Originally entering service in 2011 Oscar Wilde, named after the famous Irish poet and playwright, has been operating for Irish Ferries since 2024 and is the largest vessel in their Dover (UK) to Calais (France) fleet.
Designed specifically for the route she still serves today, Oscar Wilde is the companies Dover to Calais flagship so, when Irish Ferries invited A2B via Sea® aboard to check her out I jumped at the chance, in fact I even cut short my Mediterranean blogging trip to get aboard!
Let's get aboard and check her out.
Undertaking a day return crossing enabling several hours ashore in the cosmopolitan French town of Calais, my journey through the Port of Dover was seamless and hassle free.
Being located at the end of the A2 (M2) and A20 (M20), both of which give direct access to the London M25 orbital, having had my passport checked by French/UK authorities I simply follow the clear signage to the vehicle check-in plaza.
The check-in formality was swift; simply a case of handing over my travel documentation to the friendly personnel after which I was given a boarding card and a 'hanger' for my rear view mirror for the shoreside embarkation personnel to identify my vehicle as having 'Priority Boarding' and access to the ships' Club Class Lounge, which you'll LOVE!
My early arrival at the Port of Dover enabled me to checkout the motorist rest area adjacent to the ferry berth which offered a Burger King, Costa Coffee, dog exercise area, bureau de change and WH Smiths plus an exterior viewing area to watch the ferries manoeuvring within the harbour.
However, don't wonder off too far as within no time a port wide announcement requests all vehicle drivers and their passengers to return to their vehicle for immediate boarding.
Ascending the shoreside vehicle ramp the vast size of Oscar Wilde became apparent; not dissimilar to a motorway, wide lanes disappeared into the distance.
Being directed up 'the slip road' off to one side I ascended a non-slip ramp to the upper vehicle deck.
The vehicle decks aboard Oscar Wilde are well lit with plenty of head height for oversized vehicles and wide lanes allowing plenty of room for the opening of vehicle doors and lifting out any belongings you may require during your short journey to France.
Utilising Irish Ferries 'Priority Boarding' for a small supplement, I was directed to a dedicated vehicle lane enabling a swift exit upon arrival in Calais.
Colour coded stair wells give direct access to the main passenger decks and should you have walking difficulties elevators are available.
The cleanliness, bright décor and clear signage within the numerous stairwells paved the way for what I could expect around the rest of the ship.
Although a large ship navigation is exceptionally easy with the facilities concentrated on two decks; a wide tiled aisle circumnavigating the lower deck encompassing facilities within and upstairs designated stairwells permit access to the Club Class Lounge and Boylan's Brasserie dining area.
However, if you do need some assistance don't hesitate to speak to one of the friendly members of staff at the information bureau - you'll be in no doubt you are aboard an Irish Ferries ship with its emerald green façade and information boards relating to the ships namesake.
The ships' wide tiled aisles permits easy level access throughout enabling those with walking difficulties to move around with ease.
Let's grab a bite to eat
Dominating the full width of Deck 9 and positioned at the forward end, oversized windows allow a generous amount of natural light and views of the passing vistas whilst dining.
A burgundy and antique pine colour pallet feature heavily within the dining room creating a warm ambience with bench style seating and free standing chairs providing ideal seating arrangements for all group sizes.
Primarily a grab & go format, helping yourself to a snack or boxed meal in the spacious and uncluttered servery couldn't be easier plus, a traditional plated full English breakfast can be obtained from a dedicated counter - which was delicious!
Snacks can also be purchased from Café LaFayette downstairs and occupying the same footprint as Boylan's Brasserie above. You'll find giant wrap-around windows on three sides.
A fully carpeted facility decorated in flame red, burnt orange and spring yellow, the array of large sofas and tub chairs are very inviting; this lounge is vast, warm and has a homely atmosphere - a great location to relax.
A selection of hot and cold beverages together with soft and alcoholic drinks can be obtained from the counter along with light snacks.
A nursery style play area will keep younger passengers occupied allowing them to burn off excess energy whilst you relax in a nearby seat.
O'Flaherty's is an additional bar with adjacent lounge at the opposite end of Deck 8.
Although only operating during capacity crossings (and like the rest of the ship still in the décor of the ships' former owner) you are still able to utilise its lounge as a quiet reading area even if the bar is closed.
