New Ferry to France (Launch Offer)

bbam

Different strokes for different folks...
LD nor Celtic Link are for me..
But someone made a point that this was a great chance for a cheap holiday during recessionary times.. and this bargain alerts..
I really hope its a top class service and people enjoy France, it really is the top family destination for holidays.. been there 10 times and never ever disappointed..
It can only be good for all of us to see extra competition on the crossings..
Happy holidays folks !!

billie1b

MidlandsM wrote: »

You come across as either a shill or just a FOOL.

ah come on, no need for that really

MidlandsM

bbam wrote: »

LD nor Celtic Link are for me..
!

true bbam, but you don't come on repeating yourself over and over on this forum with the "up my own swiss roll" attitude.

MidlandsM

billie1b wrote: »

ah come on, no need for that really

I'm just being real, and I don't care, I'll take a ban for it.

First Up

MidlandsM wrote: »

but why do you repeat yourself over and over, and ram your opinion and experience down everyones throats here with you constant repitition of how wonderful IF is, and how low rent LD is (as you deem it) ?

You come across as either a shill or just a fool.

Actually I reckon the Pont Aven is a better ship but Roscoff is not usually my preferred destination.
There is a significant difference between Ro-Ro ferries that accommodate "civilians" and custom built passenger ferries. People who are not familiar with the difference might welcome some heads up about it.
If LD suits you for price or routing, then that's great. I don't see what's wrong with alerting them to the downsides, or the alternatives
A few of us are making a run to France over Easter. We looked at every combination - price, vessel, sailing times, destination - the lot.
For our needs, on those dates, the OW came out best.
I'm looking forward to reviews of the LD service and if you go back far enough, you will see me welcoming it's introduction and wishing it well. If and when it suits me I will use it.
Any more questions?

moodrater

July 11

First Up wrote: »

"civilians"

First Up wrote: »

Any more questions?

Ahh I see you are under the illusion that people are asking your opinion. Do you got around the ryanair forum telling everyone that 'I never travel coach' too.

First Up

moodrater wrote: »

I take it you haven't worked in the commercial transport sector.

First Up

moodrater wrote: »

Ahh I see you are under the illusion that people are asking your opinion. Do you got around the ryanair forum telling everyone that 'I never travel coach' too.

No, I was replying to MidlandM, who asked me a question.

moodrater

July 11

First Up wrote: »

I take it you haven't worked in the commercial transport sector.

By jove what the devil are you getting at? Never lifted a finger in my life. Old money you know, father was shipping magnate. Fancy a spot croquet old bean, I hear you wowed the ladies at fete with your stalking.


Aaaanyway back on topic..

For those of you that won't be staying at the Ritz in Biarritz with First Up

Most of the camping offers end on the 5/7 or the 12/7.

I saw an offer on chadotel that runs to the 20/7 where you get 14 nights for the price of 10 at Domaine de Beaulieu, The Trévillière, Bolée The Air, The Bahamas Beach , L'Océano d'Or, La Bolée Air, Le Domaine d'Oléron.

Also 1 week free if you book 3 weeks at:
The Bahamas Beach, Le Domaine de Beaulieu, The Trévillière, L'Océano d'Or, La Bolée Air, Le Domaine d'Oléron

Details here:
http://www.chadotel.com/fr/promotions

There was a bit of a travesty at l'oceanó dór last year with some paedo trying to assault kids hes locked up apparently but its a good reminder to keep an eye on your kids.

dougie-lampkin

Thanks OP, what a deal! I've never been on a "cruise" to France, but at this price it'd be rude not to! Any other plebs booked onto LD for 23rd May? June/July just pushed the budget too high unfortunately.

Also my first time driving outside Ireland, but I thought ahead and bought a French car to try and blend in. Speaking of which, if any boardsies do happen to spot an Irish reg C5 with the bonnet up on the autoroute, please stop, I'd appreciate it

alastair

July 4

paddydriver wrote: »

So lads and lassies.

Seem to be a few of us going out on the 27th June.. Me senses an impromptu boards.ie few pints on board that night?:D

Let's try get something organised closer to time. Would be good to get a chat.

We'll be on the Club Boardsies 27th sailing. In a classic Volvo 1800ES. Why bring the sensible and economical modern diesel yoke, when you could bring the impractical gas guzzler with a long bonnet, useless passenger side rear view mirror, and steering like a lorry? It'll be my first time driving on the wrong side of the road for good measure. Hoping to get up to Le Mans for the 24 hour classic race, and maybe down to Bordeaux, but nothing solid planned yet. No kids, so not hitting the family sites, but probably mostly camping anyway.

