BIG Ferry Comparison: DFDS, P&O, Irish Ferries - Which is Best from Dover?

I sail with P&O, DFDS (FR) and Irish Ferries between Dover and Calais, and with DFDS (UK) between Dover and Dunkirk. What is the best cross-channel ferry operator - and which is the worst?
00:00 - Introduction
01:39 - DFDS (UK) Dover to Dunkirk
07:39 - DFDS (FR) Calais to Dover
14:00 - Irish Ferries Dover to Calais
22:39 - P&O Ferries Calais to Dover
32:30 - Price and how to book
34:26 - To Sum Up - which is best?
35:56 - Outro
In this video we travel on the flagship of each Dover Ferry operator. We sail with four vessels operated by three ferry companies to both Calais and Dunkirk, looking in particular at:
-What is the check-in and boarding like in Dover and in Calais?
-Which ferry company has the best ships overall?
-What is Club Class like on Irish Ferries - and is P&O Club Class worth it?
-What is the Premium Lounge like on DFDS - both on a Dunkerque ferry and on a Calais Ferry?
-Which ferry operator is the best for hot food - and which has the WORST food offering?
-Who has the best Duty-Free Shopping, and who is the cheapest?
-How does my dog travel on the ferry?
As an ex-seafarer myself I’ll also talk a little about where each ship is registered.
We’ll also look at the price I paid, and how to book.
We start off travelling with DFDS (UK) from Dover to Dunkirk / Dunkerque aboard the Dunkerque Seaways.
For our next voyage we travel with DFDS (FR) from Calais to Dover aboard the Côte d'Opale.
Next day we travel with Irish Ferries aboard the Isle of Inishmore from Dover to Calais.
We return from Calais to Dover with P&O Ferries aboard the Spirit of France.
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LINKS AND SOURCES:
Irish Ferries and P&O Ferries are registered in Limassol and sail under the flag of Cyprus, referred to as a Flag of Convenience, or Flagging Out. You can read various articles about the practice here:
www.itfglobal.org/en/sector/s...
www.chambers.law/why-register...
Technical information and registration details are sourced from Dover Ferry Photos - a brilliant resource for anyone interested in ferries and shipping:
www.doverferryphotosforums.co...
Source - P&O Vessel failing MCA Certification three times in 2022:
www.doverferryphotosforums.co...
OPERATOR WEBSITES
DFDS (UK Website): www.dfds.com/en-gb/passenger-...
Irish Ferries (UK Website): www.irishferries.com/uk-en/ro...
P&O Ferries (UK website): www.poferries.com/en#route
Caravan and Motorhome Club: www.caravanclub.co.uk/oversea...
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GEEKY TECH STUFF
This video was filmed mostly on a GoPro Hero11 and an iPhone 11 Pro Max. Intro and outro on a Sony A7C.
Despite the decent footage, the GoPro was hugely unreliable and crashed/froze multiple times. It has since been returned to the retailer for a refund.
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[@ianowen5098]

Great video- thanks. It mirrors in most respects our 3 journeys into Europe last year. Irish Ferries, check in at Calais took 2 hours due to only one booth and they hand write the lane hanger for each vehicle. The food in the restaurant was great. Loading took ages and the boat vibrated horribly all the way to Dover. Never again. DFDS to Dunkirk (even in gale force winds) was great apart from the Fish & chips was like your Mum’s! DFDS to Calais and back was great. We used to use P&O spirit class ships but refuse since what they did to the crew. It’s a real shame they used to be lovely but your video shows how bad they’ve become. I wonder what will happen when their new ships arrive this year!

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks for that Ian - I'm sure it'll help other people looking to book to see that what I experienced were not isolated incidents. It will indeed be interesting to see what P&O's new Ugly Ships will be like on board, but after seeing the demise of the Spirit Class I don't have very high hopes. Thanks for watching.

[@arokh72]

I don't know what P&O UK did to their crew, being from outside the UK myself, but this is very interesting when you consider their cruise lines, P&O UK that is, not to be confused with P&O Australia, are considered a more premium line.

[@ianowen5098]

@@arokh72 P&O Ferries are a completely different company to P&O cruises. The ferry company is owned by another company called DP world. They basically brought all vessels back to port, sent security guards (with handcuffs) on board. And at the same time told the staff they no longer had a job. The guards job being to use force to remove anyone that wouldn’t leave peacefully. Several months later the ships left port with crew from other countries.

[@arokh72]

@@ianowen5098 bloody hell, explains the hate. Such disgusting behaviour. I thought UK law protected against such acts, not that I know anything about UK law, just assumed they had decent worker protections.

[@stevenwarren5494]

@@arokh72 british law does protect workers from this , However P@O have admitted that they broke the law and the govt has allowed them to get away with it !!

[@andrewbrook3591]

As an ex lorry driver one of the best tips I was ever given "Don't rush to the restaurant lad let everyone else eat the last sailings leftovers and turn up in time for the fresh servings"😁😁

[@andrewjditton]

Where were you when I NEEDED YOU Andrew??? ;@) Cheers mate.