Localised carpeting in nautical tones effectively zones the lounge whilst the wide tiled aisle links the lounge to the facilities elsewhere on this deck providing easy access for those with walking difficulties.
When the bar is open you'll find a range of beverages are available.
O'Flaherty's also benefits from having its own gaming arcade complimenting the video arcade just next door.
Direct access to the ships' exterior deck can be obtained from O'Flaherty's which benefits from having an excellent non-slip coating and a wrap around screen protecting patrons from potential crosswinds and spray.
A dedicated smoking area and seasonal deck bar occupy the starboard side whilst on the port side you'll find a pet zone where, if you're travelling with your four legged friend, they too can get some fresh air.
Speaking of which, you'll find a dedicated Pet Friendly Lounge with direct access to the exterior pet exercise area which offers family sized booths with convenient wipe clean flooring & furnishings and an array of differing charging sockets for electrical devices.
Courtesy of Irish Ferries I was permitted access into the ships' Club Class Lounge which is accessed via its own dedicated stairwell / elevator.
A true oasis of calm awaits.
Oversized armchairs and sofas envelop you as you make yourself at home adjacent to one of the floor to ceiling picture windows.
You'll instantly feel at home owing to the glass & oak display cabinets, side tables, localised carpeting and intimate lighting.
A selection of magazines are available to peruse at your leisure.
Occupying a surprising large footprint you are guaranteed a seat no matter how busy the rest of the ship is.
Why not curl up next to one of the oversized windows with a fresh coffee, soft drink or even a glass of complimentary wine - just help yourself.
Feeling peckish? Well, included in the small cost of your entrance fee you'll also be able to help yourself to the small buffet where cold meats, cheeses, fresh fruit and sweet treats are available.
Although a dedicated dining area within Club Class has been provided you can, of course, sit in a seat of your choosing whether it's a sofa or lounge tub chair - the choice is yours.
The Club Class Lounge offers private WC facilities including accessible facilities plus a private veranda for Club Class passengers offering loungers, benches and stools plus a telescope so you can watch passing shipping and a separate smoking area.
Its vantage position permits uninterrupted views of the French coastline and White Cliffs of Dover - have your camera ready for some mandatory selfies and don't forget to hashtag Irish Ferries on social media.
Just imagine relaxing on deck with a fresh coffee watching the sun rising over the horizon or perhaps raising a toast with a glass of complimentary wine watching the sun set as you reminisce about your time ashore in France.
Have you spotted the complimentary telescope?
On a fine day this exterior deck really is the pinnacle of luxury, relaxing out on deck soaking up the sun
Have I tempted you to upgrade to Irish Ferries Club Class?
Don't forget, Priority Boarding is included in the price making the perfect package and representing a huge saving.
Speaking of huge savings, let's checkout the shopping centre
Not dissimilar to an airport style store, brilliant white floor tiles with an inlaid jet black path leads you around the store past the well presented products on floor to ceiling shelving units and free standing cabinets.
You'll find gifts galore from souvenirs, wines, beers, spirits, electrical goods, tobacco and travel accessories to name a few - just imagine doing all your Christmas shopping then simply putting it in the boot of your car down stairs.
All too soon we're arriving in Calais, less than two hours after departing Dover and the best bit, having Priority Boarding in the British port we're one of the first to debark, pass through the authority booths and onto the national autoroute in less than three minutes! How good is that!
If you've never driven through the Port of Calais before don't worry!
The signage is excellent; clear and concise.
Impressive 'fly-overs' weave through the complex keeping arriving and departing traffic segregated and free flowing.
And the best bit...
The French autoroute is excellent and literally passes the Port of Calais.
However, Calais itself is a wonderful town to visit and well worth exploring so, allow some time in your itinerary to check it out or simply book one of Irish Ferries short break packages and stay in a local hotel to savour all it has to offer.
Calais is home to the magnificent Cite Europe shopping mall so, another excuse to do more shopping before you return to Dover - don't forget to book Priority Boarding for this trip too!
Here's my vlog showing what Calais has to offer plus an onboard tour of Oscar Wilde; curl up and [virtually] come aboard.
Irish Ferries day trips and short break packages can be booked via their easy to use website. Here is a quick link:
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