Vans getting abused on ferries

[Wully]

Just got home yesterday from a wee break in Holland we used the overnight crossing from Newcastle to Amsterdam not the cheapest but convenient saves a couple of days and a few Bob on diesel so probably balances out and you reach you’re destination fresh. Last couple of times going to France we used the tunnel what a difference hassle free. I don’t know how many bam pots I had to stop squeezing between my van and the van opposite with big F off backpacks with all sorts of crap hanging of them in the end I ended up standing between the vans pretending to be in one of the lockers to divert these morons down a different route stayed there and was the last one out and the chains or straps they used to tie the wheels down made a real mess of the tires I was also the first one down on car decks to stop this happening again. Is it just me being to precious with my van or dose anybody else think this way. Give me the tunnel any day.

 

[ScoTTyBEEE]

I've always been of the opinion that vehicles are tools, and I'm as indifferent to getting my van scratched as I am my lawnmower.

I realise I'm fairly unique in this train of thought, and having a 30 year old van offers me some luxury to feel this way.

 

[Clunegapyears]

I’d feel the same ... v unhappy. We’re lucky enough that the Tunnel is convenient for us. But the Greek ferries have given us serious palpitations - having to reverse on/ turn in a tight hold and all with big trucks doing the same within inches!

 

[iampatman]

I’d feel the same ... v unhappy. We’re lucky enough that the Tunnel is convenient for us. But the Greek ferries have given us serious palpitations - having to reverse on/ turn in a tight hold and all with big trucks doing the same within inches!

We’ve had that a few times to and from Greece but if you think that’s chaotic try the Ferries to and from Morocco. All adds to the fun though.

Pat

 

[jagmanx]

We "live" near Windsor

Just got home yesterday from a wee break in Holland we used the overnight crossing from Newcastle to Amsterdam not the cheapest but convenient saves a couple of days and a few Bob on diesel so probably balances out and you reach you’re destination fresh. Last couple of times going to France we used the tunnel what a difference hassle free. I don’t know how many bam pots I had to stop squeezing between my van and the van opposite with big F off backpacks with all sorts of crap hanging of them in the end I ended up standing between the vans pretending to be in one of the lockers to divert these morons down a different route stayed there and was the last one out and the chains or straps they used to tie the wheels down made a real mess of the tires I was also the first one down on car decks to stop this happening again. Is it just me being to precious with my van or dose anybody else think this way. Give me the tunnel any day.

Not actually in the castle ?

So even if sailing it would be Dover/Calais
We do not like long ferry crossings..
As you say the tunnel is relatively hassle free and convenient
So tunnel for us almost 100%

Due to late booking we once use P&O and we were directed up a narrow curving ramp to a car deck

Not a happy chappy
I complained but to no avail and complained again that my complaint was not taken seriously

So for us P&O stands for P1553D & Off !

 

[REC]

Tunnel for us every time. Apart from the fact that the sea makes me throw up, the tunnel has minimal waiting, often get on early if had a fast trip down, and no problem if later than booked. It is pretty similar prices whenever I have compared. Plus so easy with the dog, quick and seems to be well organised.

 

[alcam]

Tunnel for us every time. Apart from the fact that the sea makes me throw up, the tunnel has minimal waiting, often get on early if had a fast trip down, and no problem if later than booked. It is pretty similar prices whenever I have compared. Plus so easy with the dog, quick and seems to be well organised.

I've used the tunnel once and agree it is less hassle than the ferry but it's always more expensive

 

[mark61]

50/50 here. Much prefer the tunnel, but depends on price difference when booking, anything up to £80 more, I'll take tunnel, if it's £80+ more, ferry. Usually like to cross about 8 PM, always have a good nap on train, then good for Tours or further if going south. That might change seeing as they've started to send tickets

 

[Tezza33]

I try not to get on a ferry with a clean van, the dirtier the better so that they try not to touch it then I find a jet wash when I get off, a lot of people have no respect for the property of others these days

 

[phillybarbour]

I am exactly the same, it’s why I always use the tunnel.

