P&O Ferries day trip to France – offer!

The Daily Mail had recently run a promotion for a P&O Ferries day trip to France for just £1 with P&O Ferries. These offers are great, but not that great for those of us that are 300 miles or so from Dover! However,  the motorhome became a starting point for this value for money adventure.

An early alarm call and then the bus to Dover from Canterbury. Fares cost £6.20 for a Stagecoach Day Ranger ticket giving unlimited travel in the Sussex and Kent area. This is really good value for money. The bus arrived bang on cue into Dover at 0725. It’s then a fast walk to the Port of Dover travel centre, checking in within the last moments for the 0825 P&O service to Calais on board the Pride of Kent.

The Pride of Kent was built in the early 1990’s as the European Highway and served as a freight ship sailing to Zeebrugge. Later,  P&O returned the European Highway to a ship yard in Germany, where extra passenger facilities were added. With much improved passenger accommodation on board, she entered service as the Pride of Kent

The vessel was lightly loaded today on the outward sailing to Calais, with 120 or so cars, 30 freight and a few foot passengers. No coaches appeared to be declared. The return crossing, the 1135 from Calais had about 50 freight, a few coaches and some cars, with very few foot passengers. I did not alight at Calais, but stayed on board and took a pew at the front of the vessel in the Horizon Lounge.

Sea conditions were (sadly) calm unlike the previous few days!

Breakfast in the Brasserie. Excellent value at £13 including juice, coffee, toast, choice of starter and that all important “fry up”

A short video clip showing the calm sea conditions…..

…and a few photo’s from the day.

P&O Pride of Burgundy arriving at Dover

Pride of Kent, forward lounge.

Calais Seaways at Calais

The Spirit of Britain leaves Calais

Spirit of Britain and Calais Seaways

The Spirit of Britain performing a turn on her axis

“Our” Pride of Kent is dwarfed by the mighty Spirit of Britain.

MFL Rodin approaches Calais, whilst Calais Seaways is already alongside.

Loading is well under way on the Spirit of Britain

Calais Seaways – a ship with many identities!

Rodin approaching Calais

Rodin approaching Calais

The MyFerryLink Rodin followed us to Calais

Bunkering taking place for the Pride of Kent

Pride of Calais ship’s bell is on display

A model of the Pride of Dover is on display

A second P&O Ferries day trip to France – the same day!

Upon arrival in Dover, I checked in again for my second round trip of the day. The Pride of Burgundy will be my home for the next few hours!

Here are a few more photo’s from the day.

I had the same problem when travelling on the cruise ship “SS Canberra!”

Dover Seaways alongside at Dover

The P&O flag, aside the Pride of Burgundy’s funnel

Is there a crock of gold on the Pride of Burgundy

Where’s the “B” gone?

The Pride of Burgundy was quicker “port to port” than her newer sisters.

Seasons Greetings on the PoB

Once back in Dover, the gangway was opened and the port transfer bus was waiting. There is one direct bus per hour from the docks to Canterbury, and I made it with moments to spare.

The motorhome is a fine “hotel” for pursuing my shipping antics. The Camping and Caravanning Club Canterbury is a great place as a base, being just 30 minutes from Dover.