New Ferry to France (Launch Offer)

MidlandsM · 18-07-2014 02:35PM

MelachiT wrote: »

I've been reading this thread since the beginning and for the most part have really enjoyed reading it. Glad most of you seemed to enjoy your experience with LD lines and have had good holidays so far.

I couldn't book holidays early and missed out on the offer fares so in the end booked to travel from Dublin with IF on the Epsilon which was good for us as we live 15 mins from the ferry port. Like the LD lines it was a basic ship, but spotlessly clean and friendly staff.

Am now enjoying sunny France. Everyone on hols continue to have a good time.

Im very familiar with the epsilon. Been on it loads of time out of hh to dub. Its far from clean. The norman atlantic vessel that ld lines use is a much cleaner and fresher vessel even though the epsilion was built in 2011, 2 years younger than the norman atlantic.
Its all down to how the staff clean it imho.

Enjoy the hols.

Wally Runs · 18-07-2014 03:03PM

August 1

BenThere wrote: »

Hi M4S, I'd appreciate a bit more info from you on the Velo Rail as I too am off to St Jean De Monts. I like to have a 2-3 day trips up my sleeve for the overcast days or when there's a request to "do something different". My wife and I are mid 40's with 9 and 13 year old kids. Is this something suited for us? Is it a good half/full day out?

Any other tips for the area in terms of things to do, places to go, restaurants to eat in or avoid?

Ben

We have been on the Velorail, over several years and to be honest, I enjoy it, but not near as much as the kids do.

1. You will find it in the town of Commequiers and in the high season you will need to book.
2. Each wagon will take two on the bike part and 2-3 on the seat area depending on their size.
3. From start to the end is about 40-60 minutes (In the all the years I have never made it to the end). You have to get back, so double the time.
4. You set out in a convoy, being only one rail line, there are various level crossings to be opened (kids favourite) and a couple of bridges to be crossed.
5. If you are at the top of the convoy you have keep going and likewise if you are anywhere but the end. They try and spread you out in 5 min slots.
6. If you meet a wagon coming the opposite direction, you have to dismount and lift one or the other off the rails to let them pass.
7. It can be very hot, as the rails are enclosed by trees and it seems to trap the heat, so bring plenty of water, each wagon has a set of baskets etc.
8. The restaurant/hotel across from the Velorail does a great lunch and is in a quite area so you can let the kids roam.
9. Also nearby in the are is fine old castle (in the movie 9th gate). Good spot for a picnic.
10. Have a look for some Dolmens and a tannery in the area for something different.
11. Other things to do in SJDM is the Atlantic Toboggan, go after 16.00 it is cheaper and two hours will be plenty, unless you have all that stuff at your camp-site.
12. Look in the local supermarket for local events on the notice boards, you will be surprised at what is going on.
13. The factory tour, La Mie Câline, it should not be fun, but when you see 1,000's of lemon pie pass by your eyes, well.
14. In SJDM, best place to eat and have a boozy lunch : http://www.chaicarlina.fr/topic/index.html
15. Finally to wet your appetite: Webcam for the beaches: http://www.saint-jean-de-monts.com/decouvrir-webcams.html and http://www.the-vendee.co.uk/

MelachiT · 18-07-2014 03:43PM

MidlandsM wrote: »

Im very familiar with the epsilon. Been on it loads of time out of hh to dub. Its far from clean. The norman atlantic vessel that ld lines use is a much cleaner and fresher vessel even though the epsilion was built in 2011, 2 years younger than the norman atlantic.
Its all down to how the staff clean it imho.

Enjoy the hols.

Thanks!

Well I certainly found it cleaner than the OW. But that's probably not a fair comparison to use.

MidlandsM · 18-07-2014 04:40PM

MelachiT wrote: »

Thanks!

Well I certainly found it cleaner than the OW. But that's probably not a fair comparison to use.

True. The ow at this stage is an oul tub, and a dirty one with that, with surly staff who dont really care.

alias no.9 · 18-07-2014 07:37PM

July 25

Safely aboard, bags in the cabin and found ourselves a table with a little bit of a couch downstairs, boys watching a movie on a tablet.
Theres no getting away from the fact that this will be a long journey, need.to keep the kids up late in the hope we sleep through as much of tomorrow as possible.

juneg · 18-07-2014 08:42PM

July 4

alias no.9 wrote: »

Safely aboard, bags in the cabin and found ourselves a table with a little bit of a couch downstairs, boys watching a movie on a tablet.
Theres no getting away from the fact that this will be a long journey, need.to keep the kids up late in the hope we sleep through as much of tomorrow as possible.

Don't bother trying, the announcements over the tannoy in the cabins will wake them,

MidlandsM · 18-07-2014 08:54PM

Dont go down to near 10am for the breakfast.....or go down at 7 early, and go back to bed.