Well up for an on-board meet up. God knows it's a long sailing, so any entertainment will be welcome.

dockleaf

August 1

alastair wrote: »

We'll be on the Club Boardsies 27th sailing. In a classic Volvo 1800ES.

Is that you, Simon?:p

alastair

July 4

dockleaf wrote: »

Is that you, Simon?:p

Simon couldn't fit a tent in his car.

First Up

moodrater wrote: »

By jove what the devil are you getting at? Never lifted a finger in my life. Old money you know, father was shipping magnate. Fancy a spot croquet old bean, I hear you wowed the ladies at fete with your stalking.


.

Gosh, how witty. 21 hours in your company will be a real treat for somebody.

Bring a dictionary with you and look up "civilians" (take as long as you need and ask one of the children to help if necessary.) Note that it is not a derogatory term, but rather one used in casual parlance to differentiate between those in or outside a specific profession - in this case that of freight drivers.

By the way, for those objecting to my use of the term "economy class", have a listen to Irish Ferries radio advert for their sailings to France this year. You will hear that they describe their Dublin/Cherbourg route as "economy class", while also mentioning the "family friendly" Oscar Wilde.

Draw your own conclusions.

NWPat

First Up wrote: »

Actually I reckon the Pont Aven is a better ship but Roscoff is not usually my preferred destination.
There is a significant difference between Ro-Ro ferries that accommodate "civilians" and custom built passenger ferries. People who are not familiar with the difference might welcome some heads up about it.
If LD suits you for price or routing, then that's great. I don't see what's wrong with alerting them to the downsides, or the alternatives
A few of us are making a run to France over Easter. We looked at every combination - price, vessel, sailing times, destination - the lot.
For our needs, on those dates, the OW came out best.
I'm looking forward to reviews of the LD service and if you go back far enough, you will see me welcoming it's introduction and wishing it well. If and when it suits me I will use it.
Any more questions?

So lets get this straight, you are pointing out the "downsides" of a ship you have never been on, have never seen, and have no first hand knowledge of at all. Thanks very much! I can only guess you work for Irish ferries. Who else could argue that a shorter trip on a much older ship (over 20 years older) at twice the price is a better deal. This is bargain alerts after all. You sound like one of those people who have never been on Ryanair but moan about it. 80 million people a year can't all be wrong.

First Up

I'm pointing out that the (almost identical) Ro-Ro ships used by LD, Celtic and Irish Ferries on the Dublin/Cherbourg run are not as comfortable or accommodating as the specialist passenger ferries Oscar Wilde and Pont Aven.

If you availed of the excellent introductory prices on LD, then you got a very cheap deal - the drawbacks being the relative lack of amenities - the same as with Celtic or on the IF Epsilon. The LD sailing has the additional feature of a 4-7 hour longer crossing, which I would suggest is an important factor if you are trying to keep kids amused.

If you did not get one of the introductory deals with LD, the relative difference between what is on offer between the different operators is much less. People can decide for themselves if they prefer an extra 4+ hours on the boat, versus a longer drive. It also depends on where people intend to finish their journey.

I have repeatedly said the introductory prices on LD are a good deal, especially for the peak season and those heading to the Vendée. Beyond those, there isn't a lot in it. We looked at every permutation for a trip in April and the Oscar Wilde to Cherbourg and back suited us best - and it was not the most expensive option.

I don't have any connection with any Ferry company.

MidlandsM

First Up wrote: »

I don't have any connection with any Ferry company.

sure

ScouseMouse

July 4

Come on guys and gals. Dont spoil the thread with sniping. This is great for general info to help us all.

Dai John

I have followed all this with interest and suspect midland M and NWpat have valid points to make about First Up. I am retired now but for the last few years drive to Alicante twice a year and spent many years truck driving all over Europe traveling on most of the ferries at the time. Cost is my priority, obviously not the case with First Up, must be nice not having to concern yourself about money. I check routes and prices and Brittany Ferries were always out of my price league. Celtic Link has been my ferry of choice as the dog goes free, and as we take a month out at a time he has to come, IF want 70 euros each way for a kennel. The only fault I see with LD is that they do not cater for pets and there is only one sailing a week, otherwise I think it offers great value, especially if you go on to Gijon. We stop at hotels as they offer good value (we normally travel May and Sept), my daughter and her husband and two kids camp on route but I am horrified at the prices they pay, pick the right hotel and you can pay less without the hassle of erecting a tent etc. We also dine at the Routier restaurants I know and get a four course meal for 12 euros and that includes the local wine. My money was hard earned and I have no intention of giving it away just to impress someone.

