Late booking for Spanish ferries?

Sandgroper
Sandgroper Forum Participant Posts: 210

Hi!

I would normally have my ferries and sites booked by now for our customary month or so in France, however a final medical check after treatment means that I won't know that I can go until early June.

I know that there are many regular members who travel to northern Spain and then into France and would appreciate any advice regarding the likelihood of being able to grab a berth in June for July/September.
Sites should be OK but ferries I'm not sure about!

If all else fails we might be better visiting the Loire again.

Comments

  • ValDa
    ValDa Forum Participant Posts: 3,004 ✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #2

    I would think you should be able to get a crossing if you can be completely flexible.  After all there are bound to be a few cancellations during the course of a week.

    If not, then just book Dover to Calais and head south.  You may, or may not, wish to get further south than the Loire, but many of us choose a shorter crossing and then 'meander' all the way down to Spain,  If you've got a month you can get a long way south!

  • Geejay
    Geejay Forum Participant Posts: 232
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    edited February 2016 #3

    You can book and pay a deposit of £35.  The full fare is taken at 46 days.  If you cancel more than 46 days before departure you lose your deposit.  Cancel between 6 & 46 days again lose deposit but get a refund in the form of a voucher.

    Why not phone them and explain situation and see if it's worthwhile to book now if you're prepared to lose your deposit?

  • Tammygirl
    Tammygirl Club Member Posts: 7,957 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #4

    You could book and pay deposit as above for the dates you think might be ok and get a flexi booking which mean you pay a little more but you can then amend the dates at no cost, or book and then pay £20 to amend booking if its done through the club.

    By using the western routes from Portsmouth/Poole/Newhaven you should manage to get something even at last minute.

  • Geejay
    Geejay Forum Participant Posts: 232
    100 Comments
    edited February 2016 #5

    I believe you can amend online at no cost.

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,831 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #6

    Sandgroper, I would phone the helpful customer service staff at Brittany Ferries, explain whether you are car+ caravan or what size of motorhome you have,  and ask them which are the dates when they expect their ferries to be totally full, and which are the dates when they expect there to be some space. They will have records from year to year. 

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,831 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #7

    PS . And there might be a bit more space for caravans and motorhomes this summer on the three passenger ships to Spain as Brittany Ferries have leased an extra ship  - a freighter with space for one hundred unaccompanied trailers which which will do two
    round trips per week to Spain and back.

  • Sandgroper
    Sandgroper Forum Participant Posts: 210
    edited February 2016 #8

    Many thanks to you all - some good ideas!  My delay is due to a medical check - hopefully it will be fine, but I won't tempt fate just yet.

    A bit soft I know but if everything is OK I'll get there somehow!!!!

  • GyynNorma
    GyynNorma Forum Participant Posts: 69
    edited February 2016 #9

    Apart from last year, I have not been able to make a long term booking to Spain, but have always managed to make a short notice booking even in the high season. If you fail with the Club, contact B/ferry direct, or Aferry.