First Up · 18-07-2014 09:02PM

MidlandsM wrote: »

True. The ow at this stage is an oul tub, and a dirty one with that, with surly staff who dont really care.

Complete nonsense.

MidlandsM · 18-07-2014 09:03PM

First Up wrote: »

Complete nonsense.

No its not. It the way it is. The ow is past its best. And as for the staff, surly, uninterested gretins.

Icsics · 18-07-2014 09:04PM

Any idea if the fares will be as competitive for next summer or when will they be out?

MidlandsM · 18-07-2014 09:12PM

Icsics wrote: »

Any idea if the fares will be as competitive for next summer or when will they be out?

I emailed ldlines to thank them for their service and to compliment them on their excellent route, vessel and staff.

I also asked re:2015, and the informed me they'll have their 2015 timetable available in october.

First Up · 18-07-2014 09:21PM

MidlandsM wrote: »

No its not. It the way it is. The ow is past its best. And as for the staff, surly, uninterested gretins.

It is really outrageous that people can post anonymous crap like this with impunity. If you have specific incidents or examples to support your claims, let's have them. I have used the OW three times in the last year, the most recent less than a month ago. I can think of absolutely nothing to support the claim that it is dirty, or that the staff are anything less than friendly and professional. The OW is a comfortable ship with a wide range of facilities. As a sailing experience it is several levels better than the Stena equivalent on the same route.
There are enthusiastic advocates of the LD service here and that is absolutely fine. Hoever it does nothing for your credibility to post bare-faced lies about the alternatives.

Fred Swanson · 18-07-2014 09:43PM

This post has been deleted.

sylvanb · 18-07-2014 10:06PM

Thanks again to the OP, great bargain alert. Came back on the 16th crossing from St Nazaire and would echo some of the posts.The check in procedure was unusual compared to other operators but at least it got the kids out of the car. Traveled out with BF and the queues to check in were equally long. at least with LD thekids could move around, as well once you checked in, you were on the ferry very quickly. We rented the DVD player and 2 dvds for €6, passed a couple of hours when getting cabin key, not that many available AFAIK.

Would recommend the Auchan nearby to dtock up on the vino...

Pretzill · 18-07-2014 10:36PM

I have always found the staff aboard OW to be really friendly. And the ship to be comfortable (if any newbies to the voyage are watching this thread)

I have travelled with them over a dozen times and yes to my eye it needs a refurb but that is probably a tired eye!
And the onboard food is pretty awful.

I am delighted there are so many good experiences here with LD lines - it is brilliant that there is competition on these routes out of Ireland. But I don't think it is neccessary to knock that competition so blatantly - I do think IF take the pee regarding prices peak season and they need to look at that. And we'll all decide which we feel is the easiest passage. For me it's a reasonably calm sailing and I travel off peak when this is never to be relied upon!

Smooth sailing to all tonight!

paddydriver · 18-07-2014 10:44PM

July 4

juneg wrote: »

Don't bother trying, the announcements over the tannoy in the cabins will wake them,

Yep, forget a lie on!

Thanks JuneG for the brekkie voucher! Worked out perfect and 5 of us ate well. Hope you had a good holiday.

Have the coolbox ordered from Amazon for next year:D

juneg · 19-07-2014 12:04AM

July 4

paddydriver wrote: »

Yep, forget a lie on!

Thanks JuneG for the brekkie voucher! Worked out perfect and 5 of us ate well. Hope you had a good holiday.

Have the coolbox ordered from Amazon for next year:D

You're welcome, I'm definitely going to order a cooler box myself for next year too. What kind would you recommend?

BenEadir · 19-07-2014 12:31AM

August 1

Wally Runs wrote: »

We have been on the Velorail, over several years and to be honest, I enjoy it, but not near as much as the kids do.

1. You will find it in the town of Commequiers and in the high season you will need to book.
2. Each wagon will take two on the bike part and 2-3 on the seat area depending on their size.
3. From start to the end is about 40-60 minutes (In the all the years I have never made it to the end). You have to get back, so double the time.
4. You set out in a convoy, being only one rail line, there are various level crossings to be opened (kids favourite) and a couple of bridges to be crossed.
5. If you are at the top of the convoy you have keep going and likewise if you are anywhere but the end. They try and spread you out in 5 min slots.
6. If you meet a wagon coming the opposite direction, you have to dismount and lift one or the other off the rails to let them pass.
7. It can be very hot, as the rails are enclosed by trees and it seems to trap the heat, so bring plenty of water, each wagon has a set of baskets etc.
8. The restaurant/hotel across from the Velorail does a great lunch and is in a quite area so you can let the kids roam.
9. Also nearby in the are is fine old castle (in the movie 9th gate). Good spot for a picnic.
10. Have a look for some Dolmens and a tannery in the area for something different.
11. Other things to do in SJDM is the Atlantic Toboggan, go after 16.00 it is cheaper and two hours will be plenty, unless you have all that stuff at your camp-site.
12. Look in the local supermarket for local events on the notice boards, you will be surprised at what is going on.
13. The factory tour, La Mie Câline, it should not be fun, but when you see 1,000's of lemon pie pass by your eyes, well.
14. In SJDM, best place to eat and have a boozy lunch : http://www.chaicarlina.fr/topic/index.html
15. Finally to wet your appetite: Webcam for the beaches: http://www.saint-jean-de-monts.com/decouvrir-webcams.html and http://www.the-vendee.co.uk/

