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

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  • #4502
    MorganIRL
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 589 ✭✭✭MorganIRL


    Holiday booked and have booked with Stena (can't wait for IF anymore) we always do a day somewhere and this yr looking at Puy Du Fou park. Have done a quick search in boards and comments are 3yrs old. It's obvs, a great resort by comments, my questions :
    1; is it worth going for 1 day ie will we see enough if it.
    2; are kids 7 & 5 gonna be lost/too young going to the shows.ie it's not gonna be a history lesson just want them to enjoy the show.

    TIA


  • #4503
    treascon
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 250 ✭✭treascon


    MorganIRL wrote: »
    Holiday booked and have booked with Stena (can't wait for IF anymore) we always do a day somewhere and this yr looking at Puy Du Fou park. Have done a quick search in boards and comments are 3yrs old. It's obvs, a great resort by comments, my questions :
    1; is it worth going for 1 day ie will we see enough if it.
    2; are kids 7 & 5 gonna be lost/too young going to the shows.ie it's not gonna be a history lesson just want them to enjoy the show.

    TIA

    We were this summer for a day. Kids 6, 8 & 10 loved it. The shows were spectacular. But the place was very crowded. Long queues for most shows. You won’t see everything in a day but pick out the shows you do want to see, check times and locations to allow yourself to get there on time. Bring packed lunch, snacks, water. Very long queues for everything. Really have to keep a hold of the small ones. Will be wrecked by the end of the day but worth it in my opinion. CAn pay extra for express pass to avoid queuing. Was sorry we didn’t do this actually


  • #4504
    Jpm123
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32 ✭Jpm123


    MorganIRL wrote: »
    Holiday booked and have booked with Stena (can't wait for IF anymore) we always do a day somewhere and this yr looking at Puy Du Fou park. Have done a quick search in boards and comments are 3yrs old. It's obvs, a great resort by comments, my questions :
    1; is it worth going for 1 day ie will we see enough if it.
    2; are kids 7 & 5 gonna be lost/too young going to the shows.ie it's not gonna be a history lesson just want them to enjoy the show.

    TIA


    We were there the last two years having stayed their for three days the first year and did a day trip this year. It’s absolutely amazing and you will love it. The emotion pass are well worth it. You won’t be able to do it justice in one day but you can definitely get to see most of the shows. The kids will love it. The app for the park is helpful as well for show times and getting around the park


  • #4505
    westgolf
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 835 ✭✭✭westgolf


    Took the offer and booked eurocamp for last two weeks of June 2019. Two weeks for €514. Now just have to book flights and check out car hire. Even with that will have saved approx 600/ 650 euros, happy days.


  • #4506
    amor3
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 834 ✭✭✭amor3


    For those who book with siblu, and have booked your ferry with Brittany, what way are you working the accommodation, as siblu only book Saturday to Saturday during summer.

    Have been looking at booking Brittany but it's taking 1 day away at the start as we arrive on a Sunday and adding on 5 days at the end as we depart on a Thursday! I know you can depart on Tuesday but that's the economy ferry and would prefer the bigger ship.


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  • #4507
    manshay
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 223 ✭✭manshay


    NIMAN wrote: »
    I did a quick search on that, well I tried to.

    Its not letting me select a date....when I pick one the dropdown is showing Undefined....

    If you are using google chrome you can click the google translate button, to the left of the address bar, and click "view original" voila you can enter the date correctly, and get correct prices.


  • #4508
    Peckham
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,591 ✭✭✭Peckham


    Peckham wrote:
    Has anyone been to Saint Avit Loisirs previously? Any comments?

    Took the leap and booked it. 40% discount for first two weeks in July was too tempting. Discount for mobile home for parents in law to join us for one week, plus some spending money for the nights out with free babysitting!

    Now fingers crossed that IF timetable coincides with the dates.


  • #4509
    mr_edge_to_you
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,239 ✭✭✭mr_edge_to_you


    Bit the bullet having gotten fed up waiting for IF so booked Brittany Ferries.

    We booked our accommodation on site before checking out this summer so at least we can be sure that the dates work. Another big plus for us is the early arrival into Roscoff. We’ll be in the pool by 3pm!!!!