First Up

Dai John wrote: »

I have followed all this with interest and suspect midland M and NWpat have valid points to make about First Up. I am retired now but for the last few years drive to Alicante twice a year and spent many years truck driving all over Europe traveling on most of the ferries at the time. Cost is my priority, obviously not the case with First Up, must be nice not having to concern yourself about money. I check routes and prices and Brittany Ferries were always out of my price league. Celtic Link has been my ferry of choice as the dog goes free, and as we take a month out at a time he has to come, IF want 70 euros each way for a kennel. The only fault I see with LD is that they do not cater for pets and there is only one sailing a week, otherwise I think it offers great value, especially if you go on to Gijon. We stop at hotels as they offer good value (we normally travel May and Sept), my daughter and her husband and two kids camp on route but I am horrified at the prices they pay, pick the right hotel and you can pay less without the hassle of erecting a tent etc. We also dine at the Routier restaurants I know and get a four course meal for 12 euros and that includes the local wine. My money was hard earned and I have no intention of giving it away just to impress someone.

Which valid points would those be?

dockleaf

August 1

Any good restaurants/hotels around St. Nazaire? We plan to stay somewhere around there in a hotel for the first night after the ferry and then make our way down to Biarritz next morning. Any recommendations welcome.

Dai John

First Up wrote: »

Which valid points would those be?

If you do not work for IF you appear to be their greatest fan .

alastair

July 4

dockleaf wrote: »

Any good restaurants/hotels around St. Nazaire? We plan to stay somewhere around there in a hotel for the first night after the ferry and then make our way down to Biarritz next morning. Any recommendations welcome.

I've opted to stay in the Best Western Express in St Nazaire for the first night. It's opposite the WWII submarine pens, and handy for grocery shopping. New hotel with decent enough reviews, but no frills.

First Up

Dai John wrote: »

If you do not work for IF you appear to be their greatest fan .

Why - because I prefer a full service boat that sails to where I want to go, to a Ro-Ro?
I don't have their boats to myself - do you think everyone who uses them is stupid, or wealthy?
I don't travel in high season and I don't bring a dog. Four of us are using them in April at a cost of €135 each return, including car and cabins. That was a better and more convenient deal than anything else on offer.
My money is as hard earned as yours and I'll thank you for letting me decide how and where I want to spend it.

NWPat

First Up wrote: »

Why - because I prefer a full service boat that sails to where I want to go, to a Ro-Ro?
I don't have their boats to myself - do you think everyone who uses them is stupid, or wealthy?
I don't travel in high season and I don't bring a dog. Four of us are using them in April at a cost of €135 each return, including car and cabins. That was a better and more convenient deal than anything else on offer.
My money is as hard earned as yours and I'll thank you for letting me decide how and where I want to spend it.

Because you seem not to understand the purpose of Bargain Alerts. The clue is in the title.

You also have no idea what a a Ro-Ro ferry is. The Oscar Wilde, Pont Avon and the Scintu are all Ro-Ro ferries. All it means is that you drive on and drive off again. The only other type of ship are LOLO's, where items are lifted on and off.

I will not engage any further with this thread as it has turned in to your personal crusade against something you have shown to know nothing about.

Hope everyone enjoys their hols:)

ScouseMouse

July 4

NWPat wrote: »

Because you seem not to understand the purpose of Bargain Alerts. The clue is in the title.

You also have no idea what a a Ro-Ro ferry is. The Oscar Wilde, Pont Avon and the Scintu are all Ro-Ro ferries. All it means is that you drive on and drive off again. The only other type of ship are LOLO's, where items are lifted on and off.

I will not engage any further with this thread as it has turned in to your personal crusade against something you have shown to know nothing about.