Thanks Wally Runs, that's fantastic info. Much appreciated.

Ben

mcgarrett · 19-07-2014 01:02AM

July 4

BenThere wrote: »

Hi M4S, I'd appreciate a bit more info from you on the Velo Rail as I too am off to St Jean De Monts. I like to have a 2-3 day trips up my sleeve for the overcast days or when there's a request to "do something different". My wife and I are mid 40's with 9 and 13 year old kids. Is this something suited for us? Is it a good half/full day out?

Any other tips for the area in terms of things to do, places to go, restaurants to eat in or avoid?

Ben

Ben, Do not miss Puy Du Fou, it's about 1hr 30mins from Jean De Monts, get there around 9.30 and plan your day to get all the shows in. Incredible value for €29 for adults.

And make good use of the cycle tracks in the area, pick up the Vendee Velo guide for the coastal tracks and some of the inland tracks are converted railway lines. Very safe for kids.

BenEadir · 19-07-2014 05:40AM

August 1

paddydriver wrote: »

Yep, forget a lie on!

Thanks JuneG for the brekkie voucher! Worked out perfect and 5 of us ate well. Hope you had a good holiday.

Have the coolbox ordered from Amazon for next year:D

What's the story with the brekkie voucher? Is it some sort of online/pre pay deal?

We've used a cooler box in the past to bring a few snacks on the OW. What did you guys use your violet box for on the longer LD ferry?

Ben

juneg · 19-07-2014 08:41AM

July 4

BenThere wrote: »

What's the story with the brekkie voucher? Is it some sort of online/pre pay deal?

We've used a cooler box in the past to bring a few snacks on the OW. What did you guys use your violet box for on the longer LD ferry?

Ben

Sorry Ben, LDLines kindly offered me meal vouchers in exchange for giving up the second cabin I had originally booked.

MidlandsM · 19-07-2014 12:32PM

First Up wrote: »

It is really outrageous that people can post anonymous crap like this with impunity. If you have specific incidents or examples to support your claims, let's have them. I have used the OW three times in the last year, the most recent less than a month ago. I can think of absolutely nothing to support the claim that it is dirty, or that the staff are anything less than friendly and professional. The OW is a comfortable ship with a wide range of facilities. As a sailing experience it is several levels better than the Stena equivalent on the same route.
There are enthusiastic advocates of the LD service here and that is absolutely fine. Hoever it does nothing for your credibility to post bare-faced lies about the alternatives.

Lies?

How dare you question my integrity. How bloody DARE YOU!!!?!?????

Well, here is some background. I own a car dealership as well as a car transport business in and out of the uk, and into europe. So, i spend many many considerable thousands per annum on the ferries, all year round So, my view is an informed one ... much more informed than yours seeing as you use the ferry only a few times a year, by your own admission.

IF are a shower of price gougers. Over priced and under deliver. Their staff have an attitude. Grumpy, surly and devoid of the willingness to help. Also, devoid of the ability to run a good tight ship....the dirt on some of the vessels is a digrace. I once got a cabin on an IF boat with blood on the bed sheets. When i complained, they didnt seem to care or even understand.

You sir are an advocate for IF with some sort of love for them, even though most of what you post is erronious. The ow is an old tub, that has had many owners, is dirty, is poorly crewed, is expensive, infact waaaaaaaaay too expensive, and serves crap expensive food onboard.

But you cant be told different.....because you know it all.

FACT IS many here as you can see agree with me on my correct informed and educated views on IF.

ShatterProof · 19-07-2014 01:13PM

July 11

Jaysus lads a lot of lightweights on this thread. Did 1,200 km in first 2 days. Thank god for supermarket disel. Thank god for LD lines.

Yours.....In Barcelona.

redmissb · 19-07-2014 01:15PM

August 1

Pretzill wrote: »

I have always found the staff aboard OW to be really friendly. And the ship to be comfortable (if any newbies to the voyage are watching this thread)

I have travelled with them over a dozen times and yes to my eye it needs a refurb but that is probably a tired eye!
And the onboard food is pretty awful.

