Cheap4Ferries

P&O Ferries changes smoking policy

2008-06-30T02:24:00.000-07:00

P&O Ferries have made a change to their Smoking Policy on P&O Ferries Western Channel and North Sea services.

As of 30th June 2008 smoking will only be permitted in outside designated areas on the North Sea and all outdoor decks on the Western Channel. All interior lounge areas, restaurants, bars, shops and cabins will be non-smoking.

Any passengers wishing to smoke may do so, but will be required to use the designated outside deck areas.

Largest Ever Dover-Calais Ferries Ordered

2008-06-16T00:14:00.000-07:00

P&O Ferries has signed a contract to construct two new ferries for the ever popular Dover-Calais ferry route between England and France.

These ferries are being built to replace the Pride of Dover and the Pride of Calais and the first of these will enter service in December 2010 and the second in September 2011

At almost 50,000 gross tonnes, the new ferries will be the largest ferries ever to operate this route and, at 210 metres in length, will be the largest ships capable of fitting into the dock facilities at Dover and Calais.

These new ferries will double the freight carrying capacity of the older ships they are replacing, whilst additionally providing a third vehicle deck for up to 250 tourist vehicles. Facilities for up to 1,500 freight drivers and passengers will set a new benchmark in quality standards as P&O plans to capture growth in the freight market, which currently runs in excess of five per cent a year.

Well we knew this was coming !

2008-06-12T09:24:00.001-07:00

Well we knew this was coming as SeaFrance Ferries announe that they are putting up their prices. SeaFrance's Robin Wilkins advised that the comany had two choices available to them, either put up prices up in the hope of generating more revenue or reduce them to attract more passengers.

Personally we feel it's a fuel surcharge in disguise but let's be honest, with oil at $150 a barrel the Ferry operators could only absorb the cost for so long. We know that other cross channel ferry operators are reviewing their stances and Stena Lines latest 'Summer Sale' special offers had in the small print a £10 fuel surcharge for bookings made after the 16 th of June.

Our advice, book now if you want to get a cheap ferry ticket.

Pampering onboard Stena

2008-06-12T08:01:00.000-07:00

Stena Line has announced their latest onboard facility to help passengers avoid the stress of travelling.
Passengers on the Stena HSS from Belfast to Stranraer can look forward to a spot of pampering during their journey as they installed a New York City Nails treatment zone onboard.

Treatments include a ‘Manhattan Manicure’ and a ‘Treat and Tidy’ as well as neck and shoulder massages, to ensure passengers on the ferry to Belfast are truly relaxed when they reach their final destination.

'We are delighted to be able to offer customers the opportunity to relax with a manicure or a massage when they travel with Stena Line. We are continuously looking for new ways to ensure we provide an enjoyable experience and there is no better way than a bit of pampering as you sail across the Irish Sea.”

Let the train take the strain

2008-06-12T07:38:00.000-07:00

After a 'hard day at the office' beating Roger Federer at Roland Garos, Rafael Nadal was finally able to relax during the two-hour Eurostar trip from Paris to London the day after lifting his fourth straight French Open title.

After three hours of post-match press interviews and the obligatory doping control on Sunday evening, the 22-year-old celebrated with his family with a late-night dinner. Nadal said that he was only finally able to relax when he was onboard the train during it's journey through the Channel tunnel. "That was the best moment probably after the victory at the French Open." he was quoted as saying.

Superfast close Rosyth - Zeebrugge route

2008-05-29T06:43:00.000-07:00

Superfast Ferries who run the daily ferry service from the east coast of Scotland to Belgium is to stop operating out of the port of Rosyth, the company has confirmed.

The company said the service would end in mid-September. Sources at the company blamed fuel costs and passenger numbers for the decision. A statement from the company's board of directors said: "We regret to announce the discontinuation of the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry service as of 14 September, 2008."

The Scottish Government said it was "disappointed" as it was "a commercially successful service". Scottish Ministers are strongly committed to the continuation of this route, and will pursue all viable options to achieve continuity of a commercially operated service

Fuel rises hit Cross Channel Ferry Operators

2008-05-29T03:41:00.000-07:00

The world of Ferry Travel is not immune to the unprecedented increase in fuel costs
and over the last few weeks the world has experienced yet another dramatic rise in the cost of fuel. Environmentally friendly diesel has been worst affected and Ferry companies such as SpeedFerries, SeaFrance and P&O are now looking at a scenario whereby the price they pay for diesel is more than twice what they paid last year.

