I do hope this is sorted. I have used speedferries for the last 2 years mainly because my car plus trailer just squeezed inside their 7 m limit and I got a very reasonable price whereas Eurotunnel charged double even with a small trailer.
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I just wanted to say hello & welcome to Caves & Castles.
What a lovely post. Glad that all of us have been able to help you. I have always found everybody on here very helpful, and have all manner of life experiences to share.
To be honest, the only place I have heard about the Speedferries situation is on here, and I do like to keep up with current affairs. I haven't heard anything on a national level in the press, radio or tv.
Lets hope they get things sorted in order for you to travel back at Christmas. You could consider making a booking with Eurotunnel, adn if Speedferries are operatioal by then, change the booking for later in 2009. Have a good read through the terms & conditions, but I know that they will change crossings, at no extra charge. All that has to be paid is the difference(if any) between the crossing you are changing from and to. Or consider biting the bullet now, and booking with Norfolkline.
The odd thing is that although Speedferries came in & caused all the other Dover operators to slash their prices I never found Speedferries to actually be the cheapest when I was comparing prices. I also never considered using them because they only ever had 1 vessel so there was alway a possibilty of summat going wrong, like it has now.
------------- Sell my camper? I'd rather eat school semolina!
Caves and Castles - welcome, too. We've stayed near you at St Leon sur Vezere, and re-visited this year to check out the campsite for next year when we may go back! Lovely area!
The Speedferries seizure was mentioned on the 'You and Yours' programme on Radio 4 this lunchtime - but unfortunately I missed the transmission! It didn't appear very hopeful though, from what they were saying in the trailer for the programme, about those who had pre-bought a package of reduced fare crossings.
P and O are also offering some cheap fares at the moment £24.00 return, including car - for a day-trip - but I'm sure it wouldn't be that much more to extend your stay.
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This Forum seem to be up on what is happening with Speedferries
http://www.completefrance.com/cs/forums
I have just booked a 24hr ticket with Seafrance who I would normally use this time of year anyway for only 70 euros. When I say I would normally use Seafrance this time of the year, of course on a quick 24 hr turnaround ( luckily my family all live in Dover ) I need to get to the port and go, not to arrive at Boulogne to be told they are not sailing , so make your way up to Calais and try your luck there.
Also I have travelled with Speedferries this time of the year and I question whether they should be running at all , a very nasty crossing
Quote:
Also I have travelled with Speedferries this time of the year and I question whether they should be running at all , a very nasty crossing
Post last edited on 12/11/2008 22:22:17
That's a bit harsh, got a bit too bouncy for you did it ?
I've had a few "interesting" crossings on Speed1 - having to drive onto the vessel in time with the four foot swell, people having to crawl on all fours to get to the Loo because it's impossible to walk - the reek of vomit,the wails of misery from green-faced passengers. I never ever felt it was unsafe though. I'll miss it if it goes plus I'll miss the 8 crossings still outstanding from the flex voucher offer I took advantage of back in the summer (doh!)
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Martinandzoe
I know what " got a bit bouncy for you " really does mean, in the late 60s I did a season working as a steward on the ferries out of Dover, on some really rough old tubs, in really atrocious weather conditions. In the summer months there is no finer service than speedferries, I have used them since they have operated out of Boulogne. The unfortunate thing with Speedferries as apposed to the other outfit that operated out of Calais using seacats , is they had an arrangement with the ferry companies, for bad weather operations, unfortunately poor old speedferries did'nt,resulting in them having to run, in conditions that were possibly over borderline to get back to Dover
Finally there is none other than myself that is sad to see what has happened to Speedferries, and I hope by some miracle in the form of a huge injection of funds that they can still continue to operate
speedferries have updated their website to say they are now in administration and the administraters are seeking to sell the business as a going concern. there are no sailings for the next 3 days and to watch the website for information on sailings beyond that.
Quote: Originally posted by belinda1512 on 13/11/2008
speedferries have updated their website to say they are now in administration and the administraters are seeking to sell the business as a going concern. there are no sailings for the next 3 days and to watch the website for information on sailings beyond that.
Post last edited on 13/11/2008 15:40:47
Post last edited on 13/11/2008 15:42:49
Thats such bad news! Will we now see the less customer frendly ferries hike their prices? I hope a viable buyer is found.
------------- John
May....Le Port De Limeuil, Dordogne Aug....Trinite sur Mer, Sth Brittany
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Thanks for the messages of welcome and information. As everyone probably knows Speedferries is now a dead duck - so we now search elsewhere for crossings - Norfolk Line up at Dunkirk did offer good fares, but what are they now.... I shall have to take a look.
For others like us who had prebooked tickets - if you paid or credit card or DEBIT CARD there's hope of the payment being disputed by the card company. We're still hoping.
Meanwhile, for those planning to holiday down here (Dordogne near Lascaux painted caves) - it's a wonderful area, with loads of things to do and places to visit for all ages. If you would like a guided gour of the area and to know more about its history, do get in touch - Steve's a professional archaeologist and is bilingual.
It's still good value even with the state of the £/€!
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Speedferries boat seized
