Hello I'm Colin and I live in Hove near Brighton.I am not very good at writing reveiws I just write ...
Hello I'm Colin and I live in Hove near Brighton.I am not very good at writing reveiws I just write it as I see it. I hope the few that I have written are of some help to you. Thanks
Member since:28.01.2003
Reviews:2
Members who trust:1
Hoverspeed 1st Class Newhaven to Dieppe. I hope you find this review some help when making your travel arrangements. I have just returned from a weekend in France. I travel to France at least twice a year using Hoverspeed or Transmanche Ferries.
Hoverspeed use a Super Seacat in this route which will hold up to 148 vehicles 26 crew members and 674 passengers in a 2 class configuration. It travels at around 37 knots zipping across the channel in 2 hours up to 3 times a day. Loading and unloading is very fast compared to conventional ferries. This route was operated by Hoverspeed using Hovercraft, but these went out of service in 1999. Which is a shame as the Hovercraft were a lot of fun. The Super Seacat is stylish, fast and hassle free.
The docks in Newhaven are small. The Hoverspeed Terminal is in need of a makeover. It has a Cafe small shop and toilets (which are very clean). 1st Class passengers can use the lounge. This is an exclusive area which is quite and has comfortable seating. It is not on the level of an airline lounge, but its fine. Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Wine, Beer and soft drinks are available free of charge as well as a small selection of snacks.
1st Class passengers have priority embarkation and disembarkation. After a hassle free drive onto the craft you make your way upstairs to a private seating are with spacious seats with lots of room to stretch your legs. The seats are very similar to old Business Class airline seats. The only downside is that you face the passenger in front of you as the chairs are in groups of 4 around a large table, which is fine if a group of you are travelling but not so fine if you are seated opposite strangers. The ship is very clean and modern. Complimentary newspapers and drinks are quickly handed out (a choice of tea, coffee, hot chocolate, soft or alcoholic) Breakfast is served until noon Lunch and dinner is served from noon onwards. This is followed by a chair side duty free service.
We were served dinner. The first course was warm garlic bread followed by duck or fresh smoked salmon. I had the smoked salmon which was very tasty and light. It was served with warm new potatoes, salad and coleslaw. Dessert was a choice of blueberry cheesecake or fresh cheese and crackers. I went for the cheesecake which was very good.
The Cabin Crew were very friendly and could not do enough for you.
The price for travelling in 1st Class is £25 each in each direction! At first glance this does seem to be a lot of money. When broken down I think that it is good value. In economy the price of an English breakfast is £4.95 each. Soft drinks are £1.20 and a pint of Stella is £2.10. By the time you have had something to eat a couple of soft drinks and a few alcoholic drinks you will have parted with £15, so I feel that it's well worth the upgrade.
I would highly recommend using Hoverspeed 1st Class on this route.
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Aug 9th, 2004
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