Ferry crossing - Portsmouth to Spain in 24hrs

A new luxury ferry service from Portsmouth in the UK to Santander in northern Spain will cut the journey to only 24 hours, Brittany Ferries has announced.

The flagship Pont Aven ferry will begin the new service in April 2009, in addition to Brittany Ferries' exciting twice-weekly Plymouth to Santander service.

With the crossing time taking some eight hours less than other ferry services from Portsmouth to northern Spain, it is expected to be popular.

Managing director David Longden commented: "Portsmouth is easily accessible via an excellent road network for a huge number of people located in Greater London and the Home Counties.

"The appeals of northern Spain are becoming more widely appreciated and, by providing a faster crossing than anyone else is able to, thereby allowing passengers to spend just one night at sea, we believe we can grow the market."

Pont Aven is a four-year-old ship that features a pool and leisure area, a promenade for strolling on deck, a five-deck high atrium with panoramic views and four different categories of cabin, all with en-suite facilities.

There are also two cinemas, restaurants, bars and sundecks on board.

Details of 2009 timetables and fares will be available from the beginning of August 2008 on the Brittany Ferries website.