Hope everyone enjoys their hols:)

NWPAT. Hang around, this thread is useful for everyone. Dont let any particular posters put you off:(

Dai John

Horses for courses, my choice is made on my requirements and experience. I have been in contact with people with regard to routes and given answers that would not show on here .I like to think that I have been constructive. We all spend our own money as we want and I prefer to keep as much as I can for the actual holiday. You can spend 200 euros on road tolls to Alicante each way if you want, I spend only 11 euros, but that's my choice. My daughter was asked 50 euros for a camp-site for a one night stopover, I got a motel one night for 35 euros. My choice, your choice everyones' choice, they are all different just a question of personal priorities but I thought that this thread was to share ideas and most people are looking for the most economic ways to travel having regard to their own demands. I do not work for an Irish Ferry company and in fact hold them in low regard for ripping us off over the years. If you do not agree perhaps you can tell me why it used to cost me more to cross the Irish Sea with my truck than to go from Ancona to Patras on a luxury ship with swimming pools, a 36 hour crossing as compared to a 3 and a half hour crossing ? Look back over the years and compare the prices before there was competition.

First Up

NWPat wrote: »

Because you seem not to understand the purpose of Bargain Alerts. The clue is in the title.

You also have no idea what a a Ro-Ro ferry is. The Oscar Wilde, Pont Avon and the Scintu are all Ro-Ro ferries. All it means is that you drive on and drive off again. The only other type of ship are LOLO's, where items are lifted on and off.

I will not engage any further with this thread as it has turned in to your personal crusade against something you have shown to know nothing about.

Hope everyone enjoys their hols:)

I'm well aware what a Ro-Ro is. I'm making a distinction between ships that are primarily freight orientated and those that are designed more for passengers. But I'm sure you knew that.
I'm also well aware of what bargain thread means. In the case of ferries to France, the bargain related to ID's launch offer, which is now (it seems) fully subscribed. The discussion has moved on to the relative deals available under normal trading terms.
If that displeases you, then off you go.

First Up

Dai John wrote: »

Horses for courses, my choice is made on my requirements and experience. I have been in contact with people with regard to routes and given answers that would not show on here .I like to think that I have been constructive. We all spend our own money as we want and I prefer to keep as much as I can for the actual holiday. You can spend 200 euros on road tolls to Alicante each way if you want, I spend only 11 euros, but that's my choice. My daughter was asked 50 euros for a camp-site for a one night stopover, I got a motel one night for 35 euros. My choice, your choice everyones' choice, they are all different just a question of personal priorities but I thought that this thread was to share ideas and most people are looking for the most economic ways to travel having regard to their own demands. I do not work for an Irish Ferry company and in fact hold them in low regard for ripping us off over the years. If you do not agree perhaps you can tell me why it used to cost me more to cross the Irish Sea with my truck than to go from Ancona to Patras on a luxury ship with swimming pools, a 36 hour crossing as compared to a 3 and a half hour crossing ? Look back over the years and compare the prices before there was competition.

As I said in a previous post, there is more to a bargain than just just the price. Cheapest doesn't always mean best value. The LD launch offer was great but after that.....
Comparing costs on entirely different routes is a bit pointless. Too many variables.
But of course competition is good.

Lima Golf

July 4

First Up wrote: »

My money is as hard earned as yours and I'll thank you for letting me decide how and where I want to spend it.

If you could let everyone else decide how and where to spend their money, that would be great. You've rammed irish ferries down everyone's necks enough times in this thread for people to have gotten your point. It's just repetitive at this stage.

First Up

Lima Golf wrote: »

If you could let everyone else decide how and where to spend their money, that would be great. You've rammed irish ferries down everyone's necks enough times in this thread for people to have gotten your point. It's just repetitive at this stage.

Oh I dunno.
Another poster says he finds it very informative.

MidlandsM

WE'VE a TROLL ALERT -


SO, HANDY TIP EVERYONE -


Click on First up's name on the left of any of his lame comments, that will reveal a drop down menu, at the botton you will get "add First up to your IGNORE list"

Do that ........and enjoyment of this excellent thread is resumed.


Job done

First Up

MidlandsM wrote: »

WE'VE a TROLL ALERT -


SO, HANDY TIP EVERYONE -


Click on First up's name on the left of any of his lame comments, that will reveal a drop down menu, at the botton you will get "add First up to your IGNORE list"

Do that ........and enjoyment of this excellent thread is resumed.


Job done

Reciprocated.

MidlandsM

sorry First Up, whatever you blab, i just see this now ..........HEAVEN!