  • #4510
    DavyD_83
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,992 ✭✭✭DavyD_83


    Was just wondering why there seems to be little or no commneton the IF delays in the media, had a quick search and found this article on independent earlier in Nov:

    https://www.independent.ie/life/travel/travel-news/irish-ferries-customers-fear-for-their-holidays-over-booking-delay-37530353.html

    No additional information in it at all though :(

    So, still wondering why the media aren't all over this and crucifying IF for the ongoing shambles.
    Anybody feel like talking to Joe to get us some answers :pac:


  • #4511
    54and56
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,845 ✭✭✭54and56


    DavyD_83 wrote: »
    So, still wondering why the media aren't all over this and crucifying IF for the ongoing shambles.
    Anybody feel like talking to Joe to get us some answers :pac:

    What would crucifying them in public achieve other than venting a bit of frustration and joining the ranks of "something should be done Joe"??

    Did IF mess up their planning? Yes

    Did they do it deliberately? No

    Is the cause of the delay (i.e. the German shipyard not delivering on time) within IF's control? No. They can have all the penalty clauses in the world built into the contract but if the shipyard drop the ball it won't magically produce a ferry on time.

    Could IF have mitigated the risk by having a wet lease type arrangement for an alternative ferry in place? Yes but easier said than done.

    Are IF hurting? Absolutely. Their competitors are making hay by charging full price due to the perceived reduction in capacity next summer and IF may have to discount their way back to being trusted carriers which will hurt IF financially.

    Will I book with IF when they eventually launch their timetable for next summer and cancel the flexi booking I made with Stena? 100% providing the timetable suits and the value for money is better.

    Everyone messes up from time to time. They will learn and come back stronger for it.

    Moaning on Joe will achieve the square root of fcuk all IMHO.


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  • #4512
    DavyD_83
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,992 ✭✭✭DavyD_83


    Je_suis_Jean wrote: »
    What would crucifying them in public achieve other than venting a bit of frustration and joining the ranks of "something should be done Joe"??

    Did IF mess up their planning? Yes

    Did they do it deliberately? No

    Is the cause of the delay (i.e. the German shipyard not delivering on time) within IF's control? No. They can have all the penalty clauses in the world built into the contract but if the shipyard drop the ball it won't magically produce a ferry on time.

    Could IF have mitigated the risk by having a wet lease type arrangement for an alternative ferry in place? Yes but easier said than done.

    Are IF hurting? Absolutely. Their competitors are making hay by charging full price due to the perceived reduction in capacity next summer and IF may have to discount their way back to being trusted carriers which will hurt IF financially.

    Will I book with IF when they eventually launch their timetable for next summer and cancel the flexi booking I made with Stena? 100% providing the timetable suits and the value for money is better.

    Everyone messes up from time to time. They will learn and come back stronger for it.

    Moaning on Joe will achieve the square root of fcuk all IMHO.

    All true, I just want them to release the rosslare to roscoff schedule (or tell us when it will be) so I can book my holiday fully and know what it's going to cost me :)


  • #4513
    josip
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,720 ✭✭✭✭josip


    Can someone explain why IF won't release schedules for June-August?
    They must be aware that it's causing a lot of uncertainty for their customer base.
    The new ship will definitely be in service by June and since those are peak months, surely they would schedule the crossings to maximise revenue.
    So the summer schedule should not be impacted by what month it first starts service.
    There's something very strange about this.


  • #4514
    First Up
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,823 ✭✭✭✭First Up


    josip wrote: »
    Can someone explain why IF won't release schedules for June-August?
    They must be aware that it's causing a lot of uncertainty for their customer base.
    The new ship will definitely be in service by June and since those are peak months, surely they would schedule the crossings to maximise revenue.
    So the summer schedule should not be impacted by what month it first starts service.
    There's something very strange about this.

    Once bitten, twice shy I assume. I doubt they will take any bookings until the ship is physically under their control and fully operational.

    I don't blame them; the cost of lost summer bookings will still be less than another fiasco.


