Regular readers of my blogs will know I write about my thoughts and observations of a ferry during a specific crossing, showing you the facilities aboard and how they would benefit you. However, this vessel is so significant I am going to do things differently.
Introduced in 1991, Isle of Innisfree is still in full time service. Over the decades she has operated for numerous companies under countless names and as such, her interior has been completely transformed to suit the corporate needs of the operator plus the changing tastes of the traveller.
This ship has rightfully developed a cult following therefore, this blog endeavours to be a tribute to this one of a kind ship.
Over the past three decades Isle of Innisfree has operated for several companies and had numerous names:
1991-1997 Prins Filip Dover/Ostend Line, Ostend Lines.
Ostend (Belgium) to Dover / Ramsgate (UK)
1998-1998 Stena Royal, Stena Line, Dover (UK) to Zeebrugge (Belgium)
1999-2002 P&OSL Aquitaine, P&O Stena Line, Dover (UK) to Calais (France)
2002-2003 PO Aquitaine, P&O Ferries, Dover (UK) to Calais (France)
2003-2005 Pride of Aquitaine, P&O Ferries, Dover (UK) to Calais (France)
2005-2010 Norman Spirit, LD Lines, Portsmouth (UK) to LeHavre (France)
2010-2010 Ostend Spirit, TransEuropa Ferries / LD Lines,
Ramsgate (UK) to Ostend (Belgium)
2011-2013 Norman Spirit, LD Lines, Dover (UK) to Boulogne (France) plus charter to DFDS for Dover (UK) to Dunkerque & Calais (France)
2013-2021 Calais Seaways, DFDS, Dover (UK) to Calais (France)
2021-2024 Isle of Innisfree, Irish Ferries, Dover (UK) to Calais (France)
2024-Present day Isle of Innisfree, Irish Ferries,
Pembroke Dock (Wales) to Rosslare Europort (Ireland)
Today known as Isle of Innisfree operating for #irishferries between Pembroke Dock in Wales and Rosslare Europort in Ireland, her interior has been overhauled so many times she is (almost) unrecognisable from her original guise.
Grab a cuppa, curl up and enjoy as A2B via Sea® takes you aboard
~ apologies in advance for some of the earlier photographs as cameras were not as good 30yrs ago as they are today - wow, I feel old!
Prins Filip, as she was originally known, was specifically designed for the four hour Ostend/Dover route. Here are some artists impressions dating back to 1991 prior to her launch.
When introduced she set new standards never before seen on the Ostend route. Having no less than two bars, dance floor, two cinemas, conference suite with several 'breakout' rooms, Club Class Lounge, supermarket with adjacent shopping boulevard, children's 'ball pool' playroom, vast cafeteria, dual reclining seat lounge and many cabins, Prins Filip was an absolute cracker of a ship!
Prins Filip had a fully carpeted interior back in 1991 which gave her a very warm, comfortable and homely ambience. Her décor was filled with rich tones of red and burgundy and her halls and stairwells had polished brass handrails and tinted mirrored surfaces (the handrails remain to this day).
To get your baring's I will start on Deck 7 at the forward end and work my way aft.
Let's go back in time.............
The forward end of Deck 7, when Prins Filip was launched in 1991, consisted of many cabins. Your cabin door key could be collected from the 'key office' which was located on the starboard side corridor of the cabin block.
These cabins remained until 1999 when P&OStena Line obtained the ship renaming her POSL Aquitaine, later shortened to PO Aquitaine and then Pride of Aquitaine to deploy her on the 90min Dover/Calais crossing; these cabins were no longer required.
As such, all cabins in this area were ripped out and the space turned into the large Horizon Lounge. The former cabin windows on the port and starboard sides were replaced by much larger ones, although the original cabin windows overlooking the bow remained giving a decisively lack of a horizon!
NYC Deli serving sandwiches, rolls and beverages (the first outlet of its kind for P&O Stena) was introduced with its servery being on the starboard side where the former 'key office' once occupied. The main seating area for NYC Deli was adjacent to the new large windows and consisted of large family sized oval sofas decorated in very bright colours.
A large bar was introduced at the aft end of Horizon Lounge facing forward. The main décor within the rest of Horizon Lounge was primarily yellow and orange although splashes of blue were found within.
