Yes! we live in Eastbourne and use it every year to take the caravan down to the Vendee for three weeks as it is on our doorstep and most convenient for our journey. Agree its a pretty terrible crossing. We're vegetarian and experience on this ferry service taught us long ago to take our own food. We gave up on the overnight crossing as it doesn't give long enough to sleep, car alarms, and noisy cabin neighbours, so now sail in the morning with an overnight stop at Alencon municipal which is lovely, and return on the evening crossing. Weirdly this year the prices were much dearer on the CMHC than booking direct with DFDS TransManche! cheers Jon:)
I travelled Newhaven Dieppe about 18 years ago with the caravan and it was the same ferries then as now. The on board experience is nothing special I agree, but the price more than compensates for this. I now have a 7.5m Motorhome and travelled on this route in late January and the one way ticket was £78.50 which included my over 60s discount of 20%. Never been delayed getting off the ferry, might just be luck on where you're positioned on the car decks. Coming into Newhaven is not too appealing compared with arriving in Dieppe. Never felt the urge to use the Maccy D's either 😅. Also if you're heading west towards Portsmouth and on to Salisbury then the A27 can be a nightmare when there is a lot of traffic as there are so many roundabouts around the Chichester area so progress is not great. I've used Brittany ferries loads of times too and agree it is a far better service but you pay a premium price. So it's horses for courses as they say. Very informative video nevertheless.
If we were to cross the channel on a ferry, as vegetarians, we would take our own food, pillow, kettle etc. Given we travel with our dog, we're unlikely to do so. We'll stick to the UK, but I love your commitment Andrew, and I love Dougal and Ted ❤ xxxx Thanks again xx
We've used this crossing often, and found it cheap and convenient. Always good service, the food is ok, and the beds are good enough if you're exhausted. The first time we travelled I mentioned to the receptionist that we were on honeymoon, and we were upgraded to a 'commedore class' cabin, which was very nice.
The most half-empty glass review of anything that I've seen for ages. We used the Newhaven-Dieppe route for several years to get down to Murcia in Spain. Outward on the night crossing, homeward on the day. From the Midlands, the traffic in late day isn't too bad, and the entry to Newhaven always clear. Although not Pullman style, of course there are facilities for motorists while waiting. We always ate on the way to Newhaven so we could get some shuteye straight after boarding. Perfectly adequate. Out on the road at dawn means a full days driving will get you to Pamplona for an overnight stay. Then an easy drive to Murcia. Homeward means an easy drive North and a 40 winks kip while waiting for boarding time. A day cabin was enough to refresh us for the slog up the M23/M25/M40. By far the worst part of the experience. With the seniors' discount for over-60s, the cost doesn't come anywhere near Brittany Ferries ludicrous charges. So you shouldn't expect cordon bleu catering or starched sheets. And, as for the lack of a vegan menu offering, I assume they haven't had sufficient demand. With less than 2% of the UK population on a vegan diet, it's not surprising.
Have used Newhaven to Dieppe for a number of years to our cottage in Normandy. If you are 60 years old you get a 20% discount on all sailings both car and passengers through low and high seasons not published on website you net to contact them on their telephone number.
Hi Andrew, I’m in 🇨🇦. I Don’t drive, nor own a caravan but I really enjoy listening to you and of course ‘the boys’ Ted and Dougle. You really suffer for your ‘art’ - cold baked beans, soggy toast and that ‘orrible cabin! I’m glad you found people friendly, but I think that’s due to how you personally treat people, you are a very amiable chap. Thanks for all the info and the general entertainment I find in your beautifully created videos.
I use this route at least 5 times a year and I find it cheap and cheerful with both ports easy to get to and leave from.Stick to the recliners in the dark lounge as it's an extra deck higher so never hear car alarms
This service is a vital route for us. The night crossings are an hour longer.. yes take a pillow. The port of Newhaven is a relic of the 1980s with a single width and single height ramp. The ships are about the maximum size Newhaven can handle... so until Newhaven is modernised few things will improve... Brittany ferries are great but can be eye-wateringly expensive...
We use the DieppeNewhaven route quite a lot. Yes it is cheap and efficient in our experience. Better in our opinion compared to the more expensive Brittany Ferries. We always book a cabin to rest in. Our experience of arriving in Newhaven with Border Force has been less than positive. I did get an official apology from their head office! Our main reason for using the DieppeNewhaven route is that from where we live in SW France and where we go to see our family in UK it's the shortest road journey. Going to Calais would add 2-3 hours to our total drive. Overall it wouldn't save that much time. Yes disembarkation can take a long time at Newhaven, this is due to only a single lane being open. At Dieppe there are two lanes open.
Yes we use it two / three times a year. It is a bit short overnight. But very good value. Queues at passport on both sides can be very long! I hope the secret of DFDS Dieppe doesn't get out though 😂
Last July we travelled via Newhaven-Dieppe (both ways) and it was very efficient with all the booths open on entry to both ports, I suspect there is a reduction of personal in the “off season”. We didn’t regret not going via Dover and we are booked on the Newhaven-Dieppe ferry again this year.
Glad to hear our DFDS experiences weren't just lucky. Our opinion of them matches yours. My wife worked for them back in the 1970s so they are continuing the tradition of good service.
I used the DFDS Dunkirk route every other week for nearly two years. Those ferries always struck me as the best and most modern. They also tend to be cheaper than the P&O to Calais plus they are quite frequent so if you do get there early or miss one they can normally accommodate you. Delft is the third choice boat, normally it would be Dunkirk or Dover when I was travelling. Their only problem is lack of cabins or recliners. I would travel at night and it was like a doss house with people bedding down where they could. The bench seats were comfortable though but you had to be quick to get the best spots and not be beaten to it by some Romanian truck driver!
We’ve sailed Portsmouth to Caen with Brittany ferries 4 times and Portsmouth to Santander 6 times and have enjoyed the experience. The beds on the Pont Aven and Cap Finisterre are incredibly comfortable despite appearance.
Hi Andrew. Just a few comments, if I may : My wife and I, with our 7,4 m caravan use the Dieppe - Newhaven crossing both ways twice a year (we live in France). Regarding your eating experience, admittedly it isn't what it was a few years ago, but we find it acceptable, plus, there is a microwave readily available to reheat your food if necessary. If you were unhappy with the single pillow in your cabin why did you not use an extra one from another bunk ? In all the crossings that we have done we have never heard any disturbance from car alarms. Like in one of your comments, we decided a long time ago that the recliner lounges are more suitable for this crossing which, btw, is normally 4 hours, rather than the 4 1/2 that you suggest. With our caravan hitched to the car we are almost invariably loaded against the bow (or stern) loading door/ramp, and so we usually drive off the ferry as the first, or one of the first vehicles to leave. Unfortunately the arrival in the port of Newhaven is definitely not a visual treat. Re: the prices, you didn't mention the 20% discount for retirees who book directly over the phone, making this crossing, for us, a bargain. We shall stick with this crossing.
Enjoyed your video and commentary. Nice to see onboard the ferry I've viewed and videod so many times at Newhaven. Haven't noticed the delays such as you experienced regarding disembarkation though. Typically, as soon as the ramp is down foot passengers start leaving the ship with vehicles very soon after.
Part way through the video of your return crossing I wanted to shout “Stop doing this to yourself!” I somehow feel personally responsible for this travel torture because you’re making these videos for us, your audience. And while that is very, very generous of you, I don’t like to see people having a bad time of it on my / our behalf. Good to learn you got your cancelled crossing refund!
@@davidmbell would have made me want to take a ferry, I nearly forgot I don't have sea legs, and how I fare with trying to eat food...so I'm glad he also did one on the channel tunnel 🙂
Thanks for the video I am about to use the Newhaven-Dieppe Service for the first time next weekend. I have almost 15 years experience of P&O Hull to Zeebrugge/Rotterdam and Brittany Ferries Portsmouth to Bilbao/Santander travelling by motorcycle. This time we are travelling by car to Newhaven (from Manchester) parking there (£5 per day) and travelling as foot passengers for 5 nights AirB&B in Dieppe. Return fare being over 60 is £46 each. Living "up North" complicates the picture in terms of ferries. We have a 5-6 hour drive to Newhaven. I may well look at the Chunnel next year and take bike or car but for now I welcome the economy class ferry departing 17:00 next Sunday!!!