For a long time many operators have borne the extra rise in petroleum costs however most are considering fuel supplements if the price of oil remains at its present high cost. At the end of this week SpeedFerries will have to implement a substantial increase on all ticket types on its Dover-Boulogne service to combat these rises. Stena Line have advised that ticket price rises were 'inevitable' and increased fuel costs has been an attributing factor to DFDS withdrawing its Newcastle - Norway services from September 2008.

The advice from Cheap4ferries is to book now before these prices hit home and drive up the cost of what were once cheap cross channel ferry crossings.

Ferry passengers will be asked to pay a fuel surcharge for the first time because of the rising cost of oil.
SpeedFerries has told its customers that the price of crossing between Dover and Boulogne will go up next month.
Stena Line said a surcharge was "inevitable" next month and will hit people travelling to Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic from Britain as well as on the Harwich to Hook of Holland route.
P&O, another major ferry operator, whose routes include Dover to Calais, will try to absorb the cost. Another operator, DFDS has decided to withdraw its Newcastle to Norway service completely.

Newcastle - Norway Ferry service to close

2008-05-29T01:45:00.000-07:00

DFDS's decision to scrap its loss-making Newcastle-Norway ferry service has been described as ‘a disaster’ for tourism.

The service, which operates to Bergen, Haugesund and Stavanger, will cease on 1 September, leaving DFDS to concentrate on developing its Newcastle-Holland and Harwich-Denmark operations.

DFDS Seaways managing director, John Crummie, explained: 'The result in 2007 fell well short of expectation and as reported in last week's DFDS Quarter 1 2008 results, the current financial development has fallen below the level required to continue operating the service.

'Furthermore, dramatically increasing oil prices, downward price pressure from over capacity in the travel market place and the current economic slowdown are burdening the service.
'Consequently, we have taken the difficult decision to close the service from 1 September after the summer season.'

The BBC reports tourism officials on Tyneside believe the region will lose £10m in revenue from incoming visitors, and quotes Bergen director of tourism Ole Warberg as saying: 'If this route stops it will be a total disaster for Bergen and the Fjord region.'

Latest update on Ferry blockades

2008-05-27T05:11:00.000-07:00

There is continued disruption on the roads around Boulogne, Calais and Dunkerque caused by French fishermen and this is resulting in backlogs on the A16 motorway leading to Calais. The roundabout junction from the A16 to Calais is also being disrupted.

Currently tourist traffic is getting through in both directions and it appears that only freight traffic is being delayed at present.

Updated at 1440 UK time

Continued action by French Fisherman striking in regard to the recent high increases in diesel costs have vowed to continue their strike for a further 48 hours.

This has had a direct impact on ferry travellers to and from France via the main cross channel ferry ports and now French fisherman are now blockading the G1 roundabout at Calais (the A16/Calais port junction) and this combined with the blockade of the A16 near Dunkerque is resulting in very little traffic getting into Calais.

Updated at 13.20 UK time

Low cost options to Scandinavia

2008-05-27T05:05:00.000-07:00

Travellers from the UK looking for an inexpensive holiday this summer are being urged to consider driving through Scandinavia as DFDS Seaways is offering discounted rates on crossings to Europe and Scandinavia.

DFDS Seaways operates ferries to Esbjerg in Denmark, Amsterdam and Bergen and Stavanger in Norway, all of which are being discounted for summer travellers.

Not only are driving trips often less expensive than aeroplane flights, they also allow travellers to relax. There are no airport queues, baggage restrictions or flight delays at the port.

Fares with DFDS Seaways include the price of overnight accommodation in a cabin onboard for two people and their car. Add-ons allow passengers to pre-book meals, more luxurious cabin accommodation or add more people to the trip. In addition for a slightly higher price, DFDS Seaways can transport motor homes, caravans and other large vehicles.

Standard fares for the crossing from Newcastle to Amsterdam start at £132 one way. For just £176 each way, passengers can travel between Newcastle and Norway.

Condors Charity Run

2008-05-05T06:12:00.000-07:00

Condor Ferries has leapt to the aid of the Born Free Foundation to help with a mercy mission to rescue a pair of five month old Lion cubs called Marina and Sarnia who were found abandoned and close to death in Romania late last year.