[@BabyBooHoot]

Great wisdom in that message, Thank you.😁

[@perbilse573]

Absolutely top tip! 😆

[@andrewmossop2892]

As one of the 800 seafarers sacked last year it’s nice to see P&O reaping their rewards and going down the pan

[@rikban872]

Another reason i swapped to DFDS, I'm local and had many local friends who depended on work either at the Dungemess nuclear power station or cross channel ferries.

[@Deepthought-42]

No matter how cheap the deals or how good the boats we wont be sailing P&O again. You were treated appallingly.

[@WeAreThePeople1690]

Stena was always the best option between here and Scotland, but after what they done anytime I am crossing it will never be from Larne. My boss has the same thoughts too, our trucks no longer use their services.

[@GarethT902]

I will never ever use P&O again

[@xr6lad]

Exactly what I was thinking when he was talking about the lack of staff

[@thelifeofbatteries2603]

During the pandemic DFDS allowed me to move a booking FOUR times without penalty, simply superb. Contrast this with a Eurotunnel booking that they allowed 1 move and then it expired 6 months later, so i won't go near them ever again. DFDS have always had a consistent high quality of customer service, in my experience. When P&O sacked all it's staff i removed them from my comparison list, i'd rather pay more somewhere else than use them at all. DFDS get my money every time now.

[@geoffstewart6580]

So refreshing to see a video that tells it as it is. Great report.

[@anthonymitchell9743]

Awesome video and Thank you for sharing as I am embarking on a ferry crossing soon!

[@neilgatward9568]

Great video, very informative and helpful in allowing others to make an informative choice. I for one enjoyed your to the point comments. Keep up the good videos.

[@skh2263]

Quality and informative, very helpful video.

[@johnbohan8478]

excellent review Andrew, once again. 👏

[@andrewjohnston1963]

Nice comparison. For several years now I have stuck with DFDS (or Brittany Ferries for longer crossings). I think the UK/French flag matters and I like to support our local seafarers getting paid a proper wage. I also like the extra time you get on a Dunkirk crossing to eat, digest and relax before driving off. Always seems a rush on a Calais crossing to get to eat and have enough time to look out of the window before being called to rejoin car deck. I also was very impressed a few weeks back by the stabilisers on a very windy day, making the Dunkirk - Dover crossing a smooth experience despite white horses and a few bangs outside! Not sure my unfriendly Collie would appreciate the pet lounge and isn't it a bit smelly with all those dogs? She's fine in her crate in the car.. Of course the pet friendly cabins on Brittany Ferries are the best for longer crossings. So well done DFDS for winning your vote and consistently winning mine. Oh and their twitter feeds are very responsive and informative too.

[@julietaylor6981]

Thanks Andrew! Very useful information for future travels!👍🏻

[@Richiehawk]

You never travelled that much?? Hope you don't mind me asking beautiful friend 🤗 Well, wishing you the best and stay safe.

[@maggietaylor9475]

Brilliant review, Andrew, very impartial, informative and well presented. Coffee bought x

[@andrewjditton]

Many thanks Maggie, much appreciated!

[@craigritchie4950]

Excellent review! Very well done 👏 looking forward to more of your honest, impartial and informative reviews!

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks, will do!

[@mbeaumont8499]

Wonderful and informative video. Takes out all the timely research one must do re ferry options. Thanks for all your hard work.

[@andrewjditton]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lynmaitland9226]

Very professional presentation, well edited and filmed with respect to other passengers.

[@glennharris1723]

Great video I hope you do more of these such as the crossing from Hull and Newcastle

[@arcuda2001]

this video and info is incredible!! thank you so much!! hugs to dougal and your new puppy !!!🐶🐶🐶

[@andrewjditton]

Many thanks!

[@gillbarrett2852]

Really useful video and so well put together.

[@andrewjditton]

Many thanks Gill.

[@lindsaygedling4979]

Ultra professional as usual, love the summing up with the gorgeous Dougal ❤

[@andrewjditton]

Thank you kindly!

[@gabriellebluemarine4463]

What a fabulous video! I appreciate your clear and concise review of all relevant aspects of a channel crossing. This will make my choice this year much easier. Thank you :)

[@andrewjditton]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

[@suejelliott]

Very useful review. Thanks

[@WW2HistoryHunterUK]

Great video! Used to travel with Sea France who were great. Fantastic food! Went with p&o for awhile which was cheap & ok. Stopped using them after what they did to the staff. Really been impressed with DFDS, especially with the crew who always seem polite & helpful. Calais book in is not easy. First time we went through the new area there was hardly any signage & the old signs had not been removed.

[@carlbebbington730]

Great video, very informative and will help me decide who to sail with next time. Hopefully the ship operators will also what your video and improve in the areas you’ve highlighted. I’ve always been dubious of the duty free claimed savings, so your comparison was excellent. Thanks so much for creating this video Andrew.