 

[wildebus]

Tunnel for us every time. Apart from the fact that the sea makes me throw up, the tunnel has minimal waiting, often get on early if had a fast trip down, and no problem if later than booked. It is pretty similar prices whenever I have compared. Plus so easy with the dog, quick and seems to be well organised.

Hmmm.... Tunnel or North Sea Ferry? Hmmmm..... Lives in Kent.... Tricky one


If the Tunnel is pretty handy, then it is the best option. Not so clear cut when in Scotland though.
I quite like the DFDS Ferry (opps - "Mini Cruise" if you don't mind) but never taken a vehicle on it.
Used the Ferry with a vehicle from Dover before the Tunnel was done and that was ok, as were the Ferries from Poole, Holyhead and Pembroke, so all options are ok to me.
I did do a Hoverlink once to France (just a there and back booze cruise) and that was insanely rough - I'm not sure now if that one carried cars as well but I bet if it did they would have have to be super-securely strapped down!

 

[Makzine]

I've used the tunnel once and agree it is less hassle than the ferry but it's always more expensive

We always use the tunnel as we are only 30mins away. But if you go regularly you can buy frequent travelers, min 10trips but at £480 for the 10, in the motorhome works out about half price for us :wave:

 

[r4dent]

If using the tunnel check out Tesco vouchers. You only pay 1/3 rd the price.


Always used to be a Tunnel user but a couple of years ago there were riots in Northern France; Illegal immigrants hiding in vans; Petrol Strikes and some sort of Football tournament so we switched to Portsmouth / Spain ferry. We are now committed to that method of getting to the Sun.

 

[yeoblade]

I think there are dents in the alloy sides of mine from tight ferry parking, and just as you say people squeezing through the gap.
It is sort off one reason why I've never bought new, that first dent/scratch ..........:wacko:. So being used,at least someone ruined it before me and I'm paying an appropriate price for the van And I just might have caused one or two myself.

 

[Caz]

I tried the tunnel this year, didn't like it at all and wished I hadn't booked a return. The return trip was marginally better but I think I'll stick with using the ferries in future, especially as they are a lot cheaper.

 

[jann]

Never had problems on ferries, we've used plenty!! Find the tunnel too dear and boring. Prefer Dunkerque to Calais, easier to get in and out of.

 

[Deleted member 74361]

Never had problems on ferries, we've used plenty!! Find the tunnel too dear and boring. Prefer Dunkerque to Calais, easier to get in and out of.

Another vote for Dunkerque, also never seen immigrants near there. Only a ferry every 2 hours, so no queues to slow traffic for them to try to jump in/on. Good big Aire at Bergues 25 mins. away for before/after crossing and nice little walled town (5 min walk)

Geoff

 

[Fisherman]

Just got home yesterday from a wee break in Holland we used the overnight crossing from Newcastle to Amsterdam not the cheapest but convenient saves a couple of days and a few Bob on diesel so probably balances out and you reach you’re destination fresh. Last couple of times going to France we used the tunnel what a difference hassle free. I don’t know how many bam pots I had to stop squeezing between my van and the van opposite with big F off backpacks with all sorts of crap hanging of them in the end I ended up standing between the vans pretending to be in one of the lockers to divert these morons down a different route stayed there and was the last one out and the chains or straps they used to tie the wheels down made a real mess of the tires I was also the first one down on car decks to stop this happening again. Is it just me being to precious with my van or dose anybody else think this way. Give me the tunnel any day.

Nothing wrong in having pride in your van, and wanting to take care of it.
You worked hard for the money to pay for it, so why not.

 

[Channa]

New Cars /vans ....Winter and spring time particularly you would be scared to death if you saw the number of vehicles repaired damaged in transit, It is no coincidence that there are very large bodyshops in Sheerness.
Channa

 

[Tezza33]

Nothing wrong in having pride in your van, and wanting to take care of it.
You worked hard for the money to pay for it, so why not.

Apart from the working hard bit I totally agree with you