Originally the Foundation flew the Lions to an Animal Shelter in Guernsey where they were nursed back to health. Last week the cubs were declared fit travel and started the first leg of their journey to a new life on a wildlife reserve run by the Foundation in South Africa. The Lion cubs took Condor's fast ferry, the Condor Express for the first leg to Weymouth before going onto Heathrow's Animal Reception Centre and then flown to the Shamwari Wildlife Reserve in South Africa.

New Green Flag Breakdown Policy from www.cheap4travelcover.com

2008-05-02T05:36:00.000-07:00

Having your vehicle breakdown at any time is inconvenient but when you have taken a ferry and headed abroad it can turn into a nightmare especially when going on holiday with your family.

What if you get sick and no one can drive the car, who will get you home? You don't speak the local language, how do you cope?

The team at Online Travel Group are launching a brand new European Breakdown Cover Policy in association with Green Flag European Vehicle Assistance so you can be safe in the knowledge that you are being taken care of by one of the UK's largest roadside assistance companies with the policy underwritten by leading insurance company AXA Insurance UK.

Key Points of Cover

There are no excess charges for our European Breakdown Cover
Comprehensive cover backed by Green Flag Recovery
Underwritten by AXA Insurance
Covers vehicles up to 15 years old
24/7 Emergency helpline
Emergency roadside repair and labour costs
Full towing service if required back to the UK
Replacement driver costs if required
Emergency car hire and accommodation costs
Legal cover in event of an accident abroad
Policy only available to UK registered vehicles
Covers vehicles up to 7m in length
Book online for immediate travel
Fully secure booking system,

Summary of Cover

Replacement car before travel > Before travel commences the Green Flag European Vehicle Assistance Team will provide a replacement rental car if within 7 days of your trip commencing your vehicle has a mechanical problem that cannot be fixed or your vehicle is stolen and not recovered. Amount of Cover £2,000

Roadside & Recovery Service > The Green Flag European Vehicle Assistance Team will arrange and pay for labour and call out charges involved in roadside assistance in making the vehicle fit to drive or arranging for the vehicle to be taken to a garage or safe storage area after the event.
Amount of Cover Unlimited

Emergency labour costs >The Green Flag European Vehicle Assistance Team will arrange and pay up to £250 towards the cost of emergency labour outside of the UK which will allow you to continue on your journey without the need to call on any of the other of the services offered by this policy. Amount of Cover £250

Alternative travel costs, including car hire > If you cannot use the insured vehicle following an event and Green Flag reasonably believe that the vehicle will be out of use for more than 8 hours or the insured vehicle is stolen and not recovered within 8 hours then the Green Flag European Vehicle Assistance Team will arrange for you, your party and your luggage to be transported by any means suitable including car hire to your destination and then return you, the principal driver to the insured vehicle after it has been repaired. Amount of Cover £2,000

Spare parts despatch >If spare parts are not available locally to repair the insured vehicle following an event, the Green Flag European Vehicle Assistance Team will arrange to have them delivered to you, your party or an agreed location as quickly as is reasonably possible. Amount of Cover Unlimited

Additional accommodation if vehicle cannot be repaired >Following the loss of use of your vehicle for more than 8 hours and provided your have not been offered alternative travel costs by the Green Flag European Vehicle Assistance Team, then accommodation including 1 daily meal per day will be paid for whilst the insured vehicle is repaired. Expenses are limited to £45 per person day and to £450 in total for each person. Amount of Cover £450

Replacement driver > If there is an accidental injury, sudden or unforeseen illness or death which means no one can drive the vehicle, the Green Flag European Vehicle Assistance Team will at their discretion arrange for a qualified person to drive your vehicle and your party back to the UK. During this return journey Green Flag will pay for accommodation expenses and 1 meal per day. Food and accommodation expenses are limited to £45 per person day and to £450 in total for each person. Amount of Cover Unlimited

Expenses to collect your vehicle from abroad following repairs >If you have left the insured vehicle abroad for repairs, this European Vehicle Assistance policy will pay for a single economy ticket by rail or sea (or air if the journey is longer than 12 hours) to collect the insured vehicle. Green Flag will also pay for any necessary expenses on the outward journey including accommodation and Green Card charges. Amount of Cover £400

Advance of Funds > Green Flag will advance to the Driver a maximum of £2000 to enable the driver to post bail following a road traffic accident or to pay any customs fee's which the driver accidently incurs by an involuntary breach or non-observance of the conditions under which a vehicle may be imported into a country without payment of customs duty.
Amount of Cover £2,000