  • #4515
    Quazzie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,629 ✭✭✭✭Quazzie


    josip wrote: »
    Can someone explain why IF won't release schedules for June-August?
    They must be aware that it's causing a lot of uncertainty for their customer base.
    The new ship will definitely be in service by June and since those are peak months, surely they would schedule the crossings to maximise revenue.
    So the summer schedule should not be impacted by what month it first starts service.
    There's something very strange about this.

    I honestly have no idea. But I'd imagine there is a lot of red tape involved before they can release a date. I'm assuming they'd have to make applications to naval authorities, port authorities, coast guards etc etc, and that's on both sides in two languages. Working with both to find suitable timetables, and that's before they look at staffing or anything on their own end. Not making excuses for them, but it's more than just deciding they want to go Wednesdays and then tell everyone.


  • #4516
    54and56
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,845 ✭✭✭54and56


    DavyD_83 wrote: »
    All true, I just want them to release the rosslare to roscoff schedule (or tell us when it will be) so I can book my holiday fully and know what it's going to cost me :)

    I get your frustration and share it but the one lesson they have learnt so far in this debacle and are obviously not prepared to repeat is to issue a timetable and take bookings for a ferry they are not yet in receipt of and 100% satisfied will be ready to deliver that schedule.

    Imagine the hand wringing and "told you so" that would be going on if they took bookings in order to temporarily appease people only to then have to cancel...................again!!


  • #4517
    tnegun
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,861 ✭✭✭tnegun


    Fair play to Stenna they honored without question the Black Friday 25% (Almost €300) off on an existing booking for next Summer :D. We need to kill 3 nights on the way back from La Serine in June any recommendations for somewhere nice to split the journey? 2 Adults and 4 kids so something for the kids is key.


  • #4518
    54and56
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,845 ✭✭✭54and56


    tnegun wrote: »
    Fair play to Stenna they honored without question the Black Friday 25% (Almost €300) off on an existing booking for next Summer :D. We need to kill 3 nights on the way back from La Serine in June any recommendations for somewhere nice to split the journey? 2 Adults and 4 kids so something for the kids is key.

    Fair play to Stena, €300 is a good chunk of cash.

    So you're driving +/- 1,100km from Le Serine to Cherbourg with 4 kids in tow?

    Are you looking for 3 overnight stops along the way to break up the journey or are you making a single trip to Cherbourg and looking for something relatively close by for 3 nights before catching the ferry?


  • #4519
    tnegun
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,861 ✭✭✭tnegun


    Yeah 4 kids in tow on the way have the trip split in 2 stopping near La Rochelle but haven't decided what to do on the way back and have 3 nights to play with so am looking for suggestions.


  • #4520
    54and56
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,845 ✭✭✭54and56


    tnegun wrote: »
    Yeah 4 kids in tow on the way have the trip split in 2 stopping near La Rochelle but haven't decided what to do on the way back and have 3 nights to play with so am looking for suggestions.

    I'd probably do something like:

    Day 1: La Serine -> La Palmyre = 650km.
    - La Palmyre is a nice little town with plenty of restaurants and a few small independent 3* type hotels which probably wouldn't cost too much for a family room for two/three nights. Get there late afternoon, settle into the hotel and head out for dinner.

    Day 2/3:
    - Zoo La Palmyre is one of the best zoo's you'll ever visit - https://www.zoo-palmyre.fr/en
    - Great local beaches with atlantic waves for body boarding etc.

    Day 3/4: La Palmyre -> Cherbourg = 560km.

    If stopping in La Rochelle I'd highly recommend http://www.aquarium-larochelle.com/en but try to buy your tickets online in advance as it will save you some time queuing, especially on rainy days when loads of holidaymakers in the area get the same idea to visit the aquarium!!


  • #4521
    Munsterbhoy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 299 ✭✭Munsterbhoy


    Done Roscoff - La sirene in the one day twice. Very long 11hr drive but as least ure landed in the evening . It helps when u arrive into Roscoff Sunday morning at 7 and the roads are empty . it suited us but not for everyone..


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  • #4522
    mr_edge_to_you
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,239 ✭✭✭mr_edge_to_you


    Munsterbhoy wrote: »
    It helps when u arrive into Roscoff Sunday morning at 7 and the roads are empty . it suited us but not for everyone..

    This is a huge plus for us with BF. No hanging around in the morning, just hit the road. A few snacks in the car to keep us going.


