Norman Voyager - Celtic Ferries (aka LD Lines)

Berty

So,

About the Norman Voyager and its Rosslare - Cherbourg route.

Have you travelled on this ship? What did you think? Recommendations etc etc.


Now Celtic Link Ferries

http://www.celticlinkferries.com/

Formerly LD Lines route to Le Harve. Same Ship.

ollaetta

I haven't used the Norman Voyager as it's new to the Rosslare - Cherbourg route but I have been on their other ship a number of times.

Celtic Link provide basically a stripped down version of Irish Ferries and Brittany Ferries services. This is not necessarily a bad thing as it depends on what you want. If you're not bothered about onboard shops, bars and restaurants etc. and just want to get over to the continent at a reasonable cost, they are fine. Cabins are basic but clean and do the job. Grub is included in the cost and is decent.

I wouldn't like to use it them though if I had lively kids or early teenagers. There is nothing to keep them occupied and it could be a long crossing.

The pictures of the new boat on the website suggests that it is a step up from the Diplomat so it is possible that they are taking it to a new level.

The only real quibble I had with Celtic Link was a number of delayed departures which they didn't handle very well from a keeping us informed point of view.

Berty

They appear, by their info and timetable, to be offering a similar service to Brittany Ferries in so much that they are going to do Ireland to France once a week return and the rest of the week they will be doing UK to France return.

We do not need the frills of bars and restaurants, game rooms and cinemas because its only 2 adults and the price is €697 return, Irish Ferries €956 and Brittany €1280 so on price it sounds ok but at 18 hours.

gandalf

Went with LD Lines on this ship in July to Le Harve and it was fine. We booked a 2 berth cabin with them. I wouldn't like travelling that lenght of time without a cabin.

skibum

Pictures and layout of the Norman Voyager:
http://www.ldlinesenthusiasts.co.uk/fleet/normanvoyager/index.html

BenShermin

I assume they don't take foot pax?

gandalf

BenShermin wrote: »

I assume they don't take foot pax?

I think they do. They definitely take cyclists anyway

BenShermin

gandalf wrote: »

I think they do. They definitely take cyclists anyway

:eek: They actually do, I'll have to take a trip on that next year.

phog

Berty wrote: »

So,

About the Norman Voyager and its Rosslare - Cherbourg route.

Have you travelled on this ship? What did you think? Recommendations etc etc.


Now Celtic Link Ferries

http://www.celticlinkferries.com/

Formerly LD Lines route to Le Harve. Same Ship.

Have you considered using the UK as a land bridge and then crossing to France from there? Depending on were you're heading to on the continent it might be a better option. Drive to Portsmouth/Poole and cross to Cherbourg or to Dover and cross to Calais. I've done both (Ire - France via UK & Ire - France direct) and I think I prefer the landbridge option.

Gvillage

I must say that I went on the Norman Voyager recently between Rosslare and Cherbourg and found to be a great experience. I found the staff very friendly, the food nice and most of all, it did NOT cost me an arm and leg.

There was a very slight delay with departing, but it was only mere minutes. I could not speak highly enough about my experience with Celtic Link. In fact, I am thinking about going to France again for the France- Ireland match in Paris on the 13th Feb.:D

I would whole heartedly recommend anybody this year that is going to France to use Celtic Link. From what I can gather by looking at their summer prices people could end up saving a truck load of money on their summer holidays in comparison to Irish or Brittany Ferries. Well, thats just my opinion!:)

Berty

Hi GVillage,

It must be easy to hop back and forth on the ferry with all those EMPLOYEE discount you probably get. :rolleyes:

Bandit12

Gvillage wrote: »

I must say that I went on the Norman Voyager recently between Rosslare and Cherbourg and found to be a great experience. I found the staff very friendly, the food nice and most of all, it did NOT cost me an arm and leg.

