Whats happened to speedferries?

Carmen

I have just been informed that Speedferries have been stopped by the french port authorities :eek:

Family have had to book with P & O now, for tomorrow is the start of their holiday!

They booking with Speedferries was paid via debit card, have they any chance of claiming any money back?

Carmen x

Tarry

yes, according to the News bulletin it's being impounded due to unpaid taxes. I'd update since it's on our local news and all.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/7716225.stm

jcorbygas

Thanks for the info. I really hope it gets sorted out as we have our Christmas trip booked up and have been a faithful user of Speedferries since they started out as we have a house in France. I also have trips left on my Superticket so hope I dont lose out.
I will watch the situation carefully.

Jackie

ferryenthusiast

From whats being talked about in the Enthusiast World, this could well be the beginning of the end for Speedferries. There are people saying that crew members have been heard saying that they are struggling to cover the cost of fuel alone on some crossings due to the numbers being carried. Rumour also has it that Boulogne has beaten Dover to it with regards the seizure for unpaid debts.

It has been talked about for a while now that Speedferries must be slippery ice in terms of survival, especially with increased competition next year from LD Lines when they open a Dover to Boulogne route with a single ship and four departures per day (crossing time of 2 hours). LD Lines are well known for offering decent prices for decent quality service and ships.

jcorbygas

Yes, further to my previous post and having read something in the Financial Times, I think this might be the beginning of the end. I have therefore rebooked my crossing with P and O, and if (hopefully) Speedferries get sorted out then as I have a Superticket I can get the dates changed for another trip.
Speedferries was/is an excellent idea, and did seem to have forced down the prices of the other ferry companies but if Speedferries do go down (not literally) I wonder what will happen to the others prices again.

itsnever2lateisit?

Shane if the do fail, I too have used them from the start, and still have unused tickets:eek:

But I do wonder if the French are yet again 'supporting their own' by clearing away the competition for LD Lines when they start

The MD Curt Stavis was due to meet Boulogne Port Authorities today, but according to the BBC he is still in Dover

asandwhen

Well there not taking any bookings so its not looking good - I might have to book my ferry with norfolk lines now before prices go silly.

asandwhen

hmm this is weird - norfolk line are not taking any booking either at the moment - hope it is just a system problem

itsnever2lateisit?

BBC South East news have just reported that Speedferries will 'guarantee' refunds.

It was not clear if that was just for those who had been unable to sail today and over the w/e or all outstanding bookings

localshop

Some travel insurance would seem even better idea for those who travel with speedferries

might it cover the cost of having to buy a p&o alternative if speedferries was not there when you went to catch it [assuming it is not already all over]

Carmen

I too have used them from the start, Speedferries provided a good, fast service, it's a shame this has happened!
Carmen x