  • #4523
    Newonhere
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 101 ✭✭Newonhere


    I had always used IF in the past but in September of this year I had to use Brittany Ferries As IF weren’t accepting new bookings due to the requirement to transfer WB Yates cancelled bookings. I found the 7am arrival in a Roscoff a huge bonus, it allowed me to drive to Bordeaux with the caravan without an overnight stop thus effectively extending my holiday by a day, the same was true on the return journey, the 10pm departure allowed for no overnight stop resulting in 2 extra days spent at my destination. I didn’t find the extra travel to Cork from Louth to be much of an issue. I have already booke Brittany Ferries for my next trip in May 2019.


  • #4524
    SusanC10
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,432 ✭✭✭SusanC10


    "The W.B. Yeats, currently under construction by Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesselschaft & Co. KG (“FSG”) completed its sea-trials in early November and is undergoing final delivery adjustments.
    FSG have advised ICG that the W.B. Yeats will be ready for delivery during early December. ICG would like to apologise once again for any disruption caused to our tourism and freight customers due to the delay in FSG delivering the ship, a delay that was an extraordinary event totally outside the control of ICG. FSG are contracted to deliver a second new vessel during 2020."

    Extract from here:
    https://www.icg.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Trading-Update-Nov-2018-web-version.pdf


  • #4525
    Flippyfloppy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,749 ✭✭✭Flippyfloppy


    I love how they keep bandying about the ‘extraordinary event’ phrase to try and avoid compensation payouts!


  • #4526
    Seth Brundle
    Moderators, Politics Moderators Posts: 42,840 Mod ✭✭✭✭Seth Brundle


    According to this thread the boat has gone "back to the shipyard for issues found during test run, should be handed over next week"
    If that's the case, then expect timetables soon afterwards.


  • #4527
    wall
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 206 ✭✭wall


    Have to say, Irish Ferries deserve all the stick they're given, they knew their new ship would'nt be ready yet still took bookings. OK, the shipyard was late, but I.F. had to have known they were behind schedule, keeping their head in the sand re delays is bull****. They should have, and could have, kept their customers in the loop but didnt.


  • #4528
    First Up
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,823 ✭✭✭✭First Up


    wall wrote: »
    Have to say, Irish Ferries deserve all the stick they're given, they knew their new ship would'nt be ready yet still took bookings. OK, the shipyard was late, but I.F. had to have known they were behind schedule, keeping their head in the sand re delays is bull****. They should have, and could have, kept their customers in the loop but didnt.

    I doubt they took bookings they knew they couldn't honour but it has been a mega clusterfcuk by any measure and they (someone) deserves to pay.


  • #4529
    Nekarsulm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,298 ✭✭✭✭Nekarsulm


    wall wrote: »
    Have to say, Irish Ferries deserve all the stick they're given, they knew their new ship would'nt be ready yet still took bookings. OK, the shipyard was late, but I.F. had to have known they were behind schedule, keeping their head in the sand re delays is bull****. They should have, and could have, kept their customers in the loop but didnt.

    They were taking bookings, and insisting that the ship was on schedule, and at the same time showing a feed from the shipyard showing the segments of superstructure only being manouvered into place on the hull.

    Like telling someone their house would be ready in 4 weeks, and the roof not even started...


  • #4530
    mr_edge_to_you
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,239 ✭✭✭mr_edge_to_you


    Nekarsulm wrote: »
    They were taking bookings, and insisting that the ship was on schedule, and at the same time showing a feed from the shipyard showing the segments of superstructure only being manouvered into place on the hull.

    Like telling someone their house would be ready in 4 weeks, and the roof not even started...

    I literally called the Effers on a Friday, before paying off the balance of my holiday, to confirm our booking. They announced on the following Tuesday (or Wed) at 3pm that all sailings were cancelled. It was a clusterfuc€.


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  • #4531
    MorganIRL
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 589 ✭✭✭MorganIRL


    We have booked with Stena on the Horizon as we don't expect IF to release dates in time for us to amend our eurocamp booking b4 the deadline.

    Question is what is the horizon like compared to the Oscar Wilde for kids ie playing and eating.


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