France Ferry & Campsite info (use Search function) mod warning post 1

random_banter

Fantastic advice on this thread, thanks all.

We are off soon on W.B. Yeats, two weeks on Île De Re at Sunêlia Interlude. I am wondering if anyone has experience of boarding Irish Ferries Dublin - Cherbourg and can advise how early we may be able to board (with car)? Couldn't see a priority boarding option. We have a 9 month old and ideally would like to get them settled and napping as early as possible in the afternoon in cabin. Departure 4pm and latest check in 3pm but no other info. Would it be worth showing up at 1pm for example to be first in the queue when they start to board? Cheers.

Fann Linn

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123490327#Comment_123490327

It's really pot luck and depends on the amount of freight, camper vans, caravans and motorbikes which are booked. In the past I've landed there with hours to kill and have been boarded last and conversely, I've seen lads fly in just as the gates are being shut and they're boarded ahead of me. I'd suggest if you're there 90 mins or so before departure, have a nice word with the person on the kiosk and explain your situation and they may place you at the back of the disabled/special needs lane and you may be placed beside a lift and boarded mid way through the loading process.

TrailerBob

We also have a 9 month old along with the other 2 loons, so getting on quick would be a help. We have speedy exit booked, which keeps us on the lower deck so I'm not sure how fast it'll help load, but hopeful.

Last year we arrived at the port just before 2, had 10 cars there before us and were the second last car put on the ferry.. disgusted but pure bad luck. I reckon we lost an hour in Cherbourg being nearly last off aswell. It seems your arrival time has little or no bearing on boarding.

Toots

I’ve found it hit and miss as well with the boarding. We did cork to Roscoff on Brittany ferries last year. Outward leg we got to cork about 2 hours prior to departure. Had planned for a long wait in the car before boarding but we more or less drove straight on, but there were others who were there ahead of us who were still sitting on the quay for another hour at least. On the return leg we were also there a good two hours prior to departure but were one of the last cars loaded on.

random_banter

Thanks all. Handy to know the experience is varied but a good idea to have a word at the kiosk.

Will report back on île De Ré and any questions just ask. First time getting a mobile home as we camped in a tent (before baba) the previous time. We stayed in Flower Camping Bel Air (beside La Flotte) that time and the place was basic but comfortable and well located with nice service. Very short walk to the village and had bike rental for the beach which is all you really want in Île De Ré.