New ship to launch from UK to Europe without Dover queues – but there’s a catch

BRITS wanting to travel to Europe without the huge queues can travel on a new ship route departing from the UK.

Last week, families were stuck in queues as long as 15 hours at Dover due to new restrictions since the UK left the EU.

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However, a new route is launching from Ramsgate next month, travelling to Ostend in Belgium.

The only catch? You’ll be travelling by sailing boat.

The Morgenster ship is more than 100 years old, being built in 1919.

However, sailings stopped in 2013, after Transeurope Ferries filed for bankruptcy.

But from May 1, Brits will be able to make the crossing, which can take between 10 and 30 hours depending on the wind.

The 150ft ship can sleep up to 24 passengers, with two and four bed cabins.

There is also a saloon and dining area where food and drink will be served by an onboard chef.

Dutch businessman Karel de Boer, 44, said he wanted to launch a “new age of sail”.

He told the Times: “It is not a traditional crossing but a real sailing trip.

“We’re entirely dependent on the wind – that means we don’t know exactly when we will arrive.”

He said passengers can even learn to sail onboard, being able to “hoist the sails, navigate and take over the helm”.

The trip doesn’t come cheap – a return ticket will set you back £700.

However, he said that he hopes to launch more routes if it’s a success, restoring the Ostend-Ramsgate line.

The first journey will take place on May 1 from Belgium, with the return from Ramsgate three days later.

Ramsgate is also the only place in the UK to have a royal harbour, which was given the title back in 1749.

If you fancy another unique experience at sea, one company has launched a three-year cruise.

And Disney is launching their first cruise from Europe this summer.

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