We used the VIP upgrade a couple of years ago when it was free with a CC booking. There were free drinks and pastries available as well as newspapers.There were only about 7 people in the VIP lounge. I wonder if they limit the numbers because although it was really peaceful with seven of us I imagine with fifty or so it wouldn't be so comfortable. The food and drinks weren't replenished while we were there either. perhaps someone has more recent experience and can comment.
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There is a limit - don't know what it is though, last time we used it there were 18 if I remember correctly - the supplies were filled up constantly as there was a steward on duty all of the time. The last time we used VIP on a P&O boat there wasnobody to check you in so all and sundry used the facilities, many quite obviously without paying.
Like others have said NL are fine, just like any other short crossing ferry imho, we take our own grub onbaord, and maybe just buy a couple of coffee's on the ship itself, fact is the two hours soon passes, and as another has mentioed, you save a fiver on the Autoroute as it is free to Lille, unlike Calais you get charged straight away if heading directly South.
We have used both in the past and for a two hour crossing it does not make much difference to me personally just a means of crossing the channel, which ever way you head from Dunkirque the saving on ferry fare more than compensates for the possible extra fuel you may use and slight increase in crossing time.
------------- Never argue with an idiot, they will bring you down to their level then beat you on experience.
Land Rover Freelander 2 & 2014 Lunar Quasar 554
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HI like people before have said NL we think is great used it for over 5 years now started with the old boats and on to the new brighter ones, we use the VIP lounge and the steward is always very helpfull and refills everything, we have found all the staff very helpfull and recommend this company to all our guest coming to Bulgaria to holiday.
Also people have not mentioned that the VIP gives you FIRST on and FIRST off, this is then before all the cars and trucks so well worth the £10 each. wheather you towing or not.
well done norfolk line, keep up the good work
regards Wilola
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Is it worth paying the extra for the first class lounge? It would be almost £40 extra (2 people both ways) when the crossing has only cost £83 so we decided not to bother, but from the comments I've read, maybe we should.
Quote: Originally posted by bofs on 17/10/2010
Is it worth paying the extra for the first class lounge? It would be almost £40 extra (2 people both ways) when the crossing has only cost £83 so we decided not to bother, but from the comments I've read, maybe we should.
I booked this week with the CC - cost us £63, but we didn't upgrade either. I think you can add it on later if you wish. The CC quoted me £5 for each person each way - beginning to wish I'd done it now. The thing about the CC is that the fares are cheaper but they charge £10 to change a booking - don't know if that includes an upgrade?
------------- David
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I think it all depends on the timings of your ferry. Usually we get a late night outward ferry, and haven't had problems finding seats at that time. This year both our return crossings from France were early morning (8.00 am) - and as I mentioned in a previous post that's when we had problems finding seats and in the breakfast queue.
However, despite reservations we've booked again with NL for next year, and haven't paid extra for the VIP lounge. We have booked later return crossings, though - and will take our own breakfast with us to eat before we sail!
Quote: Originally posted by Val A on 17/10/2010
I think it all depends on the timings of your ferry. Usually we get a late night outward ferry, and haven't had problems finding seats at that time. This year both our return crossings from France were early morning (8.00 am) - and as I mentioned in a previous post that's when we had problems finding seats and in the breakfast queue.
However, despite reservations we've booked again with NL for next year, and haven't paid extra for the VIP lounge. We have booked later return crossings, though - and will take our own breakfast with us to eat before we sail!
We've got 8.01pm out and 8.00pm in do I hope we'll be OK. I didn't book VIP because we like to spend quite a bit of time walking around anyway. Fingers crossed that we might find the odd seat ot two when we're going around.
In the past you've been able to upgrade on board - so if the ferry is really full you could always pay the extra to get a seat, a pastry, and a newspaper.
Dunkerque is only some 24 miles from Calais so for the difference between Norfolklines = £93 and P&O =£192 - that's for a 7m Motorhome including 2 Dolts + 1 dog so I know where the Bonzo pennies will be spent
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Quote: Originally posted by happybonzo on 17/10/2010
Dunkerque is only some 24 miles from Calais so for the difference between Norfolklines = £93 and P&O =£192 - that's for a 7m Motorhome including 2 Dolts + 1 dog so I know where the Bonzo pennies will be spent
.........and if you're travelling East anyway, then the motorway between Dunkirk and Lille is a free bit, so an extra bit of saving there too. We're heading towards Chalon-en-Champagne so over all, the distance travelling should be marginal between the Calais and Dunkirk ports. We will return from the Mosel, so this will be better for us by having booked NL.
Thanks for the info. about doing the upgrade when you get on board, Val. That's worth knowing if we get desperate!