Brittany Ferries Will Launch Wexford Ferry in March 2027
The new vessel will replace the freight ship Norbay on the route between Rosslare and Cherbourg.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Cruises
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Brittany Ferries announced plans to introduce the Wexford, a new RoPax ferry, on its Ireland-France route beginning in March 2027. The vessel will replace the current freight-only ship, Norbay, to better serve passenger demand.
Why it matters
The addition of the Wexford increases passenger capacity and holiday traffic potential on the busy Rosslare to Cherbourg connection. This shift fulfills a previous company promise to upgrade the route with a French-flagged, passenger-capable vessel.
The Wexford features 2,500 lane metres for freight and offers 146 passenger cabins alongside space for 130 cars. The vessel will conduct three weekly return crossings between Rosslare and Cherbourg.
The players
Brittany Ferries
This French shipping company operates a fleet of vessels connecting France with the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Spain.
Wexford
This is the newly chartered RoPax vessel that will serve as part of the company's five-ship fleet serving Irish routes.
Norbay
This freight-only vessel is being phased out of the Ireland-France service to make way for a passenger-capable ship.
The details
The Wexford, currently known as the Vizzavona, will be French-flagged and operated by French seafarers as part of a five-ship Irish fleet. This change replaces the limited Norbay with a ship designed to accommodate both freight logistics and holiday travelers.
Timeline
September 2025: Brittany Ferries directors promised to replace the Norbay.
October 2026: Tickets for the new Wexford service will officially go on sale.
March 2027: The Wexford will commence its scheduled operations on the route.
Travel Outlook
This route adjustment aligns with the broader push to modernize ferry services between Ireland and the continent as seasonal tourism demand fluctuates. It reflects a strategic move to capitalize on high-volume travel lanes that historically relied on less passenger-friendly freight vessels.
Travelers looking to book travel between Ireland and France should prepare for the transition of the Rosslare-Cherbourg service in March 2027. Early booking will be essential once ticket sales open in late 2026 to secure space on the new vessel.
The takeaway
The move to replace freight-only ships with RoPax vessels highlights a shift toward prioritizing holiday makers on long-distance maritime routes. Travelers should monitor the company website for the official booking launch to ensure availability on the new vessel.
What happens next
Tickets for the new Wexford service are scheduled to go on sale by the end of October 2026.
Further reading
For more on evolving maritime passenger services, visit our Cruises section.
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