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

Peckham · 28-05-2020 7:58pm

tnegun wrote:

What does that mean if you can't leave Ireland, if your campsite is open will you still be entitled to a refund or credit note?

I should have said great news for those travelling later in the summer. I'm not going until August and with the rate things are progressing here and in France I suspect there's a good chance we'll be travelling.

cgc5483 · 28-05-2020 9:59pm

tnegun wrote: »

What does that mean if you can't leave Ireland, if your campsite is open will you still be entitled to a refund or credit note?

As others have suggested contact them. We did this for a Yelloh reservation (contacted the site directly) for the end of June. Told them we weren't permitted to travel beyond 20 km and they offered us the credit note option which we got a couple of days later with an acknowledgement that we weren't technically covered by the ordinance but they giving it to us anyway.

spockety · 28-05-2020 11:08pm

We're due to travel mid July. The news out of France today is good. Two things need to happen for people's nightmares to turn back into dreams now..

1. Irish Government would need to accelerate our lockdown restriction easing, particularly to actually allow you to drive to the ferry. But the most important thing is the 2 week quarantine for people arriving into or returning to the country would need to go. Reason for this is that France are operating reciprocity on a country by country basis. In other words, if Ireland is forcing people coming in from France to isolate for two weeks, then France will force people coming in from Ireland to isolate for two weeks. That basically rules out going there. You can see some of the pressure already starting this week on that, unfortunately led by Michael o Leary who is a bit of a turn off. Govt may also consider that by leaving it in place it could boost domestic tourism.

2. Even if it's technically possible to go, you have to make a judgement call for yourself as to whether you are willing to risk it, in terms of the chances of being hit by a second wave. There will definitely be a cohort posting here who will scream in horror that you would be crazy to go, and possibly say you're irresponsible etc. Could be some ugly arguments.

29-05-2020 7:48am

Our eurocamp in Normandy have not come back yet to confirm they will be open.
Meant to be going July 4th. Flights, no passports for kids mind you

The Nutty M · 29-05-2020 8:03am

I came through Rosslare last night enroute to Cherbourg and the sailing experience has been largely the same. Loads more passanger traffic than freight traffic.
Revenue were checking social welfare which was lovely to see. I hope they keep this up.

First Up · 29-05-2020 8:10am

The Nutty M wrote:

I came through Rosslare last night enroute to Cherbourg and the sailing experience has been largely the same. Loads more passanger traffic than freight traffic. Revenue were checking social welfare which was lovely to see. I hope they keep this up.

Was the ship busy? Were passengers spaced out in bar etc?

What does "Revenue checking social welfare" mean?

ChelseaRentBoy · 29-05-2020 8:14am

The Nutty M wrote: »

I came through Rosslare last night enroute to Cherbourg and the sailing experience has been largely the same. Loads more passanger traffic than freight traffic.
Revenue were checking social welfare which was lovely to see. I hope they keep this up.

What do you mean "it was lovely to see". Aren't people on social welfare allowed out of Ireland?

The Nutty M · 29-05-2020 8:22am

ChelseaRentBoy wrote: »

What do you mean "it was lovely to see". Aren't people on social welfare allowed out of Ireland?

Social welfare tourism needs to be clamped down on . And I'm happy to see the enforcement.

The Nutty M · 29-05-2020 8:29am

First Up wrote: »

Was the ship busy? Were passengers spaced out in bar etc?

What does "Revenue checking social welfare" mean?

Ship is not busy,chairs at tables down to two from four. Facemasks required in French waters and through the port area.

Social welfare tourism.

spockety · 29-05-2020 8:46am

ChelseaRentBoy wrote: »

What do you mean "it was lovely to see". Aren't people on social welfare allowed out of Ireland?

I think he meant people actually living abroad but collecting welfare in Ireland. Genuine scammers like, not Irish residents going on holiday as of course they can and should if they can afford it through their welfare payments.

Beanybabog · 29-05-2020 8:48am

Peckham wrote: »

I should have said great news for those travelling later in the summer. I'm not going until August and with the rate things are progressing here and in France I suspect there's a good chance we'll be travelling.

I’m due to go on the 21st august. I am quite happy about that now- there’ll be tourism for 9 weeks by that stage so we’ll know better if things are safe.

SusanC10 · 29-05-2020 9:07am

Face masks required in French waters - does that mean both indoors and on the Decks on board the Ferry ?

The Nutty M · 29-05-2020 9:13am

SusanC10 wrote: »

Face masks required in French waters - does that mean both indoors and on the Decks on board the Ferry ?

Everywhere on the ship. Entering French waters will be less than 2 hours from journey end . Yesterday evening there were people wearing facemasks at dinner. Some lifted them to eat a forkful and put them back over their mouths to chew,others took them off completely and left them beside.

