Ferry virgin

[72BUG]

Well, not completely true. I've been on the ferry a few times on coach trips a few years back but never "under my own steam" a it were.

I recently used the channel tunnel for the first time, which was brilliant, but unfortunately I can't take The Eclipse on there because of the LPG conversion.

So here's a few questions for you seasoned continental travellers.

What's the best way of booking the ferry crossing? (Dover - Calais) Are there price comparison websites which find you the cheapest option the same as flights?

Is it cheaper to travel late night / early morning and in school term time?

Is it more expensive if you just turn up and book the next available crossing?

Is it cheaper if you book well in advance or look for last minute deals?

Confusedaboutferries.com

Thanks.

Martin

[Titus A Duxass]

My tip - don't use ferry ticket agencies/websites book directly with the ferry company.
If you have to change your trip times the agencies usually sting you for about 30 quid for "admin" the ferry companies normally only ask around 10 quid.

We normally use the Hull - Rotterdam service because with like the night on board with a good dinner and a good nights sleep. But that trip usually costs 400 €.

[cherl889]

Best to have a look on both sea france and P&O 's websites, both sites let you put in different times/ days etc and will quote you a price... weekends and holidays times are generally more expensive, but both companies do about 20 sailings a day so theres a ferry every 45 mins or so

Mark

[horizontal kipper]

Norfolk line but dont know what the pikey gin palace would cost you.

[72BUG]

Thanks for the replies. So its just a matter of trying different dates, times and companies to see who's offering the best deals? I was hoping there was an easier way.

I just typed in a fictional crossing for a quote. Assuming that I would also be towing a trailer with car. Around midnight, weekday, term time £129 (one way as I won't be coming back)

I think that's quite reasonable for a 55 foot long rig at around 12 feet high.

Would still be interesting to find out if its doable any cheaper. I'm from Yorkshire tha knows.

[Plasticman]

Sorry but are you saying that for the purpose of getting an idea of cost you inputted a car and trailer?
mike

[72BUG]

Sorry but are you saying that for the purpose of getting an idea of cost you inputted a car and trailer?
mike

No. A motorhome towing a trailer big enough to put a car on it.

[Ian Hulley]

Sorry but are you saying that for the purpose of getting an idea of cost you inputted a car and trailer?
mike

No. A motorhome towing a trailer big enough to put a car on it.

Measure said vehicles length (inc trailer), width and height. Stooopid o'clock ferrys are cheaper but crapper and the overall crapness may not be out-weighed by the meagre saving. We always book our August ferry around Christmas which is when they email the discount codes out Not sure if there really is a saving but it feels like it. I've never booked a last minute ferry because I like the certainty of knowing when we're going.

One thing IS a fact ... you'd better assume the position and be pre-lubed

Ian

[72BUG]

One thing IS a fact ... you'd better assume the position and be pre-lubed

Ian

I thought £129 was pretty reasonable given the size of the rig.

I actually found a return crossing for £110. Not that I'm coming back if I can help it.

[Ian Hulley]

VERY good price that mate ... you 100% certain you haven't got tape measure dyslexia though