Irish Ferries, the leading ferry operator to and from the Republic of Ireland, has introduced a new scheme to offer more inclusive travel for passengers with disabilities.
Providing ease of travel for those with hidden disabilities, the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme enables crew to readily identify those on-board who may require some extra help, time or assistance.
Irish Ferries has introduced the scheme across its entire fleet, helping passengers to travel independently and with ease, in addition to the full range of services already available to passengers with disabilities.
Recognising that travelling can be a stressful experience with disabilities, and many conditions may not be immediately obvious to others – such as autism, chronic pain, dementia, anxiety, as well as speech, visual or hearing impairments – Irish Ferries staff have been specially trained to recognise the lanyard and provide additional support to passengers wearing it.
Irish Ferries is the first Irish travel company to introduce the hidden disability Sunflower Lanyard scheme, continuing its industry leading and award-winning customer service.
Nicola Hammond, Irish Ferries Customer Services Manager, said: “Ferry travel is designed to be enjoyable and it’s so important to us that all our passengers on Irish Ferries feel like their holiday has begun the moment they step onboard. We’re so delighted to be the first Irish travel operator to offer the Sunflower Lanyard to our passengers with hidden disabilities, in addition to what we offer all our passengers
“We’re extremely proud of the efforts made by our staff members who have undergone special training to recognise, understand, respect, and react to the needs of those wearing the discreet lanyard and hope that the introduction of this initiative gives our customers a sense of independence and the confidence to travel freely on the sea with us.
Delivered to your door in advance of your journey, or available for collection at ports prior to check-in, the hidden disability Sunflower Lanyard is completely free and reusable.
Customers with hidden disabilities, their family members, or carers who will be traveling with them on Irish Ferries and wish to avail of the scheme should do so by contacting [email protected].
Irish Ferries offers a more flexible and comfortable way to travel to Ireland, providing passengers with lots of room to roam around, and the benefits of real fresh air too.
Travelling with your own car by ferry boasts a number of benefits; being able to pack as much luggage as you like, including your family best friend, and have full control over your holiday.
Taking pride in its service, Irish Ferries has invested heavily in its modern fleet; offering spacious and contemporarily designed lounges, cabins, restaurants, cinemas, children’s play areas as well as free Wi-Fi and friendly hospitality throughout..
With up up to 16 sailings daily from Holyhead to Dublin and Pembroke to Rosslare, the journey to Ireland really does start as soon as you come on board with Irish Ferries.
For more information please visit www.irishferries.com/sunflowerlanyard
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About Irish Ferries
Irish Ferries is the market leading ferry operator in Ireland, serving routes between Britain (Holyhead to Dublin, and Pembroke to Rosslare) and Ireland.
Offering a choice of up to 16 sailings a day, Irish Ferries operates a fleet of modern cruise and fast ferries, including the famous Ulysses, the Dublin Swift, the only fast ferry on the Irish Sea, and the newly built, award-winning W.B. Yeats.
Irish Ferries is a division of leading Irish maritime transport group Irish Continental Group plc and carried over 1.54m passengers and 401,000 cars on up to 16 daily sailings between Ireland, Britain and France in 2019.
See more at www.irishferries.com.