There was a very slight delay with departing, but it was only mere minutes. I could not speak highly enough about my experience with Celtic Link. In fact, I am thinking about going to France again for the France- Ireland match in Paris on the 13th Feb.:D

I would whole heartedly recommend anybody this year that is going to France to use Celtic Link. From what I can gather by looking at their summer prices people could end up saving a truck load of money on their summer holidays in comparison to Irish or Brittany Ferries. Well, thats just my opinion!:)

Booked ourselves in with Celtic link for June over to Cherbourg after some good reviews from parents in my kids chool. Seems they offer free food on the journey and besides the boat not having a huge shop,bar,cinema (who cares) it worked out 550 euro cheaper than irish ferries for the same route. One happy family right here.:)

SACH Central

Any updates or any recent reviews on this. I was looking at a review site today. It said that the new ship, the Norman Voyager, was not operating as of 10/01/2010. This was due to 'operational reasons'.

Thinking of taking it in August as there's good savings over the other two operators. Any help appreciated.

puppetmaster

Ive recently booked for August with them, at half the price of Irish ferries, and cheaper than the flight too.

And also took a trip down to Rosslare today and the Norman Voyager was Docked in the harbour loading up, so seems to be working grand to me. (lights on, still floating).

Berty

I decided after much looking and being made redundant from two jobs to book a cheaper alternative.

Im going Landbridge to France. €290 return for Irish Ferries and €72 return on the Folkestone-Calais Tunnel.

Not soo bad. Also booked two recently opened Travelodges for €24.50 each.

So I saved a fortune.

Very happy and we decided to spend another night in the UK to do a bit of shopping and stuff on the way to France.

Splashing out on a Holiday Inn Express.

So although it would be handy to go direct the dates were not practical and its cheaper to book your holiday in August/September/October but the ferry companies don't release their prices until late December which is silly because the price of the accomodation has gone up on campsites by then. :mad:

puppetmaster

Cost me €434 for two of us to france from rosslare, there was nothing comparable on a land bridge option including Petrol and time. Going with Celtic link in August. Cheapest way i found to get to the continent.

Dinkie

I about about the same. Going in June. There appear to be very few reviews of the ferry on the internet so hoping it will be o.k. The pictures on the celtic link website look o.k.

puppetmaster

Yeh i cant find any reviews either, The boat itself is only 2 years old, Irish ferries one is 23 years old i think. Depends what ur looking for i guess. Im lookin for the cheapest way to the continent and to bring my car. It makes no odds to me if there is an lcd screen with Reruns off "friends" on some free to air sat channell. so as long as it aint a coffin ship im happy.

Celtic link seem to be the Ryanair on that route. and the cost speaks for itself. Maybe if you get the chance after you travel in june that you might post a few lines of a review on them.

Dinkie

No problem... Will post a review when I get home. I'm happy enough also to do without added extras in order to get the cheaper price.... I'm going to pack backgammon to while away the hours.

Berty

I just put my dates into Celtic Link Ferries website. €618 and there are 0 cabins left.

Im glad I dont leave things till the last minute. Thats 2/3rds the price of my 2 week holiday. :rolleyes:

saidm

HI,
I used both ferries from Rosslare to Cherbourg last two summers so I can give some reviews on both companies.
First I had the same feeling as doing a comparison between Ryanair and Aer lingus for flights.

Norman voyager (Celtic link was LD lines) was a brand new ferry but everything in it was very basic and strict minimum : 1 small and basic cabin with 2 beds with thin and uncomfortable mattress, 1 small shower room, plastics panels vibrations in the cabin all the night, 1 very small shop, 1 bar and 1 small restaurant with quiet good food. Very boring crossing, but happy to reach France for cheap.

In Irish ferries I felt more comfortable with a nice cabin 2 comfortable beds, TV, shower room, very comfortable, many restaurants, pizza, coffee, bars, 1 big shop, enjoying just walking around.
The price difference was 100 eur extra for Irish ferries but I really enjoyed that travel, with LD line Norman Voyager I only find a cheaper way to get to France.
So If your goal is only to reach Cherbourg for cheap in a basic comfort the best deal is Celtic link.
If you like comfort, distraction and enjoying your crossing, pay an extra money and get irish ferries.
My holidays in France started in Cherbourg with Celtic Link while it started in Rosslare with Irish ferries.

Berty

saidm wrote: »

My holidays in France started in Cherbourg with Celtic Link while it started in Rosslare with Irish ferries.

