Norman Voyager - Celtic Ferries (aka LD Lines)

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 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.

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

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..

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

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...

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.

Ok so - well we're just back from France on the Norman Voyager. First of all - this ferry is mainly a freight ferry. I don't know if you can really compare it to a 'cruise ferry' like the other two companies operating from Ireland.

We chose it because they don't charge for dogs (it's €140 for a kennel on IF), and we could keep the dog in the car during the crossing. Which is a major plus. If we weren't bringing the dog, it would have only cost about €30 more or so to go via Irish Ferries. We don’t go with Brittany Ferries as their sailing days aren't great for maximising our time off. But I do think the Pont Aven is definitely the best option if you don't mind about losing the few days over the weekend and Roscoff suits you.

So, cabin - on the way over to France the floor looked very dirty. I wouldn't touch it with my bare feet! The toilet blocked twice - and before yizzers can comment! And without TMI, it was just a few tissues. Nothing more. And it was VERY hot. Even getting up to go to the loo would make you start sweating. The bed did have clean linen on it - but it wasn't made up. There was a manky brown fleece blanket with a top sheet folded on the bed. Only the bottom sheet was on the mattress. Now the beds were normal single bed width, so they were comfortable. On our return journey, the floor seemed a LOT cleaner and the toilet worked fine for the whole trip. You cannot put the bunks up and down, so it can be difficult to sit in your cabin comfortably if you want to read/watch a DVD or something. They have to be locked in position by staff.

Staff - variable. Some were friendly, some were gruff. And they all seemed to job share, something wouldn't open until the other had closed.

Food - cannot really comment. We didn't eat on board except for some very chewy toast for brekkie! Drink at the bar was cheap enough.

General areas - considering the age of the ship, it's in not in great condition. The seats in the bar are torn and badly stained. And well, it's just very basic. The outside deck area was quite nice, and there was loads of seating outside.

We docked early both legs of the journey and exiting from the boat was quick enough.

In summary... I don't think I'd go with them again. I know it's cheesy, but the ferry for me is a part of the holiday, and this was all a bit grim. I couldn't personally recommend it. Forgetting the dog, it wasn't that much cheaper than other offers. So IMO, you'd have to be mad not to pay the extra €30 to go in comfort!

Ok I said I would revisit this thread when I took Irish Ferries Oscar Wilde over to France for Christmas. We travelled Friday and docked yesterday afternoon. To say there is a gulf in difference of the service is an understatement. The cabins were bigger and cleaner and there was no queuing to get you cabin allocation on the boat. The staff were extremely friendly. The choice of food, bars and entertainment was miles ahead. We will be spending the extra within reason to travel with them in future.

If there are any Celtic Link people watching this thread I would suggest you sort out your staff's attitude and the cleanliness of the cabins to stand any chance of getting my custom again.

Where did you get the impression that Irish Ferries don't sail in April? They have a year-round service. I suggest you check again to see which carrier provides the service that suits you best.

It's a general rule with ferry companies that the car-decks are off-limits during the voyage.

There was a lot of talk about this route opening up last year and in contact with the Port of Cork after delayed announcements they said a decision was imminent in October. no word since and no reply when i contacted them. I hear that Brittany Ferries were reducing one of their routes either Plymouth or Portsmouth to Santander and was hoping they would take up the Cork - Gijon one. It would be a great route IMO.