Today, 15:22
Remove user from ignore list
First Up
This message is hidden because First Up is on your ignore list.

Rashers72

This has gone so far from a bargain alert, I think a Mod should move a lot of these posts over to travel or something similar. Well done to those who got the original BA. Fantastic value......

First Up

Rashers72 wrote: »

This has gone so far from a bargain alert, I think a Mod should move a lot of these posts over to travel or something similar. Well done to those who got the original BA. Fantastic value......

Good idea. We now have four companies, five vessels, three departure and three arrival Ports. An adult discussion about the merits, advantages and otherwise of the options would benefit everyone and would be better conducted without people airing their insecurities and begrudgery at the same time.

mrsoft

July 18

I'd hope the mods would keep this thread open. I availed of the offer and must thank the op for same and I still like to log on to get info on the do and don'ts, camping etc. Can't see it doing any harm.

I don't want to be reading about the merits or otherwise of any other ships. It adds nothing to the thread.

Pretzill

mrsoft wrote: »

I'd hope the mods would keep this thread open. I availed of the offer and must thank the op for same and I still like to log on to get info on the do and don'ts, camping etc. Can't see it doing any harm.

I don't want to be reading about the merits or otherwise of any other ships. It adds nothing to the thread.

I agree besides which I'd like to hear posters experience of the voyage. I using IF and the OW this spring but I'm interested in this journey next year perhaps I'll get in for a bargain then and not miss out like I did this time.

Youse are all my guinea pigs!

First Up

No, but it might for people yet to decide. Maybe set up a "we're going to St Nazaire" thread.

wextipp

mrsoft wrote: »

I don't want to be reading about the merits or otherwise of any other ships. It adds nothing to the thread.

I like to hear all views as it is my first ferry trip to France

Might be best to avoid the boardsie drinkies though. The way some people are over reacting on here it might turn in to a brawl.

First Up

wextipp wrote: »

I like to hear all views as it is my first ferry trip to France

Might be best to avoid the boardsie drinkies though. The way some people are over reacting on here it might turn in to a brawl.

More likely a bragging match about who made the cheapest sandwiches from the stuff they bought in Lidl on the way to the ferry.

Big Nelly

Hey guys, thinking of heading, does anyone recommend a place in France to stay? Thanks

cambasque

Big Nelly wrote: »

Hey guys, thinking of heading, does anyone recommend a place in France to stay? Thanks

France is a big country....you need to narrow it down!

juneg

July 4

Big Nelly wrote: »

Hey guys, thinking of heading, does anyone recommend a place in France to stay? Thanks

http://www.camping-la-garangeoire.com/

ScouseMouse

July 4

First Up wrote: »

More likely a bragging match about who made the cheapest sandwiches from the stuff they bought in Lidl on the way to the ferry.

I read that comment, and without even looking who wrote it, I knew it was you.

You can really wind people up and are bordering on offensive. Someone above accused you of being a troll, and now I have to agree.

Its a pity the mods were not around today when I reported this thread going bad earlier today - TWICE.

Now, wheres that ignore button.

First Up

Big Nelly wrote: »

Hey guys, thinking of heading, does anyone recommend a place in France to stay? Thanks

Need a few clues. How many of you? Ages? When can you travel? What do you like to do? Any complications?

First Up

superscouse wrote: »

I read that comment, and without even looking who wrote it, I knew it was you.

You can really wind people up and are bordering on offensive. Someone above accused you of being a troll, and now I have to agree.

Its a pity the mods were not around today when I reported this thread going bad earlier today - TWICE.

Now, wheres that ignore button.

Sorry to offend but I've put up with an awful lot of crap in here and a little (black) humour wouldn't go amiss.

First Up

wextipp wrote: »

I like to hear all views as it is my first ferry trip to France

Might be best to avoid the boardsie drinkies though. The way some people are over reacting on here it might turn in to a brawl.

As you can see, your fears are justified!

mrsoft

July 18

wextipp wrote: »

I like to hear all views as it is my first ferry trip to France

Might be best to avoid the boardsie drinkies though. The way some people are over reacting on here it might turn in to a brawl.

As it is mine. But this thread is about LD Lines and not IF or anyone else.

IMO there is only one person who seems intent on stirring it up on here and thankfully he won't be on board. Like a dog with a bone.

Eight Ball

MidlandsM wrote: »

First up works for Irish Ferries.

(its obvious)

Actually thought this myself.