A new twice-weekly ferry service to Spain is being introduced by LD Lines.
The company is to operate from Poole to Santander from November 3 with the crossing taking 26 hours.
The vessel Norman Asturias, with capacity for up to 500 passengers, 200 cars or 110 freight vehicles, is to operate the route. On board facilities include 120 cabins, bar, restaurant, shop, cinema and childrens’ entertainment area.
Introductory fares start at £399 return for a car and two passengers including cabin.
The service represents a major development to the company’s creation of an Atlantic ferry network, providing new links to serve the UK, French, Spanish and Portuguese freight and tourist markets and making regions such as the Algarve within easier reach for UK motorists.
LD Lines chief executive Christophe Santoni said: “This exciting new project will be a key addition to our existing route between France and Spain and establish an Atlantic network by providing new travel and transport links for tourist and freight markets between Portugal, Spain, France and the UK.
“Significantly, the timing of the introduction reflects growing confidence and evidence of signs of recovery for many European economies.”