TransEuropa Ferries - Ostend/Ramsgate

Surprised to read it's the eighth company in fifteen years to go the same way

The route really isn't viable these days.
Ships too old - crossing takes too long - tickets too expensive.

A couple of years ago - when the boat was having her deck done - I travelled to/from the continent several times a month.
Tried all possible ferries. TEF was always the worst option.
Ramsgate-Ostend was advertised to take 4 hours. However, this depended a lot on which ferry you sailed on. LARKSPUR never made it in less then 04H30.
The company also prioritised freight - let them off the boat first - so you could easily spend 5H+ sitting on a grubby ferry.
Add to that the time it took to get to Ramsgate, customs/border checks and before you know it you've lost a day.
All for a price not much cheaper - if at all - than the alternatives.

An overnight ticket on Eurotunnel pretty much gives me 2 days on the continent for less than £60.

The Dover/Dunkirk ferry is a pretty decent alternative. Slightly cheaper, takes a bit longer.
 
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The concern, David, is one of navigation, we normally follow the ferry. were stuffed this year by the look of it :o


Look on the bright side....one less ship to worry about!

You have got to feel sorry for the staff though, I wonder if Ramsgate Port Control will be around for much longer?
 
Always been a great fan of ferry nav, for the I generation, the Flightradar app adds a new dimension, best with clear skies though.

d30fa184a828942d48855635da2ea4d4.jpg


(did you see what I did there?).
 
Always been a great fan of ferry nav, for the I generation, the Flightradar app adds a new dimension, best with clear skies though.

d30fa184a828942d48855635da2ea4d4.jpg


(did you see what I did there?).

Installed,that will be handy because I can never keep up with ferries.
Is that the paid for version,which gives so many details? I just get eg Flight 714 with no info,thanks.
 
Installed,that will be handy because I can never keep up with ferries.
Is that the paid for version,which gives so many details? I just get eg Flight 714 with no info,thanks.

It goes against my deeply held principles, but yes I did pay for the pro version, couldn't have been a lot though.

If you can't keep up with ferries at 22kn...you've got no chance with a jumbo doing 425kn.
 
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