Excellent video, Andrew. I find it rather disheartening that the quality of cross-Channel ferries seems to have rather fallen off a cliff in recent years. We used DFDS last summer (car only) from Dover and while it was all very efficient and the vessel in decent condition the quality of food on offer did seem to be a bit of a lottery. We had a decent lunch on the way home but the cooked breakfast on the way out wasn't hot enough, looked rather unappetising and didn't seem terribly good value for money as a result. The duty free shop was pretty lacklustre, too. Seriously considering Le Shuttle this year.
I'm a convert to the Eurotunnel. Friendlier staff, faster of course and no risk of getting bored then eating a greasy spoon extravaganza in the ferry restaurant. Having said that, a converted Mercedes Sprinter campervan wouldn't start in front of me last time I was on the train and it took waaay too long for it to be towed out. They need to get that situation stream lined with a tow truck closer to the train-imo. It took them about 10-15 mins before they even realised the van wouldn't start then about another 15-20 minutes to tow it out
I have used the Dieppe/Newhaven ferry over the years many many times as a truck driver, the food was always abit hit and miss. Now retired this ferry is my choice of channel crossing twice a year. If you book by phone and you are over 60 years old you will be entitled to a 20% discount. If you want a mini cruise use Brittany ferries but have a deep wallet. The only downside I have found with this crossing is that bad weather in Newhaven can sometimes lead to the ferry being unable to dock leading to delays, I was once onboard 11 hours for a 4.5 hour crossing. All in all it's a good value ferry crossing,it does what it says on the tin.
Thanks for the informative video Andrew! I need to do a return journey at the end of September and having watched your video, despite the negative points, I've decided to go for DFDS Dieppe-Newhaven as the price is SIGNIFICANTLY less than the alternative options. I've gone for 190€ return without a cabin on overnight crossings so I intend to make use of the reclining seats. Had I opted for a cabin the return price would have been 290€ but I just don't think it's worth the extra cost for a four-hour crossing. Had I opted for my preferred option, Brittany Ferries from Caen to Portsmouth, I would have paid a STAGGERING 455€ return without a cabin and 707€ had I opted for external cabins which would be my usual preference. Even if I'd just gone with reserved reclining seats, the comparative fare would have been 483€ for two of us; a difference of 293€. So, even though the Transmanche ferries could do with a spruce-up, the difference of 293€ was enough for me to grin and bear it for the four-hour crossing and to avoid the additional journey time/toll fare/petrol costs up to Calais. Hopefully my perspective and information will be helpful to you and other viewers who are considering DFDS/ Transmanche as an alternative.
Thanks for the info . Looking to go to france in May and considering this route as used DFDS from Calais in the past . As we are then travelling west once into france decided to use brittany ferries as the increased cost off sets the time and fuel used landing at Dieppe . ( + we can get a full nights rest before onward journey )
An excellent impartial review and great production values. I absolutely agree the DFDS vegetarian cooked breakfast is the best on offer; the only one to include plant based sausages. Personally I like the Transmanche ships. They are cosy and have more character. I have found myself that the vegetarian options on those ships are often extremely limited. I travelled in June and ended up with soya based lasagne for my main course in both directions. I suppose I could have had a plate of vegetables instead! I travelled on the Cotentin from Le Havre to Portsmouth in March and can confirm she is comfortable and perfectly adequate, but would not recommend for young families as there are no cinemas or play rooms. The économie brand has quietly disappeared. She is a freight ship with a nominal capacity for around two hundred passengers.
It’s never been an interest of mine to drive on the continent, I’m originally from NI but live on the East Coast of Scotland, so the opportunity to do so has conveniently not been there. Other than my dad taking me, mum and one of my brothers on a tour of France when I was 9, that was it. But, discovering videos such as yours is changing that mindset. There used to be a berth out of Rosyth, and Newcastle had a decent route, but it seems the best approach to Europe is travelling to southern England. If you hear different, Andrew, that would be brilliant. Anyway, first time viewer and very happy with what you’ve delivered! 👍
If travelling via Dieppe make time for the Saturday market in the town centre. The market is magnificent. I have rarely seen a better one. You can buy all you want then catch the 18h ferry to Newhaven. Dieppe is an historic and interesting living town, so worth a visit.
Thing is, it’s about avoiding Dover. I use Harwich/Hook when i travel to U.K. from Germany even though in paper Dover/Calais is quicker. It’s about a more relaxed experience, especially when the border checks at Harwich/Hook are the same as they always were. Last time (May 22) i did Dover Calais it took 4 hrs in Dover on the way out and 1.5 hrs in Calais to get onto the ferry from arrival. Strikes me by Dieppe route (like the Harwich route) is more sedate but the same time for travel every time as they only have a couple of arrivals and the port is only used by one operator. Also from Dieppe you are asked to completely by pass Paris to go South. Looks like a very good option to me. And by the way those pillows look exactly like the Stena ones on the Harwich route - always take your own for guaranteed comfort!
Thanks very much for the video review Andrew! I travelled to and from France last June (2022) on the DFDS Newhaven-Dieppe route, though IIRC it was on the sister ship Côte D'Albâtre. I would echo a lot of your conclusions - especially the lack of facilities at the ports for travellers waiting to board (I too dived into McDonalds at Newhaven!). I was happy with my experience overall - but I was travelling by motorcycle which meant I was on and off the ships much quicker than the car drivers, and not being a vegetarian I found the food and drink on board quite acceptable. Yes the ship was a bit scruffy in places - I didn't book a cabin but those reclining seats are very comfortable and there wasn't much noise (though in peak season with a lot of kids it might be different!) I think a big factor in choosing a crossing is where you live in the UK and where you are going in France - I live in Guildford Surrey, so Newhaven is closer to me than Dover/Folkestone, and on the other side I was heading for Charente so Dieppe (or Caen) make for a shorter trip than having the extra drive down from the Pas de Calais. The Newhaven/Dieppe crossing is also quicker and cheaper than the equivalent Brittany Ferries option from Portsmouth to Caen. If I was going to Northern France or Belgium / Germany I think I'd probably just pay more for the speed of Eurotunnel and skip ferries altogether! Regarding check-in and customs - the only hold-up I had was queuing for French border controls at Dieppe on the outbound trip - about 25 minutes I think. They only had one booth open for cars and motorbikes. Fortunately it was a nice sunny day! 😄 Next time I go I might try Brittany Ferries overnight service (Portsmouth-Caen) so as not to waste valuable daylight motorcycling time !
DFDS Dover to Dunkirk would also be my first choice (and I have done it) but mostly because, if I do take the car, I'd mostly be going towards Belgium, the Netherlands or Germany (and so it's fewer motorway miles than Calais/Eurotunnel). I've never done Eurotunnel FROM Calais, only TO Calais, the first time I returned via Rotterdam and Hull (on P&O!) the second time my car decided not to work any more and I did go back through Eurotunnel on a breakdown insurance paid for Eurostar ticket.
Great information thank you, We will be traveling on the Newhaven to Dieppe ferry in late May We have done this route before traveling to Portugal in our Small Motorhome,I like the idea of the Kettle and Pillows for the cabin :) we overnight in newhaven and Dieppe so can take advantage of the lower price crossings.We are on a budget as a retired couple and found its worth Phoning them to see if there is a discount for the older generation, Tesco reward points I believe can be used here ? don't know if joining a Motorhome and caravan club would be worth it in the short of long term ,we have taken other routes but find the Dover crossing added to the miles in France with no benefit of stoping places , the Portsmouth to Santander crossing is expensive and we would miss out a lot of nice places to stop in the south of France
Always had a good service on the Newhaven-Dieppe route run by Transmanche (10+ crossings). The crossings are super super cheap, cheaper even than the Dover-Calais crossings at times. The staff are always lovely and the ships always spotless. Newhaven as a port is not particularly nice and despite a refurb, the passenger terminal is ever so dated. The ships are about as basic as they get and could really do with some internal updates; they do seem to move about on the water a bit more than other ferries of similar size. They're not a patch on Brittany Ferries' vessels but then again, they're not meant to be but if you're looking for a cheap crossing that doesn't spit you out in the Nord pas de Calais region, then they're ok. I last sailed when UK Border Force was on strike and found entry into Newhaven pretty quick. Dieppe departure is always chaotic. I only use them as they're cheaper and closer to my friends near Paris. Always tend to sail with Brittany Ferries (for the last 35 years on all their routes).