A TV lounge with fold-down aft facing seats was introduced in the port/forward corner of the Horizon Lounge (once the location of one of the suits) and a children's playroom opposite in the starboard quarter. Note the original small cabin windows giving a nod to her previous guise!
In 2005 when introduced on LD Lines Portsmouth / LeHavre route as Norman Spirit, the Horizon Lounge was again gutted and the whole area became a vast reclining seat lounge, although the bar and children's playroom remained.
These reclining seats were upholstered in blue but the walls of the lounge were still yellow in colour from P&OStena days.
Note the original cabin windows in the below view.
In 2011 when operating from Ramsgate as Ostend Spirit this area remained exactly the same, although the bar and NYC Deli were boarded up; the 'Y' of NYC could still be seen behind the hoarding!
DFDS renamed the ship Calais Seaways, overhauled this facility and enlarged the forward windows overlooking the bow. All of the above mentioned reclining chairs were removed and in their place comfortable sofas, tub chairs and bar stools were introduced.
Numerous TV's within the lounge showed films and cartoons. An extensive children's playroom with TV, brightly coloured play equipment and fantastic water 'bubble tube' with colour changing lights made this lounge a families paradise,
The former NYC Deli was removed and its place taken for the use as a side lounge.
During her DFDS career the same area was transformed yet again providing laminate flooring, localised carpeting and hints of spring yellow and cool grey to freshen the ambience whilst modern bar stools give a contemporary feel within.
The well equipped children's playroom affords an excellent position within the lounge allowing parents to relax in the comfort of a nearby sofa or tub chair whilst sipping a beverage or sampling a snack from the bar counter which is prominently positioned in the centre.
Today operating for Irish Ferries as Isle of Innisfree the same facility has been rebranded as Café LaFayette but retains the cool relaxed vibe.
Children are well catered for having their own playroom located on the port side. Note the original cabin windows still present since the ship was built over thirty years ago.
It's amazing to think 30+ years ago this area was a maze of cabins and corridors and now it's a huge, bright, airy and spacious facility; the only indications of her heritage being the windows within the children's playroom which are still the original cabin windows.
Walking aft past the forward hall one comes to the vast cafeteria.
This facility remains to this day though is vastly different to how she originally looked!
The servery is located amid ship aft with all the seating forward.
As Prins Filip this area was used as a self service restaurant and commercial drivers restaurant, with a formal restaurant being introduced on the port side a bit later. As the years went on both the formal and commercial drivers restaurants were relocated.
As the 'Aquitaine, the Port of Calais foot passenger gangway was located on the starboard side at the forward end.
Prins Filip (1991-1998)
Pride of Aquitane (2003-2005)
Ostend Spirit (2010-2011)
Calais Seaways (2013)
Calais Seaways (2019)
Today, as Isle of Innisfree, this area has been rebranded as Boylan's Brasserie.
Spotlessly clean white floor tiles and impeccable display counters with an array of dishes too tempting to ignore entice passengers to dine.
Though this restaurant occupies a large space, waist height Scandinavian style divides and localised carpeting effectively zones the facility into numerous areas creating a more intimate atmosphere. Tables specifically for those persons in wheelchairs are available together with child 'high chairs'.
A gaming arcade now occupies the area on the starboard side which once permitted foot passenger access to the Port of Calais skywalk.
Walking aft along the same deck we come to what was originally the Boulevard and Shopping Centre.
As the Prins Filip in 1991 this area was essentially a long window lined carpeted corridor with tables and chairs.
Display cabinets promoted goods available within the supermarket, which had its entrance at the aft end of the corridor. The fully carpeted shop was surprisingly small but did sell an adequate range of items.
A small 'ball pool' was positioned within the boulevard and other than a few gaming machines aboard, this was the only children's playroom.
Times were changing and when introduced onto the high capacity Dover/Calais route in 1999 a larger shop was required along with new catering facilities for passengers and freight drivers. As such, this area was overhauled.
At the aft end of the aforementioned shop a coffee outlet was introduced whilst the forward end became a commercial drivers rest area.
Pride of Aquitaine
Ostend Spirit 2010-2011
When DFDS took over the ship they created an area specifically for commercial drivers by knocking through the dividing wall between the coffee shop and the ro-ro restaurant to make one large space called Road Kings.
Separated from the adjacent public corridor by a half height wall, this allowed natural light to flood into this otherwise windowless facility. However, it did lack privacy from people [like me] who tend to peer in!
