STX Europe, Finland. With sea trials set to begin at the end of the month, the Spirit of France is looking more like her sister ship by the day. Hopefully, we’ll be able to bring you pictures of her at sea for the first time early in July.
Spirit of France - June 2011
Much of the dockside painting is now complete so that work on the other side can commence when she returns from sea trials and berths bow first
The view across the vast bridge of the Spirit of France as final preparations are underway for sea trials
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I see the SPIRIT OF BRITAIN is going south, between Hastings and Boulogne. Could we know where she is going?
Hi Jean-Marie, Sorry for the delay in my response. The Spirit of Britain needed to visit Falmouth for a legal dry-docking to inspect under the water line. This is a legal requirement for all new ships which must be carried out within 12 months.
are you still trying to keep the bilbao run going
Hi Julian, I’m afraid not, P&O Ferries withdrew from the Bilabo route in September 2010. Brittany Ferries currently operate that service.
According to the Calais Chamber of commerce the SPIRIT OF FRANCE should arrive at the end of January and start commercial service in february. Is that right?
Hi is there a confirmed date for the last sailing of the pride of Calais?
Is there any news yet on the Spirit of France? It seems to have gone very quite and she seems to be a couple of months late. Is there something wrong with her or does P&O not want to pay for it at the moment?
Any news yet when the last sailing for the PO Calais will be?
Hi Nick, With everything that’s happening at SeaFrance we’re evaluating all the opportunitities available to us – it may be that she will be with us a little longer than originally planned. Once we become aware of her last sailing we will publicise it as we know there are lots of people keen to know.
Hello!It’s me again. I see the SPIRIT OF FRANCE is still expected on P & O schedules on Sunday 16th October : is it now sure she will begin commercial service on that date, and can I book my trip with a good chance of being on the new ship (which would be my sole purpose on that occasion). Thank you and longlive P & O!
Hi Jean-Marie, I’m afraid we are still waiting for further news on when the Spirit of France will enter service. She carried out her latest sea trials last week and we are waiting to hear how she got on.
How do they steer these ships? Do the rudders have seperate controls, as on ‘Canterbury/Kent’ etc. or is there one main helm?
Hi Andrew. I’m led to believe that they are the same as the Kent/Canterbury in principle in that they can operate the rudders either together (at sea) or independently (whilst manouvreing). The are however a different make, Rolls Royce I believe!
Is there a confirmed last sailing of the pride of Calais and first sailing of the Spirit of France
Hi Jo, I’m afraid we are still waiting for further news on when the two ships will swap over. The Spirit of France carried out her latest sea trials last week and we are waiting to hear how she got on.
I booked what looked like the last sailing of the Pride of Calais on the last day of September and coming back on the new ferry, shame the date has changed.
Hi Joseph, Yes sorry, the extended sea trials for the Spirit of France means that we are still waiting for confirmation of the last sailing for the Pride of Calais.
Just wondered if anybody knows whats happening to the Pride of Dover as she’s still sitting in Tilbury, has she been sold or awaiting scrapping? Ive heard a rummor she/they might be going on Trans Europa, Ramsgate-Oostende Service? Any truth in this?
From what I have just seen on the P & O website, the SPIRIT OF FRANCE should start passenger service on 16th October. Like I did for SPIRIT OF BRITAIN I would like to sail on her on the first day (for SPPIRIT I managed to get the first crossing from Calais!!! but this time it seems too early, so I would choose the 10.45 from Calais). How sure is that date 16th October? Is a refund possible if the ship enters service later? (I would do a return trip without disembarking in Dover as a foot passenger) I’m longing for that crossing and will prepare a survey on the ship for my French pupils on that occasion to keep them quiet and busy in their school trips. Longlive SPIRIT OF FRANCE and P & O!!!!
Hi Jean-Marie, The vessel is approaching the end of her sea trials so we expect to know more next week regarding a realistic delivery date. For now it would probably be wise to hold off with making your booking.
what ever happend to the ferry cruise ship the pride of bilboa
Hi, She is now owned by St Peter Line (http://www.stpeterline.com) and named Princess Anastasia. She operates on the St Petersburg-Stockholm service.
Thank you, I’ll keep posted.
I quite agree with Dyfed. Also, I heard the start of Spirit of France would be delayed because of vibration problems : is it true?
Hi Jean-Marie, It is true that we’ve asked for some work on the Spirit of France to reduce some vibration issues. The trick with reducing vibration is to actually reduce it, not chase it from one part of the ship to another, so it takes a bit of time to model the best fix before the yard starts to fix the issue. We’ve been here before with new ships – Burgundy, and the big Hull sisters spring to mind. Worth getting right as we’re going to live with these new ships for what, 25 years or more. Keep you posted as we get clearer on the dates for the France into service but we’re not going to make September.
Obviously Sob and Sof are sisterships, but it would be great if they had some features to distinguish themselves externally and internally. I’m thinking different colored window frames / air plant machinery, and different colored seating etc in the family lounge for example. The Pride of Portsmouth/Le havre for example had different style of carpeting and colours in the bars – minor styling changes but made the ships feel a bit more unique.
In the meantime best wishes to the Pride of Calais – she had an excellent refresh in the early 90s, pity she’s not so bright, fresh and refined as she was once -as she surely could and should.
Thank you Pride of Dover and Pride of Calais – for your sterling efficient work – your inmeasurable contribution deserves to live on.
I CAN SEE HER!!! On AIS, at sea in the Gulf of Bothnia (Baltic sea). Great!!!
What great pictures! I can’t wait!