I’ve heard a few people mutter that the Spirit of Britain didn’t look ‘that big’ when she entered the Port of Dover last Sunday. Perhaps from up on the cliffs her size was not immediately apparent.
Thanks then to the Senior Master of the Pride of Canterbury Captain Steve Johnson (who incidentally will also be Senior Master of the Spirit of France) who from his unique vantage point was able to perfectly capture the size of the new ship in comparison to the Pride of Calais.
The Spirit of Britain alongside the Pride of Calais
As impressive as her height and length are, the beam/width of the Spirit of Britain is amazing!
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I travelled on new ferry on 17th. December, expecting so much, was very disappointed no character /poor finish. External desing not as good as the artists impressions. There was a lot of vibration and shuddering in the after lounge area which was a concern as the sea was relatively smooth
Actually been on the Spirit and hav to state was a tad frustrated. Perhaps simply for the reason that I had such towering anticipations for the embodiment of an immense ship. Unexpectedly I voyaged over on the Pride of Calais and regardless of the truth she is obviously absolutely tired and requires cash spent on her, the boat still overflows element and class. For me, given the decision I’ll carry on to decide on the Calais until she too withdraws the Channel for pastures unique. It unequivocally authenticates to me how great the several initial ‘Chunel blenders’ positively were and they have made a legacy that the Spirits will do well to overtake.
Spirit of Britain eh? Pity it was not built in a British shipyard!
Just been on the Spirit and hav to say was a little bit disappointed. Maybe just because I had such high expectations for such a huge ferry. Ironically I travelled over on the Pride of Calais and despite the fact she is clearly very tired and needs money spent on her, the ship still oozes character and class. For me, given the choice I’ll continue to choose the Calais until she too departs the Channel for pastures new. It just proves to me how superb the two original ‘Chunel beaters’ really were and they have created a legacy that the Spirits will do well to exceed.
Just had two sailings today, Disappointed with vibration from engines, noise from passengers making announcements inaudible in aft lounge. Surprised to see rust appearing on upperworks.
Got to agree that the Prides of Dover/ Calais have a look and personality all of their own. Spirit of Britain looks good, but she has that ‘typical’ ferry look of today. Still, she is a very good ship.
its broken down again,propshaft bearing shot and needed 2 tugs to drag it back to dover
NICE TO KNOW SHE HAS OVERCOME HER TEETHING PROBLEMS.
Will it take hours to load and unload?
Instead of building those huge ferries,couldn’t P&O build some hovercraft that was the way to travel.
just joking
On sailing into Calais this afternoon,
I had the pleasure of seeing The Pride of Britain in the port. She looks the part! Maybe next saturday I might be lucky enough to get to try her out! when I come back to the UK.
Waow! What a big difference!
interrested to see what it will be like in a gale force 8 being so slab sided compared to the pride of dover and calais.
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Congratulations on the new addition to the family, she looks fantastic!
It’s a shame she won’t be in service in time for my next trip, but I’m looking forward to sailing on her in the future.
I watched the Spirit of Britain arrive from 1500-1900 yards away on the Prince of Wales Pier.
I, too, had a vague feeling of “Hmm, she’s not as big as I sort of expected her to be!”
The best photo I took is of the Spirit of Britain directly in front of the White Cliffs of Dover (see attached link), bathed in sunshine.
I didn’t begin to realize how big she is until I compared the shot with one of the Pride of Calais in the same position taken last year.
Steve Johnson’s “side-by-side” photos, however, really make the point!
John Latter / Jorolat
Having just completed a tour of Spirit of Britain i can asy that it is a very impressive ship and clearly streets ahead of anything else out there. People are in for a treat when sailing on her. The openess and panaramic windows together with a total feel of luxury should be a winning combination.
Great pictures! Thank you for them! Are the first crossings still on for 21st January? (I am booked on the 12.30 from Calais and I took this reservation precisely to cross on the Spirit of Britain on her first day. Of course I like all your ships but I would be very disappointed if there were a delay).
It’s bigger but not as good looking. You know it’s true: size isn’t everything!!
Hi Jan, The Pride of Dover and the Pride of Calais are certainly a tough act to follow on the aesthetic front!