Travel times and dates have now been finalised to tie in with the proposed dates for 3MA. The crossing is from Rosslare to Cherbourg with Irish Ferries which takes between 17 & 19 hours.
A cabin is a compulsory element of the booking and having done the trip twice I can recommend the 3 Star cabins (they range from 2 star up to 5). They are spacious, en suite and have satellite TV - A haven once you have exhausted the restauarants, bars, casino, cinema, play rooms, viewing galleries, etc. It's like a mini cruise. Here is a picture of the in board cabin that I had. Essential to have this level of comfort in view of the amount of driving ahead of us.
The crossing times are as follows:
OutwardDeparture - Monday 25th May - 15:30 hrs.
Arrival - Tuesday 26th May - 11:00 hrs
ReturnDeparture - Wednesday 3rd June 18:00 hrs
Arrival - Thursday 4th June - 11:30 hrs
An optional earlier return date is the 1st June although this will mean leaving Turin before the event is over. Other options are available if travellers wish to return via the UK. Having examined this option in the past the direct sailing to Ireland is far cheaper and much more relaxing, as well as less stressful on the cars. I'm planning to stay for the maximum length of time and look forward to a lesiurely drive back up through France with plenty of stop offs.
Costs:The cost of a standard car with 2 adults and a 2 berth 3 Star cabin is currently ?448.00 return and this is what I have booked for myself. I will be keeping an eye on the pricing as Irish Ferries have just launched a promotion of ?99.00 for 2 adults incl a free 2star cabin each way, but it is for travel off peak and does not include our crossing dates.
I would suggest making your booking now and only paying the deposit when required. I have provisionally booked 6 car spaces on behalf of Irish travellers so if you would like to put names to these on your behalf please send me a pm.