Vehicle repatriation to UK > If following an event you cannot use your vehicle and it cannot be repaired in the time to make your original planned return to the UK or the vehicle is stolen outside of the UK the Green Flag European Vehicle Assistance Team will arrange at their option for you, your group and their luggage to be taken by any suitable means to your UK home address and take your car to your home address or to a repairer of your choice in the UK. * Note the maximum amount payable is limited to the vehicles current market value
Amount of Cover Unlimited

Legal Defence >This European Vehicle Assistance policy will pay up to £20,000 in respect of legal costs and expenses to defend the driver against criminal charges following a road traffic accident or to pursue the uninsured losses against a third party arising from a road traffic accident. Amount of Cover £20,000

Theft Damage > If any other person other than your party damages the insured vehicle in the course of a theft or attempted theft from the insured vehicle then Green Flag will pay £100 towards repairing this damage. Amount of Cover £100

Contribution to Car Hire while own vehicle is being repatriated >If upon your return to the United Kingdom following an event your vehicle is still being repatriated then this policy will provide up to £250 towards the rental of an alternative vehicle. Amount of Cover £250

EU probe on Scottish Ferries

2008-04-30T23:57:00.000-07:00

A European Commission inquiry could result in Scotland's ferry services to outlying islands being taken over by private operators and their least profitable routes shelved an expert warned. These comments were made as the EU Transport Commissioner commenced his inquiry with a visit to Edinburgh.

The move came after complaints that subsidies to the state-owned companies, Northlink Ferries and Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries had breached EU competition law. Both ferry companies are part of the Scottish Government-owned David MacBrayne Group. The EU transport commissioner stressed that investigations would not threaten the future of the services.

Of biggest concern to these outlying rural communities is that the EU will demand a break up of the more than 20 routes currently served by Caledonian MacBrayne and NorthLink with the most profitable 'cherry picked' by larger ferry operators. Fears then exist for the low cost ferry tickets which Islanders have taken advantage of and maintain an essential lifeline to mainland Scotland.

Brits value summer holidays far too highly to do without

2008-04-30T07:04:00.000-07:00

Whilst falling property prices and news reports of an economic slowdown have many UK householders worried it doesn't seem to be stopping people planning their summer holidays.

A survey conducted recently online has indicated that almost 60% of Britons are to continue with their summer holiday plans despite the uncertain times ahead.

The survey found that although 66% were tightening their belts in the face of increased housing, fuel, food and transport costs, the majority said they would rather miss out on a few luxuries than go without a summer holiday.

Whilst long haul destinations like the Far East and the Caribbean are attractive on the eye, for many cash-strapped tourists the price puts them well beyond reach especially when airlines continually raise prices as the price of oil continues to climb.

Despite the unfavourable exchange rate of the £ against the €, more than 70% claimed they would still be happy to spend their holidays in Europe especially as many don't want to have to run the risk of another wet summer in the UK.

France once again looks set to remain a firm British favourite for those looking for a bargain holiday because of its easy accessibility and with the faster Eurostar connection from St Pancras, increased ferry services and cheap low cost airline seats over the summer it's now quicker and cheaper than ever to enjoy the summer in France.

Eurotunnel launch rights issue

2008-04-30T06:49:00.000-07:00

Eurotunnel launched a discounted rights issue totalling €915 million that Eurotunnel has described as the final piece in restructuring package that has seen it eliminate to date more than £5bn in debt from its balance sheet.

The shares, discounted by 28%, will be underwritten by a consortium of banks including ABN Amro, Lazard, HSBC, Lehman Brothers and UBS.

The deal will allow the Channel Tunnel operator to have “more room to manoeuvre” said Jacques Gounon, the chief executive.

Eurotunnel make Important Announcement

2008-04-28T08:42:00.000-07:00

Eurotunnel has requested that its shares be suspended today ahead of what it has called an "important" announcement.

Cheap4Ferries believes that the company will announce a rights issue to raise almost 1 billion Euros in capital from its shareholders. France's stock market is expected to approve the move.

Eurotunnel has been hampered by dangerously high levels of debt but last year carried out a complex restructuring plan which resulted in its debts being halved to almost 4billion Euros.

Following this restructuring Eurotunnel announced its first ever profits last year when it made 1 Million Euros. Eurotunnel said the figures proved that the company had "broken with its troubled financial past" as it bids to take on the ferry operators on the lucrative Dover- Calais, cross channel ferry route.