First Up · 29-05-2020 9:46am

spockety wrote: »

I think he meant people actually living abroad but collecting welfare in Ireland. Genuine scammers like, not Irish residents going on holiday as of course they can and should if they can afford it through their welfare payments.

Interesting; I think that started with Ryanair offering cheapo fares. Maybe with planes grounded people are taking the ferry. What exactly are Revenue checking and what can they do? I presume they can't kick people off.

Royale with Cheese · 29-05-2020 11:35am

I had provisionally booked with Irish Ferries for September recently after the holiday I was supposed to be going on to the south of France this Saturday had to be cancelled, I would say outside of a second wave things are looking good for travel in late summer.

I booked one campsite with Yelloh this morning, they are doing a Flexy offer where you pay nothing until 7 days before arrival with free cancellation up until then. If you don't pay by then they just cancel the booking, I haven't given them any payment details yet so I can't see how they'd even be able to take any money off me.

If you were in an at risk category or had kids you were worried about then I would see how you might be a little bit apprehensive about traveling, but it's just me and my fiancé and we're dying to salvage something from the summer.

Beanybabog · 29-05-2020 11:46am

I’m see the Yelloh site I was in last year is opening 19th June

Ladylouth · 29-05-2020 3:21pm

So passengers are using the ferry to and from France still? We had booked for late June, and cancelled, getting credit notes for both ferry and accommodation. We don't go to a campsite, but a gite, so maybe one or two gites on the site. Last couple of years we have had the pool to ourselves, as there are so few residents about. In truth, our holidays are more socially distance than our time at home. We are really thinking about re-booking for mid July, if we can. Will be watching how things go in France with great interest.

spockety · 29-05-2020 6:15pm

Pressure on govt continues; IBEC today calling formally for the removal of the visitor 14 day quarantine in a letter to gov.

The Nutty M · 30-05-2020 6:04pm

Ladylouth wrote: »

So passengers are using the ferry to and from France still? We had booked for late June, and cancelled, getting credit notes for both ferry and accommodation. We don't go to a campsite, but a gite, so maybe one or two gites on the site. Last couple of years we have had the pool to ourselves, as there are so few residents about. In truth, our holidays are more socially distance than our time at home. We are really thinking about re-booking for mid July, if we can. Will be watching how things go in France with great interest.

Looking at it, you'd be able to be more socially distant without massive crowds on the boat.

Pretzill · 31-05-2020 8:55am

The Nutty M wrote: »

I came through Rosslare last night enroute to Cherbourg and the sailing experience has been largely the same. Loads more passanger traffic than freight traffic.
Revenue were checking social welfare which was lovely to see. I hope they keep this up.

Did you sail with Stena line and do you have to self isolate (either side)

The Nutty M · 31-05-2020 11:11am

Pretzill wrote: »

Did you sail with Stena line and do you have to self isolate (either side)

Sailed with Stena alright. No isolation on the French side nor in Switzerland. Cherbourg checks were nothing more than a passport check. Rosslare was more in-depth, passport check and photograph of passport,questioned and documented where the origin and destination of trip was and duration.

average_runner · 02-06-2020 10:52am

We are pulling the plug on our French holiday. Can't see how the kids club or pool activity will work.
Also don't like the risk that kids could pick something up at the pool or kids club.

average_runner · 02-06-2020 10:52am

We are pulling the plug on our French holiday. Can't see how the kids club or pool activity will work and not lead to frustration
Also don't like the risk that kids could pick something up at the pool or kids club.

Beanybabog · 02-06-2020 11:23am

average_runner wrote: »

We are pulling the plug on our French holiday. Can't see how the kids club or pool activity will work and not lead to frustration
Also don't like the risk that kids could pick something up at the pool or kids club.

Have you insurance or getting a credit note? My campsite announced its opening date so I’ll lose all my money if I cancel

average_runner · 02-06-2020 11:45am

Beanybabog wrote: »

Have you insurance or getting a credit note? My campsite announced its opening date so I’ll lose all my money if I cancel

For campsite its only a deposit of 250 and in fairness Siblu will let us move it to next year.
If they don't let us move it, they be losing 3000 euro from us as we won't go back next year, so be two bookings gone
Also Irish Government said only essential travel till 20th of July, we are end of June.

Aer lingus will do vouchers for the flights, can cancel car hire no problem.

Will book an holiday in Ireland and head off on the bikes with the kids

Heroditas · 02-06-2020 12:15pm

average_runner wrote: »

We are pulling the plug on our French holiday. Can't see how the kids club or pool activity will work and not lead to frustration
Also don't like the risk that kids could pick something up at the pool or kids club.

