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Irish Ferries to Introduce Cruise Ferry on Rosslare-Pembroke Route

6th April 2023
Irish Ferries is to introduce a former Baltic Sea cruiseferry, the Star from the Tallink Grupp. The vessel to be renamed Oscar Wilde will according to the company will be the largest and fastest ship on the Irish Sea and initially is to operate the Irish Sea route of Rosslare-Pembroke for the busy summer period having replaced Blue Star 1. AFLOAT adds that the Star built in 2007 by Aker Yards (Helsinki) was related previously to Aker Finnyards (Rauma) where was built in 2001 for Irish Ferries, the cruiseferry Ulysses for the Dublin-Holyhead route. As for the revival of Oscar Wilde, a cruiseferry of that name had served Ireland-France routes when based out of Rosslare Europort until the Irish port transferred Dublin on a new route to Cherbourg operated by cruiseferry W.B. Yeats.
Irish Ferries is to introduce a former Baltic Sea cruiseferry, the Star from the Tallink Grupp. The vessel to be renamed Oscar Wilde will according to the company will be the largest and fastest ship on the Irish Sea and initially is to operate the Irish Sea route of Rosslare-Pembroke for the busy summer period having replaced Blue Star 1. AFLOAT adds that the Star built in 2007 by Aker Yards (Helsinki) was related previously to Aker Finnyards (Rauma) where was built in 2001 for Irish Ferries, the cruiseferry Ulysses for the Dublin-Holyhead route. As for the revival of Oscar Wilde, a cruiseferry of that name had served Ireland-France routes when based out of Rosslare Europort until the Irish port transferred Dublin on a new route to Cherbourg operated by cruiseferry W.B. Yeats. Credit: Irish Ferries

Irish Ferries is pleased to announce the addition of a new cruise ferry to its fleet with the introduction of the ship to be renamed Oscar Wilde.

Originally the cruiseferry called the Star served in the Baltic Sea and was built in 2007 in Finland for the Tallink Grupp, Afloat adds an Estonian shipping company.

The Oscar Wilde will be the largest and fastest passenger cruise ferry on the Irish Sea with an impressive capacity of over 2,080 passengers, 134 cabins, and ample space with over 2,380 lane meters for cars, coaches, and freight vehicles.

With the largest duty-free shopping space for any cruise ferry on the Irish Sea of more than 17,000 square feet, it will be an ideal shopping destination for those travelling between Ireland and Britain.

The ship interiors have a classic, modern feel and boasts Freight Drivers facilities, Club Class lounge, a self-service restaurant, an à la carte restaurant, a bar, gaming facilities, pet facilities and family-friendly features such as a children's play area.

One of the most exciting features of the Oscar Wilde is its available speed. With a possible top speed of 27.5 knots, it is the fastest cruise ferry with the largest passenger capacity on the Irish Sea.

This will enable Irish Ferries to offer tourism passengers and freight an efficient service, getting them to their destination reliably and comfortably.

Commenting on the new addition, Irish Ferries Managing Director, Andrew Sheen, said, "We are delighted to announce the addition of the Oscar Wilde to our fleet. This new ship will be a fantastic addition to our service, offering customers the very best in terms of comfort, speed, and amenities.

Along with usual advantages of ferry travel in terms of no luggage restrictions or security queues, we are confident that the Oscar Wilde will become a firm favourite with our passengers and freight drivers, and we look forward to welcoming them on board."

The Oscar Wilde will initially enter service on the Rosslare-Pembroke route in early June, replacing the chartered Blue Star 1 for the busy summer period.

With its impressive size, speed, and range of facilities, it is set to become the ultimate choice for those travelling between Ireland and the UK on the southern corridor between Wales and Ireland.

Published in Irish Ferries
Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals. 

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About Irish Ferries

Irish Ferries, owned by the Irish Continental Group, is a a major ferry operator in Ireland, providing daily and weekly links to and from Ireland for tourism and freight travelling between Ireland and the UK and Ireland and the continent. Irish Ferries has a fleet of six ships, three of which service the busy Dublin to Holyhead route.

The ICG Chairman is John B McGuckian and the CEO is Eamon Rothwell.