The ferry Barfleur may operate again in 2012 from Poole to Cherbourg, we've heard today through the grapevine.  A decision will be made in January 2012 and several factors will be taken into consideration.

This popular ferry was brought back into service this year, but the service was terminated at the beginning of October.
Many felt that would be the end of the conventional passenger ferry service from Poole, but there is still a chance the Barfleur may sail again.  At present the ship is laid up in Caen.

Many regular travellers prefer a conventional ferry to the fast catamaran that is already planned to link the two ports.  One of the Condor Ferries craft is chartered by Brittany Ferries to operate one return crossing a day between Poole and Cherbourg during the summer season, but the service cannot operate when the wave height is too great.