We travel with this ferry every year, never had any issues.. The French don't go for veggy or this new fad of eating plants so it was no surprise that is wasn't available..
We took the Newhaven-Dieppe route a couple of times a few years ago. It’s handy for us as we live just 45 mins from Newhaven in T Wells. But it’s a pretty miserable experience. We normally do Eurotunnel, but there was industrial action at Calais at the time. Like your experience, it takes ages to disembark - 45 minutes in our case. A route to be avoided IMHO unless forced to do so by circumstances. A tatty ship, service with a snarl and few facilities for a longer crossing.
In 2019 we did a day trip to Dieppe for lunch as foot passengers as you do. Had breakfast on the way out and a light snack on the way back and we were pleasantly surprised at how good the food was and reasonably. At Dieppe you can walk or take the bus to the centre of Dieppe and enjoy a reasonably priced lunch and a walk around the market. However the timings of the ferry's do not always make a day trip possible. But judging from your experience I would have been disappointed
Is there now a bus service in Dieppe between the ferry terminal and the town ? That's news to me. What is really annoying about the Newhaven - Dieppe service is that the port facilities have been either demolished or sold off. I used to regularly organise trips for a group of friends of mine to go hiking around the end section of the South Downs Way on the long weekend of the Ascension - (Ascension Thursday is a bank or national holiday in France). We used to be able to get a train from Paris - Saint-Lazare at 11 in the morning and arrive at Dieppe Maritime two hours later. There we could board the ferry that was berthed directly next to the railway station. The port of Dieppe is now full of pontoons for yachts and it's no longer available for ferries, so they had to build a new ferry port outside, below the cliffs. There is no longer a direct train service between Paris and Dieppe. The last time we came from Paris we had to change at Rouen and on arrival at Dieppe-Ville, there was absolutely no bus service available to take us out to the ferry terminal. For the return journey, the SNCF had to put on a special coach service to connect with the station at Rouen. On the ship coming into Dieppe, they made all sorts of nonsensical announcements about non-existing connecting passenger services. They have since changed the times of sailing that make it impossible for foot passengers to use this route between Paris and Sussex. At Newhaven it's a similar story. Mismanagement, a collossal waste of public money and the destruction of infrastructure on both sides of the Channel have led to this mess.
@@franc9111 Yes the bus was waiting for the arrival of the Ferry. About €2 however its just as quick to walk. Yes the Newhaven terminal is beyond awful.
Thanks for putting yourself through this. Much appreciated! Take care. I have the dreaded covid atm- first time & grateful for all vax as I felt truly bad. 3eks layer negative test but still suffering. X
I use the Newhaven Dieppe crossing partly out of fear that it may not last. I do agree about vehicle disembarkation at Newhaven. Why has Newhaven been allowed to become so rundown? I’m told the French own it? Can anyone confirm? A crew member told me in 2022 that the whole thing is subsidised (“subvention “ was the term used). If so, Merci la belle France.
Another useful comparison video. Ferry companies can learn a lot from these. I always travel with an inflatable pillow (deflated it takes up almost no space). It is very useful for planes, trains, sunloungers by the pool, and in hotels that provide poor quality pillows.
Andrew a great video once again and one I am particularly interested in. I have sailed on Severn Sisters many Times and have done the various routes over 20 years with and without caravan. Can I recommend B&B Hotels and the one in Dieppe is superb. Its literally 10 minutes from the port. I will be using this route again in June and I do drive down to near Bordeaux, I also take the late sailing and have a cabin and no, not easy to get to sleep, but i figure thats as much me. For what you pay, to get from A to B I think the Dieppe route is perfect, it avoids the tolls on the other routes. Your experience was unfortunate on boarding and disembarking and I have not always had the same experience, in general its quick and easy.
I haven’t travelled on a cross channel ferry in my own vehicle but I have travelled a few times on CalMac ferries but I totally understand the alarm chorus. I think a lot of people understand how to disable the internal movement sensors but not how to disable the main car alarm. To be honest I am not sure how to disable my vw alarm, even locking via the key blade still sets the alarm. I think the lack of understanding and habit of just pressing the lock button is the problem. There seems to be huge vibrations from the ferries mechanisms such as bow thrusters as even my dashcam dropped off the windscreen.
I use the newhaven to dieppe overnight ferry but I refuse to use dieppe to newhaven it's such a slow process disembarking at newhaven sometimes takes 90 minutes after a 6 hour drive up to dieppe I just want to get home. I would rather pay extra and use the eurotunnel
I've travelled on the Newhaven to Dieppe ferry for many years, as far back as when it was run by Sealink, and the pride of Newhaven Senlac. Transmanche Ferries, now operated by DFDS have been running since the late 90's. I love travelling on the ferries to Dieppe. The trouble is as a foot passenger it's a real pain. The old departure lounge used to have a gangway directly on to the ferries. But that has been since demolished, and the current one means you have to take a bus ride to the ferry, and vice versa on return. It's much easier by car or bicycle. Except returning from Dieppe on my bike recently you have to join at the back of the ferry and leave your bikes there. When you arrive in Newhaven you have to push your bikes from the back to the front amongst all the fumes of the lorries and cars starting their engines up, which is far from a pleasant experience! However my experience has always been positive, the ferries are basic but comfortable, The Seven Sisters and identical twin Côte D'Albâbatre were built circa 2005 I believe, and the staff always pleasant and helpful.
Andrew stated that he was not entitled to a refund of his ferry because the outward one was cancelled. If anyone is booking a ferry only return trip with Caravan Club the best thing to do is also book one night on the cheapest camp site you can find. The whole thing is then a package and by las CAMC have refund the lot if one part is cancelled.
Hi Andrew, I was hoping to try the DFDS ferry from Newhaven to Dieppe as a foot passenger later this year hoping to get there and back in a day. Don't know if that's possible but will check timetables online and my bank before I book. I love an hour away from Newhaven and I saw the ferry in the port on Saturday afternoon. What do you think? I've seen Steve Marsh and will watch some of his videos another time
About $14 (US) for breakfast is ever so slightly on the high side. 😊 Looked great though! The chatting help, the lack of explanation, the attitudes, all made sense when you said a French ship and crew, LOL! Been there, done that. 🤣
You did choose not to stop for something to eat in France, the ferry company can't be held responsible for that. Also they did provide food that didn't have any meat in it, despite it not being a menu choice at least they accommodated and didn't just blankly refuse.
Honestly i live in Portsmouth, Brittany ferries are fantastic, but please if your going to review any of their ferrys atleast pick bretagne, shes a incredible classic ferry and this may be her last year in service
Interesting vid….not really surprised the non dairy, decaf coffee tasted grim …. life is too short already to drink that stuff 😂 DFDS prices are properly cut price ….just take your own supplies 👍
What do you mean by no facilities for motorists? There are toilets available and a waiting area for foot passengers? However we paid £79 for our crossing so can’t have it all!
Sometimes, people don't know how to switch off their car alarms. I've looked through my car handbook and there's mention of an alarm but nothing clear on how to deactivate it other than leave the car unlocked.
NewhaventDieppe is the oldest crossing, dating back centuries. It is generally hassle free (even after Brexit) and you can be away from the town and on your way easily.
Much as I would love to, I won't. I worked for Eurostar for 23 years and still think it's the best company ever, so I would find it difficult to remain impartial! :)
Hi Andrew, these Ferry Crossings have not at all been a very good experience for You. I do hope anyone contemplating Ferry Crossings has seen this Video, You are Great at what You & Your Honest Opinion will be greatly Valued. Thankfully You received Your £191 back on Your Cancelled Ferry Crossing. My Heart went out to you when I saw the Cabin, how could anyone enjoy any sleep on those bunks with a lumpy pillow. Your face said it all with the Meal you had too!! Thank goodness for Macdonald's I know you will have enjoyed this!! Lovely to see Dougal & Ted at the Close of this Video. Looking forward to watching the next one. Take Care, Lots of Love to You,Dougal & Ted 💖💖💖💜💜💜 XXXX
Sad to see your experience on the Dieppe - Newhaven crossing seemed such a struggle.. I’ve always found the route, competitively priced, great service, reasonably efficient boarding and disembarkation, particularly good food (vegetarian/vegan) compared to many other similar lines, and found the cabins to be spacious and comfortable, maybe I am just easily pleased - it certainly felt every step of the journey was somewhat of a struggle for you from soggy toast to lumpy pillows, but I persevered with your video, but had to switch off when I thought you were going to try eating McDonald’s at the end!!