Calais Seaways 2013
Calais Seaways 2019
Note - the dividing wall a little bit higher to allow for privacy.
Today, as Isle of Innisfree, corporate branding has been introduced.
Continuing aft we come to the ships' main lobby.
Essentially a corridor, when introduced in 1991 the information desk was to port and the bureau de change opposite on the starboard side.
As Prins Filip in the early 90's a wonderful 3D mural was positioned on the bulkhead opposite the beautiful staircase which had polished brass handrails and tinted mirror creating an upmarket hotel lobby feel.
Moving from the leisurely four hour Ostend to Dover route to the intense high frequency Dover to Calais route all the carpeting was removed and replaced by easy to clean, though attractive laminate hard flooring.
The location of the information desk and bureau de change remained the same.
Pride of Aquitaine
Ostend Spirit
Calais Seaways-2013
Leading off this lobby one would find a pair of corridors, one port and one starboard, both of which give access to (what was originally) the music bar and dance floor in 1991.
Prins Filip, port side looking aft
Pride of Aquitaine
Ostend Spirit
Calais Seaways 2013
Calais Seaways 2019
Today as Isle of Innisfree bold signage welcomes all passengers aboard. You are in no doubt that you are aboard an Irish Ferries vessel!
The reception remains in its original location from 1991 although the Bureau de Change is no longer used; its façade covered with hoarding.
For those of you with a keen eye you will notice the original phone booths from 1991 (now devoid of phones) and original marble top on the ships' reception.
We now reach the aft end of Deck 7.
When this vessel entered service in the early 90's this area was a music bar with a vibrant atmosphere and its own dance floor.
This space was thoroughly overhauled in 1999 when the ship began operations on the Dover/Calais route as P&OSL Aquitaine. Converted into a mammoth shopping centre, all of her external windows were covered over.
When boarding P&OSL Aquitaine as a foot passenger in Dover one literally walked through the shop; a corridor linked the foot passenger walkway with the main ship reception via a starboard side corridor; new bi-fold doors kept closed.
Once passengers were aboard these bi-fold doors were opened.
Initially there was a gift shop on the starboard side of the corridor whilst the port side had all of the fragrances, wines, beers and spirits.
Between 2005 and 2013 whilst operating from Portsmouth and Ostend this shopping area was systematically decommissioned and it would appear that it was turned into cabins/couchettes however, in 2013 the port side was turned back into a shopping centre; the old gift shop/cabins/couchettes (starboard) were locked out of use.
Today aboard Isle of Innisfree the whole space has again been opened up into a vast shopping centre with wide aisles providing an uncluttered and spacious environment which is accessed via the starboard side corridor and exited via the port side near the ship's reception.
An excellent range of wines, beers and tobacco products are available along with travel accessories, gifts and toys.
One can wander around at leisure just browsing at the items and, of course, making a few spontaneous purchases! The staff within are more than happy to help you find what you are looking for.
Floor to ceiling shelving units of a wide range of products aboard Isle of Innisfree
The fragrance section aboard Isle of Innisfree
So that was Deck 7.
As you could see, over the past 30 years this ship has had some considerable internal modifications to make her suitable for the route and operator she served.
Lets head up to Deck 8, this time starting at the aft end (above what is now the shop) and working our way forward.
Bodegabar, as it was called, occupied the aft end of Deck 8 when Prins Filip was introduced in 1991.
It was only open during certain sailings and if you were lucky enough for it to be open during your voyage you would find it a very comfortable place to relax. Decorated in royal blue and gold with glass dividing screens, it was a very intimate place to relax.
The raised flooring at the aft end gave this facility a quirky character.
A few years into her career a small 'Kids Corner' was introduced within the starboard corner of the lounge.
P&OStena overhauled this lounge and renamed it Silverstones Sports Bar when the ship became known as P&OSL Aquitaine.
The main bar and slightly raised levels within the lounge remained in situ however, a new gaming arcade was introduced at the aft end between the two doors which give access to the exterior deck.
As Ostend Spirit this same facility remained the same as above with the exception of the introduction of a casino table on the starboard side. Many of the gaming machines had been removed.
Calais Seaways 2013 - other than a little refurbishment very little had been done to this facility
Calais Seaways - 2019
By this point in her career this facility was called Lighthouse Café.
Note how fresh, bright and spacious it is plus the central 'step' and the location of the bar which are original.
