'Free' Visitor Berthing Is Back........

[John_Silver]

.......Well done, MDL!

For a few years now, 'free' visitor berthing has only been available to those of us with 'grandfather' rights, to the old Freedom Berth contracts Which granted access to Passeport Escales (5 'free' nights per marina in most of France plus some of Spain & Portugal) and also gave an entitlement of 30 'free' nights across the MDL UK estate. I had been worrying that the Freedom Berth model was quietly being phased out, in favour of the Otium, loyalty points scheme. I was, therefore, delighted to receive my berth renewal e mail, from MDL, today. Which offers a contract called 'Platinum plus Otium.' So far as I can see, from the website, the package is open to all.

If you have the time and inclination, to spend the summer months cruising (say) Atlantic France, the Channel Islands and the South Coast of England, the combination of Passeport Escales and 'free' MDL berthing is a valuable benefit. Most years I'm 'out' Mid April to mid September / October. Last year, over 80 of those nights were 'free.' My lowest year (since retirement), during Covid, has been 60 'free' nights. Worth a tidy sum, at visitor rates.

No connection. Just pleased (can you tell?) to see cruising benefits once more front and centre of the MDL offering.

 

[Caladh]

However…….like you, I have been a Freedom berth holder for many years. What I object to is the withdrawal of the option without notice. I note FB is still mentioned in their online contract info and in fact has been updated to restrict being out of the water for 8 weeks from Jan 1st 2025 - having been 8 weeks between November 1st and the end of February. I had asked MDLs thinking behind it all only to receive a bland corporate reply from, probably “head office”. I will not be happy getting Otium “points” instead of the 20% discount of services. Yes I know points make prizes and can be converted but it just makes it all the more difficult for the client to work out what we are actually getting in “benefits”. I like, as you do, Passport Escales and options to visit other MDL marinas. As an aside I wonder why the likes of Premier or Boatlife don’t cotton on because TransManche is no where near as beneficial. It’s all about the money. Ce La Vie I guess but tbh some of it is my money