Stena Ferry to the Hook

TerryKW
TerryKW Forum Participant Posts: 15
edited April 2018 in Overseas Campsites & Touring #1

This is our first time using the stena ferry to the Hook of Holland.  We have been travelling on the ferry for years by car so we know what to expect on board.  However we are rather unsure about the arravial at Harwich and the boarding and getting off the ferry.  Is it clearly sign posted for caravans?  I presume we don't need to put the legs down.  But do we put the caravan handbreak on?  If these are very basic questions (!) is there a simple guide somewhere that tells you about ferry travel with a caravan.

Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences.

Comments

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,830 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2018 #2

    Go through check in and you will be told which lane to wait in. After a time you will be beckoned on board and guided to where to park. Put hand brake on for both car and caravan, lock car and caravan, switch off car alarm if you know how, and best to disconnect car to caravan electrics, no need to put caravan legs down. Fold in extension mirrors as best you can so people can squeeze by. Take all you need for the voyage. Remember which deck you are on so you can find your way back. OK? 

  • TerryKW
    TerryKW Forum Participant Posts: 15
    edited April 2018 #3

    Sounds good - thank you eurotraveller!

  • Wherenext
    Wherenext Club Member Posts: 10,607 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2018 #4

    As per EuroT's advices, except we don't bother to disconnect electrics but each to his own.

    Don't forget to disengage handbrake on caravan when getting back in the car, maybe putting a sticky postit note on inside of windscreen or somewhere similar.

  • Oneputt
    Oneputt Club Member Posts: 9,145 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2018 #5

    I travel at least twice a year with no problems at all.  The ferry port is well signposted.  Leave the A12 at Colchester and follow the Harwich signs. Just as you enter Harwich you will pick up the ferry signs.  Just outside the port is a large Morrison’s cheap is how petrol station.  On the ferry I usually apply the van handbreak and also unplug the electrics (force of habit).

    These are large ferries so make sure you know which part of the deck you park, they are colour coded.  Main public areas are on deck number 7 whilst overnight cabins are on decks 8&9.  There are both stairs and lifts to these levels.

    if you need more info please shout

  • TerryKW
    TerryKW Forum Participant Posts: 15
    edited April 2018 #6

    Thanks, it's sounding fairly straightforward.  Have a habit of forgeting the handbrake is on so will put a sign on the dashboard!  Don't want an audience watching us make mistakes!

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
    1000 Comments
    edited April 2018 #7

    When I had a caravan, I used to drop the jockey wheel and give it a couple of turns whilst on board.

  • indoors
    indoors Forum Participant Posts: 222
    edited April 2018 #8

    Hi Terry,

    Often used this crossing, depending on where you are traveling from and which sailing, the port is a decent place for overnighting. We travel from Leic's and find it easier for the early ferry. Take a en suite cabin on board and 3 hrs or so up to Vollenhove. Enjoy your trip, also the more mpg on those lovely flat roads.

    Happy caravanning.

  • allanandjean
    allanandjean Club Member Posts: 2,401 ✭✭✭✭
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    edited April 2018 #9

    Hi, we all have to start somewhere so don’t get too worried and my advice would be to follow instructions but at your pace-don’t be rushed into things by loaders whose priority is to get you on or off as quickly as possible-and check your outfit, before getting in to disembark, and what’s around you,in particular above you as decks can get lowered. 

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