Ferry operator DFDS Seaways will spend 120 million kroner over the next year to upgrade the two ships that sail the company's Copenhagen-Oslo route.
The two ferries – Pearl Seaways and Crown Seaways – will see improvements such as redesigned cabins that will allow larger familes to sail together in the same cabin, better recreational facilities as well as more flexible room sizes and better equipment for conference groups. DFDS decided on which improvements to make after asking passengers and employees what the ships needed in order to be competitive in today’s travel market.
“The refitting and service improvements were decided on following an in-depth customer survey in which we asked 64,000 of our passengers and 4,000 potential passengers what they would like to see when travelling on the Oslo ferry,” said DFDS head of passenger business Brian Thorsted Hansen. “Employees and managers who provide services to customers on board and on land have also been consulted and we asked international experts about the latest trends.”
New restaurants will be added to both ships and service and seating at existing restaurants will be expanded.
Luxury cabins, better outdoor bar facilities, improved internet service and new entertainment options are also among the improvements planned.
The improvements are slated to start right away, while an overhaul of the engines and other technical facilities will be made when the ships are in dry dock in early 2014.
“These improvements allow us to provide our customers a journey on these classic ships and still give them a thoroughly modern experience,” said Hansen.
Pearl Seaways has been sailing the Copenhagen-Oslo route since 2001. Crown Seaways has been in service since 1994. Both ships can carry about 1,800 passengers.