I am delighted there are so many good experiences here with LD lines - it is brilliant that there is competition on these routes out of Ireland. But I don't think it is neccessary to knock that competition so blatantly - I do think IF take the pee regarding prices peak season and they need to look at that. And we'll all decide which we feel is the easiest passage. For me it's a reasonably calm sailing and I travel off peak when this is never to be relied upon!

Smooth sailing to all tonight!

I agree. We've sailed to France on the Oscar Wilde a good few times and couldn't fault them. Food not great but that's about the only negative in my experience. Found the staff very friendly too. Absolutely delighted with the bargain I got with LD Lines though and very happy it's getting such good reviews:)

First Up · 19-07-2014 01:30PM

MidlandsM wrote: »

Lies?

How dare you question my integrity. How bloody DARE YOU!!!?!?????

Well, here is some background. I own a car dealership as well as a car transport business in and out of the uk, and into europe. So, i spend many many considerable thousands per annum on the ferries, all year round So, my view is an informed one ... much more informed than yours seeing as you use the ferry only a few times a year, by your own admission.

IF are a shower of price gougers. Over priced and under deliver. Their staff have an attitude. Grumpy, surly and devoid of the willingness to help. Also, devoid of the ability to run a good tight ship....the dirt on some of the vessels is a digrace. I once got a cabin on an IF boat with blood on the bed sheets. When i complained, they didnt seem to care or even understand.

You sir are an advocate for IF with some sort of love for them, even though most of what you post is erronious. The ow is an old tub, that has had many owners, is dirty, is poorly crewed, is expensive, infact waaaaaaaaay too expensive, and serves crap expensive food onboard.

But you cant be told different.....because you know it all.

FACT IS many here as you can see agree with me on my correct informed and educated views on IF.

I simply repeat that I have not had any experience of the OW that supports claims of dirt and I have always found the crew charming and professional. I can also testify that the food in the waiter service restaurant is excellent.
You have accused me several times of being an advocate for Irish Ferries, whereas I have merely offered my experience and advice. I don't mind spending a bit more for a better product or service. That is my choice - others see it differently. You seem threatened by that, which is entirely your problem.
The plain fact is that there are two different quality services available between Ireland and France and that is reflected in the prices. To pretend or insinuate that what you get on LD, the Epsilon or Stena compares with what you get on the OW or Brittany Ferries is just silly. -

MidlandsM · 19-07-2014 01:35PM

First Up wrote: »

I simply repeat that I have not had any experience of the OW that supports claims of dirt and I have always found the crew charming and professional. I can also testify that the food in the waiter service restaurant is excellent.
You have accused me several times of being an advocate for Irish Ferries, whereas I have merely offered my experience and advice. I don't mind spending a bit more for a better product or service. That is my choice - others see it differently. You seem threatened by that, which is entirely your problem.
The plain fact is that there are two different quality services available between Ireland and France and that is reflected in the prices. To pretend or insinuate that what you get on LD, the Epsilon or Stena compares with what you get on the OW or Brittany Ferries is just silly. -

We will agree to disagree, but i take great exception to your suggesting im a lair. That you need to apologize for, but you are more than likely not man enough for that.

And iv been on nearly every ferry from here to the uk, france, holland, and into scandinavia...and i can inform you the ow is substandard and over priced for what is. You need to travel more to learn more.

First Up · 19-07-2014 01:47PM

MidlandsM wrote: »

We will agree to disagree, but i take great exception to your suggesting im a lair. That you need to apologize for, but you are more than likely not man enough for that.

And iv been on nearly every ferry from here to the uk, france, holland, and into scandinavia...and i can inform you the ow is substandard and over priced for what is. You need to travel more to learn more.

I've been around a bit myself.
A generalised claim that the OW is dirty (based on one example) and has a surly crew gives a false impression. If you are prepared to offer a more objective critique I'll be happy to take it on board.

MidlandsM · 19-07-2014 02:00PM

First Up wrote: »

I've been around a bit myself.
A generalised claim that the OW is dirty (based on one example) and has a surly crew gives a false impression. If you are prepared to offer a more objective critique I'll be happy to take it on board.

I knew it that you are not man enough to apologize.

First Up · 19-07-2014 02:08PM

MidlandsM wrote: »

I knew it that you are not man enough to apologize.

Waiting for something to apologise for. You created a deliberately false impression of the OW, to suit whatever agenda you are pursuing. False = untrue =?

Stone Deaf 4evr · 19-07-2014 02:09PM

MidlandsM wrote: »

I knew it that you are not man enough to apologize.

Dude, this is the internet, apologies here are as meaningless as the arguments that started the issue. Don't let yourself get baited into a state of vexedness over an anonymous message board.

New Ferry to France (Launch Offer)

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