The best ferry journeys give you back a little time. The W. B. Yeats from Irish Ferries is built around that idea: a proper overnight-friendly ship where the crossing feels like the first chapter of the trip, not a queue between two ports. It is the single offering I would start with for travellers comparing an Ireland-France sailing, especially when comfort matters as much as getting there.
What makes the W. B. Yeats the standout booking
The W. B. Yeats is more than a named vessel in a timetable. Its real appeal is the way several useful choices sit inside one service. You can reserve a straightforward seat, move up to a private cabin, or build in a premium pause with the Innisfree Club Class Lounge. That makes it adaptable for a couple, a family with a car, or anyone who would rather arrive rested than spend the crossing guarding a coffee.
The ship page lists panoramic sea views, a promenade deck, free Wi-Fi subject to terms, bars, a quiet reading lounge and cinema spaces. There is also a clear practical advantage for longer crossings: you can eat, sleep, stretch your legs and change the pace without leaving the ship. Browse the W. B. Yeats details and view the deck plan before choosing your fare, because the cabin and lounge decision changes the character of the journey. You can also check onboard Wi-Fi information in advance.
- Flexible comfort: reserved seating, ensuite cabins and suites are available.
- Food with range: Boylan’s Brasserie, Café Lafayette and The Lady Gregory cover quick and slower meals.
- Onboard breathing room: lounges, outdoor decks, Wi-Fi and cinema areas break up the hours.
- Family-friendly design: a kids room and entertainment options help make the crossing feel manageable.
Prices are not displayed as a fixed product price on the ship page. The final cost depends on route, date, passengers, vehicle, cabin and fare type, so the buying experience is a live quote rather than a simple add-to-cart purchase. That is normal for ferry travel, but it makes checking several dates worthwhile. Compare the current Irish Ferries fare and check routes and times with your exact party before you commit. The fare terms are worth reading too.
The upgrade that changes the whole crossing
For me, the most compelling detail is Innisfree Club Class. The lounge includes complimentary soft drinks, tea and coffee, snacks, newspapers, charging points and panoramic views, plus priority Wi-Fi. On the Dublin to Cherbourg route, the site notes that Club, Deluxe and Premium cabins include access, while standard-cabin passengers can book it as an upgrade from €200, subject to availability. Treat that figure as a site-listed guide, not a universal quote.
This is the right add-on for travellers who value a quieter environment, need a comfortable base for work or simply want the crossing to feel less like transit. It is less persuasive if you plan to spend the whole journey on deck or if your sailing is short and daytime-focused. The smart move is to price the standard cabin and the Club option together. You can also review available upgrades while booking and browse current special offers before deciding with the actual date in front of you.
Cabins, dining and the details worth paying for
The cabin range is unusually specific. A four-bed window cabin has two lower beds, two pull-down bunks, air conditioning, an ensuite shower, a 32-inch TV and bedding for up to four people based on occupancy. The Deluxe Suite steps up to a king-size bed, convertible sofa, minibar, fruit basket, tea and Nespresso, free in-cabin Wi-Fi, a steward, breakfast benefits and Club lounge access. For a family, that is a meaningful difference in privacy and morning ease.
Dining follows the same useful ladder. Lady Gregory is the waiter-service choice, while Boylan’s Brasserie and Café Lafayette make casual food and barista-style coffee easier. Selected restaurants can close seasonally, so check the menus and sailing information rather than assuming every venue runs on every date. The ship also offers meal deals, which can help families plan spending before boarding.
- Choose the route and date first, then note whether the sailing is overnight.
- Price the vehicle, passengers and cabin together, not as separate assumptions.
- Compare Economy, Flexi and Flexi+ terms before paying for flexibility.
- Check passports, pet or accessibility requirements early.
- Save the booking and monitor sailing updates close to departure.
Three concrete Irish Ferries options to compare
The W. B. Yeats is my featured pick, but the wider fleet gives useful context. The Ulysses is a strong Irish Sea alternative, with the Martello Club Class, two-screen cinema, walking tour, family entertainment centre, cabins and a Pet Den. Its 2 Bed Window Suite adds a lounge area, TV, fridge and tea and coffee facilities. Pricing is also date-led, so use the live Irish Ferries booking search for a current quote.
The Isle of Inishmore is a more straightforward choice, with Club Class, Boylans Brasserie, Café Lafayette, Wi-Fi and outdoor deck space. It suits travellers who want the core ferry comforts without making a flagship ship the centre of the trip. The service page does not show a fixed retail price, but you can check the Isle of Inishmore route quote against the W. B. Yeats before booking.
Across all three, the buying experience is clear but information-heavy. A fare is shaped by the route, date, vehicle and occupancy, while extras such as cabins, Club Class and meals can shift value quickly. I would shortlist the ship first, then check the fare rules and total price in one sitting. That approach keeps the glossy details in proportion to the actual trip.
Who should book the W. B. Yeats?
Book the W. B. Yeats if you are crossing between Ireland and France and want a ship that rewards slowing down. It is especially convincing for couples who want a restaurant and lounge, families who need cabins and entertainment, and drivers carrying enough luggage that flying would feel restrictive. The main caveat is price transparency: you need to run the live search to know whether a premium cabin or Club Class earns its keep on your date. Before paying, check passport requirements and manage your booking options.
My verdict is measured but positive. The W. B. Yeats has the rare combination of choice, space and polish. Its best feature is not one restaurant or cabin; it is the freedom to design the crossing around your energy. Start with the exact sailing, compare the cabin tiers, and let the final quote tell you how much comfort to add.
Affiliate disclosure: this article contains affiliate links. Prices and onboard availability can change, so confirm the live details with Irish Ferries before booking.
