Deleted account 210609001
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- Mar 19, 2003
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Like many, we had to cancel our planned trip to Spain this Summer. Because our ferry was cancelled, we (eventually) got a full refund from Brittany Ferries. They tried hard to get us to accept a credit voucher, but I was reluctant to do this in case (a) we couldn't get a crossing in 2021 because of increased demand (b) covid-19 was still doing its thing well into the 2021 and (c) the prices might shoot up.
As it looks as though things should be OK for travel next summer, I booked a crossing a couple of days ago - out late June, back middle of July. If we'd booked the same crossings as the previous year (outside 2-berth cabin, non-flexible ticket etc) the price would have been less than £600. Only slightly more than 2020's aborted crossing, which wasn't too bad. They have to make a profit. However, I read on a Facebook group that some crossings in September are far more expensive. One guy reckoned about £700 EACH for two riders, two bikes, shared inside cabin.
Presumably they work on an airline style booking process with prices increasing as demand grows.
As it turns out, and because there is still some doubt over holidays next year, I chose to book the fully flexible ticket which gives a refund (minus deposit) if we cancel and unlimited amendments. And as I have something to celebrate (and we didn't spend any money on holidays this year), we've upgraded cabin options both ways as well. £880 is a lot of money, and negates the "it's no more expensive than a short channel crossing and riding down through France" argument, but it should make the crossing more enjoyable.
So now it's just fingers crossed we can go ahead. Both Mrs Q and I should get vaccinations as soon as they become slightly more widespread (she because she's an NHS key worker, me because I fall into a vulnerable group for health reasons as well as being a 'key worker.' That was another factor in booking now - I can see lots of service providers placing restrictions on people who have not had vaccinations.
We have a route planned down to Ronda and back, staying in 12 Paradores for 17 nights. Can't wait!
As it looks as though things should be OK for travel next summer, I booked a crossing a couple of days ago - out late June, back middle of July. If we'd booked the same crossings as the previous year (outside 2-berth cabin, non-flexible ticket etc) the price would have been less than £600. Only slightly more than 2020's aborted crossing, which wasn't too bad. They have to make a profit. However, I read on a Facebook group that some crossings in September are far more expensive. One guy reckoned about £700 EACH for two riders, two bikes, shared inside cabin.
Presumably they work on an airline style booking process with prices increasing as demand grows.
As it turns out, and because there is still some doubt over holidays next year, I chose to book the fully flexible ticket which gives a refund (minus deposit) if we cancel and unlimited amendments. And as I have something to celebrate (and we didn't spend any money on holidays this year), we've upgraded cabin options both ways as well. £880 is a lot of money, and negates the "it's no more expensive than a short channel crossing and riding down through France" argument, but it should make the crossing more enjoyable.
So now it's just fingers crossed we can go ahead. Both Mrs Q and I should get vaccinations as soon as they become slightly more widespread (she because she's an NHS key worker, me because I fall into a vulnerable group for health reasons as well as being a 'key worker.' That was another factor in booking now - I can see lots of service providers placing restrictions on people who have not had vaccinations.
We have a route planned down to Ronda and back, staying in 12 Paradores for 17 nights. Can't wait!