Calais Seaways ferry

Former names: Norman Spirit, Ostend Spirit, Norman Spirit, Pride of Aquitaine, PO Aquitaine, POSL Aquitaine, Stena Royal, Prins Filip

Calais Seaways ferry current position

The current location of Calais Seaways ferry is in North East Atlantic Ocean (coordinates 51.72870 N / -5.38930 W) cruising at speed of 17.3 kn (32 km/h | 20 mph) en route to Rosslare Europort. The AIS position was last reported 13 minutes ago.

Current Position

Specifications of Calais Seaways ferry

Year of build1992  /  Age: 33
Flag state France
BuilderBoelwerf Themse (Belgium)
Classcruiseferry (Ro-Pax ship)
Ferry route / homeportsEnglish Channel (Dover-Calais)
Building costEUR 80 million
Speed21 kn / 39 km/h / 24 mph
Length (LOA)163 m / 535 ft
Beam (width)27 m / 89 ft
Gross Tonnage28838 gt
Passengers2000
Crew130
Cars600
Freight vehicles105
Seats434
Decks9
Decks with cabins2
Last Refurbishment2017
Former namesNorman Spirit, Ostend Spirit, Norman Spirit, Pride of Aquitaine, PO Aquitaine, POSL Aquitaine, Stena Royal, Prins Filip
OwnerLouis Dreyfus Ferreys
OperatorDFDS SEAWAYS

Calais Seaways ferry Review

Review of Calais Seaways ferry

MS Calais Seaways ferry is a Ro-Ro passenger vessel operated by the Denmark-based company DFDS SEAWAYS. The ship has a maximum capacity of 2,000 passengers and 600 cars (or 105 trucks/trailers). Launched in 1992, the vessel currently operates on the England-France ferry route DoverCalais, with a crossing time of approximately 1.5 hours.

Cabins

This vessel is not classified as a "cruise ferry" as it does not offer overnight accommodations. Originally, it featured 59 passenger cabins (8 single, 42 double, 9 quad), all located on Deck 8. Later modifications included 20 couchettes (sleeper cabins with shared facilities) and one wheelchair-accessible double cabin, all located on Deck 7.

Calais Seaways ferry ship (DFDS SEAWAYS)

Shipboard Facilities, Dining, and Entertainment

Facilities onboard Calais Seaways include:

  • (Deck 7) 7 Seas Self-Service Restaurant offers an à la carte-priced menu featuring a wide selection of starters, main courses, gourmet desserts, and premium wines. A children's menu ("Happy Pirate") is also available.
  • Horizon Snack Bar/Self-Service Restaurant serves hot dishes, cold appetizers, desserts, and soft drinks.
  • (Deck 7) Lighthouse Café serves beverages, cocktails, coffee drinks, light snacks, gourmet sweets, fresh fruit, juices, and premium ice cream. Large TVs with satellite reception air live sports and music programs.
  • (Deck 7) Horizon Lounge features a full-service bar and light snacks.
  • (Deck 7) Road Kings area, dedicated to truck drivers, includes showers, the Pitstop Restaurant, and a quiet lounge.
  • (Deck 9) Premium Lounge offers extra privacy and includes complimentary coffee, tea, cold drinks, snacks, and newspapers.
  • (Deck 7) Pirates Island is a children's playroom equipped with a ball pool, a large TV for cartoons, and kids’ art tables.
  • (Deck 7) Tax-Free Sea Shop offers duty-free goods including alcohol, tobacco, luxury-brand cosmetics and perfumes, jewelry, watches, sunglasses, leather goods, fashion, toys, electronics, gourmet sweets, teas, and spices. Payments are accepted in cash or by bank card (VISA, MasterCard, EuroCard). Premium brands onboard include Versace, Elizabeth Arden, Tommy Hilfiger, Moschino, Paco Rabanne, Carolina Herrera, Hugo Boss, Gucci, L'Oréal, DKNY, Givenchy, Dolce & Gabbana, and Face Inc.
  • Wi-Fi service and an ATM/cash machine are available near the Information Desk (Reception) on Deck 7.
  • (Deck 8) Reserved Seating Lounge offers Pullman-style fully reclining leather armchairs and large TVs.
  • Accessibility features include one elevator (1.9 m x 2.2 m), wider doorways (1.2 m), one wheelchair-accessible public toilet, and a bathroom with shower, washbasin, handrails, and WC.

