Priority disembarkation on P & O Ferries

Haarlem

I use the Hull - Europoort ferry on a regular basis with a car.

There is an area on the ferry for cars that are given prioity disembarkation, being first off the ferry.

Does anyone know how you get parked in this area?

I would like some information before I approach P & O.

bryanb

If it's like Norfolkline you pay extra for priority boarding/disembarking/ sitting in VIP area.(cordoned off with smart rope)

vikingaero

You either pay extra or buy a ticket with it included.

ferryenthusiast

Haarlem wrote: »

I use the Hull - Europoort ferry on a regular basis with a car.

There is an area on the ferry for cars that are given prioity disembarkation, being first off the ferry.

Does anyone know how you get parked in this area?

I would like some information before I approach P & O.

P&O only offer priority boarding and disembarkation on the Dover to Calais route (pay extra). It is not offered on other routes as Hull has an extended boarding time (5pm - 8pm for Rotterdam).

On the Hull to Rotterdam route I would say the idea is to be at the port early so that you are one of the first cars in line ready to board at 5pm when boarding begins. However you are in the hands of the loading crew on the vehicle deck.

Haarlem

ferryenthusiast wrote: »

P&O only offer priority boarding and disembarkation on the Dover to Calais route (pay extra). It is not offered on other routes as Hull has an extended boarding time (5pm - 8pm for Rotterdam).

On the Hull to Rotterdam route I would say the idea is to be at the port early so that you are one of the first cars in line ready to board at 5pm when boarding begins. However you are in the hands of the loading crew on the vehicle deck.

I travelled last Saturday (Pride of Rotterdam) to Europoort arriving at Hull at 18.45 with deck 7 nearly full, and was put in a small bay on the opposite side to the loading ramp, but with direct, unhindered access to the ramp. When we arrived at Europoort I was the second car off in front of those in the car deck lines.

When I returned that evening for the trip back to Hull I asked one of the loading crew if I could join the 4 cars already in this bay (it can hold about 8), only to be told "special" and waived on. The normal lines were far from full, and I enduded up half way round.

I respect your knowledge "ferryenthusiast" and read your comments with interest, but I feel sure there is a priority disembarkation in place. I have previously heard from others of this priority but never followed it up. Maybe it is a priviledge of shareholders?

Zziggi

ferryenthusiast wrote: »

P&O only offer priority boarding and disembarkation on the Dover to Calais route (pay extra). It is not offered on other routes as Hull has an extended boarding time (5pm - 8pm for Rotterdam).

On the Hull to Rotterdam route I would say the idea is to be at the port early so that you are one of the first cars in line ready to board at 5pm when boarding begins. However you are in the hands of the loading crew on the vehicle deck.

This is what I have heard to. Maybe some people are travelling Dover - Calais with priority crossing and then for some reason - travelling Zeebrugge-Hull/Rotterdam-Hull back. I have usually seen cars with the priority sticker on the Hull-Zeebrugge/Rotterdam routes when there's been strikes.

Tarry

What is the point in getting boarded first anyway? There is plenty of seats on ferries (well I've done the Dover/Calais routes in regards to P&O) and it makes no difference really I don't think. I guess getting boarded first you MAY get offloaded first, but than not always the case I guess! I guess you may also beat the queues in the Restaurant I guess in a way? Just a random ponder of mine before I go to bed.

isplumm

Tarry wrote: »

What is the point in getting boarded first anyway? There is plenty of seats on ferries (well I've done the Dover/Calais routes in regards to P&O) and it makes no difference really I don't think. I guess getting boarded first you MAY get offloaded first, but than not always the case I guess! I guess you may also beat the queues in the Restaurant I guess in a way? Just a random ponder of mine before I go to bed.

Depends on the route - Dover - Calais, most likely not really important, unless you get off first, but we often go Portsmouth - Caen - departs at 10:30 - getting on first - can be in cabin by 9:30 - get early night (as have to be up at at about 4 to get off boat) or get decent seat in bar for quick beer (or two!!)

Mark

Tarry

isplumm wrote: »

Depends on the route - Dover - Calais, most likely not really important, unless you get off first, but we often go Portsmouth - Caen - departs at 10:30 - getting on first - can be in cabin by 9:30 - get early night (as have to be up at at about 4 to get off boat) or get decent seat in bar for quick beer (or two!!)

Mark

yes I see your point there though if it's a long crossing, nothing worse than not getting a decent comfy seat on a longer one (found that out going to Ireland)