Hi Andrew, great news you got your money back!! Unlike me, I'm going to Scotland again and I'd booked my first flight with Flybe!! A week later they went bust!! Anyway, don't want to talk about that for now! These videos about the ferry companies are really informative and handy for people thinking of using them. I always enjoy them, I enjoy all of your videos! Dougal and Ted are so adorable!! Looks like Dougal has come round now a bit more?!! Loved the photo of them asleep together in the caravan, so cute!! Did you say what you went over to France for? I thought perhaps a booze run?!! Not that I'm inferring you purchase a copious amount of alcohol!! Take care, looking forward to your adventures in the Adria! All the best, love and hugs xxx 🥰😘🐶🐕
Hari OM Sterling service, Andrew! I felt you when that awful offering for dinner appeared... yeecchhh... Thanks for the link to Dover Ferry Photos... right up my sailing channel! YAM xx
The elephant in the room and appearing common to all operators has to be the transportation of EV’s at sea, especially now given recent events there can be no excuse for not at least addressing the inherent associated risks with some control measures
I would of filed a letter before action as it's unreasonable to assume you can make the return portion of your journey, if the outward portion has been cancelled. You probably have better things to do however 😂
when you book would the ferry company not know who you are since your channel has your name in it may be it would be interesting to find out what would happen if you use one of there tickets since it does save you money for making the video
Wow, I like your ferries better than the ones we have here in British Columbia. Yours are more modern. Although, ours seem more organized and efficient.
As you are one of the one point five percent of the world population (Vegan). Therefore one of 6.7 people on that vessel. The choice of life is available.
Always a welcome video Andrew, thank you so much. I may have mentioned before that living deep in the Southwest limits your choice, but you get a amazing service with Brittany, sorry you didn’t get to report on them. Is it true that most of their ferries now are hydrogen based? You do pay for it though! If just we had a little competition in Plymouth.
£36 to take a bike to France this year? And double the 'foot passenger' price? I know that stupid Brexit has hit BF hard, but this sort of price hike - when there is no alternative (we live in Cornwall) is beyond annoying.
Good vid but probably not best way of being starving before getting there but do sympathies with the checking issue but have seen that at other ports too. Off next week for the first time on that route new haven dieppe, looking forward to it. I get you would prefer a better vegan menu and far enough too a degree, But Personally the menu doesn’t bother myself. And Im sorry to say most people I know are happy with meat fish and so on. And it’s a budget comercial route so it’s not going to be fine dining or offering extensive menus, plus a french crewed ship is likely to be run within there customs and expectations. Personally we’ve opted for no room due only 4hrs and day crossing, even though the rooms seem reasonably priced. I think all Operators are good but equally and have there issues. Like I’ve had good experience with Brittney but equally bad as well hence why im divided with them, also tend to be more expensive and dominate certain routs which isn’t good for competitive prices. But ferries are still king over the price of the train which is convenient but expensive and no real facilities on it. To me crossing the channel is part of the trip and is a brake as well. And in ways an older ship has its charms but equally not going to have all the bells and whistles to a new or fully retrofitted ship. But it falls back to its a budget crossing, im not going to complain with anything seen there. Along as they get you there that’s the key.
There must be a huge increase in vegetarians these days if travel cafes have veggie alternatives for things a lot of folks wouldn't even think of, however, how you managed to keep it all down on a boat [and plus that big swell] is the real mystery...!
First time I did Dieppe-Newhaven was in 1963. Steam train Paris - Dieppe Maritime (which was right beside the ferry) and then the roughest crossing apparently in 26 years. I was in the sick bay throughout but Dad told me people up top were being hit by flying luggage! At Newhaven it was again straight on the train from Newhaven Maritime which is also now long gone. Why don't these ferries connect with trains like they used to? The next times were several day trips on foot in the 1990's on the fast catermaran which only took 2hr 45. They were fun but getting from the boat to Dieppe Ville Station was a slow business. But we did manage a train ride to Rouen and back. As for Brittany Ferries, I've used them many times though on two consecutive weeks we turned up at Roscoff but just before we were due to baord they went on strike. The ferry company told everyone to drive to Dover and they'll pay the costs. We were only going to Devon so that would mean a 400 mile detour! Everyone was fuming though quite well behaved, like there wasn't a complete riot. Overall, I find Brittany Ferries quite good apart from the catering on their M.V. Armorique. There's not even a machine dispensing sandwiches. My biggest complaint with all these ferries is they don't connect with trains anymore, in fact they make such connections as difficult as possible. I'd use them at least 10 times as often if they did.
DFDS really should look at the Irish Sea routes. Some of the offerings....P&O Larne to Cairnryan and Stena Fishguard to Rosslare really are set in the 1970's. They could really shake things up by offering a better service!
Great video Andrew…….please consider coming to the Isle of Man, later this year , when our brand new Ferry……ManxMan will be in service from Heysham to Douglas ……she is currently still finishing her sea trials in Korea, but is expected to be in service by Late summer………lots of love to Dougal & Ted. 🐶👍🇮🇲💕
I think that vegans are is such a minority (correct me if I am wrong) but to purchase an automatic machine to make a specialist coffee for the odd vegan does not make economic sense to companies.
The food on Brittany Ferries is shocking especially if you’re vegan/vegetarian. I lived on chips and bread on the way to and from Santander. DFDS looks so much better
I bought a cabin once on the Dunkirk ferry….the cabin was in the bowels of the hull next to the engine room..i was not interested at all…no returned monies…great !..
Good news - I got my £191 back :) Has anyone else travelled Newhaven-Dieppe?
Yes! we live in Eastbourne and use it every year to take the caravan down to the Vendee for three weeks as it is on our doorstep and most convenient for our journey. Agree its a pretty terrible crossing. We're vegetarian and experience on this ferry service taught us long ago to take our own food. We gave up on the overnight crossing as it doesn't give long enough to sleep, car alarms, and noisy cabin neighbours, so now sail in the morning with an overnight stop at Alencon municipal which is lovely, and return on the evening crossing. Weirdly this year the prices were much dearer on the CMHC than booking direct with DFDS TransManche! cheers Jon:)
I travelled Newhaven Dieppe about 18 years ago with the caravan and it was the same ferries then as now. The on board experience is nothing special I agree, but the price more than compensates for this. I now have a 7.5m Motorhome and travelled on this route in late January and the one way ticket was £78.50 which included my over 60s discount of 20%. Never been delayed getting off the ferry, might just be luck on where you're positioned on the car decks. Coming into Newhaven is not too appealing compared with arriving in Dieppe. Never felt the urge to use the Maccy D's either 😅. Also if you're heading west towards Portsmouth and on to Salisbury then the A27 can be a nightmare when there is a lot of traffic as there are so many roundabouts around the Chichester area so progress is not great. I've used Brittany ferries loads of times too and agree it is a far better service but you pay a premium price. So it's horses for courses as they say. Very informative video nevertheless.
Used that crossing 5 or 6 years ago. It was nothing special but very good value.
If we were to cross the channel on a ferry, as vegetarians, we would take our own food, pillow, kettle etc. Given we travel with our dog, we're unlikely to do so. We'll stick to the UK, but I love your commitment Andrew, and I love Dougal and Ted ❤ xxxx Thanks again xx
I have done it many times but i am due to do it the first time with a caravan next month. I don't have any expectations!
We've used this crossing often, and found it cheap and convenient. Always good service, the food is ok, and the beds are good enough if you're exhausted. The first time we travelled I mentioned to the receptionist that we were on honeymoon, and we were upgraded to a 'commedore class' cabin, which was very nice.
Good to know!
It is good isn't it.
The most half-empty glass review of anything that I've seen for ages.
