One of the most popular ferry routes for UK passengers has seen its final sailing, after more than 30 years.

Brittany Ferries, which operates cross-channel services to France and Spain, has discontinued its direct Poole to Cherbourg sailing. 

MS Barfleur has served the route since 1992 but has now been moved to cover the Ireland to France - Rosslare to Cherbourg - sailings, which start from October 12. 

The route's closure happened three weeks earlier than initially planned due to changes in operational needs, the ferry company said.  

Brittany Ferries has sold the vessel Cotentin, which previously served Rosslare to Cherbourg, withdrawing it this month from the route. 

Last month, Brittany Ferries' Commodore Clipper was hit with a gearbox failure, which saw it withdrawn from the fleet whilst it underwent repairs.

The knock-on effects from both situations have resulted in the earlier closure of Barfleur's service.

Christophe Mathieu, CEO of Brittany Ferries said: 'The reality is that, post Brexit, Rosslare to Cherbourg has become a strategically significant route for Brittany Ferries, carrying nearly 25 percent of all freight traffic so we must prioritise. 

'I know there will be disappointment with this operational change, and I apologise to all those travelling from Poole in the latter half of October. We shall of course refund tickets or provide alternative travel on routes out of Portsmouth. 

'It has been a privilege to serve the Poole-Cherbourg route since 1986. But we should be clear that we will still sail to Guernsey and onto France in our fast craft from Poole, even if we must say an early adieu to a much-loved vessel and direct services from Poole to Cherbourg.' 

Brittany Ferries' website now reads: 'We are no longer operating this route. For alternative sailings to Normandy, try our routes from Portsmouth to Cherbourg and Portsmouth to Caen.'

According to the BBC, Brittany Ferries has seen numbers fall drastically from 2002 when it saw 547,000 passengers, to 165,000 in 2025.

Over the same period, freight has fallen by 94 per cent. 

On the day of Barfleur's final sailing from Poole to Cherbourg on October 12, the ship's captain Nicholas Bohn said: 'This voyage gives an opportunity to reflect on this remarkable shared journey and the memories it has created for so many people.

'The Barfleur has carried millions of passengers, families and commuters and become an iconic part of the Poole Harbour landscape.

'It is with some emotion but, above all, immense pride that we prepare to bid these English shores farewell for one last time.'