Today, as Isle of Innisfree this facility is known as O'Flaherty's Bar.
Offering the same calming décor as the pictures above, this facility is 'seasonal' and open during capacity crossings.
In the view below the original raised flooring and bar from 1991 can clearly be seen.
Walking forward towards the bow you will come to a large foyer (this is the area directly above the information desk and bureau de change on the deck below).
You wouldn't think a humble foyer would necessitate its own entry into a blog, especially as it is simply a void space with nothing but toilets on either side. However, take a look - it's amazing the difference 30+ years makes.....
~ you should see how I have aged lol!
1991 - Prins Filip
1999-P&OSL Aquitaine
2010-Ostend Spirit
2011-Norman Spirit
2013-Calais Seaways
2019-Calais Seaways
Isle of Innisfree present day
What a transformation from 1991 but you may notice how she retains her décor from the comprehensive DFDS overhaul from 2019, albeit with some green coloured Irish Ferries signage.
For those of you with a keen eye you may notice the elevator within this hall still boasts original signage from the early 1990's when this ship was known as Prins Filip.
Continuing forward, on the port side off this hall was the Club Class Lounge (whilst operating between Ostend and Dover) which later became the Admiral Class Lounge when operating to Ramsgate; a facility which offered complimentary beverages and snacks at a small entry supplement.
When she became the 'Aquitaine the same area was transformed into an a la carte dining area and renamed Langan's Brasserie.
As Norman Spirit (to LeHavre) this area was renamed Tweed Club Reclining Seat Lounge. Over the next few years little, if any, refurbishment was undertaken and today it is a void space and out of use.
The photos below are the same room and were taken in 1992, 1999, 2012, 2019 and again 2019 respectively
Today, as Isle of Innisfree, the aforementioned lounge is out of use and with the curtains closed it was not possible to view the interior from the adjacent exterior deck.
On the (opposite) starboard side was a magnificent dual cinema back in the early 90's and offered a box office to purchase tickets and a gaming arcade. Over time this area has been transformed beyond recognition.
Prins Filip-1991
(note the angled fire cupboard on the 5th picture, we'll come back to this later)
'Aquitaine 1999
When introduced onto the Dover/Calais route the two cinemas were knocked through and the area transformed into the First Base Burger Bar. If it wasn't for the acute angle of the wall of windows you'd be forgiven this is a different ship!
Ostend Spirit-2010
Eleven years later the burger bar had been ripped out and its place taken by an extensive reclining seat lounge. Having studied the deck plans it would appear the burger bar was called Prime Burger when this ship operated to LeHavre as Norman Spirit between 2005 and 2010. However, the signage shown below clearly shows LD Lines so at some point during this period the burger bar was ripped out.
Note the angled fire cupboard which will enable you to get your baring's and see how the facility has evolved from 1991.
Calais Seaways 2013
Calais Seaways 2019
I find the below picture fascinating; the aforementioned angled fire cupboard on the right of the picture adjacent to the window can be seen in the previous photos and you can accurately compare the pictures.
Today, as Isle of Innisfree, the lounge remains the same although it is now called
Velvet Lounge.
Continuing forward on Deck 8 we arrive at the vast reclining seat lounge which spans the whole width of the deck.
Essentially located above the large self service restaurant below, it is two large lounges separated by toilet blocks, baggage storage and general utilities.
The reclining seat lounge stayed the same for 12years, even surviving four years when the ship was operating Dover/Calais
1991-2003
The first two pictures were taken aboard the Prins Filip in 1992 and the second two as Pride of Aquitaine in 2003
In 2004 during her career as 'Aquitaine the starboard lounge was reconfigured into the Harbour Coffee Lounge
Ostend Spirit 2010
At the time of my visit the port side lounge was seen to be devoid of chairs; it was just a huge empty room. The starboard side however had new carpeting and truly fantastic fully reclining chairs which converted into airline style beds. A desk and magazine rack was seen at the aft end. Note the original Harbour Coffee signage beneath the new signage.
Norman Spirit 2012
Peering through the dirty windows (the door was locked) the previously void lounge on the port side now has seating. The lounge on the starboard side (also locked) had not been refitted. Old P&O signage still evident.
Visiting Calais Seaways in 2019 I discovered the whole area to be closed off.