We used the Newhaven-Dieppe route for several years to get down to Murcia in Spain. Outward on the night crossing, homeward on the day. From the Midlands, the traffic in late day isn't too bad, and the entry to Newhaven always clear. Although not Pullman style, of course there are facilities for motorists while waiting. We always ate on the way to Newhaven so we could get some shuteye straight after boarding. Perfectly adequate. Out on the road at dawn means a full days driving will get you to Pamplona for an overnight stay. Then an easy drive to Murcia.
Homeward means an easy drive North and a 40 winks kip while waiting for boarding time. A day cabin was enough to refresh us for the slog up the M23/M25/M40. By far the worst part of the experience.
With the seniors' discount for over-60s, the cost doesn't come anywhere near Brittany Ferries ludicrous charges. So you shouldn't expect cordon bleu catering or starched sheets.
And, as for the lack of a vegan menu offering, I assume they haven't had sufficient demand. With less than 2% of the UK population on a vegan diet, it's not surprising.
Have used Newhaven to Dieppe for a number of years to our cottage in Normandy. If you are 60 years old you get a 20% discount on all sailings both car and passengers through low and high seasons not published on website you net to contact them on their telephone number.
Hi Andrew, I’m in 🇨🇦. I Don’t drive, nor own a caravan but I really enjoy listening to you and of course ‘the boys’ Ted and Dougle. You really suffer for your ‘art’ - cold baked beans, soggy toast and that ‘orrible cabin! I’m glad you found people friendly, but I think that’s due to how you personally treat people, you are a very amiable chap. Thanks for all the info and the general entertainment I find in your beautifully created videos.
Many thanks Isabel :)
Great video once again.I do enjoy them.straight to the point and honest too.thank you and looking forward to seeing more ferry videos
I use this route at least 5 times a year and I find it cheap and cheerful with both ports easy to get to and leave from.Stick to the recliners in the dark lounge as it's an extra deck higher so never hear car alarms
Another nice review, my last dieppe newhaven crossing was with British rail from the dieppe town centre. This just show how time go by
This service is a vital route for us. The night crossings are an hour longer.. yes take a pillow. The port of Newhaven is a relic of the 1980s with a single width and single height ramp. The ships are about the maximum size Newhaven can handle... so until Newhaven is modernised few things will improve... Brittany ferries are great but can be eye-wateringly expensive...
Andrew promoting Steve Marsh! Two of my favorites! Cool!
We use the DieppeNewhaven route quite a lot. Yes it is cheap and efficient in our experience. Better in our opinion compared to the more expensive Brittany Ferries. We always book a cabin to rest in. Our experience of arriving in Newhaven with Border Force has been less than positive. I did get an official apology from their head office!
Our main reason for using the DieppeNewhaven route is that from where we live in SW France and where we go to see our family in UK it's the shortest road journey. Going to Calais would add 2-3 hours to our total drive. Overall it wouldn't save that much time.
Yes disembarkation can take a long time at Newhaven, this is due to only a single lane being open. At Dieppe there are two lanes open.
Yes we use it two / three times a year. It is a bit short overnight. But very good value. Queues at passport on both sides can be very long! I hope the secret of DFDS Dieppe doesn't get out though 😂
This is the first of your videos I have seen and I like it lots.
Many thanks Richard.
Last July we travelled via Newhaven-Dieppe (both ways) and it was very efficient with all the booths open on entry to both ports, I suspect there is a reduction of personal in the “off season”. We didn’t regret not going via Dover and we are booked on the Newhaven-Dieppe ferry again this year.
Glad to hear our DFDS experiences weren't just lucky. Our opinion of them matches yours. My wife worked for them back in the 1970s so they are continuing the tradition of good service.
I used the DFDS Dunkirk route every other week for nearly two years. Those ferries always struck me as the best and most modern. They also tend to be cheaper than the P&O to Calais plus they are quite frequent so if you do get there early or miss one they can normally accommodate you. Delft is the third choice boat, normally it would be Dunkirk or Dover when I was travelling. Their only problem is lack of cabins or recliners. I would travel at night and it was like a doss house with people bedding down where they could. The bench seats were comfortable though but you had to be quick to get the best spots and not be beaten to it by some Romanian truck driver!
These videos are unique in the depth of research, fair appraisal and overall content. Thank you for taking the time, again.
Thank you very much!
Thank you Andrew 😊 i love when you speak french mr DItton😉
When i used to travel from france to portsmouth my favorite crossing was britanny ferrys👍
Travelling to newhaven tomorrow..looking forward to it…always good and fantastic value.
Hope you enjoy it!
We’ve sailed Portsmouth to Caen with Brittany ferries 4 times and Portsmouth to Santander 6 times and have enjoyed the experience. The beds on the Pont Aven and Cap Finisterre are incredibly comfortable despite appearance.
Hi Andrew. Just a few comments, if I may : My wife and I, with our 7,4 m caravan use the Dieppe - Newhaven crossing both ways twice a year (we live in France). Regarding your eating experience, admittedly it isn't what it was a few years ago, but we find it acceptable, plus, there is a microwave readily available to reheat your food if necessary. If you were unhappy with the single pillow in your cabin why did you not use an extra one from another bunk ? In all the crossings that we have done we have never heard any disturbance from car alarms. Like in one of your comments, we decided a long time ago that the recliner lounges are more suitable for this crossing which, btw, is normally 4 hours, rather than the 4 1/2 that you suggest. With our caravan hitched to the car we are almost invariably loaded against the bow (or stern) loading door/ramp, and so we usually drive off the ferry as the first, or one of the first vehicles to leave. Unfortunately the arrival in the port of Newhaven is definitely not a visual treat.
Re: the prices, you didn't mention the 20% discount for retirees who book directly over the phone, making this crossing, for us, a bargain. We shall stick with this crossing.
Enjoyed your video and commentary. Nice to see onboard the ferry I've viewed and videod so many times at Newhaven. Haven't noticed the delays such as you experienced regarding disembarkation though. Typically, as soon as the ramp is down foot passengers start leaving the ship with vehicles very soon after.
Part way through the video of your return crossing I wanted to shout “Stop doing this to yourself!” I somehow feel personally responsible for this travel torture because you’re making these videos for us, your audience. And while that is very, very generous of you, I don’t like to see people having a bad time of it on my / our behalf. Good to learn you got your cancelled crossing refund!
I must admit it did seem, more functional than anything. I guess if it was cheap and clean (ish?😮)
@@davidmbell would have made me want to take a ferry, I nearly forgot I don't have sea legs, and how I fare with trying to eat food...so I'm glad he also did one on the channel tunnel 🙂
Always the perfect video, Thanks Andrew.
Thanks for the video I am about to use the Newhaven-Dieppe Service for the first time next weekend. I have almost 15 years experience of P&O Hull to Zeebrugge/Rotterdam and Brittany Ferries Portsmouth to Bilbao/Santander travelling by motorcycle. This time we are travelling by car to Newhaven (from Manchester) parking there (£5 per day) and travelling as foot passengers for 5 nights AirB&B in Dieppe. Return fare being over 60 is £46 each. Living "up North" complicates the picture in terms of ferries. We have a 5-6 hour drive to Newhaven. I may well look at the Chunnel next year and take bike or car but for now I welcome the economy class ferry departing 17:00 next Sunday!!!
Excellent video, Andrew. I find it rather disheartening that the quality of cross-Channel ferries seems to have rather fallen off a cliff in recent years. We used DFDS last summer (car only) from Dover and while it was all very efficient and the vessel in decent condition the quality of food on offer did seem to be a bit of a lottery. We had a decent lunch on the way home but the cooked breakfast on the way out wasn't hot enough, looked rather unappetising and didn't seem terribly good value for money as a result. The duty free shop was pretty lacklustre, too. Seriously considering Le Shuttle this year.
I'm a convert to the Eurotunnel. Friendlier staff, faster of course and no risk of getting bored then eating a greasy spoon extravaganza in the ferry restaurant. Having said that, a converted Mercedes Sprinter campervan wouldn't start in front of me last time I was on the train and it took waaay too long for it to be towed out. They need to get that situation stream lined with a tow truck closer to the train-imo. It took them about 10-15 mins before they even realised the van wouldn't start then about another 15-20 minutes to tow it out
You didn’t mention the cost …… Eurotunnel seemed to have discovered a new pricing structure ….bloody expensive !
Eurotunnel is too expensive!
