A good way to cross to france.. (Norfolk Line)

Member Name: icklepickle

Product:	Norfolk Line
Date:	17/01/09 (286 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheaper than other companies, friendly staff, places to relax

Disadvantages: Food is stupidly expensive, takes a while

The Norfolkline:

** A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY **

The company was started by Dutch businessman Mr Reemus in 1961. Norfolkline was basically about freight until they upgraded their ferries in the last few years to also take cars/passengers etc.

In 2008 Norfolkline was voted Best ferry company by the readers of the Guardian newspaper.

** REASON WE USE NORFOLKLINE **

We use norfolkline once or twice a year now for when we are visiting the Nurburgring in Germany.. It is a long old trip, but obviously we need the car so we have to take ferry route rather than plane.
We take the Dover to Dunkerque crossing.
The trip ends up being rather pricey as it is so we always go for the cheapest option and norfolkline is very good for that.

** ROUTES THEY OFFER **

Dover - Dunkirk (Dunkerque)
Dunkirk (Dunkerque) - Dover
Liverpool (Birkenhead) - Belfast
Belfast - Liverpool (Birkenhead)
Liverpool (Birkenhead) - Dublin
Dublin - Liverpool (Birkenhead)

Coming in spring 2009
Rosyth (Edinburgh) - Zeebrugge
Zeebrugge - Rosyth (Edinburgh)

** VALUE FOR MONEY **

I think if you book in advance and are willing to travel out outside of peak times you can pick up some real bargains, compared to p&o they are much cheaper by far.

** BOARDING **

We have never had any problems with boarding whatsoever, its always been very quick and efficient. We like to try and get there was early as possible to beat the queues.
You are always asked to show all passports of everyone in the car before boarding the ferry, and of course your ticket confirmation.
Customs do pull over every few cars.. We have been pulled over twice now and asked where we are going, how long for, they check our boot, back seat etc. They are always very nice about it.
Once you drive onto the ferry you are guided by plenty of people on where to park. You are asked to leave your car in gear with hand brake on, so that if the ferry is choppy the cars wont roll etc.
Once you leave your car and go up to the main passenger decks you may not return to your car as the doors will be locked, so make sure you have everything with you.

** PASSENGER DECK AND FACILITIES **

The ferries have all been refurbished in the last few years so are very nice and clean.. unlike some other ferry companies i have seen.
The toilets are always very clean and tidy, always good fun when the crossing is choppy of course. There are also plenty of them around.
The restaurant if you are loaded is very nice, we always tend to have breakfast when we get on the ferry on the way there, there is a very wide choice of hot buffet breakfast, but its very expensive. I would suggest if you are going on a lunch time crossing to take your own sandwiches aboard, there are plenty of places to relax and eat them.
There is a bar where you can relax and have a pint or a glass of wine (also expensive).
Upstairs are plenty of places to chill out, and even sleep if you fancy it, lots of relaxing sofas etc and tv screens if you fancy watching something.
There is a first class lounge somewhere but we have never been in there.
There is a shop onboard where you can buy a number of duty free items, perfumes, cuddly toys, sweets, clothing etc.
The good thing is the ferry accepts british pounds or euros, so if you have a few euros left on the way back its a good way to spend them.

** STAFF **

We have always found the staff to be very friendly and extremley helpful indeed. Always very smart and well groomed and speak most foreign languages.

** THE CROSSING **
Our crossing to Dunkerque takes 2 hours, which does tend to drag on a little. It can be quite choppy too if the wind is up.. but only once have i felt sea sick. I always feel very safe on the ferry though.

** LEAVING THE FERRY **

Leaving the ferry can take a little while because everyone has to obviously leave at the same time.. and you always get one who holds everyone else up.. because if the person in front of you doesn't go you are sort of stuck.
But if you are patient it can go quite smoothly.

** MY OVERALL OPINION **

I think Norfolkline are a great ferry company with plenty of onboard facilities.
Their online booking system is quick and easy to use and we have never had any problems.
For a quick crossing France they are not great but if you have to take the car and want to take it more cheaply than the train its the best option to use.
I give Norfolkline a big thumbs up!

Summary: A good company which we will continue to use