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Ferry Booking (return or one way?)


PJay

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Would like to know views on booking one-way ticket. What if any are the problems of not getting your return ticket? We have always booked a return, but this does mean you are committed to the return journey. Have changed before by going earlier, but obviously if you "miss" your return (by days) would have to pay? We would like to book one way to say Bilbao, but not come back from there. Probably St Malo . It appears to be expensive, as two different companys involved (P&O and Brittany) What are any ones experience of just turning up at terminal to go home when ready? Length of trip not a problem, as happily retired, Could be any length, Going May, but coming back before August (prices rise and everywere gets busy!

Any advice welcome?

Pauline

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Just for your info Pauline, we are currently looking to book a ferry to Bilbao.

 

The best price we have found so far is with ferrysavers. Most of the prices with the "bucket shops" are the same as going direct but for some reason one particular sailing is exactly £100 cheaper, no small change that I don't think.

 

Martyn

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LordThornber - 2008-10-26 9:12 AM Just for your info Pauline, we are currently looking to book a ferry to Bilbao. The best price we have found so far is with ferrysavers. Most of the prices with the "bucket shops" are the same as going direct but for some reason one particular sailing is exactly £100 cheaper, no small change that I don't think. Martyn

Do be aware that if you book via an intermediary they buy the ticket from the operator.  It is bought in your name but, if you need to change the booking for any reason, you are likely to find you can't deal directly with the operator and have to go back through the intermediary.  As some take block booked allocations, you may find you can't, in fact, make a change and can only cancel.  You may incur charges.

Booking singles direct with the operators is the simplest and, depending on the type of ticket you buy, may entitle you to make changes to the date or time of travel without charge.  The only way to be sure is to get onto the companies' internet sites, and carefully investigate the ticketing options available.  You can, of course, buy tickets at the port, but do not expect to travel the same day, or at the best rate. 

If you have a laptop and can get en-route wi-fi access, you should be able to book your return ticket on line a few days beforehand, so you will know the time, and date, of your crossing with certainty.  That should avoid a lot of heel kicking around the channel ports, especially at busy periods.

If you go for flexible tickets bought in advance, the general rule seems to be to ring ahead if you want to change the date/time, and to do so before the booked date has passed.  A ticket is generally treated as void if the crossing time/date has passed before you travel.  That means you may have to buy another ticket to get back.

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PJay, we normally get a single ticket as we don't like to be tied to a date to get back, but then when we decide time to head home usually go to the site office get them to book it for us and because they are booking from a French address for some reason we get a cheaper price than booking it on line ourselves via our lap top, don't know why it happens but it does. Carol.
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Hi,

 

I know the link below was regarding booking a return from France to the UK but it may help with your decision as it appears its more expensive to book France - UK than the other way so i would book an amendable return ticket before you go just in case, at least that way you will know the price

 

http://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=13539&posts=5

 

hope that helps

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Thanks for all your views. Still not sure, but as I can't book yet, due to circumstances out of my control. (NHS) will keep on looking. Our" problem" is we live within site of Portsmouth Terminal, so find going to Dover , a long way, and takes us to the wrong end of France. Will probably use the fast cat to Cherbourg, as very quick . Can be in our hiose three hours after leaving Cherb.

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