I have used the Dieppe/Newhaven ferry over the years many many times as a truck driver, the food was always abit hit and miss. Now retired this ferry is my choice of channel crossing twice a year. If you book by phone and you are over 60 years old you will be entitled to a 20% discount. If you want a mini cruise use Brittany ferries but have a deep wallet. The only downside I have found with this crossing is that bad weather in Newhaven can sometimes lead to the ferry being unable to dock leading to delays, I was once onboard 11 hours for a 4.5 hour crossing. All in all it's a good value ferry crossing,it does what it says on the tin.
Amen to the comment about the lovely cabins on Harwich to Hook of Holland, slept like a log.
Thanks for the informative video Andrew! I need to do a return journey at the end of September and having watched your video, despite the negative points, I've decided to go for DFDS Dieppe-Newhaven as the price is SIGNIFICANTLY less than the alternative options.
I've gone for 190€ return without a cabin on overnight crossings so I intend to make use of the reclining seats. Had I opted for a cabin the return price would have been 290€ but I just don't think it's worth the extra cost for a four-hour crossing.
Had I opted for my preferred option, Brittany Ferries from Caen to Portsmouth, I would have paid a STAGGERING 455€ return without a cabin and 707€ had I opted for external cabins which would be my usual preference. Even if I'd just gone with reserved reclining seats, the comparative fare would have been 483€ for two of us; a difference of 293€.
So, even though the Transmanche ferries could do with a spruce-up, the difference of 293€ was enough for me to grin and bear it for the four-hour crossing and to avoid the additional journey time/toll fare/petrol costs up to Calais.
Hopefully my perspective and information will be helpful to you and other viewers who are considering DFDS/ Transmanche as an alternative.
Thanks for the info . Looking to go to france in May and considering this route as used DFDS from Calais in the past . As we are then travelling west once into france decided to use brittany ferries as the increased cost off sets the time and fuel used landing at Dieppe . ( + we can get a full nights rest before onward journey )
An excellent impartial review and great production values.
I absolutely agree the DFDS vegetarian cooked breakfast is the best on offer; the only one to include plant based sausages.
Personally I like the Transmanche ships. They are cosy and have more character. I have found myself that the vegetarian options on those ships are often extremely limited. I travelled in June and ended up with soya based lasagne for my main course in both directions. I suppose I could have had a plate of vegetables instead!
I travelled on the Cotentin from Le Havre to Portsmouth in March and can confirm she is comfortable and perfectly adequate, but would not recommend for young families as there are no cinemas or play rooms. The économie brand has quietly disappeared. She is a freight ship with a nominal capacity for around two hundred passengers.
Interesting! Many thanks.
It’s never been an interest of mine to drive on the continent, I’m originally from NI but live on the East Coast of Scotland, so the opportunity to do so has conveniently not been there. Other than my dad taking me, mum and one of my brothers on a tour of France when I was 9, that was it. But, discovering videos such as yours is changing that mindset.
There used to be a berth out of Rosyth, and Newcastle had a decent route, but it seems the best approach to Europe is travelling to southern England. If you hear different, Andrew, that would be brilliant.
Anyway, first time viewer and very happy with what you’ve delivered! 👍
Many thanks Mark. Rumour has it that the Rosyth sailings might be restarting... Fingers crossed.
If travelling via Dieppe make time for the Saturday market in the town centre. The market is magnificent. I have rarely seen a better one.
You can buy all you want then catch the 18h ferry to Newhaven.
Dieppe is an historic and interesting living town, so worth a visit.
Top tip, thank you! I want to go again as they have now refurbished the ferries.
And 'Chalk and Cheese' compared to Newhaven. Well worth a visit.
Thing is, it’s about avoiding Dover. I use Harwich/Hook when i travel to U.K. from Germany even though in paper Dover/Calais is quicker. It’s about a more relaxed experience, especially when the border checks at Harwich/Hook are the same as they always were. Last time (May 22) i did Dover Calais it took 4 hrs in Dover on the way out and 1.5 hrs in Calais to get onto the ferry from arrival. Strikes me by Dieppe route (like the Harwich route) is more sedate but the same time for travel every time as they only have a couple of arrivals and the port is only used by one operator. Also from Dieppe you are asked to completely by pass Paris to go South. Looks like a very good option to me. And by the way those pillows look exactly like the Stena ones on the Harwich route - always take your own for guaranteed comfort!
Thanks very much for the video review Andrew!
I travelled to and from France last June (2022) on the DFDS Newhaven-Dieppe route, though IIRC it was on the sister ship Côte D'Albâtre. I would echo a lot of your conclusions - especially the lack of facilities at the ports for travellers waiting to board (I too dived into McDonalds at Newhaven!). I was happy with my experience overall - but I was travelling by motorcycle which meant I was on and off the ships much quicker than the car drivers, and not being a vegetarian I found the food and drink on board quite acceptable. Yes the ship was a bit scruffy in places - I didn't book a cabin but those reclining seats are very comfortable and there wasn't much noise (though in peak season with a lot of kids it might be different!)
I think a big factor in choosing a crossing is where you live in the UK and where you are going in France - I live in Guildford Surrey, so Newhaven is closer to me than Dover/Folkestone, and on the other side I was heading for Charente so Dieppe (or Caen) make for a shorter trip than having the extra drive down from the Pas de Calais. The Newhaven/Dieppe crossing is also quicker and cheaper than the equivalent Brittany Ferries option from Portsmouth to Caen. If I was going to Northern France or Belgium / Germany I think I'd probably just pay more for the speed of Eurotunnel and skip ferries altogether!
Regarding check-in and customs - the only hold-up I had was queuing for French border controls at Dieppe on the outbound trip - about 25 minutes I think. They only had one booth open for cars and motorbikes. Fortunately it was a nice sunny day! 😄
Next time I go I might try Brittany Ferries overnight service (Portsmouth-Caen) so as not to waste valuable daylight motorcycling time !
DFDS Dover to Dunkirk would also be my first choice (and I have done it) but mostly because, if I do take the car, I'd mostly be going towards Belgium, the Netherlands or Germany (and so it's fewer motorway miles than Calais/Eurotunnel).
I've never done Eurotunnel FROM Calais, only TO Calais, the first time I returned via Rotterdam and Hull (on P&O!) the second time my car decided not to work any more and I did go back through Eurotunnel on a breakdown insurance paid for Eurostar ticket.
Great information thank you, We will be traveling on the Newhaven to Dieppe ferry in late May We have done this route before traveling to Portugal in our Small Motorhome,I like the idea of the Kettle and Pillows for the cabin :) we overnight in newhaven and Dieppe so can take advantage of the lower price crossings.We are on a budget as a retired couple and found its worth Phoning them to see if there is a discount for the older generation, Tesco reward points I believe can be used here ? don't know if joining a Motorhome and caravan club would be worth it in the short of long term ,we have taken other routes but find the Dover crossing added to the miles in France with no benefit of stoping places , the Portsmouth to Santander crossing is expensive and we would miss out a lot of nice places to stop in the south of France
Always had a good service on the Newhaven-Dieppe route run by Transmanche (10+ crossings). The crossings are super super cheap, cheaper even than the Dover-Calais crossings at times. The staff are always lovely and the ships always spotless. Newhaven as a port is not particularly nice and despite a refurb, the passenger terminal is ever so dated. The ships are about as basic as they get and could really do with some internal updates; they do seem to move about on the water a bit more than other ferries of similar size. They're not a patch on Brittany Ferries' vessels but then again, they're not meant to be but if you're looking for a cheap crossing that doesn't spit you out in the Nord pas de Calais region, then they're ok. I last sailed when UK Border Force was on strike and found entry into Newhaven pretty quick. Dieppe departure is always chaotic. I only use them as they're cheaper and closer to my friends near Paris. Always tend to sail with Brittany Ferries (for the last 35 years on all their routes).
We travel with this ferry every year, never had any issues.. The French don't go for veggy or this new fad of eating plants so it was no surprise that is wasn't available..
Ha ha! Thanks for watching :)
We took the Newhaven-Dieppe route a couple of times a few years ago. It’s handy for us as we live just 45 mins from Newhaven in T Wells. But it’s a pretty miserable experience. We normally do Eurotunnel, but there was industrial action at Calais at the time. Like your experience, it takes ages to disembark - 45 minutes in our case. A route to be avoided IMHO unless forced to do so by circumstances. A tatty ship, service with a snarl and few facilities for a longer crossing.