Eurostar's Numbers Rise

2008-04-24T05:53:00.000-07:00

Eurostar has reported an increase over 21% in passenger numbers between January and March 2008 on its high-speed passenger train service between Britain and mainland Europe as compared to those dates last year.

Ticket revenues on Eurostar increased by over 25% to almost £180 million during the first full three-month period of journeys on the new high speed line between St Pancras International in London and the Channel Tunnel.

Factors affecting this increased demand on Eurostar include quicker journeys to the continent, more UK connections , an early Easter and the Six Nations Rugby tournament.

One huge factor has been the number of passengers travelling from regional stations. In the first three months of services of this year the number of travellers from the East Midlands and Yorkshire more than doubled and demand from counties north of London, the West Midlands, Greater Manchester and Scotland all increased significantly as well.

Brittany Announce changes to Ferry timetables

2008-04-24T00:20:00.001-07:00

Brittany Ferries have announced small changes to the regular Ferry sailings from Plymouth to Roscoff.

The Plymouth-Roscoff Brittany Ferry will depart on the 18th of July, 1st of August, 15 of August and 29th of August 15 minutes earlier at 07.30 local time

The Roscoff - Plymouth Brittany Ferry will depart on the 18th of July, 1st of August, 15 of August and 29th of August 30 minutes earlier at 16.00 local time

Remember if you are sailing to always check the up to date weather details at Cheap4Ferries.

All safe on Wightlink Ferry

2008-04-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

At half past four on the afternoon of April 15 a Wightlink passenger ferry reporting that it had an engine fire on board and was currently proceeding to Ryde Pier as it crossed the Solent.

Solent Coastguard tasked local Coastguard Rescue Teams and requested the launch of Bembridge Inshore and All Weather Lifeboats. Once the ferry arrived alongside the Ryde Pier all 85 passengers and crew on board were discharged with all reported to be safe and well.

April Offers with Cheap4Ferries

2008-04-23T08:25:00.000-07:00

Cheap4Ferries brings you the latest special offers from all the major ferry operators

======================Our Main Offers======================

1. SeaFrance Ferries Great offers with SeaFrance on their highly popular Dover - Calais crossing from only £26

2. Brittany Ferries '5 day Special Fares' on all routes to France and Spain. Prices start from only £59 each way

3. Stena Line Ferries Great Offers on all Stena Line routes to Ireland from English, Welsh and Scottish ports

4. Irish Ferries Great special offer from Irish Ferries on their Holyhead - Dublin ferry route. Prices from £59

======================Our Special Offers======================

1. Why Cheap4Ferries? By working as a Specialist in the Ferry Market our website and call centre staff can offer options and choice to save you money on your next ferry.

2. Click to view all 'Special Offers' to France, Ireland, Holland, Scandanavia and Spain with all the major ferry operators including, SeaFrance, P&O, Stena Line, DFDS, Brittany Ferries, Condor and more

3. Driving abroad? Save up to 50% on European Breakdown Cover

Cheap4Ferries Blog Launched !

2008-03-19T09:09:00.000-07:00

In order to aid customers and enquirers of the latest deals and offers supplied by Cheap4Ferries, we have created this personal space for your convenience.

Here at Cheap4Ferries, we are able to provide Ferries to Belgium / Ferries to Denmark / Ferries to England / Ferries to France / Ferries to Holland / Ferries to Ireland / Ferries to Isle of Man / Ferries to Isle of Wight / Ferries to Jersey and Guernsey / Ferries to Norway / Ferries to Scotland / Ferries to Spain / Ferries to Wales and many many more.

We also work alongside a wide range of ferry operator, in order to supply you with an opportunity to search the best deals from your favourite providers. Our website features special offers from Brittany Ferries / Condor Ferries / DFDS / Eurostar / Eurotunnel / IoM Steampacket / Irish Ferries / LD Lines / Norfolkline / P&O Ferries / Red Funnel Ferries / Seafrance / SpeedFerries / Stena Line / Superfast Ferries / Transmanche Ferries / Wightlink Ferries / and there many more available on our website.

If you have any queries about your ferry or rail travel, please don't hesitate to give us a call, we have a friendly sales team who are willing to help find you the best deal for your journey, and we stand firmly by, our "Best Price Promise", why? because we understand that it is more valuable to have faithful and repeat custom, than to inflate prices and catch unsuspecting visitors.

Watch this space, for great offers and general promotions for Cheap4Ferries