P&O Loss for Cyclists visiting Normandy

[Pedalling Pete]

P&O plan to withdraw cross-channel services from Portsmouth. Their Summer "Fastcat" to Caen offered cyclists a quick afternoon crossing, allowing a civilised morning ride to the ferry from one's overnight stop. The same applied to the return crossing. Not sure what will be on offer next year, but my guess is that it will be less convenient, and more expensive!

[sandy]

Agreed,although the fast ferry can be a bit uncomfortable in heavy seas,much prefer conventional ships.We rolled off the ferry at Caen(ouistreham)and spent 10 days touring Normandy ending up at Cherbourg. Portsmouth is easier to get to from the North and there is a convenient but expensive long term car park.

[Pedalling Pete]

As forecast last September, Brittany Ferries now charge a couple of cyclists £222 for Portsmouth-Caen return fare. Last year with P&O it cost us £42. No wonder the skies overhead are full of planes! Anyone know of non-ripoff channel crossings for bikies?

[Frances]

you can take your bike on the Stranraer to Belfast sea crossing for no extra charge as a foot passenger and the crew are very helpful. That's if you want to come cycling in Ireland of course!

[gar]

Brittany ferries pretends to be a value cooperative,
biut actually a very pushy group of farmers who underpay their staff and overcharge their customers

I have found that the best thing to do with bike
with them is NOT TO MENTION the bike at all
when booking and say that you are a pedestrian.

When you arrive BE DISCREET about the bike
and when you go on as a pedestrian take the bike on with you and go by way of the bike stands,
and leave it there, as a pedestrian

Otherwise they will try to charge you, and will.

g

[Nigel]

I recently booked Portsmouth - Le Havre one way for two with bikes in July for £41 total but that is still P&O.

[Pedalling Pete]

Thanks for that, Nigel - similar basic price to last year (when I was lucky to pick up a half-price deal). I was thinking of getting a pedalo conversion, and waiting for calm weather!

[Helen]

We've booked Le Havre-Portsmouth with bikes. Friday 22nd July, departing 09.30, arriving 14.00. £13 each with P&O over phone quoting CTC discount reference.

[Pedalling Pete]

Thanks Helen. I've found the P&O return ticket price with bike Portsmouth-Le Havre booked online for August is £23. Let's hope no one wastes their money with Brittany Ferries this year.