In 2019 we did a day trip to Dieppe for lunch as foot passengers as you do. Had breakfast on the way out and a light snack on the way back and we were pleasantly surprised at how good the food was and reasonably.
At Dieppe you can walk or take the bus to the centre of Dieppe and enjoy a reasonably priced lunch and a walk around the market. However the timings of the ferry's do not always make a day trip possible. But judging from your experience I would have been disappointed
Is there now a bus service in Dieppe between the ferry terminal and the town ? That's news to me. What is really annoying about the Newhaven - Dieppe service is that the port facilities have been either demolished or sold off. I used to regularly organise trips for a group of friends of mine to go hiking around the end section of the South Downs Way on the long weekend of the Ascension - (Ascension Thursday is a bank or national holiday in France). We used to be able to get a train from Paris - Saint-Lazare at 11 in the morning and arrive at Dieppe Maritime two hours later. There we could board the ferry that was berthed directly next to the railway station. The port of Dieppe is now full of pontoons for yachts and it's no longer available for ferries, so they had to build a new ferry port outside, below the cliffs. There is no longer a direct train service between Paris and Dieppe. The last time we came from Paris we had to change at Rouen and on arrival at Dieppe-Ville, there was absolutely no bus service available to take us out to the ferry terminal. For the return journey, the SNCF had to put on a special coach service to connect with the station at Rouen. On the ship coming into Dieppe, they made all sorts of nonsensical announcements about non-existing connecting passenger services. They have since changed the times of sailing that make it impossible for foot passengers to use this route between Paris and Sussex. At Newhaven it's a similar story. Mismanagement, a collossal waste of public money and the destruction of infrastructure on both sides of the Channel have led to this mess.
@@franc9111
Yes the bus was waiting for the arrival of the Ferry. About €2 however its just as quick to walk. Yes the Newhaven terminal is beyond awful.
I’d recommend a trip on Irish Ferries to make you realise what luxury DFDS provides
Another balanced and informative review Andrew - thanks!
Glad you liked it!
Thanks for putting yourself through this. Much appreciated! Take care. I have the dreaded covid atm- first time & grateful for all vax as I felt truly bad. 3eks layer negative test but still suffering. X
NOOO! Covid is the pits Linda. Feel better soon xx
@Andrew Ditton thank you I'm feeling much better today - its my birthday!! 😄
I use the Newhaven Dieppe crossing partly out of fear that it may not last. I do agree about vehicle disembarkation at Newhaven. Why has Newhaven been allowed to become so rundown? I’m told the French own it? Can anyone confirm? A crew member told me in 2022 that the whole thing is subsidised (“subvention “ was the term used). If so, Merci la belle France.
Another useful comparison video. Ferry companies can learn a lot from these.
I always travel with an inflatable pillow (deflated it takes up almost no space). It is very useful for planes, trains, sunloungers by the pool, and in hotels that provide poor quality pillows.
Great tip!
Andrew a great video once again and one I am particularly interested in.
I have sailed on Severn Sisters many Times and have done the various routes over 20 years with and without caravan.
Can I recommend B&B Hotels and the one in Dieppe is superb. Its literally 10 minutes from the port.
I will be using this route again in June and I do drive down to near Bordeaux, I also take the late sailing and have a cabin and no, not easy to get to sleep, but i figure thats as much me.
For what you pay, to get from A to B I think the Dieppe route is perfect, it avoids the tolls on the other routes.
Your experience was unfortunate on boarding and disembarking and I have not always had the same experience, in general its quick and easy.
I haven’t travelled on a cross channel ferry in my own vehicle but I have travelled a few times on CalMac ferries but I totally understand the alarm chorus. I think a lot of people understand how to disable the internal movement sensors but not how to disable the main car alarm. To be honest I am not sure how to disable my vw alarm, even locking via the key blade still sets the alarm. I think the lack of understanding and habit of just pressing the lock button is the problem. There seems to be huge vibrations from the ferries mechanisms such as bow thrusters as even my dashcam dropped off the windscreen.
I use the newhaven to dieppe overnight ferry but I refuse to use dieppe to newhaven it's such a slow process disembarking at newhaven sometimes takes 90 minutes after a 6 hour drive up to dieppe I just want to get home. I would rather pay extra and use the eurotunnel
Glad the French are sensible and prefer meat !
Ha ha! Thanks for watching :)
Recently used Newhaven Dieppe and return excellent value only issue was disembarkation at Newhaven was crxp otherwise no issue.
I've travelled on the Newhaven to Dieppe ferry for many years, as far back as when it was run by Sealink, and the pride of Newhaven Senlac. Transmanche Ferries, now operated by DFDS have been running since the late 90's. I love travelling on the ferries to Dieppe. The trouble is as a foot passenger it's a real pain. The old departure lounge used to have a gangway directly on to the ferries. But that has been since demolished, and the current one means you have to take a bus ride to the ferry, and vice versa on return. It's much easier by car or bicycle. Except returning from Dieppe on my bike recently you have to join at the back of the ferry and leave your bikes there. When you arrive in Newhaven you have to push your bikes from the back to the front amongst all the fumes of the lorries and cars starting their engines up, which is far from a pleasant experience! However my experience has always been positive, the ferries are basic but comfortable, The Seven Sisters and identical twin Côte D'Albâbatre were built circa 2005 I believe, and the staff always pleasant and helpful.
Andrew stated that he was not entitled to a refund of his ferry because the outward one was cancelled.
If anyone is booking a ferry only return trip with Caravan Club the best thing to do is also book one night on the cheapest camp site you can find. The whole thing is then a package and by las CAMC have refund the lot if one part is cancelled.
Brilliant point, thanks Andrew!
Hey AJ.. next time you’re in Newhaven don’t forget I love there and would be nice to meet up for a cupa! Long time no see x.
Very tight schedule unfortunately Mr C. Hope to catch up soon though.
Hi Andrew, I was hoping to try the DFDS ferry from Newhaven to Dieppe as a foot passenger later this year hoping to get there and back in a day. Don't know if that's possible but will check timetables online and my bank before I book. I love an hour away from Newhaven and I saw the ferry in the port on Saturday afternoon. What do you think?
I've seen Steve Marsh and will watch some of his videos another time
I think it might be doable in the summer, but a LONG day!
About $14 (US) for breakfast is ever so slightly on the high side. 😊 Looked great though!
The chatting help, the lack of explanation, the attitudes, all made sense when you said a French ship and crew, LOL! Been there, done that. 🤣
You did choose not to stop for something to eat in France, the ferry company can't be held responsible for that. Also they did provide food that didn't have any meat in it, despite it not being a menu choice at least they accommodated and didn't just blankly refuse.
Wonderful Video. „Carbe overload“ made me laugh. Thanks Andrew!!!
My pleasure!
Another gem Andrew and I'd also second your recommendation of Steve Marsh's channel.
Honestly i live in Portsmouth, Brittany ferries are fantastic, but please if your going to review any of their ferrys atleast pick bretagne, shes a incredible classic ferry and this may be her last year in service
Thank you so much Andrew, very informative ❤
My pleasure!
Interesting vid….not really surprised the non dairy, decaf coffee tasted grim …. life is too short already to drink that stuff 😂 DFDS prices are properly cut price ….just take your own supplies 👍
DFDS the best. And I love the wierd English Danish food on board!
Ha ha! Thanks for watching :)
What do you mean by no facilities for motorists? There are toilets available and a waiting area for foot passengers? However we paid £79 for our crossing so can’t have it all!
Sometimes, people don't know how to switch off their car alarms. I've looked through my car handbook and there's mention of an alarm but nothing clear on how to deactivate it other than leave the car unlocked.
Been using this ferry for years and accept that it is cheap but would prefer it to going to Dover/Calais
A non-influenced influencer, that's rare 😀
NewhaventDieppe is the oldest crossing, dating back centuries.
It is generally hassle free (even after Brexit) and you can be away from the town and on your way easily.
Maybe try Plymouth to Roscoff
Hi , Andrew this is a very informative video. Are you planning to do one about the train services? Eurostar? Would be nice.
