DFDS Ferry - strike affecting Calais route

Sarahjhorton

Hi

I have been in touch with DFDS Seaways and @DFDSUKUpdates regarding the ongoing strike affecting them docking in Calais. Whilst the rest of the operators are now running normal schedule into Calais, DFDS are still not able to berth there. I have not had a straight answer from them as to why, but following twitter conversations with other people it appears that the unions are unhappy at the amount of potential layoffs if the ex-MFL ships are taken over by DFDS. As a result they are transferring people onto the Dover Dunkirk route, which is fine, but they are only adding 2 or 3 ships a day - which doesn't help when there are potentially up to 6 ships being cancelled a day.
On calling customer services this morning, they advise me that I can change my ticket to a Dover-Dunkirk route, but I will have to pay the additional fare difference (which of course has gone up since I booked last year and possibly been inflated as a result of the strike) and a £20 admin charge for the privilege.
When asked what form of compensation would I receive if my return ferry is cancelled (a 6pm crossing, with 6 other ferries due to depart before me) and what time it is likely I would be able to sail - they said it would be either the early hours or following day, and they would not offer any form of compensation even if you had to stay overnight.
I am dismayed that they feel it appropriate to charge and admin fee of £10 each way for me to change my booking due to a strike that is due to their actions! Outrageous!
World’s Leading Ferry Operator’ in the 2014 World Travel Awards for 4 years running?!! yeah right! They won't be getting my vote for sure!