alistair Posted January 16, 2011 Share Posted January 16, 2011 We're looking at the possibility of travelling by Brittany Ferries (daytime crossing) from Plymouth to Roskoff early in July. The website fare for two of us plus our Duetto is quoted as 224 pounds. I see that you can book reclining seats. Can anyone who has used this route advise if there is much reasonably adequate ordinary seating for those who do not reserve recliners? Also, does anyone have enough experience with this route to have a feel for whether or not fares are likely to increase closer to the time? All comments gratefully received. Thanks Alistair Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike88 Posted January 16, 2011 Share Posted January 16, 2011 Would a day cabin be cheaper? Alternatively you could all go to the onboard cinema for £5 each which takes 2 hours out of the journey. There are plenty of seats in the bar/restaurants and dotted around the ship but the answer to your question very much depends on how busy the ship is at that time of year. I've been on that route when the ship is virtually empty but at others times busy - you just can't tell. I do not think that the prices get any cheaper; if anything the price increases but I have only tested this once. I belong to the owners club. Send me a PM and I may be able to help you get a discount. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Uzzell Posted January 16, 2011 Share Posted January 16, 2011 "Armorique" (used on the Plymouth-Roscoff route) is a large ship and there SHOULD be plenty of non-reserved seating available, but you never know! I vividly remember once crossing Cherbourg-Portsmouth following several days of awful weather when the ferries had ceased running. The ship was crammed with people and (because motorhomes tend to be loaded last) no seats anywhere were left by the time we were aboard. As the premium for reserving a pair of reclining seats on an early-July Pymouth-Roscoff day-crossing seems to be just £10, I'd be very tempted to choose that option. Without knowing how Brittany Ferries charging system works, it's impracticable to predict ticket-price changes. Ferry operators no longer use fixed pricing, but whether price variations automatically alter according to available space on the ship and/or when the booking is made is anybody's guess. Obviously there are seasonal and 'popular days' pricing variations, but that's always been the case. My gut-feeling is that (with fuel prices on the increase) it would probably be cheaper to book now rather than later. Conversely, if you prefer not to commit at the moment, even if the current fare rises by 10% by July, you'd only be paying an extra £23. Assuming it's practical for you, you should be able to obtain a (smallish!) discount from a specialist company like MTC: http://www.ferrytickets.net/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Porky Posted January 16, 2011 Share Posted January 16, 2011 Depends how good a sailor you are. A rough crossing with people throwing up is not aa good start to any trip. If you can stretch the budget book a cabin. We always do. Roy Fuller Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawcara Posted January 16, 2011 Share Posted January 16, 2011 Be also aware that they are carrying out major roadworks on the way into Plymouth at the moment. It is running late and it is dire. The traffic around the town centre is also horrendous especially on a Saturday. So give yourself extra time. My advice would be to travel in via the A386 coming off the A38, travel into the town (under the rail bridge by the station) and then follow the signs ie 3rd exit at that roundabout, to the ferry. You should miss most of the traffic that way. If you need to stop off for supplies, then on the way in, you will pass the Plymouth Argyle football ground. There is a Park and Ride next to that, get the bus in, get stuff and out. There is no carpark charge or height barriers. (lol) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike B. Posted January 16, 2011 Share Posted January 16, 2011 Hi Don't know if you are members of the CC but if you are check the price with them first before booking. For 15th July out (Day Crossing) & 5th Aug back I got Plymouth/Roscoff out and Cherbourg/Poole fast craft back including recliners (compulsory) on the fastcraft for 6.5m van and 3m trailer for £409 return and they threw in 7 x camping cheques foc as part of the deal. This was some £178+ cheaper than booking direct and of course although I can't use the cheques in July I can use them some other time. I thought this was a good deal in comparison Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alistair Posted January 16, 2011 Author Share Posted January 16, 2011 Many thanks to all for some excellent advice. We'll collect our thoughts and make some decisions soon. Alistair Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.