Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > General Motorcycles only > P&O Ferries

[Athelstan]

Coming to UK late May on the Ducati and I have just been checking the cross-channel rates. Normally I use either Le Shuttle or Norfolk Line, but both of these seam to be uncompetitive on price compared to P&O.

Q: I've never used P&O for the bike - so - anyone care to offer an opinion on how they treat bike loading and securing/tiedown?

For example: Norfolk Line have huge orange foam pads to drape over the bike before tie down and the staff always let you on and off first before other vehicles - very helpful (well that's been my experience in the past) but on the dates I wish to cross to the UK they are almost twice as expensive as P&O.

Feedback much appreciated.

[Rushjob]

I always carry my own straps and towel just in case but when I have used P&O in the past the crew have been great, taking care to ensure the bike is secure and padded to prevent damage.

[Fordie]

Found them to be OK on the time I travel across to Spain. On the expense side of things ,have you mention the Motor Cycle News offers ,had a real good deal when I mentioned it. 4D

[NBs996]

Last time i used p&o was back in october '03.
We just parked the bikes on the sidestands and left them for the crew to deal with. They had plenty of decent straps and enough big padded cushions for all the bikes. Watched them tie the bikes down and it was done with a lot of care.
No complaints at all.

[doogalman]

You could try speedferries.com . £19 each way. Irrespective of length of stay.

[Athelstan]

Doogalman
Great Tip - Thanks

I checked the Speedferry website and they do a great £32 return - my question to you or anyone else is: Have you any experience of how they treat bikes re tiedown loading etc. I do not want to pay a cheap fare and find they do not take any care with bikes.

[doogalman]

Great , just oversee it , or let them allow you to do it.
Allways enjoyed the seecats, Especially when they are flat out thru dense fog.

[moto748]

Just looked at the cost of a long weekend break in June (admittedly peak season). Fancied Portsmouth/St. Malo, as it's near to me, and puuts you stright into Brittany.

But with a cabin for the night crossing (outbound only) it's £184!

So much cheaper and quicker to go Eurotunnel. Trouble is, that puts you in Calais.

[FiscusFish]

But you're saving 800 odd miles of travel in northern France and southern England so thats £80 or so plus the 30 quid of hotel cost. Then you get bored on the journey there or back so you push the speed up "a little" and before you know it you've got a 100 euro fine.

That's not taking into account the wear and tear on your bike and tyres (800 miles, what, 1/4 the lifespan of the tyres..?)

All adds up....