Ferry Operators - France - Ireland - more (merged)

Woby_Tide

cheapest I could see was around £96 on ferrysavers.com

It's a tough one to crack as you're going on a peak day during peak holiday season to an Island with limited transport links so prices aren't going to be extremely competitive I'd fear

cookie54

We travel over to the island quite a bit and we tend to use red funnel (from Southampton) instead of Wightlink who are always more expensive than Red Funnel!!
Make sure you book on the internet-I believe both companies give you online discount.
Also,if possible,travel late afternoon/evening-it's alot cheaper!! We always use 5.00pm crossing from Southampton-it's classed as the off -peak price and if you book online you pay about £48-I'm sure that includes Saturday crossings as well.

Chester_Draws

I agree what Cookie has already said.
To bring the price down you are going to have to be flexible enough to travel on the off-peak boats (and avoid the congestions ?)
I tried a search, by putting in times of an outward sailing of 6.00am, and a return sailing of 9.30pm,(on your requested dates), and came in with a quote of £55.11
This was just an example, and would suggest you keep tapping times in that would be more acceptable and see what you get.
The example I got you can see here (you might not get it if it time expires):
http://www.aferry.to/quote/Booking/AFRYBook2.asp?A=A&SD=62438828202220040708111058

If it doesnt work, go here and put in the route as Southampton to Cowes:
http://www.ferries.co.uk/index.html

Good hunting

ksh123

I lived on the Isle of wight until 3 years ago and had to travel on and off on business thoughout the peak season - it is very expensive but there are one or two ways to bring the cost down in peak season.
1) do you know anyone on the island? In peak season both ferry operators advertise in the local press and often include a voucher for "friends and family" of island dwellers - that brings the price down a bit.
2) I can't agree with cookie54 (sorry cookie I always found Red funnel by far the most flexible. they run more night sailingings than wightlink (and also their route is much less prone to closure because of the weather). If you don't  mind the "red eye" you can travel a bit cheaper furing the night - but its a very small window...check with Red funnel direct for these "red eye" fares - you can always book via another site later and get some cashback or something
3)park up and travel on the fast jet from Soputhampton. Its on the fastjet that Wightlink comes into its own. If you can use public transport on the island it could feasibly be cheaper to pay for parking in southampton and travel across on foot.
4) book a package holiday with one of the local hotels - the total price is always very good value compare dot booking separately.
Of course none of this applies for Cowes week when you just pays your money and takes your chance, lol. But they do have the best fireworks in the  world!
Have a lovely time and give my love to the island, I miss it very much.
Hope this helps

Woby_Tide

aniother thoughtg I had whilst watching news this morning is to try crossings from Lymington rather than Southampton/Portsmouth, not sure if quieter crossing means more availability of lower fares

Fran

If you book on line before 16th July you can get a ticket for car, 2 adults and kids free 16th July to 30th August! This is ridiculously low - perhaps of particular interest to non smokers as the Irish owned ferry is a workplace and so smoke free. Smokers can still smoke outside on the decks.

http://www.irishferries.com

System

I heard from one of my friends that there is a new ferry company which is offering crossings to France for a flat rate of £50, regardless of the length of stay.

Can anybody please tell me the name of the company and how to book.

Fran

It could be this one:

Speed Ferries

System

Many Thanks ;D

Birdy

Anyone know of any codes for car and 3 adults from Newcastle to Amsterdam(Ijmuiden), September for a week or so.

Any info much appreciated, thankyou.