Tunnel or ferry?

DaveHobson

DaveHobson

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Joined
Oct 4, 2021
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Location
Bristol, UK
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84,648
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Bailey Advance 66-2
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Since Sept ‘21.
Off to France, late May to early July - Bailey m/h, 2 people, one dog. It looks as though the ferry (Dover-Calais) would cost about £310 (with refundable option), and the tunnel about £400 (ditto). Tunnel strikes me as the easier option, but I’ve not done either before. Which would you do?
 
Do you qualify for the DFDS over 60 reduction? If so, have a look at Newhaven Dieppe.
 
DaveHobson said:
Off to France, late May to early July - Bailey m/h, 2 people, one dog. It looks as though the ferry (Dover-Calais) would cost about £310 (with refundable option), and the tunnel about £400 (ditto). Tunnel strikes me as the easier option, but I’ve not done either before. Which would you do?
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Portsmouth? Easier from Bristol? You can overnight in the queueing area if that works as well.

Mike.
 
BouncyBoatFolk said:
Portsmouth? Easier from Bristol? You can overnight in the queueing area if that works as well.

Mike.
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Thanks Mike. Last year we went Portsmouth to St Malo, but it was expensive, because we had to book a cabin (because of the dog), so we thought we’d look at other options. One of the attractions of the tunnel is that we’d stay in the vehicle (which would be much easier with Wallis).

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For us it’s the tunnel every time. We don’t like leaving the dog in the van on her own so that is the number 1 reason.

We also like the simplicity of the tunnel from checking in to driving on to French soil, it’s just a lot quicker.
 
I assume most people on here with dogs don’t know that P&O have a really good dog lounge on all Dover / Calais crossings. Free coffee as well

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We always found the tunnel to be must convenient for the dog. She could snooze on her own bed in her own space throughout the journey. I doubt if she was even aware of “abroad,” though the smells may have been different.
Even now and dogless we find the frequency very handy, miss one train catch the next one half an hour later.

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Tesco points still count triple for tunnel -we always use them. often go free thanks to Mr Tesco credit card . No hassle ; picnic in van on way over .No customs delays either !!
 
DaveHobson said:
Off to France, late May to early July - Bailey m/h, 2 people, one dog. It looks as though the ferry (Dover-Calais) would cost about £310 (with refundable option), and the tunnel about £400 (ditto). Tunnel strikes me as the easier option, but I’ve not done either before. Which would you do?
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Tunnel less likely to catch Covid (yes it’s still a thing circulating)
 
When we took our dogs on the ferry they were so wound up ,that’s the only time we didn’t go on the tunnel ,so it tunnel every time .

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I have booked the tunnel for 23rd August for £125 (one way) was a similar price on the ferry. I look for the cheapest price. We are going at 10pm at night and will stop the night in Bergues. We also live in Kent so will arrive earlier and may be out on an earlier train.
 
DaveHobson said:
Off to France, late May to early July - Bailey m/h, 2 people, one dog. It looks as though the ferry (Dover-Calais) would cost about £310 (with refundable option), and the tunnel about £400 (ditto). Tunnel strikes me as the easier option, but I’ve not done either before. Which would you do?
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Any tesco vouchers you can trade in for the tunnel @ x3 value.?

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For us, the ferry from Hull to Rotterdam. We’re currently on it waiting to sail this evening. A gentle 34 mile drive to Hull, straight onto the boat, no hanging about waiting to embark. Comfortable cabin including mini-bar, tea, coffee and biccies,
Top feed and a night’s sleep later awaking at Rotterdam in the morning.
No 5 hour drive to Tunnel, queueing at Dartford and hanging about waiting for a train.
And especially welcome on the return home.
If we lived darn sauff, we’d use the tunnel. 👍
 
I have two trips booked for this year. One in early June using the Shuttle and using my Tesco 3for1 points to bring the actual cash fare down to almost match the P&O fare I am paying on August 31st. Same Moho, same two adults. Same dog. Without the £44 for the dog there wouldn't be much in it. Of course when the Tesco points drop to 2for1 it will be less competitive on price.

having used the Shuttle since the day after my wife's company had the first truck to use the service it's been an up and down way to travel. I know I should have kept a spreadsheet of the delays and cancellations and been able to produce accurate figures but have been on the train I have booked on around 75% of times. Been delayed and sat at Cheriton or Coquelles for upro 2 hours around 5%. Earlier train? Once.

Ferries? Since SeaFrance bit the dust haven't had much of a problem. With DFDS or P&O from Dover have been loaded first every time on the bikes or the Moho. Generally left and arrived as scheduled. Last week's hassles were the high winds in the Channel as well as all the other mentioned hassles with Brexit (whether true or not) and the sheer number wanting to travel on Day 1 of the Easter holidays...

As I live 5 miles from the Shuttle and 14 from Dover Eastern Docks any of the other crossing options require a longer drive.
 
One thing to mention is we travel by tunnel twice a year and have done since 2009 except for the Covid year. We always buy the cheapest ticket which is non refundable but you can change dates and times and all we’ve ever paid is whatever extra the crossing is at that time. It’s been from 0 to £26 from memory one way so we have never paid extra for the more flexible ticket.
 
When you use the ferry with a dog the first waves sets the car alarms off and stresses up the dogs, that why we always used the tunnel. We travel out end of May 240 pounds ferry 399 pounds tunnel return . This time we are using ferry for first time in 9 years.
 
Orion said:
DFDS over 60 reduction?
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Can’t find this on their website, although I stopped at create an account so unable get further through to booking. What’s the discount worth?

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Being an old --art myself just booked Newhaven to Dieppe for £144 return Out in Sept back in October. You must phone to get the discount.
 
I suppose I'dbetter say it....

Ferry every time! (I use Dover-Calais Irish Ferries)

Cheaper. Must nicer being able to wander around, Take in the sea air, view the white cliffs of Dover, buy some cheap Whiskey. Feels like going on a holiday.

Yes its takes longer but I'm in no rush. Dog may make a difference. Don't know what the various ferries do about dogs as I don't have one.

Tunnel feels a bit like being locked up in a tin box for 30 mins or so.
 
georgio said:
When you use the ferry with a dog the first waves sets the car alarms off and stresses up the dogs, that why we always used the tunnel. We travel out end of May 240 pounds ferry 399 pounds tunnel return . This time we are using ferry for first time in 9 years.
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Which ferry? We started using P&O and the dog lounge on the Dover/Calais route. Gone up to £6 each to use it. Was free the first time as an incentive!
VXman said:
Don't know what the various ferries do about dogs as I don't have one.
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Think only P&O have a solution with their pet lounge.

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