DFDS to add 50 Jersey-Poole sailings in 2027
DFDS is bringing forward the start of its direct high-speed Jersey-Poole service by more than a month and adding 50 sailings to the route next year.
The Poole service will begin on 24 March 2027, compared with 1 May this year, meaning direct high-speed services between Jersey and both the UK and France will be operating in time for the Easter holidays.
DFDS will operate 130 return rotations between Jersey and Poole during the 2027 season, compared with 105 this year. That represents an additional 25 return rotations, or 50 individual sailings.
The company also says further capacity will be provided during the peak summer period.
Bookings for the 2027 Poole and St Malo services open on Thursday, 8 October, while bookings for the Portsmouth service open on 15 October.
An Early Booking Offer will give customers a 15% discount on all routes for travel between 2 February and 31 December 2027.
Chris Parker, DFDS Route Director for Jersey, said the 2027 schedules had been shaped by experience from this year and feedback from customers.
"One of the biggest changes is starting the Poole service more than a month earlier," he said.
"This means Islanders will have high-speed direct connections to both the UK and France over Easter, while the additional Poole sailings and increased summer capacity will provide greater choice during some of the busiest periods of the year."
Changes to St Malo service
DFDS is also making changes to its St Malo timetable, including additional capacity during April and adjustments to some scheduled journey times.
Day trips for foot passengers will continue where the timetable allows, while the company's 24-hour St Malo option will also remain available where offered. This allows passengers to stay overnight in St Malo for the same fare.
DFDS says it will also continue to offer promotional fares and short-break options during the year.
Portsmouth service
The company is continuing its investment in the Jersey-UK routes, with Corbière Seaways due to operate a direct Jersey-Portsmouth service during the 2027 season.
The vessel, formerly known as Stena Vinga, was acquired by DFDS after previously being chartered to operate the route. It is being renamed following a public competition in Jersey.
From January, the number of pet-friendly cabins aboard Corbière Seaways will double from four to eight.
Mr Parker said the changes reflected DFDS' longer-term plans for Jersey.
"There is a lot to look forward to in 2027," he said.
"We are adding capacity where we are seeing demand, starting our UK high-speed service considerably earlier and continuing to invest in the vessels and products serving Jersey."
He said DFDS wanted to grow both passenger and freight traffic and work with partners to encourage more visitors to the Island.
The company said the changes demonstrated its "long-term commitment" to Jersey and its confidence in the future of the Island's sea links.