You've been brainwashed by Irish Ferries advertising.

puppetmaster

Lol , yeh id except that though, but the difference in price for me was near €400 rather than €100

saidm

puppetmaster wrote: »

Lol , yeh id except that though, but the difference in price for me was near €400 rather than €100

400 eur extra!!!!!
It s no point spending that money for a nicer ferry, no worries Norman Voyager is still ok as it is a 2 years old ferry, the food was good and the crossing is only 20 hours so after a long sleep and a shower you will be in France with an extra 400 eur for your holidays.

bazzachazza

Just off Irish Ferries Oscar Wilde yesterday.

My god its showing everyday of it 23 years. Especially in the cabins. Having gone over the previous week with Brittany ferries and been spoiled on the Pont Aven it really was a disappointment to see how much has changed for the Oscar Wilde in just one years service for Irish Ferries.

I would happily use Celtic links Norman voyager if the times and prices suit me.

One think that has always struck me about Irish ferries ships to France are they are so slow 18 hours on Celtic link, 14 on Brittany and 19.5 on Irish ferries. P+O used to do Dublin to Cherbourg in 21 Hrs. The timing of their winter crossings is aimed at freight drivers and not tourists.

Happy Campers x 5

Just home from France having used Celtic Link (Norman Voyager) for the first time. Yes the boat is smaller than other boats on the Ireland to France route and the food's not free as other reviews suggest, but my God what a brilliant experience. The Boat is immaculate from top to bottom and a credit to the crew who work on her. You could eat your food off the floor of this boat. The food was very reasonably priced and very nice, however, a bigger selection might be a good idea. The staff were nice and helpful especially the people in the restaurant. We were very sceptical ourselves having 3 kids and there isn't alot for kids to do on this ferry, so bring plenty of toys for them to play with. Dinner for the 5 of us €44.60, Full Breakfast €22.60 beat that on any other ferry. We are coverted and won't be using any other company next year. Our holiday started the minute we got on the ferry and the journey was faster than estimated on both trips. Well done Celtic Link.

gandalf

Travelling with them at the end of the month and it looking forward to it. Went with them last year and found the service very good with them with the exception of the food.

Happy Campers x 5

Hi Gandalf. As i said in my thread. We found the food very good and reasonable, a bigger selection might be good idea for Celtic Link to work on. We have 3 kid's and still they didn't leave the table hungry. The Cabin's are more comfortable on Norman Voyager aswell. We normally travelled out of Cork as we live only 30 minutes drive from Ringaskiddy, but for the value for money on Celtid Link I'd rather drive the extra 2 1/2 hours. Plus we saved about € 550 with Celtic Link I Hope you will be as happy as we were after your next trip.:)

olaola

We've just booked our Sept hoilday with them. They don't charge any extra for dogs, and you can keep the dog in your car. Which is a big bonus. So that saves us €140 already on Irish Ferries.

faigs

Looking at using them myself, they sail on the same day as IF but depart a few hours later, our saving would only be €80 but we could lose that by ending up later at our first destination and having to use a hotel instead of camping. Not sure what to do!

munsterleinster

Used them in October. It was the old ship then so havn't tried the Norman Voyager yet.

I hope they've pulled their socks up as the boat was 2 hours late departing without any explanation.
On board it was 80% truckers and by 10pm they were mostly drunk truckers...Then the fun and games started with the punch ups between the drunken Irish and South African truckers..

As I said, I hope they've pulled their socks up but they seem to make Ryanair look like highly polished professionals

http://www.seabreezes.co.im/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=153:celtic-concerns-as-norman-voyager-loses-sailings&catid=30:ferry-world&Itemid=51

olaola

munsterleinster wrote: »

Used them in October. It was the old ship then so havn't tried the Norman Voyager yet.

I hope they've pulled their socks up as the boat was 2 hours late departing without any explanation.
On board it was 80% truckers and by 10pm they were mostly drunk truckers...Then the fun and games started with the punch ups between the drunken Irish and South African truckers..

As I said, I hope they've pulled their socks up but they seem to make Ryanair look like highly polished professionals

http://www.seabreezes.co.im/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=153:celtic-concerns-as-norman-voyager-loses-sailings&catid=30:ferry-world&Itemid=51

If you go on any Ferry in Oct, it's going to be 80% truckers, and you're going to get delays in the winter all the time due to weather.
A general word of warning!

munsterleinster

Winter Weather ...4th October is hardly winter...Was sunny & calm at departure and arrival too...

