cited their dislike of the stress and chaos of airports as their main reason, a figure which is set to rise given recent Air Transport Users Council (AUC)?s findings.
Changes to airport baggage regulations last August led to a 22 per cent year-on-year rise in UK passenger complaints (between April 2006 and March 2007). Also, three per cent of passengers travel by ferry so that they can take their pets with them.
"The results of our survey confirm that millions of people choose travelling by ferry rather than flying because they like to take their car with them," said Stena Line Communications Manager Eamonn Hewitt. "The reasons why are simple. Whether they're travelling alone or with friends and family, people feel at home in their own car, with their own music or whatever they choose to listen to while driving.
It's so convenient to pack as much luggage as you like into your car, and drive from your own doorstep direct to your destination with a comfortable and enjoyable ferry trip in between. Then, upon arrival at your destination, you have the freedom to drive wherever you want, without worrying about the flight cancellations, delays and mishandled baggage which air passengers endure".
"It's convenient, relaxing and hassle free way to travel and offers tremendous value for money," he added. Why passengers travel by ferry: convenience of having the car
- 63 per cent freedom to travel around
- 19 per cent more luggage
- 18 per cent number of people travelling
- 9 per cent cheaper
- 7 per cent bringing pets
- 3 per cent don?t like flying
- 2 per cent proximity to port
- 1 per cent other
- 6 per cent Ireland is the perfect destination for a driving holiday with its diverse scenery providing the ideal journey backdrop.
From rugged coasts to golden beaches, cool mountains, winding rivers and streams, buzzing towns and cities and vibrant fishing villages to island offers something for all travellers.
