Posted on 04/01/2024 10:40
I have always used Eurotunnel in the past but circumstances now allows me to use the ferry just 6 miles from my home village. Any advice on whether from experience there is a 'sweet spot' on booking ferry crossings, price wise is it better to book months ahead or closer to the date of departure, or maybe price changes are minimal.
Posted on 04/01/2024 14:18
We prefer this crossing, although it does come at a fairly high increase in price from other routes from ports further south. We can be at Hull after leaving after lunch from North Wales and the return allows us, if we wish, to be home on the same day.
These days any ferry or tunnel caught or taken from Harwich or Kent will mean at least a 2 night stopover and nearly double the mileage driven.
Funnily enough I was checking prices this morning for a Spring break for 6 weeks. If I book direct with P&O it comes out at £1080 return, without a cabin supplement. If I book through Forces travel it comes out at £790 with my preferred cabin choices both ways. Forces travel not a flexi one like P&O but even their standard one without cabins would be £950.
They do get busy and are well used by the Dutch during school breaks of which there are a fair few in April and May, what with the Kings birthday at the end of April and Ascension and Whit in May. We went 2 years ago and it was rammed with school kids. We shouldn't have taken a weekend ferry.
We did have a disembarkation problem with inept staff at Hull on the return. I would hope it was a one off.
Hope this helps Metheven.
Try the forces network (no need to be in the forces or ex)
Posted on 04/01/2024 16:33
We havent been abroad with a van for some years. When living in Gtr Manchester we always used this (or Zeebrugge) with our caravan.
We did find that they did do some reductions on some sailing for caravans. This may or may not still be possible. I seem to remember it was Sunday crossing, I guess fewer lorries.
We always used to book our dinners and breakfasts before hand, because they were cheaper, we couldnt be bothered to take food on board with us, and it started the holiday off well.
The crossing has changed a lot over the years. We remember North Sea Ferries (before P & O North Sea ferries and now just P & O!!). At that time you got morning tea brought to your cabin!
Metheven
Caravanner