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Once an expensive
element of a holiday in Spain, the price of channel crossings have
been slashed thanks to competition for the likes of Speed Ferries and
Norfolk Line.
Prices still vary substantially between companies depending on dates
and crossing times, and it is advisable to check them all out or use a
broker (see right). Crossing companies are:
Eurotunnel
- Book in October for the following year when half price offers are
available. Fast & reasonably priced.
Brittany
Ferries (from Portsmouth, Poole & Plymouth to
Caen, Cherbourg, St Malo, Roscoff & Santander) When traveling from
the south or southwest coast, these crossing can save hundreds of
miles on Autoroute driving.
Norfolk
Line (from Dover to Dunkerque) offers great savings over
the more well-known options. They mainly provide crossings for lorries
and no coaches so the facilities are fairly basic. Landing in
Dunkerque adds around 25 miles to the French leg of the journey.
P
& O Ferries
offer Dover to Calais and Portsmouth to Le Havre, Cherburg &
Bilbao crossings. By buying £1,000 of stock in P&O, they
offer 50% reductions in all fares for subsequent years. This is
concessionary, and could be withdrawn at any time. The benefit has
been in operation for years and is unlikely to be withdrawn (and the
stock also gives the benefit of an excellent fixed interest rate).
Sea
France (from Dover to Calais) offers great savings over
the more well-known options. They mainly provide crossings for lorries
and no coaches so the facilities are fairly basic. Landing in
Dunkerque adds around 25 miles to the French leg of the journey.
SpeedFerries.com
currently offer by far the cheapest crossing (Dover to Boulogne) on a
giant catamaran, once owned by the Australian Navy. A basic service
but unbelievable rates! Greater savings for earlier bookings. With
only one boat operating, there is a small chance of sailings being
severely delayed or cancelled.
Stena
Line (from Harwich to Hook of Holland). You will be
going the wrong way for Spain, adding over 100 miles to the
continental journey, but a possibility for eastern UK residents.
TransEuropa
Ferries (from Ramsgate to Ostende. Adds a little to the
continental journey, but can be competitively priced. A four hour
voyage. |
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