We have just come back from a lovely holiday in the Netherlands. Despite living near the Hull port we travelled to Harwich for the ferry saving almost £1000.
Having always sailed from Hull, a cabin is mandatory, however the Harwich ferry it was optional on daytime sailing. Despite this I booked a 2 bed cabin for about £30 (we are a family of 4), this gave the kids somewhere to relax ad have a nap if they wanted.
This turned out to be a godsend as what we where greeted with in the communal areas was something akin to Heathrow airport after all the flights have been cancelled for 24 hours. If it could be put together to form a bed of sorts it was used, young children where bored and screaming, it was hell.
I am for from frivolous when it comes to money but for what these days comes to the same price as a McDonalds for 4, booking a cabin is well worth it especially if you have young children.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
I, and my usual travelling companions are of the 'tight wad' clan, and like to save money and travel as cheaply as we can, BUT we are also of the mind (bitter experience!) that taking economies too far is foolish! On a long crossing, a cabin can indeed be money VERY well spent! - your own little sanctuary from the chaos suffered (and caused!) by others, a place of relative quiet, your own loo/shower without queues (or someone else's 'illness'!), somewhere to sit/lie down with a guaranteed space.
As a percentage of overall travel cost it's usually a petty sum to add to the bill.
Sorry, an aside! I can NEVER think of Harwich without recalling my late cousin who lived in Essex and one of his expressions: "Harwich for the Continent, Frinton (on-sea, and just down the coast) for the In-continent!". For the unaware, Frinton is renowned for being a sleepy town full of genteel retired folk!
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Harwich Ferry
