Well this was my first experience with SpeedFerries and I probably won't be travelling with them again. The attached image shows just how closely they like to have their customers park their cars.
For years I've been one of P&O's faithful - I loath the tunnel - and have always been happy with their slick service if not their rip-off pricing system, so we thought we'd give SpeedyFerries a go.
Apart from the price of £50 which was excellent, I didn't like the following -
a. We arrived in plenty of time but had to park amongst the cars rather than a dedicated motorcycle lane as with P&O. Just before the cars were allowed to proceed on board, we were asked to awkwardly filter between them to get on board first. Then mayhem broke out as the leading vehicles at the front of each queue decided it was time for them to go too.
b. Although there were white tops on the waves, we didn't expect the juddering, choppy crossing. Drinks glasses in the bars were chattering up and down the shelves and most people felt queezy.
c. At the end of our holiday we arrived back at Boulogne early in the hope of getting an earlier sailing but were turned away. In forty years of travelling with both Townsend-Thorenson and P&O, this had never happened to us before. We've often been half a day early or late and have always got on the next ferry.
d. Three motorcyclists were allowed on board first but there were still quite a number of cars getting off. The crew members were shouting instructions to each and everyone and amongst the echoeing din, it was difficult to find out where they wanted us to go. And on a wet, ribbed deck, that was no time to be unsure of ourselves.
e. As you can see, the parking was very poor, and they were obviously cramming everything on they could.
f. From memory, SpeedFerries only operate four outbound and four inbound sailing between Dover and Boulogne, so no wonder they are so full.
Our conclusions are that we will stay will P&O as this is a comfortable beginning and end to our holidays, although it is a pain that they can't or won't do anything with their cranky pricing policy.
now if you could find me a cheaper way of getting from Ireland to France - i would be most grateful.
in all but the calmest conditions 
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