The smell of smoke from the funnel, the rumble of the ships' engines and the vibration of bulkheads as the ferry crosses the channel. All this sound familiar? To be fair, for me this is what I love about ferry travel. But could all that be changing?
In March 2024 P&O Ferries introduced the second of two fusion class ships for their core Dover (UK) to Calais (France) route which, apart from their striking, though attractive looks, have completely revolutionised the ferry travel experience.
P&O Liberte, together with her identical sister P&O Pioneer, are the world's largest double ended ferries which negate the need for the vessel to turn around in port so the vehicles are facing the right direction to disembark saving the traveller a considerable amount of time & the ship burning less fuel, hence her elongated bow and stern.
Let's get aboard this revolutionary vessel
Having passed through the port formalities which are outlined in my P&O Pioneer blog, link at the end, tourist cars embark via the ships' upper vehicle deck and ascend one of four wide slip roads onto an additional deck specifically for them - I say slip road as the cavernous hold of P&O Liberte is more like a motorway capable of accommodating a considerable amount of vehicles.
Don't worry though, her wide lanes allow plenty of space to easily get out of your vehicle, particularly handy if you need to unload bags, children's push chairs or your four legged fury friend. That's right, you can travel with your pet dog with P&O after all, they are part of your family! I'll come back to this later.
Other than the copious amount of space, clear signage and spotlessly clean garage with no trip hazards, the first thing you'll notice is the calmness; no engine noise, no rattling of the bulkheads, all is very quiet!
Having collected your belongings it's just a short walk to the deck above to find the passenger amenities, though an elevator is available if you'd prefer.
Clear signage with colour coded walls reminds you which stair well you are ascending therefore, will facilitate you when it comes to disembarkation later.
Wow! First impressions count and entering the passenger accommodation one would be forgiven for thinking you had entered a four star hotel in an urban city centre; a wide hall with good quality deep pile carpeting beneath attractive illuminated ceiling panels creates a warming & luxurious ambiance.
Thoughtfully, P&O have installed giant TV screens which not only advertise the facilities aboard but also include deck plans so you can easily navigate your way around the UK's newest superferry.
Navigation is easy with both passenger decks divided into thirds by a hall and colour coded stairwell giving access to the vehicle decks below.
Instinctively walking towards the warming glow of natural light at the end of the hall I find myself in what can only be described as a breath-taking glazed plaza -spectacular dual walls of glass on both sides of the ship spanning two decks encompass the facilities within which include two passenger dining areas, a quiet lounge, children's playroom and reception.
Seriously, why would you want to cross the English Channel in a tunnel -
it certainly WON'T be like this.....
Anyhow, viewed from the outside, this giant wall of glass is nothing less than impressive.
The Scandinavian inspired décor with natural pine, chalk white and urban grey coloured fixtures and fittings make this atrium, the centre piece of the vessel; a bright and refreshing space where one can slow down, breathe and relax after all, you are on holiday!
Adding a splash of colour, life-sized faux trees with muted drop lights shaped as acorns gently illuminate the circular picnic benches below and work hand-in-hand with the leaf shaped bronze lighting and 'living walls' elsewhere - the kids will love this.
Dining areas are featured on both levels with 'The Kitchen' upstairs and more the more substantial 'Food Market' on the lower level.
The later offers a selection of meals conveniently in a 'grab and go' format which is ideal for those who fancy a quick bite to eat and checkout the rest of the ship - perhaps to do some shopping - or have a lengthy onward journey and wish to eat on the move saving the time and expense of eating in a motorway service area.
Each section is clearly identifiable with bold signage and well presented snacks.
The facility on the upper level offers freshly prepared burgers which can be ordered on an easy to use free-standing computer and eaten in one of the numerous seating areas whilst admiring the sea views.
Speaking of which, both dining areas offer a range of seating options ranging from cosy booths, intimate table & chairs and solo raised stools whereby one can dine and look over the heads of those below, still enabling excellent views of the passing vistas.
Wide aisles with hard flooring permits ease of access during capacity crossings and is particularly handy if you are a wheelchair user.
Plus, if you are travelling with youngsters P&O provide sturdy 'high-chairs'.
A great feature is many of the seating areas within this double height atrium have charging facilities for small electrical devices and for those who have left your cable in the car, don't worry! Some tables have charging mats - how good is that!
The ships' reception is located within the atrium, a facility open 24/7 and managed by polite, friendly and courteous members of crew.
Next door one will find Changing Places - an accessible washroom specifically designed with the needs of wheelchair users in mind.
Numerous emergency cords are located within thereby, should one require assistance, personnel from the neighbouring reception desk can be there literally within seconds.
As previously mentioned, a quiet lounge with warming muted lighting can be found on the upper deck of the atrium and features comfortable reclining seats with plenty of legroom all facing towards the glazed wall; an additional internal wall of glass prevents any noise from disturbing those within ensuring peace, quiet and relaxation - ideal if you have had a long journey to the port or have a long day ahead of you.
