His Channel crossings included three in 10 days in 1980.

She also completed seven Channel crossings in one year.

Between 8 June and 14 January 1945 she made 22 Channel crossings.

Channel crossings are cheaper if booked through a tour operator as part of an accommodation package.

The cost: a fortnight in a tent for a large family in peak season, including Channel crossings, starts at about £1,000.

By 1960, Silver City made 40,000 yearly Channel crossings, carrying 90,000 vehicles and 220,000 passengers.

Oddly, with so many Channel crossings under her hull, this was the first time Leopoldville had been ordered to perform the maneuver.

For a week in early August, for the whole accommodation, including ferry travel on short Channel crossings:

"It's the busiest year ever for Channel crossings," Mr. Taylor said.

Check out Ferry Savers (0870 9908 492; www.ferrysavers.com), which guarantees the lowest prices on Channel crossings.