Warning robbers..... (1 Viewer)

hilldweller

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For the first time we did not book a return to the UK, going on the basis of playing it by ear.

I did some research in Paris, saw about £45 for a single from Calais.

So pull up in Calais ( with just 30 mins free parking outside ticket office ) and in I go. DFS "how much for....." €156.

"PARDON, it was was £44 on the internet".

"Oh yes, that is advance booking, if you go tomorrow it will be €56"

"I'll try next door".

Next door is P&O.

"H O W M U C H, €165, you are bigger robbers than DFS". The woman was not over impressed with this.

So I paid DFS €56. The girl was far prettier too, blue eyes that could charm the snipers from the trees.

Then I went to park in the free carpark to stop overnight and found the port offers 30 mins free WiFi. On the DFS web site I was offered immediate transport for £44, but the deal was done then. I sobbed pitifully for some time.

The motto - plan ahead - in Calais port you can probably buy a ticket much cheaper using their free WiFi than talking to a person.

But it was not all bad, we had good food and wine on board so had an extra few hours in France and got on the 04:00 ferry.
 

Snowbird

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As you went into DHDS booking office there used to be 3 computers with there website on. It was much cheaper to use these than walk the 5 yards to the counter and speak to a human. I was told this some years ago by the desk human, and have used it several times since.

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Carol

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When we came home with DFS, last week we had booked but was changeing the date, went to the desk no problem and no extra charge, and yes the 3 computer terminals are still there. We use them every time and always very helpful.
 

ukbill

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brain the same thing happened to me but if u book a ferry that is just passed the midnight then it will be next day and at the cheaper rate never go into the bloody terminal thats where the thieves are like you said use the free 30mins internet to do ya booking :Smile:

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Emmit

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Greetings Hilldweller,

Can you answer this simpleton (me!) a question. (Anyone else, feel free to join in.)

If one goes into the Ferry Office at Calais and uses the facilities there, ie the computer terminals, do they have printing facilities there as well or is there some other methodology for when you turn up with the 'van at the port.
Is your booking held within the system and you just turn up without any paperwork (or is there a Ref. you give them.)

Thank you in advance for the answer.
 

ukbill

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i have never needed any paperwork when booked over the net when arriving at the port they know who u r by ya number plate

sorry also yes there is always a ref number
 
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hilldweller

hilldweller

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As you went into DHDS booking office there used to be 3 computers with there website on. It was much cheaper to use these than walk the 5 yards to the counter and speak to a human. I was told this some years ago by the desk human, and have used it several times since.

Now you tell me !!

Still, others might benefit.

Everything these days is about getting rid of humans, now some terminals and some humans, soon just the terminals.

When we checked into Eurotunnel on the way out, no humans, it picked up our numberplate and let us in.

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hilldweller

hilldweller

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Greetings Hilldweller,

Can you answer this simpleton (me!) a question. (Anyone else, feel free to join in.)

If you ask the right questions you are no simpleton, the simpleton is the one who does not ask.

But since I missed these terminals ( remember that 30 mins free parking was nagging in my head, that's my excuse ) I claim the simpleton badge and so I can't answer your question.

Oh boy did my €56 improve things for them, no more than 20 cars and not many more wagons on the 04:00 sailing. It was a treat sailing through the traffic and free Dartford before 06:00.
 

jonandshell

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Do you get four years interest free and nothing to pay for a year with DFS ferry crossings?:roflmto:

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stevensson10

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As you went into DHDS booking office there used to be 3 computers with there website on. It was much cheaper to use these than walk the 5 yards to the counter and speak to a human. I was told this some years ago by the desk human, and have used it several times since.
when and why go its stupid
 

MattR

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The girl was far prettier too, blue eyes that could charm the snipers from the trees.

Did you get her number? Could you pass it on to me just so that I can pay the extra to make a booking with her :winky:
 

bobandjanie

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If you really want to get robbed on the crossings Brian, get yourself a dog. :winky:

We will book a few days before coming back, if they want too much, :winky: we will stay this side until the price drops. :ROFLMAO: Bob.
 

Carol

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Brian, just out of curiosity where were you when they wanted money for parking right outside the Dfds offices there is a large secure car park where you can park as long as you want, we were there 2 hours and one couple with a caravan was there when we arrived Genny going gas bottle outside and they were still there when we left.

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hilldweller

hilldweller

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Brian, just out of curiosity where were you when they wanted money for parking right outside the Dfds offices there is a large secure car park where you can park as long as you want, we were there 2 hours and one couple with a caravan was there when we arrived Genny going gas bottle outside and they were still there when we left.

I can't remember if it's recent but the car park in front of Calais ticket office is graded. Close to the office is a short term small area with full barrier pay on foot system. Behind this is a medium term area, bigger and also with full barrier control. Then the huge area that is free and where we stayed overnight.

Older and wiser now but no doubt I'll forget next time.
 

Carol

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Could be the difference Brian, we went to Dunqurke not Calais where it was free, think we will stick with Dunqurke it seems easier. So my mistake.

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Carol

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Double posted so deleted
 
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JOHNSTEY

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Our fourth glorious year!
We did exactly the same last year.Went to the office thinking it would be the same price and then walked straight out again when they told us the price.We sat in the car park and picked up the free wi-fi, booked exactly the same sailing and saved over £100! Makes no sense at all to me.:Doh:
 

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