Dover and Out (Norfolk Line)

Member Name: SmurfyK

Product:	Norfolk Line
Date:	03/09/08 (269 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good price and service

Disadvantages: Slow disembarkation

For my first review I thought I'd write a review of my recent experience of the Norfolkline ferry service between Dover and Dunkerque.

A family holiday was planned in western France and we searched the web for the cheapest car ferry service. Norfolkine came out the winner at around £80 for a week return with 2 adults a child and car, this was considerably cheaper than the other ferry companies.

The ferry leaves Dover at the main ferry terminal and checking in was easy. After clearing customs we approached the check-in booth. The booth cameras automatically scanned our car registration so all that was required was our passports. The checkin was quick and efficient.

Boarding the ferry was approximately 30 minutes before it sailed. The boarding was a bit tricky as the ferry was full and the cars jammed in bumper to bumper.

After leaving the car deck by a colour co-ordinated flight of stairs (there is also a lift available) we exited into the main floor of the ship.

On the main deck are a couple of bars and restaurants, a shop plus a childrens softplay area called Little Nippers. The softplay area was brilliant as we could dump our daughter there and relax a little. This may sound a little selfish but she loved playing with the other children there and there was also a childrens magician and balloon performer that kept her entertained.

The self service restaurant is a little pricey and sells a variety of main dishes though Vegetarian options were scarce (though advertised). A cup of coffee and a large diet coke cost about £3.50. Chips were the order of the day!

The on board shop sold the usual selections of items such as designer perfumes, soft toys, cigarettes and alcohol. Some items were noticeably cheaper than in the UK. I bought 6 bottles of Californian White wine for a tenner. Bargain!

The crossing itself was quite smooth and there were no signs of green faced travellers. The ferry was very busy and we were lucky enough to board early and get a comfortable seat. The overall ship was quite noisy though.

Smoking is not allowed inside the ship although there are areas on the outside deck if required.

The crossing took just under 2 hours.

On arriving in Dunkerque it took a further 20 minutes before we could drive off the ferry though this was probably due to busy traffic. The port is a few minutes drive from the main motorways towards Paris and Belgium and really handy.

Our journey back from France was equally as smooth and trouble free although there are no shops (other than a Cafeteria) at the Dunkerque Port.

I would definately recommend the service.

For bookings and further information you can visit the website at www.norfolkine.com

K x

Copyright 2008 Mrs MA Jones (or K!)

Summary: A good cheap ferry service