P@O or Sea France?

[wreck diver]

Hi,Having a few days in the Alps next week,so going via the ferry.
Is there much to choose between P @ O or Sea France ferrys?
Sea France come out cheaper but i have never used them.
Any tips welcome.thanks.

 

[Glyno]

LD lines are usually pretty competitive

 

[kennyc]

I have used both, no real difference as far as I could see, although P&O seem to prefer £ to euro's ? apparently their exchange rate for on board purchases is not the best Norfolk Lines have always been good, an extra hour on the trip, but normally far quieter, as less used by holiday makers.

 

[wessie]

I've not used P&O for several years but last time I went on Sea France (2008) they had just invested in some new kit, whereby the front wheel goes into a slot device and then the bike is ratchet strapped to the device. Worked well for the R-GS but not so well for a luxo-barge tourer like a mate's Goldwing.

I prefer to use the tunnel as the transfer time is shorter and it does not take as much time to cross or disembark. However, it usually costs a fair bot more than a ferry, unless you can get it as a freebie with Tesco Clubcard vouchers, which is what I have done for my trip in July.

If I was paying cash then I'd go with the cheapest one at the times that suit me best as they all seem to use ratchet straps nowadays and I'm not bothered about the quality of seats or food: you are only on the tub for an hour or so. Also check out Norfolk Lines & LD Lines as Glyno says.

 

[MasterDabber]

P&O used to charge a lot more than SeaFrance for any change to the booking (like turning up for an earlier ferry) but I think they've changed that and have similar T&Cs to SeaFrance.
Keep an eye on what is happening with SeaFrance financially as they have applied for bankrupcy protection. However, they are saying that this will not effect service or sailings.

 

[Lord Snooty]

Sea France every time for me.

Better ships, far better service on the car deck where the deck hands are onto the bike like a shot fastening the bike with nice new ratchet straps.

On P&O you get lobbed a greasy, frayed strap with rusting mechanism by a bored disinterested deck hand who couldn't give a sh*t. You're luckly if the ratchet mechanism works which is exactly what happened to me on Friday afternoon. I went looking for said bored deck monkey for another one but he'd disappeared having considered he'd fulfilled his obligations to the customer. Feckin useless

 

[thauma]

+1 Sea France

They've got proper bike support and more helpful staff.

Been through the tunnel in the car, but never on the bike. It's usually painless and quick. So probably the best option, but I would guess more expensive

 

[Invicta Moto]

Sea France every time for me.

Better ships, far better service on the car deck where the deck hands are onto the bike like a shot fastening the bike with nice new ratchet straps.

On P&O you get lobbed a greasy, frayed strap with rusting mechanism by a bored disinterested deck hand who couldn't give a sh*t. You're luckly if the ratchet mechanism works which is exactly what happened to me on Friday afternoon. I went looking for said bored deck monkey for another one but he'd disappeared having considered he'd fulfilled his obligations to the customer. Feckin useless

Despite going to France tomorrow with P&O I usually go Seafrance as the racks are safer and more accommodating plus through a mate we get in the truck driver's cafe!

 

[wreck diver]

Thanks for your replys,Sea France it is then.
All booked for next week for a run round the Alps.

 

[MickDB1]

You should have gone Norfolkline
Not so many screaming kids
I have always found them helpful - whereas P&O have been quite helpless at times - to me anyway - might be me I suppose

 

[wreck diver]

Norfolkline were the most expencive.Sea France were exellent,great parking bays for the bikes.

 

[MasterDabber]

But, as I said earlier in this thread.... keep an eye on what is happening with SeaFrance and their financial situation. They are putting plans forward next week to cut their losses that involve getting on for 50% of the workforce being laid off. What the result of that will be I don't know. It seems to be thought that the unions will accept it but whether they will cut sailings in the future???

 

[Ash]

Always found Seafrance cheaper or LD lines

 

[NeilDD]

Norfolk line every time

I nearly always use Norfolk line,
£35 for a 3 week return trip,
No penalty for 1 crossing earlier or 2 crossing later
No charge to change vehicle details at the port

Only quible is the strap over the seat arangement, but otherwise

Neil

 

[Piaf]

La compagnie de ferries transmanche SeaFrance a présenté ce matin un nouveau plan de redressement qui prévoit 725 suppressions d'emplois.

"Il fallait trouver un gain de productivité très important", a justifié Vincent Launay, directeur général adjoint de SeaFrance, en sortant du comité d'entreprise de la compagnie qui a perdu 15 millions d'euros sur le premier quadrimestre.

Just a word of warning.

They announced yesterday that 725 jobs are to go at Seafrance so expect Industrial action in the form of 'Strikes'..... be careful !!

 

[bladerunner]

Sea France are much better than they used to be - probably not a lot to chose now between sea france and P&O.

I have had excellent treatment as a biker on P&O in the past - once they knew we had ridden far, they served us slowly so we held the table all crossing, rather than moving us on. The premium rest area is worthwhile £12 IMHO - you get free coffee (or fizzy wine if not riding) papers and a lovely view. "Tis a great way to start a week's touring.

 

[sven]

I'm not sure that it realy matters on a short crossing, but the draught 1664 was awful on Sea France the other week when we went to Normandy and the food was very dear, but then it is on other ferries.

The bike facilities looked pretty good though, although I was in the car - I always use North Sea ferries when travelling by bike

The biggest dissapointment wer the facilities at Calais; only toilets and a vending machine Not good when you're hungry and have an hour to kill...

 

[Deleted account AWRT]

Chunnel every time over the tubs

 

[stolzy]

Tunnel every time.
Cheaper, faster, no contest.