At least their efficient at one thing... getting their staff posting on boards.ie:P

olaola wrote: »

If you go on any Ferry in Oct, it's going to be 80% truckers, and you're going to get delays in the winter all the time due to weather.
A general word of warning!

olaola

munsterleinster wrote: »

Winter Weather ...4th October is hardly winter...Was sunny & calm at departure and arrival too...

At least their efficient at one thing... getting their staff posting on boards.ie:P

Indeed. I have worked for a Ferry company (way) back in my student days. But it was definitely not Celtic Link. Which is why I'm aware of the trucker/winter weather scenario.

ollaetta

munsterleinster wrote: »

On board it was 80% truckers and by 10pm they were mostly drunk truckers...Then the fun and games started with the punch ups between the drunken Irish and South African truckers..

This reminded me of a crossing on the old boat when we were all in the bar watching England and France playing a football match. Zidane got two late goals to win it resulting in a Scot and and an English trucker boxing the head off each other.

dave1982

Hi 'i'm traveling next week by celtic ferries are they using both ferries or just the new one?

SACH Central

dave1982 wrote: »

Hi 'i'm traveling next week by celtic ferries are they using both ferries or just the new one?

Just the new one, The Norman Voyager, as far as I'm aware. Don't know what they did with the old one, skuttled it far out at sea hopefully!

sud1

I used them a couple of weeks ago and found them very good...
only problem with the boat is that there is nothing for small children.. i had a 1 yr old and a 12yr old with me..but we all slept well so it didn't seem that long..the food is ok what you would expect for canteen type food..
the cabins a very nice and clean...i would use them again..

cocobean

We are long time users of Irish ferries...16 years to be exact. In the past 5 years our family has expanded to us plus 3 children....a 4 yr old and 1.5 yr old twins. Just got a quote from Irish Ferries for a 4 berth 4* cabin (we usually settle for a 3*4 berth but there are none available and we squeeze our own 2nd travel cot in) and compared to the celtic Link quote...we would be saving 170euro approx by going with CL. Now, we are usually on top of each other in the 3*4 berth on IF..My question is this....are the cabins on CF any bigger than IF do you think? If they were a bit bigger then I would seriously consider taking CF for the much cheaper price.

Dinkie

I think they are about the same size as the IF ones.

gandalf

Just back from France today and while the trip was punctual, they arrived home 1 hour early today the standard has slipped from last year. The food is still dreadful and the standard of customer service from the mainly Spanish staff leaves a lot to be desired. The biggest failing this year was the cabins. Ours on the way over looked like it wasn't really cleaned at all with a thick layer of dust on the table against the wall. The floor was filthy on the way back.

If you just want to use someone to get you to France with no frills (and I mean none at all) they will do the job. We will be checking out Irish Ferries next year and if the price is close will probably opt to try them.

(btw the 4 berth cabins are cramped).

babaduck

Don't forget that you can convert your Tesco Clubcard vouchers to Irish Ferries vouchers at the rate of 4 to 1 (€10 Tesco gives you €40 for IF). Now you are paying full fare (no promo deals allowed if you use the vouchers) but we paid in full for our ferry trip this year by cashing them in...

SACH Central

babaduck wrote: »

...Don't forget that you can convert your Tesco Clubcard vouchers to Irish Ferries vouchers...

Every little 'elps, as they say

Gvillage

Gandalf, your mad. I am just back from from France last week. I had been on the Norman Voyager before last January and enjoyed it alot then. I enjoyed it even more now with Celtic Link. I found there to be a fantastic atmosphere on the ship. It was a little bit busier than I would have expected but it certaintly was not bad at all.

Regarding the cabins. In the past five years I have been on the Normandie, Oscar Wilde and Pont Avon when going to France and found CLFs cabins to actually the best. Instead of it being some tight little bunk it was a spacious cabin with proper beds and no telly.

By no means was it flawless, but for the price we paid this summer in comparrison to the quotes that we got from Irish and Britanny ferries, it was fairly fantastic. We are permanetly converted.

faigs

Gvillage wrote: »

By no means was it flawless, but for the price we paid this summer in comparrison to the quotes that we got from Irish and Britanny ferries, it was fairly fantastic. We are permanetly converted.