The ship’s top deck includes a Heli Deck with a helipad for emergency helicopter landings.

Calais Seaways ferry ship (DFDS SEAWAYS)

All emergency instructions are displayed at assembly stations (muster stations). Life jackets are stored at these stations. In an emergency, elevators must not be used.

 

Car Decks

Safety procedures for vehicle decks include:

  • Passengers with reduced mobility should visit the Information Desk for assistance.
  • Engage the handbrake, place the vehicle in park or 1st gear, switch off the ignition, alarm, electrical systems, and headlights. Shut off gas cylinders, if any, and lock the vehicle.
  • Take only valuables and essential hand baggage when leaving the vehicle.
  • Note your vehicle’s location, deck number, and nearest stairway before exiting.
  • Access to vehicle decks is prohibited during the crossing.
  • Smoking is forbidden on vehicle decks, in cabins, and in passenger lounges.
  • Wait for an official announcement before returning to your vehicle.
  • Do not start your engine until instructed to reduce air pollution.

ferry company DFDS SEAWAYS logo - CruiseMapper

DFDS Seaways (fleet) is a Danish ferry operator founded in 1866 and headquartered in Copenhagen. The company provides both passenger and freight ferry services across Northern Europe.

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Calais Seaways ferry Wiki

The vessel was launched in 1991 as "Prins Filip" for the Belgian ferry company Regie voor Maritiem Transport (1846–1997, defunct). From 1992 to 1997, she operated on the UK-Belgium route Ostend–Dover.

The ship's powerplant consists of four SULZER marine diesel engines (model 8ZAS40), delivering a total power output of 21.1 MW. Over the years, the vessel has operated under several names: Prins Filip (1991–1998), Stena Royal (1998–1999), POSL Aquitaine (1999–2003), Pride of Aquitaine (2003–2005), Norman Spirit (2005–2010), Ostend Spirit (2010–2011), Norman Spirit (2011–2013), and Calais Seaways (since 2013). Her owners have included Stena RoRo (1998–2005), LD Lines (2006–2013), and DFDS Seaways (since 2013).

In October 2005, Norman Spirit was deployed on the Portsmouth–Le Havre route. In November 2009, she began operating the Dover–Boulogne-sur-Mer service. In March 2010, renamed Ostend Spirit, she was chartered by TransEuropa Ferries for the Ostend–Ramsgate route. In November 2011, it was announced that DFDS Seaways would charter the ship for the Dover–Dunkirk service.

On February 17, 2012, while chartered by LD Lines, Norman Spirit was christened by UK model, actress, and TV presenter Kelly Brook. She was then deployed on the Dover–Calais route, operating five daily crossings.

Following the February 2013 merger of LD Lines with DFDS and a 15-day drydock in Gdansk, Poland, the vessel returned to her homeport of Calais on March 17, 2013. She was renamed "Calais Seaways" and repainted in the company’s new livery.

Currently, the ship operates on the Dover–Calais route—Europe’s busiest sea crossing—offering up to 10 daily sailings.

 

In 2017, DFDS drydock refurbished the vessel, performing extensive interior upgrades and retrofitting her with ABB integrated automation systems and marine software to improve fuel efficiency and safety.

  • The ABB Ability System provides real-time monitoring of the vessel’s power and propulsion systems on a single screen.
  • ABB’s power management system ensures continuous electrical power to all essential loads by automatically implementing power sharing among diesel generators, helping to prevent power loss incidents.
  • The ABB Marine Advisory System OCTOPUS enables monitoring of electricity usage in compliance with IMO CO₂ emission regulations. It measures fuel consumption and torque and helps the shipowner maintain records and report emissions.

In 2019, the vessel’s flag-state/registry was changed from the UK (MMSI 235036658) to France (MMSI 228006800).