Celtic Lines - Normandy Voyager

Dinkie

A couple of people asked if I would post a review of the Celtic Ferries normandy voyager.

We went over June 10 - and we boarded over an hour late which was a bad start. Lorries were still loading at the time that we were meant to be departing at. But it got better from there.

Loading was organised, and although there was a long queue to get cabin keys - there were two people allocating cabins, and the queue moved very quickly. The cabin keys are actually pin numbers which was reassuring for me who always manages to loses the key cards.

The ship its self was small but very clean and the staff very helpful and friendly.

The cabins were spacious. We had an inside 4 berth cabin, but the bunks were large, the cabin spotless and the shower was surprisingly powerful! The outside cabins seemed to overlook the outside public walkways anyway - so you had to keep the curtains closed. There were reserved seats also, but these appeared to be beside the bar and the restaurant from what we saw and looked noisy.

The restaurant / bar was very small. The food in the restaurant was 'hearty' - as in chilli, curry, chips, salmon etc. It must be noted however that the target market of this ferry is lorry drivers. Lunch the next day was similar fare. But it was all good. There were few salads, and both of us were glad we had brought on our own food for the first meal. The restaurant only opens for 2 hours at breakfast/lunch/dinner. There is an announcement with 30mins left and then the queues start then, so get in early if need be. There also appeared to be a microwave.

The public area is small. The bar is tiny. and the only entertainmnet is a couple of Tv's which were showing the world cup (1 in the bar and 2 in the reserved seating area). I would highly recommend bringing lots of books (we brought scrabble and connect 4 also) or items to while away the hours.

However we thought that the voyage flew by! We were expecting a painful crossing looking at the reviews of the ferry. We came home with Irish Ferries this morning, and although they were in a different league with more amusements to pass the time, for the price difference we would both chose celtic lines again. Friendly staff and a spotless ship with good food. I can't complain.

I also heard rumours (today) that celitc lines are owned by a Wexford co-op type affair - so being from Wexford am happy to support the local bhoys!:D

I'm not connected with either company BTW.

Tordelback

That's great news - I was looking at the Normandy Voyager in Cherbourg the other week and wondering. I'm a huge fan of the old European Diplomat crossing, so it's good to know that there's another similar option. The Oscar Wilde is a pretty amazing ship when you think what we used to have to put up with, but I've a hard time giving my business to Irish Ferries as a company.

ollaetta

Used this ferry myself for the first time on June 6th from Cherbourg to Rosslare. OP's review is spot on. A huge step up from the old Diplomat but the small public areas are a bit of a disapointment for the overall standard of the boat.

While the grub is fine it won't win any awards and is a bit pricey for what it is (it used to be free on the older ferry!). Still, that's only a minor quibble when the overall cost of the ferry is it's main selling point.

atb

has anyone traveled with dogs on this ferry?

zagmund

While we're at it - do you get assigned a specific seat to sleep in if you do not have a cabin booking ? I have booked one of their recliners (or whatever they call them) but I'm wondering if you just go looking for a good one or they give you a numbered one. Also, are there open flat spaces like in the stairwells of other ferries where you can settle down for the night if you prefer a hard floor to a stuffy room full of snoring folk ?

z