Morning fellas. Just back from a week away ( instead of 2) but managed to get to Morocco.
Ferries - cheaper ones break down, smell of puke and dont sell nice things like cold drink ! The ones to Tangier are horrid, and cheap !
Boulongne is a terrible place to get out of and the ferry port is decaying. That route wont last, the last 2 firms havent from Newhaven / Dover to Boulogne. the Calais route is too powerful as opposition.
The Portsmouth routes are more expensive, but are better for offering more food choise etc etc oh and a cabin ( £80) for 4 berth. Its £60 a night at most inner city hotels, so you cant grumble.
I didnt realise until yesterday that Le Havre and Caen are VERY expensice to dock at.
Due to low water levels around Normandy beaches the routes in and out of caen and Le Havre are very congested.
And its very costly. I dont mind paying the ferry, they are running a business.
Some good news , esopecially for Mr Zarce and other Vommit Commit sufferers. The new portsmouth express to Caen route is MUCH better than the cherbourg one. You can stand out in the open air and the food is better.
I managed to keep my food down yesterday. Also for speed freaks, the initial rush when the boat leaves port is quite amazing as it picks up to its 40 knot cruise quickly, and whilst pulling 200 cars.
Give it ago, because its catching on and will be very busy next year. especially when P&O dont go to Le Havre anymore !!!!
Hope you had a nice trip.
I am slightly puzzled by the reference to Newhaven as there is currently a Hoverspeed SeaCat service from Newhaven to Dieppe which has been running in the summer months for the last few years (at least 4 possibly more) They did try running the service in all months except December Jan and Feb, however the weather proved a hindrance! On occasions though its not a reliable route.
In addition to the Seacat there is a standard ferry service from Newhaven to Dieppe, and that service is now at least 2 years old. The ships are slow, and have been known to run aground on the approach to Newhaven due to a lack of dredging. However the route is meant to be freight friendly as it provides a 4 hour break. Apparently 2 brand new ships are being built for the route.
Folkestone-Boulonge is more problematic. The long sea crossings work because you know there is no ferry for x hours so if you miss yours you're stuffed. Going from Calais you basically travel on th next craft. Folkestone - Boulonge will have to be very cheap to undercut Dover-Calais due to convienence factor, and the lack of ease for finding the route when doing an internet search the other day does not bode well.
