Bike carrier ( on our car ) on Normandie Express

[Mjhatcher]

We are travelling to France on Friday and as usual taking family bikes on a buzzrack trailer. For the first time we are travelling on the Normandie Express fast boat and I’ve just seen an FAQ on the website talking about how they do not allow trailers or caravans on this crossing.

I spoke with a lady in their reservations team who said that what we had wouldn’t be a problem as it wasn’t a “separate trailer” but I didn’t get a huge feeling of confidence she was really clear. The last thing I want is to show up at the port and be unable to travel

Has anyone travelled on this boat with a 4-bike tow hitch trailer? Am I worrying about nothing?

Thanks! Matt

[robgul]

In no sense of the word is it a "trailer" as it's just a platform on the towbar of the vehicle. What you may find (I did when I took mine on a Brittany Ferry) is that there is a surcharge on the vehicle fare if you have a bike rack.

A trailer by defininition has wheels on the ground and trails behind the towing vehicle.

BUT why not do the obvious and email the ferry company to get a written reply as "evidence" in the unlikely event of a challenge as you board.

Rob

[Mjhatcher]

Thanks for your help and for the good suggestion.

[tim_f]

Probably have a no trailer rule because there is only a loading door at one end and card have to do a tight turn inside the boat on loading or unloading depending on which side one parks.

[Slowroad]

I'd never heard of the Normandie Express - looks good! Competitive prices.

[Mjhatcher]

Thanks all. I can safely say that there was no problem at all. Clearly had nothing to worry about!