P&O have opened a state-of-the-art pet lounge especially for sea dogs travelling with their families.
It is the first of its kind for the company and allows up to five dogs to be added to each booking depending on availability at a cost of £12 per dog each way.
To date the lounge is only currently accessible on the Dover to Calais routes but the move has prompted calls from dog lovers in Northern Ireland for the same type of facility to be introduced closer to home.
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The company said: “Our Pet Lounge is opening its doors and now you and your dog can relax and enjoy all the comfort, space and complimentary refreshments on board together.”
The facility promises:
- a dedicated steward
- luxurious lounge
- comfortable and stylish travel
- an exercise area on the outside deck for some fresh air and stretching
- large booths with plenty of space underneath to accommodate pets bedding
- comfy leather sofas and seats for passengers
The company said: “For our human travellers the Pet Lounge also features a TV, charging points and plugs, a vending machine, and complimentary hot and cold beverages delivered by a dedicated steward.
“You and your pet will both love being in a dedicated space with like-minded passengers where you can both relax and feel much more comfortable.
“For the best experience on board for you and your furry friend upgrade to the Pet Lounge now from just £12 each way.
“The Pet Lounge is only suitable for dogs and it can be added to your booking on our Add Ons page during the booking process.
“Travellers who have already booked and wish to upgrade to the Pet Lounge, can do so by logging in to their account and amending their booking. Alternatively our call centre team who can assist on 01304 44 88 88."
A spokesperson for DogLovers NI said they had made a formal approach to P&O.
They said: “ We note there is now a dog friendly lounge on the P&O Dover Calais sailing and we asked if this could be introduced on the Larne to Cairnryan as soon as possible. Many dog lovers in Northern Ireland would like to start travelling with P&O again.”
In response to queries from the public about the likelihood of a similar Irish Sea service, a spokeswoman for P&O Ferries, said: “At this stage it is only available on our Dover to Calais route. It may be something we look into in the future.”
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