European Ferry Travel Fun! - Blog About Ferries!

Why should i visit Esbjerg?




Here a 6 reasons to go to Esbjerg in Denmark!:

1. Denmark as you havent seen it - The fifth biggest Danish city, Esbjerg has a population of approximately 83,000 people. The city is home to Danish offshore oil and gas industry, and provides an authntic view of Denmark, unmarked by vast tourist numbers.
2. Somewhere different to all you friends - Understandably, may ferry operators focus their efforts on the major population bases, after all - Europe does cover a rether wide are. Therefore, travelling to somewhere like Esbjerg is a little different thatn going to France or Holland - were pretty sure that none of your friends will have been there. Its good to be different sometimes.
3. Stunning natural Beauty- Esbjerg has an exceptional geography, its natural environment is composed of vast, wide beaches, stunning coastal scenery and and an abundance of wildlife. The farmland in and around Esbjerg is also a very beautiful contrast to the sea and beaches.
4. Culture Vultures will love it- Those looking for a cultural experience will not be short of options in Esbjerg. For example, the Musikhuset musical centre, which was designed by the architect Jorn Urtzon (designer the world famous Sydney opera house) has events all year round. On the periphery of the city you will find the international class Fisheries and Maritime Museum.
5. Food and Drink - Esbjerg enjoys a wide range of impressive restaurants, coffee shops, bars and night clubs. There is literally something for everyone in the city - all served up in a relaxed and informal manner.
6. Last but not least, you can to by ferry!

There is alot more that we could write, the best course of action would be to try and visit the city yourself. Harwich Ferry crossings are available daily.. If there is anyone out there who has been to Esbjerg, leave us a comment and tell us all how great it is!

Mini cruises have been one of the main growth areas in the fery industry over the last couple of years. They are popular as the offer the experience of 'getting away from it all' without being a)too expensive and b)taking up alot of time.

We have booked on one of the mini cruises to Amsterdam with DFDS in July - hopefully it will be alot of fun!

If anyone out there has an itenary of what generally happens on this type of trip then that would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks alot!

Incase you are unaware - this years National Ferry Fortnight was launched on the May 9th and will last until the 22nd. Ferry ortnight has been initiated cruise and ferry operator representative The Passenger Shipping Association, which rightly feels that as an island nation, the UK should take to the seas more often - they hope national ferry fortnight to will raise awareness of the benfits of ferry travel.

William Gibbons, explained to The Times th main reasoning behind the initiative:

    “We are hoping this promotion will inspire a new generation of travellers to discover the treasures on our doorstep and remind those who have forgotten how accessible and easy ferry travel can be.”

Most of the big ferry operators are offering special deals during this period, these are some of our top deals..........

DFDS Seaways – DFDS are offering cars for free on their ferry crossings to Holland and Denmark. DFDS are also offering 2 for 1 on their Mini Cruise Breaks to Amsterdam and Esbjerg in Denmark - this totals travel for two including car at £65, saving £64, great for these cash-strapped days!. The DFDS website has more information on their Ferry Fortnight offers.

Caledonian Macbrayne – hopscotch around the Scottish Islands with CalMac – some beautiful salings on offer here.

Brittany Ferries - offering 25% off selected gites, cottages and apartments in France, 20% on casas in Spain (15% on apartments) and a free night in a parador in Spain in June and Sep-Dec.

Irish Ferries – Offering a visit to Ireland from £79 with your car and 2 adults one way, including taxes – no hidden fees or luggage limitations.

Those are just a few of our best offers from the Ferry Fortnight. We hope that this initiative boosts ferry travel from the UK. If you are curious about travelling by ferry – now is the best time to book and find out what its like, we think that you’ll be impressed. If anyone discovers any more great ferry fortnight offers please don’t hesitate to let us know.

The local economy in the western isles could be at risk due to the aging of the current ferry fleet.

 

The government’s willingness to buy new ships in the past has been very poor to say the least and I am talking about before the credit crunch so the chances of getting new fleets to replace the ageing ones are very slim.

 

In the end it will ultimately come down to private investors and private business companies to supply the western Isles with their much needed lifeline services.

 

The transport research institute has revealed that there are 14 European ferry companies that have been taken over by investors and private companies.

 

It is a relative safe place to invest your money these days compared to the stock and financial markets as these routes are the lifeline of the local communities which these ferry services serve, there will always be funds available for this and the time is getting closer for the fleet to be modernized.

 

Once this funding is in place and the new fleet is in operation then the businesses and families of the western isles can start a new and exciting chapter.