Seriously, you've had 10 posts on Boards and every one has been promoting Celtic Link Ferries, do you really expect us to think you're not biased on some way? Get the boat!



Boom Boom!!

gandalf

Gvillage wrote: »

Gandalf, your mad.

Nice comeback.

I am conveying my experience of Celtic Link Ferries from two weeks ago and given my post history I think its more valid than someone whose total posts all consist of being a cheerleader for that company.

The cabins were filthy and certainly not something that I would have expected from any company peddling their wares as family friendly. The staff were pig ignorant and the standard of food was pathetic.

The only thing that we agree on is that they were cheaper than the rest but given the standards we experience on board this time I will be giving my future business to one of the other companies.

bazzachazza

10 posts each and everyone about Celticlink and how good they are, I smell a fishy.

Shame Brittany ferries don't service Ireland more they would clean up seriously nice ships and great priced onboard food and drink. I got a 660ml bottle of Heineken for €4 back in May. Irish ferries charged €5.50 for a pint.

Gvillage

I just think thats a bit harsh. I only went on this thing to give people what I thought was decent advice. Something that I would like done for me. The only thing that I reckon is "fishy", is you not seeing the bloody well obvious.

I did only spoke a few times about my experience. I just think people should know bout it!

gandalf

Gvillage wrote: »

I just think thats a bit harsh. I only went on this thing to give people what I thought was decent advice. Something that I would like done for me. The only thing that I reckon is "fishy", is you not seeing the bloody well obvious.

I did only spoke a few times about my experience. I just think people should know bout it!

I don't see it as harsh at all. We are merely pointing out that the only engagements that you have had on here since Jan of this year is about Celtic Link Ferries. Normally if someone joins boards they tend to post in other areas that they have interests in.

I also travelled on this Ferry last year when it was operated by LD Lines and found the service and standards higher back then. I realise that Celtic Link market themselves as a cut fares ferry company but like with any budget hotels I book I expect the cabin at the very least to be clean which this year it was not. The staff last year didn't have the best attitude but this year they were extremely ignorant to the point of having an arguement with a customer. Maybe they have this attitude because once you are on board you are a captive audience.

Now maybe my expectations of customer service are higher than yours but at least I didn't resort to calling you names because you disagreed with me.

Gvillage

point taken

family man

I have to say that that guy Gandalf is certainly not exaggerating. I read the reviews on this site before I left with my wife and two children. The basic message was that the ship was clean and the food great.
I worked on Ro Ro ferries for a few years and knew that we had to make our own entertainment for the children but in my experience, the ships were always clean and the food excellent.
The previous reviews must have been made by Celtic Link employees.
The cabins are absolutely filthy. My son split water on the floor in our cabin. When I wiped it up, you would swear that I was wiping up soot by the state of the cloth. The sheets on the bunks are not even tucked in so effectively you have to dress your own bed.
I went for a walk to the shop to pass aware some time. Very little is priced. This is poor condidering thet the shop is so tiny. I was taken aback when the guy behind the counter started shouting at the top of his voice at two ladies on front of me " prices, your want prices for everything".They walked out clearly upset.
Later we went for food at the restuarant. The food is not only poor in quality, it is stone cold by the time that you get to pay for it. This is dangerous especially with the chicken.
With zero entertainment and a bar that consists of a chairs and a hatch on the corridor to the restuarant, we went to our cabin.
On the way back, we decided to bring our own food as the ship's food was so bad. The cabin was actually dirtier than the one on the way to France, the toilet was blocked, the beds were not made. The crossing was a little rough so at 7.30 am I went to the reception to get some sick bags for my family. The reception was unattended so I walked all over the ship but could not find either a crew member or a sick bag. After a half hour or so, I spotted an officer. We both went to the reception which still was not attended and he gave me a few sick bags.I dread to think what would happen if there was a medical problem with a passenger on this ship at this time.
I have never posted anything on any site like this but this ship is a disgrace.
The food is cold and disgusting and certainly is not cheap.
The cabins are filthy and not even prepared.
The staff appear to dislike the passengers.

Because the ship is small, It moves around a lot more in rough weather.

• Next year, I will certainly pay the extra money and go with another ferry company.