Yeah we've switched the campsite booking to 2021 and I've been offered a credit note for the ferry for our €100 deposit
Like yourself, can't see how stuff like the kids club would work and that was one of the big draws for the camp. Also, if we have allotments for use of the pool, it takes away a lot of the fun.
Whole point of the holiday is for the kids to make friends and play with a load of other kids and interact.
No idea whether any of the local facilities will be back to normal.
Also, whatever about risks in Ireland, I don't fancy risking catching Covid (however unlikely) and any of the family suffering from it staying in a Eurocamps mobile home, particularly if we don't have mild symptoms.

tnegun · 02-06-2020 5:28pm

tnegun wrote: »

Its Eurocamp they said they would contact me two weeks before our date 15th June to discuss options. I can't travel next year so was looking for an alternative to the voucher and price match.

In fairness to Eurocamp they made contact to say they had no option to cancel and would issue a refund invoice and voucher. Their FAQ on the site says I can request a refund once I have the voucher and has a form to complete with IBAN etc. so looks like it should be straight forward enough fingers crossed!

Irish Ferries are sticking to their guns on the loss of breakdown insurance though as I cancelled the booking, I only did as they advised so will keep pressing on the issue it's painfully slow progress though about 8 days between emails and someone different every time.

Stone Deaf 4evr · 03-06-2020 9:33am

has anyone had to contact AerLingus? just wondering whats the quickest way to get in touch, I see people have had success with twitter for the ferry, so just checking to see if anyone has any recommendations.

kildarecommuter · 03-06-2020 9:47am

Stone Deaf 4evr wrote: »

has anyone had to contact AerLingus? just wondering whats the quickest way to get in touch, I see people have had success with twitter for the ferry, so just checking to see if anyone has any recommendations.

Used messaging on their Facebook and got a response

Stone Deaf 4evr · 03-06-2020 10:04am

kildarecommuter wrote: »

Used messaging on their Facebook and got a response

just a quick update, its a bot manning the chat, but its actually very helpful, I was able to submit my voucher request and have already received confirmation that it will be issued shortly.
Thats a real weight off my mind, as it stands, I'm only out 240 euros overall for the deposit on the campsite and the rental car.

(plus the real bummer of not having a holiday:( )

average_runner · 03-06-2020 10:07am

average_runner wrote: »

For campsite its only a deposit of 250 and in fairness Siblu will let us move it to next year.
If they don't let us move it, they be losing 3000 euro from us as we won't go back next year, so be two bookings gone
Also Irish Government said only essential travel till 20th of July, we are end of June.

Aer lingus will do vouchers for the flights, can cancel car hire no problem.

Will book an holiday in Ireland and head off on the bikes with the kids

Siblu not allowing to book for next year or move your holiday to next year.
Just providing you a voucher.
They are saying their system won't allow that

amor3 · 03-06-2020 3:07pm

average_runner wrote: »

Siblu not allowing to book for next year or move your holiday to next year.
Just providing you a voucher.
They are saying their system won't allow that

That's a bit crap! I wanted a price match for the mobile we had this year.. think our deposit was just under €500.
We actually haven't heard from siblu yet, our balance was due the 30th of May, my husband emailed yesterday morning but nothing back yet.

54and56 · 03-06-2020 3:53pm

average_runner wrote: »

Siblu not allowing to book for next year or move your holiday to next year.
Just providing you a voucher.
They are saying their system won't allow that

That's a bit disappointing all right as I'm in a similar position and if, as is almost certain, we can't travel in early July, I'd feel much better knowing we'd locked in the same accomodation on similar dates for next year rather than just have an IOU which may or may not cover next years pricing.

It's possible that Siblu simply don't actually have the ability to confirm bookings for next year just yet. Did they give you any indication as to when you will be able to use your voucher to book 2021 accomodation?

Ladylouth · 03-06-2020 4:34pm

Why can't we travel in early July? Genuine question. If France has opened up it's borders, the ferries will take passengers surely? The only block could be a travel advisory from DFA against non essential travel still being in place. If we are willing to take the chance on travelling regardless of that, we can. Am I missing anything?

Royale with Cheese · 03-06-2020 4:37pm

I went to book another campsite through yelloh today and their flexy offer is now gone... didn't last long. Will leave it now til nearer the time and I'm sure I'll actually be going.

jay0109 · 03-06-2020 4:51pm

Ladylouth wrote: »

Why can't we travel in early July? Genuine question. If France has opened up it's borders, the ferries will take passengers surely? The only block could be a travel advisory from DFA against non essential travel still being in place. If we are willing to take the chance on travelling regardless of that, we can. Am I missing anything?

