Anyone done Dover ferry post lockdown ?

[suavecarve]

Father in law is now deciding to go to France and asked about the ferry, I cant remember anybody using it and a quick search shows some people booking the longer journeys away from Dover and a couple going in August.
If you have used it, are they loading fully, what is the queue like on the stairs when the whacky races start to get back to your motor, does it feel crowded in the seating areas, or any other observations to help him make his mind up. Thanks in advance

 

[Lucky]

I used DFDS last month. The ferry was very very quiet (I don't know whether through lack of demand or regulated by the ferry company). There must have been more than 20 seats for each passenger.

What was more disturbing was a high proportion of people, maybe 25% in all, and especially under thirty year olds, ignored the obligatory mask wearing and staff ignored the matter.

The worse thing we saw was an individual pull down his mask to sneeze, before putting it back over his face. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

As you hinted at, long practiced behaviours are also difficult to change and when the call came to return to your vehicle the stair wells resembled the first day of the sales. Not surprisingly we stood back and waited for the mob to clear.

Would I do it again? Probably yes but I'd be more active avoiding the crowds and go prepared to take the entire crossing outside. To do that you'd need to be first on to grab a decent spot, so paying to board early might be sensible.

 

[138go]

We have the Dover to Calais ferry booked for the 31st August. It's looking increasing likely that we will cancel, as we just don't fancy going abroad now. We were headed for Spain but the thought of having to wear masks doesn't appeal, apart from everything else.

We will probably bum around the UK instead.

 

[Lucky]

One other thing I recall, the facilities were also greatly reduced. Amongst most other things the restaurant was closed, and only a limited offering was being served in the truckers lounge to anyone what wanted it. Based on previous experience of DFDS catering I had made alternative arrangements to eat...

 

[Hollyberry]

My daughter looked at booking a couple of weeks ago. She was told ferries were sailing at 50% capacity and no cabins are being made available. OK on Dover-Calais but they usually do Portsmouth-Caen so they’ve stuck with their booking in Cornwall.

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[Lucky]

Thinking further about finding a seat on deck in the fresh air, it occurred to me that wherever you choose it will be difficult to stop somebody subsequently sitting next to you.

One solution might be to grab a camping chair from your mh and plonk yourself away from the official seating.