Much as I would love to, I won't. I worked for Eurostar for 23 years and still think it's the best company ever, so I would find it difficult to remain impartial! :)
Hi Andrew, these Ferry Crossings have not at all been a very good experience for You. I do hope anyone contemplating Ferry Crossings has seen this Video, You are Great at what You & Your Honest Opinion will be greatly Valued. Thankfully You received Your £191 back on Your Cancelled Ferry Crossing. My Heart went out to you when I saw the Cabin, how could anyone enjoy any sleep on those bunks with a lumpy pillow. Your face said it all with the Meal you had too!! Thank goodness for Macdonald's I know you will have enjoyed this!! Lovely to see Dougal & Ted at the Close of this Video. Looking forward to watching the next one. Take Care, Lots of Love to You,Dougal & Ted 💖💖💖💜💜💜 XXXX
Great info, thanks Andrew
Glad it was helpful!
Sad to see your experience on the Dieppe - Newhaven crossing seemed such a struggle..
I’ve always found the route, competitively priced, great service, reasonably efficient boarding and disembarkation, particularly good food (vegetarian/vegan) compared to many other similar lines, and found the cabins to be spacious and comfortable, maybe I am just easily pleased - it certainly felt every step of the journey was somewhat of a struggle for you from soggy toast to lumpy pillows, but I persevered with your video, but had to switch off when I thought you were going to try eating McDonald’s at the end!!
Ha ha! Thanks for watching :)
Joking aside, thanks for the content, I am subscribed to your channel and I’m really enjoying watching your videos 😊
Hi Andrew, great news you got your money back!! Unlike me, I'm going to Scotland again and I'd booked my first flight with Flybe!! A week later they went bust!! Anyway, don't want to talk about that for now! These videos about the ferry companies are really informative and handy for people thinking of using them. I always enjoy them, I enjoy all of your videos! Dougal and Ted are so adorable!! Looks like Dougal has come round now a bit more?!! Loved the photo of them asleep together in the caravan, so cute!! Did you say what you went over to France for? I thought perhaps a booze run?!! Not that I'm inferring you purchase a copious amount of alcohol!! Take care, looking forward to your adventures in the Adria! All the best, love and hugs xxx 🥰😘🐶🐕
No! I still haven't opened the bottle of gin I bought in December! I do it just for the video xx
Hari OM
Sterling service, Andrew! I felt you when that awful offering for dinner appeared... yeecchhh... Thanks for the link to Dover Ferry Photos... right up my sailing channel! YAM xx
Our pleasure!
Never mind ferries… Adria Altea Dart???? Tell us more.
The elephant in the room and appearing common to all operators has to be the transportation of EV’s at sea, especially now given recent events there can be no excuse for not at least addressing the inherent associated risks with some control measures
I would of filed a letter before action as it's unreasonable to assume you can make the return portion of your journey, if the outward portion has been cancelled.
You probably have better things to do however 😂
when you book would the ferry company not know who you are since your channel has your name in it
may be it would be interesting to find out what would happen if you use one of there tickets since it does save you money for making the video
Wow, I like your ferries better than the ones we have here in British Columbia. Yours are more modern. Although, ours seem more organized and efficient.
As you are one of the one point five percent of the world population (Vegan). Therefore one of 6.7 people on that vessel. The choice of life is available.
The vessel is taking people between England and France. It's not going to be a representative sample of the world's population.
Always a welcome video Andrew, thank you so much. I may have mentioned before that living deep in the Southwest limits your choice, but you get a amazing service with Brittany, sorry you didn’t get to report on them. Is it true that most of their ferries now are hydrogen based? You do pay for it though! If just we had a little competition in Plymouth.
£36 to take a bike to France this year? And double the 'foot passenger' price? I know that stupid Brexit has hit BF hard, but this sort of price hike - when there is no alternative (we live in Cornwall) is beyond annoying.
I have no idea why, but Dieppe looks a bit like the Port of Dover by those mountains. 😂
Good vid but probably not best way of being starving before getting there but do sympathies with the checking issue but have seen that at other ports too. Off next week for the first time on that route new haven dieppe, looking forward to it. I get you would prefer a better vegan menu and far enough too a degree, But Personally the menu doesn’t bother myself. And Im sorry to say most people I know are happy with meat fish and so on. And it’s a budget comercial route so it’s not going to be fine dining or offering extensive menus, plus a french crewed ship is likely to be run within there customs and expectations. Personally we’ve opted for no room due only 4hrs and day crossing, even though the rooms seem reasonably priced. I think all Operators are good but equally and have there issues. Like I’ve had good experience with Brittney but equally bad as well hence why im divided with them, also tend to be more expensive and dominate certain routs which isn’t good for competitive prices. But ferries are still king over the price of the train which is convenient but expensive and no real facilities on it. To me crossing the channel is part of the trip and is a brake as well. And in ways an older ship has its charms but equally not going to have all the bells and whistles to a new or fully retrofitted ship. But it falls back to its a budget crossing, im not going to complain with anything seen there. Along as they get you there that’s the key.
These ships have been refurbished since the review so hopefully you will be pleasantly surprised. Bon voyage!
on trains we used to cook toast and then re heat it
Getting a follow because of the plant based meal choice alone!
There must be a huge increase in vegetarians these days if travel cafes have veggie alternatives for things a lot of folks wouldn't even think of, however, how you managed to keep it all down on a boat [and plus that big swell] is the real mystery...!
Not here in France lol 😂
@@Benjamin.Jamin. Thank god! 😄
First time I did Dieppe-Newhaven was in 1963. Steam train Paris - Dieppe Maritime (which was right beside the ferry) and then the roughest crossing apparently in 26 years. I was in the sick bay throughout but Dad told me people up top were being hit by flying luggage! At Newhaven it was again straight on the train from Newhaven Maritime which is also now long gone. Why don't these ferries connect with trains like they used to? The next times were several day trips on foot in the 1990's on the fast catermaran which only took 2hr 45. They were fun but getting from the boat to Dieppe Ville Station was a slow business. But we did manage a train ride to Rouen and back.
As for Brittany Ferries, I've used them many times though on two consecutive weeks we turned up at Roscoff but just before we were due to baord they went on strike. The ferry company told everyone to drive to Dover and they'll pay the costs. We were only going to Devon so that would mean a 400 mile detour! Everyone was fuming though quite well behaved, like there wasn't a complete riot. Overall, I find Brittany Ferries quite good apart from the catering on their M.V. Armorique. There's not even a machine dispensing sandwiches. My biggest complaint with all these ferries is they don't connect with trains anymore, in fact they make such connections as difficult as possible. I'd use them at least 10 times as often if they did.
Thanks for those great memories. I'm 100% with you about train connections, although I think Eurostar has rendered most of them redundant.
Dover used to be a lovely departure for foot passengers now its just a ghost lounge..
Eurotunnel is such a breeze. Hardly ever a delay.
Have to agree, the whole thing is cheap and cheerful with the food being very poor. Where was Dougal?
Having watched this video I will not be moving from Brittany Ferries anytime soon
DFDS really should look at the Irish Sea routes. Some of the offerings....P&O Larne to Cairnryan and Stena Fishguard to Rosslare really are set in the 1970's. They could really shake things up by offering a better service!
The Newhaven - Dieppe Ferry used to be so good. You could get a cheap foot passenger day return, but the timetable doesn’t allow for this anymore.
Like your video 👍👍
Thank you 👍
I went to Dunkirk once and there was no cafe,so i opened a can of corned beef..be prepared..
Great video Andrew…….please consider coming to the Isle of Man, later this year , when our brand new Ferry……ManxMan will be in service from Heysham to Douglas ……she is currently still finishing her sea trials in Korea, but is expected to be in service by Late summer………lots of love to Dougal & Ted. 🐶👍🇮🇲💕
I think that vegans are is such a minority (correct me if I am wrong) but to purchase an automatic machine to make a specialist coffee for the odd vegan does not make economic sense to companies.
CalMac Ferries can do it, they have proper machines that can also heat the milk.
The food on Brittany Ferries is shocking especially if you’re vegan/vegetarian. I lived on chips and bread on the way to and from Santander.
DFDS looks so much better
That's useful to know thanks. If I do do a BF Crossing I'll take snacks!
I bought a cabin once on the Dunkirk ferry….the cabin was in the bowels of the hull next to the engine room..i was not interested at all…no returned monies…great !..
Oh dear!
Tofu ravioli sounds absolutely vile.