I.O.W Ferry from Portsmouth

catherinef
catherinef Forum Participant Posts: 647
edited September 2017 in Caravan & Motorhome Chat #1

A quick question for those of you who have travelled.  Is the ramp onto the ferry really as flat and straight as it appears when I look on Google Earth.  

I'm thinking of taking our Delta there next year and as it would be a first time on a ferry,  I'd like to try something easy :)

Comments

  • obbernockle
    obbernockle Forum Participant Posts: 616
    500 Comments
    edited September 2017 #2

    Don't worry about it. You are not the first. Hundreds of caravans use those ferries.

  • Milothedog
    Milothedog Forum Participant Posts: 1,433
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    edited September 2017 #3

    I don't know if they still do it, but be aware (to save any embarrassment) the crew used to wander around the car decks before the crossing putting the hand brake on any caravan's and car trailers. 

    You can feel a right idiot at the other side when your on the Grand Prix grid as all the other cars jostle for pole position down the ramp.

    Don't ask me how I know smile 

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited September 2017 #4

    Whether the ramp is level or not will surely depend on whether the tide is in or out ... 

  • johndailey
    johndailey Forum Participant Posts: 520
    100 Comments
    edited September 2017 #5

    It will rarely ever be truly flat as the tide is at a different height every hour and every day, and twice a month Spring tides occur. They give a lower lower tide and a higher higher tide! The ferry companies are aware of this and cater for it, so as obbernockle said, don't worry.

    Hope this makes sense.

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
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    edited September 2017 #6

    The new double deck loading ramps are supposed to be ready for next year,so they might then be "adjustable"with the tides

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited September 2017 #7
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • MichaelT
    MichaelT Forum Participant Posts: 1,874
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    edited September 2017 #8

    Good time to go now with the improved exchange ratesmile

  • trellis
    trellis Forum Participant Posts: 1,102
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    edited September 2017 #9

    Don't forget to check with your GP regarding relevant jabs you might need.😁😁😉.

  • paul56
    paul56 Forum Participant Posts: 937
    500 Comments
    edited September 2017 #10

    Totally off topic in a way catherinef - considering the cost of the ferry to the I of W, how about your first ferry being a trip to France? Highly likely to be cheaper and far more of an 'expedition' even if you don't travel far and access onto the boat is dead easy.... 

  • catherinef
    catherinef Forum Participant Posts: 647
    edited September 2017 #11

    You swines :) 

    Not too sure about taking our 2 Labradors Paul.  

  • RangeRoverMan
    RangeRoverMan Forum Participant Posts: 125
    edited September 2017 #12

    Take a good map as well. They took the signs down during the war and I don't think they have put them all back yet.

    Personally I'd choose The Isle of Wight anyday over France & the French.

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited September 2017 #13

    Catherine you will be fine. Most ferry crews will help if there is a problem. Have a good time wherever you decide to go. We've been to Jersey with our van, no dog passports needed so that's another place to try. smile

  • johndailey
    johndailey Forum Participant Posts: 520
    100 Comments
    edited September 2017 #14

    That's a very good point. We were turned back and put on the return ferry because we forgot ours. Trouble is that we had the same problem when docking at Portsmouth. We will certainly remember them next time.

  • Milothedog
    Milothedog Forum Participant Posts: 1,433
    1000 Comments
    edited September 2017 #15

    Another funny, but true story. We were making the crossing back home many years a go. as some may know the passenger deck seats that look out the forward windows are always sought after and people rush to bag them. On this occasion a large family group had sent on ahead a couple of scouts to place coats, bags etc to claim them.

    So with the boat loaded and the ramp up it set sail with the happy family taking in the view for the crossing. After about 5 minutes the ferry did a 180 turn, they spent the rest of the trip seeing where they had been cool

     

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
    1000 Comments
    edited September 2017 #16

    We had just that this year from Fishbourne,as the ferry had "control problems"it did not affect us as we were in the very comfortable area that is dog friendlywink

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