Every seat offers sturdy individual tray tables and a very handy USB power charger.
An identical lounge with views onto one of the ships' numerous exterior decks can be found next door, again offering peace & quiet, comfortable reclining seats and plenty of legroom.
Time for a wander around the rest of the ship
A large 'U-shaped' coffee bar and lounge with its own vast exterior deck can be found at the 'Calais end' of this double ended vessel where snacks and excellent Costa coffee are served along with alcoholic beverages and snacks.
Localised deep pile carpeting and waist height walls effectively zones the seating areas from the main thoroughfare.
Splashes of colour in nautical tones on the upholstery make these seats very inviting and with the numerous wall mounted down lights and decorative illuminated ceiling panels, this lounge is a great place to relax.
With comfortable family sized sofas, oversized tub chairs and kids stools, this is your home away from home - a great place to sit together or chat to fellow passengers exchanging stories of your European travel adventures over a drink.
A bank of gaming machines can be found within this lounge which, along with the other entertainment facilities aboard P&O Liberte, will keep passengers of all ages amused.
In fine weather why not take your drink out onto the Family Lounge's exterior deck and enjoy the crossing.
Large glazed screens prevent cross-winds and on a balmy warm evening this is the place to be with a cold beer, if you are not driving of course.
P&O Liberte embraces sea travel and encourages its passengers to venture onto the exterior decks which surround the vessels public amenities and can be accessed from the four halls on decks 8 & 9.
Marvel at the passing vistas!
With contemporary seating & modern weatherproof flooring together with glazed balustrades one could imagine they are aboard a cruise ship!
So, heading back inside, you are off on your annual vacation or a long weekend away but, you have a pet dog. Don't worry! P&O Liberte offers a dedicated pet lounge just for you.
This lounge can be accessed by its very own staircase from the vehicle deck so, if your fury friend is a little nervous around strangers they will not have an issue.
Accessed at a nominal fee, within this lounge there are vending machines for the humans plus complimentary water for your four legged friend. Note the hard flooring enabling this facility to remain clean and fresh.
Family booths are provided each with a seating area, table and charging point for small electrical devices.
Beneath each table one will find a clasp where the dog lead can be attached too to stop your fury friend from wandering off.
Plus, this Pet Friendly Lounge has its own exterior deck where one can walk ones dog and visit one of the lamp-posts, should the need dictate.
For those seasoned travellers amongst you you'll know part of the journey is to grab a bargain in the ships' shop. Well, let's raise things a notch or two - aboard P&O Liberte you will not just find a mere shop - you'll find a World Duty Free shopping centre with thousands of differing products.
Dominating the 'Dover end' of this double ended ferry, its size equates to around
a third of Deck 8!
The décor in World Duty Free is identical to those found in major international airports.
White floor tiles with a black coloured inset aisle meanders its way around the store enabling you to leisurely wander around browsing at the vast array of differing products displayed on floor to ceiling cabinets and free standing shelving units.
Seriously, why would you want to fly from A to B and lug bags of shopping through the terminal when you can buy gifts galore on the ferry and simply put them in the boot of your car.
Despite the hundreds of bottles of differing shapes and sizes, it should be noted there was NO noise of them vibrating against each other when the vessel was underway and crossing the channel.
In fact, when P&O Liberte left the port it actually took me by surprise as I hadn't realised we were moving hence the title of this blog 'Why sail when you can glide'.
Just to remind you that you ARE actually aboard a ferry and not at an airport, you will still be able to glance out of the windows and see the sea.
My tag line 'budget luxury' is perfectly presented aboard P&O Liberte as its jewel in the crown is the sumptuous Club Lounge on Deck 9.
Accessed at a nominal charge which is lower if booked in advance, you are greeted by a extremely polite and friendly steward at the entrance who will escort you into the lounge.
Your steward will introduce you to the tempting array of complimentary beverages, which includes alcohol, and light meals which are beautifully presented in a self service buffet counter.
On my voyage I sampled the full English breakfast; fresh, piping hot and made with good quality ingredients plus, if I had chosen, I could have gone back for more - you can easily eat and drink the cost of your ticket price.
Fortunately, the number of persons who can enter this lounge is capped to ensure those within enjoy its oasis of calm, no matter how busy the rest of the ferry is therefore, top tip - add Club Class when you make your initial ferry booking to guarantee a place.
Oversized sofas and tub chairs with side tables and independent, highly polished, brass globe lighting positioned on deep pile carpeting actively encourages you to curl up and relax.
High quality full length drapes adorn the windows beautifully framing the vistas.
Beautiful French style patio seating is nestled in small clusters on the Club Lounge private exterior deck which arguably affords the best views aboard.
Let's have look
And there we have it; a look around P&O Liberte, the world's largest double ended ferry.
Why not [virtually] come aboard and look around the ship through my eyes. Here's my vlog:
I, AKA The Bearded Blogger, can be found on Instagram. Why not follow me:
So , from which port to which port please ??