Information about SeaFrance Ferries to Calais. Seafrance sails from Dover to Calais - Day-tripper.net, the internet magazine which saves you money when crossing the channel to visit Calais, France. Sea France, a French ferry company to Calais.
Eastern Docks, Dover. Kent. CT16 1JA.
Seafrance was the only French run company on the short channel route before it went into liquidation in November 2011.
Some photo's. www.flickr.com
January 16th - Seems the reasons why Seafrance went bust are becoming more apparent. A new report says that the reasons include; the financial situation due to fuel prices and the behavior of competitors (accentuated by the sharp decline of turnover in 2008 because of the economic crisis), a non-transparent recruitment policy, overstaffing and serious raising questions about how SeaFrance recruited staff (the unions effectively made the decisions). www.ccomptes.fr
January 6th 2012 - Despite the intervention of the French president the news is not good regarding the future of Seafrance. This news item sums up nicely the appalling lack of management and abuses by the Seafrance Trade Unions. www.francesoir.fr
(you could use Google Translate to read it in English, but we find French newspaper articles translate badly into English)
January 2nd 2012 - More delays to the expected liquidation of Seafrance. This article sums up the situation neatly. http://uk.news.yahoo.com
December 12th - Well, thanks to the absolute stupidy of the French Trade Unions, who have refused to meet with DFDS or give assurances about NOT GOING ON STRIKE, DFDS / LD Lines have not put in a bid to keep the company going. The workers Cooperative (SCOP) has, but it has little funding and is most unlikely to succeed. If ever there was an example of how Trade Unions can destroy jobs and prosperity, this is it. This article explains the position nicely. www.guide2paysdelaloire.com
November 2011 - With the threat of liquidation hanging over its operations and blindingly stupid strikes and threats for the French Trade Unions, it is frankly risky booking a ticket at the moment. If you are a last minute traveller it is worth turning up and chancing it though, the fares should be cheap.
25th October - Another few weeks reprieve. At today's meeting the Commercial Court in Paris delayed its decision until the 16th November.
19th October 2011 - Bad news, the European Commission has today rejected the French Government's plan to inject funds into the company. Seafrance have until Monday to find a buyer. On Tuesday another crucial deadline takes place at the Commercial Court of Paris when the Judge must decide whether to accept a joint DFDS / LD Lines offer, a management offer or to place the company in liquidation.
2011 - New speedy loading service. Rapide is SeaFrance's priority loading and disembarkation service which allows passengers to be the first on the ship and first off again on the other side allowing you to beat the traffic and get to your destination that little bit quicker. Rapide is available at an upgrade price of just £10 per leg.
2011 - Good news! We always welcome greater flexibility for customers. For just £5, Seafrance now allows customers to have more flexibility. Their new "flexible fares" give you additional freedom and flexibility when it comes to crossing the channel. When you upgrade your journey to a flexible ticket for only £5 you get the ability to make as many ammends to your journey as you need to - without any amendment fees!
Bus for foot passengers in Dover and Calais
Routes; Dover to Calais in 1 hour 30 minutes
Type of craft; Conventional ferries.
Reservations; 0871 423 7119 / 08705 711 711 (outside United Kingdom and mobiles)
General information; 01304 212 696
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Buying perfume, alcohol and tobacco - getting the best priceWith the end of duty free sales, all goods sold on board are now inclusive of Duty and VAT. A somewhat complicated arrangement to ensure you, the passenger gets the best deal is now in place on all ferries. Eurotunnel have been particularly badly hit as they only had a Duty free outlet in Calais, on the outward side of the journey, so cannot benefit from lower French Duties by selling after the train enters French territory. First the good news - you can now buy as much as you like (providing it is for personal use) on board. Most companies have also substantially lowered their prices (they had huge margins before) Now the bad news - you must be organized if you want to get the best prices. French Duty is much lower than the United Kingdom, so as soon as the ferry leaves English territorial waters French rates apply. Perfume, confectionery and gift items - you can enter the shop when it opens after leaving Dover. Saefrance Ferries suggest you buy these items before the ferry enters French waters - we will investigate why and let you know. Alcohol and tobacco - About 30 minutes after departure you can start buying these items. An announcement will be made advising you of this. We suggest you check prices on the Calais - Dover leg and if cheaper on board (after going to the French shops), buy any items of the return journey. On the return journey get into the shop as soon as possible. You must finish your buying before the ferry enters United Kingdom waters (about 50 minutes after leaving Calais). |
Useful Outside linksPort of; Dover Port Authority. www.doverport.co.uk Calais Port Authority. www.calais-port.com Ferry news from the Ferry industry magazine. www.interferry.com/news Ferry news from Ferry Publication magazine. www.ferrypubs.co.uk Ferry news from Lloyds List. www.lloydslist.com Weather. france.meteofrance.com Weather. www.meto.gov.uk Shipping Forecast - Met Office. www.metoffice.gov.uk  - Say NO to 0870. www.saynoto0870.com
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