More About LD Lines
Routes
English Channel operations
Le Havre – Portsmouth: LD Lines’ English Channel operations commenced in October 2005, operating between Portsmouth, England and Le Havre, France. This service was introduced following the withdrawal of P&O Ferries’ longstanding operation on this route. There is one sailing per day in each direction, with the Portsmouth-Le Havre sailing taking place overnight. This uses one vessel, the MS Norman Spirit, which is ironically a former P&O vessel (used on their Dover-Calais route until May 2005).
Dieppe / Le Havre – Newhaven: LD Lines was one of 5 companies invited to tender for the operation of Transmanche Ferries service between Dieppe and Newhaven. P&O Stena Line operated the route until 1998 after which Hoverspeed operated the route until 2004. Because the French government did not want the route to be lost, they started a new subsidised company by the name of Transmanche Ferries in April 2001. After 5 years of successful service, the government decided to tender the line in a concession. The contract to operate the service was awarded to LD Lines on 21 December 2006.
LD Lines commenced sailings on this route on 1 May 2007. In addition to three roundtrips between Dieppe and Newhaven LD Lines started a single roundtrip per day between Le Havre and Newhaven during the high season using the MS Seven Sisters.
Mediterranean Sea operations: LD Lines are partners in GLD Lines, which operates a passenger and freight ferry service between Toulon and Rome. They also operate ro-ro freight services between Marseille and Tunis, in addition to other routes serving ports including Algiers, Barcelona, Piraeus and Valencia. There are also operations which specialise in the delivery of newly-manufactured cars. Fleet: MS Norman Spirit, MS Seven Sisters, MS Cote d’Albatre.
Facilities
High-quality sleeper seats are set in a private lounge and recline to the full to turn into horizontal beds. These twin seats are equipped with leg rests and partitions so that passengers can enjoy comfort and privacy. It is not necessary to book a cabin, as passengers can choose between one of the many comfortable reclining seats on board.
LD Lines have also recently introduced new economical sleeper seats. Whilst on board, customers can enjoy a spacious and elegant environment with a range of services. There are seven bars and restaurants with flat screen TVs, a children’s play area, bureau de change, video games, slot machines and more. LD Lines provides a Channel crossing with an unexpected level of comfort for an attractive price.
Customers can also catch up on some work in the business lounge with its wireless internet facilities, and make use of Oceancell technology to use their mobile phones during the entire crossing. LD Lines also operates a ‘Pets Travel Scheme’.