Again, peering through the windows from the adjacent exterior deck there were no noticeable interior changes since 2010. Although, I did spot a sneaky sign that got missed off the during the previous refits; this dates from 2004!
Today, as Isle of Innisfree, both lounges are closed and access is not permitted. However, doing what I do and peering through the windows to have a sneaky look it would appear some work is being undertaken in the starboard lounge with new seating being introduced.
The port side couldn't be viewed as the curtains were closed however, this area would be ideal if converted to cabin accommodation, perhaps 'pet friendly' cabins for those passengers travelling with their four legged friend, especially as the exterior deck is just next door.
Now, when this fine ship entered service in 1991 as Prins Filip the forward end of Deck 8 consisted of a vast area of ensuite cabin accommodation.
The following photograph was taken back in the early 90's. At that time it was the only area aboard Prins Filip where one could have forward facing views of the sea as you may recall the area downstairs was also full of cabins.
Until 2024, some 27 years later, this area was locked out of use from the travelling public however, as Isle of Innisfree it was reinstated for passenger use for the four hour Pembroke Dock to Rosslare Europort route.
Isle of Innisfree - 2024
What a time capsule! Locked out of passenger use for nearly three decades, the cabin corridors still present original signage, burgundy coloured ceiling panels and lighting - I love it!
Compared with the original photo from 1991 above, at some point in her career this corridor has been subdivided and now it is no longer possible to walk the entire length.
Lastly we move up to Deck 9.
The only accessible passenger facility, other than one of the numerous exterior decks, is the Club Class Lounge; originally a conference suite in the Prins Filip era.
The main access is via the aft stairs which lead off the reception on Deck 7 and takes you to a lobby with toilet facilities:
Prins Filip 1991
Pride of Aquitaine
In 1999 the conference suite was transformed into a Club Class Lounge
Ostend Spirit
Calais Seaways
Same area during her DFDS career - the reception desk has been relocated to within the lounge, now called Premium Lounge
Present day - Isle of Innisfree, now renamed Club Class Lounge
A point of note is within the gents toilet located within this hall you will find an original etching on the mirror of the P&O European Ferries Club Class / Ostend Lines Admiral Class logo dating back many decades.
So, what was the interior of the conference suite like?
Let's take a look.
Prins Filip 1991- area used as a conference suite
Pride of Aquitaine, area used as a Club Class Lounge
Ostend Spirit
Calais Seaways
Isle of Innisfree - present day
Positioned at the highest point of the ship one is guaranteed great views of the passing vistas. Accessed at a nominal charge one can help themselves to complimentary alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks plus snacks.
Numerous 'breakout' rooms flank the central lounge, all of which offer comfortable oversized sofas and arm chairs.
Isle of Innisfree has a large amount of exterior deck space to breathe in the wonderful fresh sea air located on Deck 9, Deck 8 and Deck 7 (aft end behind the shop accessed via deck 8). Speaking of which, the below sign is from her DFDS days and can be found on the exterior deck on Deck 7.
A great feature is the quantity of seating - an ideal way to relax and watch the world go by.
And there you have it.
A whistle stop tour of the 30+ year old Isle of Innisfree.
Even at this age she is still highly respected by her crew and those passengers who travel aboard her.
Isle of Innisfree has a large bar area, vast dining room and extensive shop together with a very comfortable Club Class Lounge and a large amount of exterior deck areas.
Here is a walk about tour of Isle of Innisfree seen through my eyes. It was filmed for YouTube channel 'A2B via Sea on TV'. Why not curl up and [virtually] come aboard.
A detailed blog of my journey from Pembroke Dock to Rosslare Europort will be added too www.a2bviasea.co.uk
Clearly there has been a serious restyling process - from the dark interiors to the bright interiors - roomy lounges, open spaces, in stead of compartments .... Compared to the newer ferries the only negative point is that there has never been an effort to crate a multi level open area space bar .... the same situation as on Bretagne of 1989. Later introduced on Isle of Inishmore of 1995 for instance .... Atriums ....DFDS really cared about the ferry. The PROFESSIONALS with many routes and ferries. And Irish Ferries also continuing the trend.Thanks for the revieuw......😎
Travelled on her a few times when she was 'Norman Spirit' for LD Lines between Portsmouth and Le Havre. Found her interior a bit dark and dingy, tired and out of date. DFDS have really brightened her interior up and she seems innkeeping with the rest of the fleet now. Wonder where she will end up?