Search found 2 matches

by peterbee
7 Aug 2014, 10:56pm
Forum: Using the Forum - request help : report difficulties
Topic: PM's for newbies...
Replies: 31
Views: 134487

Re: PM's for newbies...

Hello. I have participated in a forum discussion before - so not sure if I have to get a further approval before I am able to PM someone? If so, could you please approve this?

Also: is "bump" an acronym for something?
by peterbee
8 May 2014, 9:17pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Harwich-Esbjerg ferry to close
Replies: 15
Views: 4891

Re: Harwich-Esbjerg ferry to close

I have used the freight ferries from Immingham. My wife and I went Immingham to Gothenberg with a motorcycle + sidecar for £800 in 2010. So not cheap. That route also calls in at a port whose name escapes me on the south coast of Norway. The ships are wonderful: there isn't a single commercial activity on them apart from a shop which opens for an hour a day. On the boat we went on there was a sign in the shop which said: "Prices may vary according to customer's attitude." Meals are timed for the crew's convenience. Evening meal is 5.30pm so it is a long evening. But they will take you on a tour of the bridge if you get bored.
There is one big drawback. This is that their business is freight and so freight bookings take priority. You pay your money in advance and you get a provisional reservation. If they fill up then you are bumped off and have to wait for the next boat. So you only get confirmation of your booking the day of sailing. If you can live with that I would recommend it as a truly unique travel experience. And of course it now the only way to get to Scandinavia by boat.
I did try to book the Esbjerg route last year but they told me that we would be unlikely to get a reliable booking because we were wanting to go at a busy freight time.
That reminds me that the response you get to your initial inquiry can depend a bit on the member of staff you speak to. Some seem to be keener on the idea of passengers than others do - so if you get a negative response the first time it is worth calling back and trying to speak to someone else. Bizarre but somehow refreshing in these corporate times.