Valid Travel Insurance?

amor3 · 03-06-2020 5:41pm

Ladylouth wrote: »

Why can't we travel in early July? Genuine question. If France has opened up it's borders, the ferries will take passengers surely? The only block could be a travel advisory from DFA against non essential travel still being in place. If we are willing to take the chance on travelling regardless of that, we can. Am I missing anything?

The risk of a second wave, being quarantined, especially if it were on the ferry, the lack of pools open, kids club not running, bars/restaurants restricted/closed.. not much of a holiday for me and my gang, but these things might not matter to others, too much of a risk for me personally, but each to their own, weigh up the risks, pros/cons and decide for yourself I suppose.

54and56 · 03-06-2020 5:50pm

Ladylouth wrote: »

Why can't we travel in early July? Genuine question. If France has opened up it's borders, the ferries will take passengers surely? The only block could be a travel advisory from DFA against non essential travel still being in place. If we are willing to take the chance on travelling regardless of that, we can. Am I missing anything?

AFAIK if you travel to a country for a holiday when there's a DFA advisory against doing so for all but essential travel your travel insurance would be invalidated. If you all had your European Health Insurance Cards with you you'd have free access to the French national health system but I personally wouldn't like the idea of having to rely on that alone.

IIRC the travel advisory is currently in place until July 20th which would be too late for us but it might be reviewed if the R rate drops away and/or if reciprocal air/ferry bridges are established with other countries including France before then but I'm not holding my breath.

webpal · 03-06-2020 6:59pm

54and56 wrote: »

AFAIK if you travel to a country for a holiday when there's a DFA advisory against doing so for all but essential travel your travel insurance would be invalidated.

Likewise with your car insurance

Jambalaya · 03-06-2020 7:24pm

54and56 wrote: »

That's a bit disappointing all right as I'm in a similar position and if, as is almost certain, we can't travel in early July, I'd feel much better knowing we'd locked in the same accomodation on similar dates for next year rather than just have an IOU which may or may not cover next years pricing.

It's possible that Siblu simply don't actually have the ability to confirm bookings for next year just yet. Did they give you any indication as to when you will be able to use your voucher to book 2021 accomodation?

Siblu will be taking bookings using the voucher from August 2020. It's a French government sponsored scheme. Voucher is valid for 18 months.

amor3 · 03-06-2020 8:45pm

Siblu booked us in last year while we were still onsite, for this year, no reason that they can't do that now, only thing I can think of is because they are going to massively bump up the prices!

Flippyfloppy · 03-06-2020 8:46pm

amor3 wrote: »

Siblu booked us in last year while we were still onsite, for this year, no reason that they can't do that now, only thing I can think of is because they are going to massively bump up the prices!

Exactly. Their 'system won't allow it' is gaslighting nonsense.

Pataman · 03-06-2020 8:50pm

webpal wrote: »

Likewise with your car insurance

Not true

josip · 03-06-2020 9:58pm

webpal wrote: »

Likewise with your car insurance

Pataman wrote: »

Not true

Would be interested in knowing which of these statements is correct, before I check with our insurer.

webpal · 03-06-2020 10:02pm

Double post

Ladylouth · 03-06-2020 10:03pm

My understanding is that anything Covid19 related would not be covered by travel insurance. I would calculate that as a very low risk, though a risk. We have EHIC cards. Car insurance is not affected as Pataman said. We would be more isolated in France during those weeks than we would be in Ireland, that's just the kind of holiday we take. We are willing to change our behaviour re masks, less eating out and more careful where we go etc. We have cancelled everything as we were to travel in June, but still considering booking again from scratch in mid July.

Thanks for all the input, boardsies!

webpal · 03-06-2020 10:03pm

Pataman wrote: »

Not true

Question 5 https://www.123.ie/travel-insurance/faq

Best check with each your insurance company first

Ladylouth · 03-06-2020 10:15pm

Will double check everything. Still watching what happens both sides of the pond before making a final call on this.

The Nutty M · 04-06-2020 4:26am

webpal wrote: »

Question 5 https://www.123.ie/travel-insurance/faq

Best check with each your insurance company first

The link you put up is related to travel insurance Q & A's. No mention at all of car insurance.

54and56 · 04-06-2020 10:01am

Flippyfloppy wrote: »

Exactly. Their 'system won't allow it' is gaslighting nonsense.

I think the "system won't allow it" is a generic cover all type response customer facing staff are using which may be reflecting the fact that Siblu management are unwilling to commit yet to bookings for 2021 until they know how many cancellation vouchers they are going to have to honour for 2021, whether or not there will be a requirement for them to de-populate their sites to promote more social distancing next year etc.

It could of course be nothing more than they are planning to price gouge their captive (voucher) customers for next year but that wouldn't be in keeping with the experience I've had with them for over 10 years.

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

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