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Eurotunnel

Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2017 9:15 pm
by pvr
Closed for bookings for 10 days due to unexpected maintenance of most trains.

Great ... so my trip for next week has now turned into some nightmare journey with planes and ending up in wrong areas and no car available :x

First time in 20 years they say - but 10 days ???

</rant>

Eurotunnel

Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2017 9:30 pm
by 2dogs
Must be Brexit :| everything else is.

Eurotunnel

Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2017 9:36 pm
by markalp
pvr wrote: Sat Nov 11, 2017 9:15 pm Closed for bookings for 10 days due to unexpected maintenance of most trains.

Great ... so my trip for next week has now turned into some nightmare journey with planes and ending up in wrong areas and no car available :x

First time in 20 years they say - but 10 days ???

</rant>
Whats wrong with the ferry?

Eurotunnel

Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2017 9:50 pm
by Pastry
I’ve used it 3 times this year and it seems they’ve been having more technical issues so maybe a good thing in the long term. Doesn’t help you though PVR, I hate the ferry :thumbsdown:

Eurotunnel

Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2017 9:54 pm
by Silverzedtom
Hope you find a solution op.

I remember seeing you use the tunnel regularly from an old post so you are probably more qualified to say but I have always found a ferry a more smooth journey in terms of delays and ease of use, I much prefer the speed etc of the tunnel.

I’m using the tunnel mid December... I hope this isn’t a sign!

Eurotunnel

Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2017 10:00 pm
by 1000rr
Depending where you’re going, I can highly recommend the overnight ferry from Hull to Zeebrugge.

Eurotunnel

Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2017 10:05 pm
by buzyg
No warning? That's poor indeed. Not a business user here, but that is going to be a real pain for those that are.

Eurotunnel

Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2017 10:20 pm
by pvr
I really can't get along with a ferry. The last time I used one before the tunnel opened someone put a crate of beer on the bonnet of my car and I had to prevent someone getting out of their car who was parked 10 cm from my side. Not sure if that can be prevented from happening somehow nowadays.

I bought flexiplus tickets now for the tunnel due to
almost permanent delays I was having which was a great improvement as there were no more waiting times. Even that does not help in this situation.

With the ferry i can't take the dog either as you have to lock them up in the car. Don't think so ...

Eurotunnel

Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2017 10:58 pm
by firebobby
We have used the ferry when taking our car/caravan to France on quite a few occasions and never had a problem. I am very precious about my caravan and they damage very easy, so I'm always aware of where and how it's parked. I would take my car on a ferry these days :)

Eurotunnel

Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2017 11:21 pm
by RickRob
I prefer the ferry because my claustrophobia is greater than my sea sickness! Luckily the last few crossings have been a millpond. Good to be able to get a meal, relax, plan the journey etc.

That all said, my trips have been without the dog. If we had the dog with us it would definitely be the tunnel.

Poor show on such late notice.

Eurotunnel

Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2017 11:54 pm
by Mr Tidy
That's a pain OP, especially at pretty short notice. :(

I've used both many times, but don't have a particular preference - it's quite pleasant to have a good breakfast on the ferry. :)

The one I wouldn't want to repeat was a hovercraft crossing in heavy seas - I found out why they lashed the cars down! :eek: (Mind you I'm not sure if it still sails).

Eurotunnel

Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2017 6:46 pm
by Paulwirral
I've used it a lot over the last 15 years and it's always been the easiest route by far but this last year I've been held up 3 times on my returns due to technical difficulties , it's definitely not as good a service as it was , not that I'll need to use it any more !

Eurotunnel

Posted: Mon Nov 13, 2017 9:19 am
by Lance
Been a regular user of the tunnel over the years, but that all changed in the past 2 years as I now use the Ferries. Half the cost, albeit for a slightly longer crossing.

Reason for the change, too many delays on the trains and their unbelievable arrogance with customer service. We have a problem, tough, you'll have to deal with it!

Each time I book a crossing now I let Eurotunnel know they missed out on a booking. I'm fully aware that losing mine and my mates (approx. 20-30 crossings per year between us) will make no difference to ET (too obvious), however I just can't be treated like that and still give them my money.

If enough people take their business to the Ferries, perhaps ET will have a re-think.

Eurotunnel

Posted: Mon Nov 13, 2017 10:16 am
by pvr
The problem with the ferries (besides the very high risk to car damage by the "day trippers" who stack up on alcohol and scrape passed your car) is that they are not flexible.

I often leave a country at an unpredictable time as I don't know how long meetings are for example, but I generally target later crossings (with the associated issues of hours of waiting due to the frequent problems at the tunnel hence the upgrade to the very expensive Flexiplus tickets). I am not aware that ferries have a "just show up" policy though.

Eurotunnel

Posted: Mon Nov 13, 2017 10:43 am
by enzed4
pvr wrote: Mon Nov 13, 2017 10:16 am
I often leave a country at an unpredictable time as I want to throw their security forces off the scent after I've completed my mission. I generally target later crossings (with the associated issues of hours of waiting due to the frequent problems at the tunnel hence the upgrade to the very expensive Flexiplus tickets). I am not aware that ferries have a "just show up" policy though.
Am I the only one who suspects PVR of being OHMSS... :? :lol: