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 Topic: Brittany Ferries - Economie Service
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21/3/2019 at 3:07pm
Location: Teesside
Outfit: Caravan and XC90
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Hi folks
I booked an overnight ferry from Portsmouth to Le Havre a few weeks ago. It was supposed to be a "full service" crossing on the Normandie, but because another (new?) vessel (Honfleur) is going to be delivered late, Normandie will be on a different route and we will be on the Etretat instead.
I've read the blurb on the BF website about "economie" crossings, but wondered if anyone had any real-life experience to share about the differences in service levels, comfort etc?
My gut feeling is that there shouldn't be a massive problem as we depart late (23:30) and arrive early (08:30) so it will be just a case of going to bed and then waking up again....we won't be desperate for food or entertainment etc.
Or am I mistaken? Are there other things that will affect our crossing? Any tales of horror about these "cheapie" crossings?
TC
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21/3/2019 at 4:04pm
Location: Somerset
Outfit: Murvi Morello
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We've travelled economie to Le Havre last year and it was fine.
The ferries used are smaller than the cruise ferries so don't have a la carte restaurants, entertainment in the bars etc and a choice of 'boutiques'. They do have a smaller self service restaurant, a bar/lounge, a cinema lounge (Etretat only) and only one shop selling a smaller range of goods.
In our opinion the cabins are just as good except that they don't have carpets. In fact the 2 berths, in our opinion, are better than those on larger ships as they have two singles rather than bunks.
If you need to use a lift do let BF know in advance as not all decks can be accessed by lift from the bottom vehicle decks so they will park you somewhere suitable.
The main difference was that some of the vehicles are carried on a part open deck which can mean that they can get covered in spray. On our trip the crew had hosed the vehicles on the open deck with fresh water but do check and maybe give your vehicle a quick wash at a garage if necessary on arrival.
There is a ships plan showing the layout here
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21/3/2019 at 4:43pm
Location: Teesside
Outfit: Caravan and XC90
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Great information. Thanks Netherton and chrisandsandra.
I wasn't overly concerned, but when the ferry company gave us £80 back I wondered what the main differences were.
TC
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21/3/2019 at 6:14pm
Location: Bolton
Outfit: Award Tristar Caravan
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We are booked on the 25th this month on this service, used it several times (Pet and non pet) it is fine. Just a bed for the night, I suppose it if you really want to nit pick the bathrooms are a little tired but for me I got no complaints.
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21/3/2019 at 11:33pm
Location: Nottingham
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No complaints. Managed to grab something basic to eat, which was ok. Couple of beers and bed. They put us in a disabled cabin, although we are both able bodied, but it was very spacious. Car covered in spray and not hosed down, so had to wash it myself at destination. I prefer to pay a few quid extra as it's a holiday after all. I don't think you'll have any regrets, but you don't save that much that you'll bother to use it again.
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jjg
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08/4/2019 at 5:54pm
Location: Teesside
Outfit: Caravan and XC90
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Thanks, ohsocamp, jjgderbyshire and dubs1978.
I suspect that it will be a case of board then straight to bed so I doubt I will get to inspect the bar facilities. So long as the rooms are clean and comfortable I don't really mind aging facilities.
I stumbled on the youtube boarding videos. That open car deck is erm very interesting.
I'll be towing a caravan (total outfit length around 12.5m) so I hope there is plenty of room for the U turn!
I will have to work out where I can refuel in Portsmouth before boarding. I will have the caravan on the back so need a straight "drive through" petrol station if you see what I mean.
TC
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09/4/2019 at 1:16pm
Location: Teesside
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Thanks for the info guys.
Travelling mid-August, dubs1978. Really looking forward to it. First time on an overnighter out of Portsmouth.
TC
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via mobile 21/3/2019 at 3:19pm
