ratherbeintobago wrote:I think if this ever happens, the likely plan would involve bikes on the car to the U.K. end of the ferry.
Is there any provision for bikes on the ferry?
i've taken the bike on Hull - Europoort a couple of times (and used the crossing with a car a bunch more). At either end you have a steep ramp to conquer to load so beware of that (its particularly interesting on the way back as its higher and steeper than anything you will have ridden in coastal Holland!). At Hull, if you are there before loading starts there is a bike waiting zone and you'll usually be loaded first across the bridge, if you are later you may ride straight on or have a short delay as cars are loaded. At the Dutch end you queue on the dock, in theory bikes load first but very often the stewards will allow a few cars or m/c's to gazzump you. At both ports you have access to the terminal building after check in for toilets and shelter, possibly even a drink.
On board, where the bikes are parked will vary depending on the rest of the load and both ships on the route are pretty much identical. Usually you park in the middle of the car deck with the motorbikes against the ramp railings where a variety of straps and ropes are available. If there are a lot of m/c's however, you will be parked close to the boarding door against a bulk head. As its an overnight crossing you have to have a cabin, whether you take all your bags up is of course up to you but there is no access to the car deck from departure to arrival so apart from the obvious pump/computer etc i'd be happy to and indeed have, left the bags i don't need on the bike with no extra security.
