I wonder if people know how early they start loading in both ports. I know its last check-in 90 minutes before sailing. Going on the bike and would rather not sit outside in the rain if I can help it. Would rather arrive early and get straight on.
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According to this website, "P and O state that you can check-in any time during the afternoon of the day of the departure. His makes your drive to the port a little bit easier since you don’t need to worry if you get there too early. You can get on board, get comfortable in your cabin, then off to explore the ship’s facilities. Check-in for the crossing closes at 17:00".
This is for Hull to Zeebrugge sailings, but I'm fairly sure the arrangements are similar for Rotterdam.
Would n't be too confident about " any time in afternoon ". There is a difference between Rotterdam and Zeebrugge in that Zeebrugge everything boards by the stern, so when freight is loading passengers vehicles wait, and entirely unofficial, my impression is that a 1 st load for passengers is done between 4.30 and 5.00 pm. Rotterdam for cars, ie nothing over height, is loaded though the centre of the ship, and loading is dependant on when the check in team decide to show up. Rotterdam does n't sail till 09.00 pm, so after 04.30pm it gets a bit casual, and you drive on directly after check in, but with caravan/ motor home etc. you still hang about for loading slots. Me I aim to arrive around 04.30,pm, but usually there is a bit of waiting, or you may be lucky, it's not altogether precise
Off loading at Hull is the biggest draw back , because both boats arrive at the similar times, Rotterdam first because they don't pass through the locks, then Zeebrugge. I may be being unfair to HM customs, but though they only have 2 boats to deal with all day, they don't clock on till 08.00am so both boats are unloaded onto the docks to await customs opening. Then they diligently check everything in minute detail, so don't book any early appointments on return / entry to Uk. Course the vehicles have only been locked up on board for 15 hrs, but it's not possible to carry out checks on board. Just treat Hull as part of your holiday.
FM
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Last year in August we arrived at Hull at 3.50 pm, went straight through check in and then boarding started about 4.30 pm. The ferry left at 7.30 pm even though it said 8.30 on my booking confirmation - not sure what was going on there!
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: Huill - Rotterdam
