Cross Channel route saved
A French-based ferry operator has stepped in at the 11th hour to take over a popular cross-Channel route, which was due to be axed by P&O Ferries at the end of September. On October 3, LD Lines began a daily service between Portsmouth and the French port of Le Havre. The crossing time is five-and-a-half hours.
The news come as a welcome relief to holidaymakers and owners of second homes, who have relied on the route – always a popular choice because prices tended to be cheaper than the main rival, Brittany Ferries. The president of LD Lines, Pierre Gehanne, said: “We’ll definitely be cheaper than the competition.”
The main differences between the old and the new are the frequency of sailings and the onboard comfort. There is just one sailing a day, compared with three from P&O. It will leave Portsmouth at 11pm, arriving in France the following morning at 7.30am (French time). The return trip leaves Le Havre at 5pm, arriving in Portsmouth at 9.30pm local (UK time).
One frequent complaint about the defunct P&O service was the lack of quiet, comfortable places to sit during the crossing because the ferries were burdened with expensive cabin accommodation. Gehanne said: “We have been listening to what passengers want and they want lower prices – they simply aren’t prepared to pay for cabins.”
As a result, the new service will offer plenty of seats and quiet places to relax and sleep. There will still be cabins for those who want them, as well as three bars and three restaurants. And, best of all, passengers can expect some very low prices for the first few weeks. Call PDM for more details.
New low cost routes
Easyjet has launched two new routes from London Gatwick airport – daily flights to Murcia and a new twice daily service to Berlin Schoenefeld. Emma Curwood, EasyJet marketing manager, said: “We are delighted to be offering even more low-cost services from our London Gatwick base. The new service to Murcia is ideal for holidaymakers, while our twice daily Berlin service is perfect for business passengers and city breakers.”
Meanwhile, Ryanair has announced that Nottingham East Midlands airport is to become its 15th European base. From March 7, 2006, Ryanair will base two brand new Boeing 737-800 aircraft there and add 10 new routes (Berlin, Derry, Nimes, Carcassonne, Nantes, Dinard, Limoges, Bergerac, Lodz, Wroclaw) to its existing five routes (Dublin, Shannon, Murcia, Barcelona and Rome).
SUMMER IS over and it’s time for the traditional round up of what went down well on the beach this year – yes, it’s the beach turn off Top10. So, without further ado, here are the looks, clothes and body adornments you should flaunt on the beach – if you want members of the opposite sex to steer clear that is! If you’ve been guilty of any of the turn offs below, winter could be a good time to reconsider your style…or lack of it.
Turn offs for women
1.Men wearing speedos/thongs
2.Medallions
3.Knotted hankies on the head
4.Open-toed sandals with socks
5.Beer bellies
6.Football shirts
7.String vests
8.Union Jack towels
9.Hairy backs
10. Tracksuits
1.Underarm hair
2.Ill fitting bikinis
3.Fake designer wear
4.Bad sun burn/strap marks
5.Corn rows in hair
6.Drunkenness
7.Streaky fake tans
8.Tattoos
9.Cellulite
10. Body piercing