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Carl! I've already been contacted by P&O and DFDS, so yes, they are taking note. Not heard from Irish Ferries (yet) though.. maybe because of those price comparisons? ;)

[@gorridge]

Great video Andrew. That Irish Ferries queue was short compared to Half-Term in June when it was back to the roundabout and only a couple of booths open. Normally use the Tunnel but since they stopped the frequent traveller and hiked the prices so much switched to the ferries.

[@fionaokane9113]

Brilliant and very helpful video. Thank you so much

[@andrewjditton]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kimdeabill8540]

Fantastic content. Saw your other note about KZbin issues so glad I got to see this. Really informative and glad P&O have pulled their finger out. Really appreciate the hard work that went into this. Xx p.s. a two fingered salute to the 1 percenters re Ted. Xx

[@andrewjditton]

Ha ha! Cheers Kim!

[@andrewjones-productions]

First of all, I'd like to congratulate you and express my appreciation for all the hard work, time and money you put into the production of this video. It will prove extremely useful and beneficial to people intending to travel by ferry and if they are wise, the ferry companies themselves. As for the ferries themselves, I still wouldn't choose P&O for the way that they treated their employees and looking at what they offer, it clearly seems that they have shot themselves in the foot. My own overall conclusion is that not spending on lounges, on board food and being prepared to grin and bear the crossing is probably the best way. The Chunnel may not be luxurious and the point of entry limited to Folkestone/Calais, but I still think they are the better option.

[@andrewjditton]

I'm inclined to agree Andrew, especially if you are in a motorhome and have your own 'Club Class Lounge' to enjoy on the train! Thanks for watching.

[@CaravanningwiththeCoxs]

Really nice video Andrew👍🏻 we’ve booked Poole to Cherbourg this year so hopefully it’s good!

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Oliver! I'd love to try those Western Routes one day. Bon voyage :)

[@JohnRawlings5]

A really useful and informative video Andrew. Thank you very much. I know which operator I’d prefer next time I cross the channel.

[@andrewjditton]

Glad you enjoyed it John! If DFDS had a pet lounge, then it'd be perfect. Cheers.

[@elodied287]

Thank you very much for this very instructive video !!!

[@andrewjditton]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lagran1570]

I started watching your videos because my hubby and I are planning to visit Outer Hebrides in the summer. But now I subscribed and I am watching all your videos even though I don't own a caravan or campervan, just because I love the way you speak, not too fast, not too slow, your accent is music to my ears and I am trying to improve my English being so easy to understand what you say. Thanks for your videos Andrew, please don't stop, a big hug from Italy, 'bye!

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks for your support! Enjoy your trip to the Outer Hebrides - I'm sure you will love it :)

[@anneshirley1748]

Wow! That was a real eye opener! What a difference in the general experience of all three operators! If you could have had the no queuing, bigger quieter lounge and cheap booze on the first one, the food and friendliness of the second and the pet lounge of P&O, what a difference!! I wondered where you were off to when you mentioned the ferry crossing in your earlier video, I wondered if you were off to Paris or some such for christmas goodies. Great review! So informative and full of great tips and info but then your reviews are always brilliant and easy to understand. I really enjoyed this, the last time I was on a ferry was sailing back from Santander to Portsmouth (luckily, the Bay of Biscay was calm!!) we had a cabin and it was more like a mini cruise. Great food and drink! That was with Brittany ferries and it was fantastic! Pets had their own deck and you could go and see them and walk them as many times as you liked. We had the two dogs of course and they allowed us to put them together which was a bonus! Didn't tell you that at Edinburgh airport coming back from Lewis, I tried to buy a bottle of pink Gordons as it was really cheap but then when I scanned my boarding card, of course I wasn't leaving the country, well the UK anyway! Damn and blast or words to that effect!! Great video, thoroughly enjoyed it, did you say you might not be going to the Nec? I was considering not going either this time, I'll have to make my mind up soon, it's next month! If you don't go, catch you another time?! You're probably very relieved!! Take care, good luck with Ted and Dougal! Loved your French! Love and hugs xxx 😘🥰🐶🐕

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Anne! Ooh, I'd love to do one of those Brittany Ferries mini-cruises.... maybe they will see this and invite me? ;) I can live in hope! At the moment it's looking unlikely that I will be at the February NEC, but will let people know if that changes. xx

[@johannesdewald5487]

Hi Andrew, thanks for this helpful information! We took two time the Amsterdam-Newcastle DFDS ferries return. First time to go to Scotland but second time to travel all of England down to Cornwall and back. The over night trip is very pleasant. And travelling to Calais or Dunkirchen from Germany is longer then to Amsterdam what most people dont realise (and no road toll). A real altenative to the channel. Thanks again, Johannes.

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Johannes, glad you enjoyed it!

[@suitsyousir79]

Thanks Andrew. I am planning to take our new to us motorhome to Europe later this year, a very informative video!

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Leigh, have a great trip!

[@commuterbranchline8132]

This is a most timely report as I was looking at French ferries and Euro tunnel prices last night. The Euro Tunnel has a greater frequency and was of similar price to the ferry. We don’t have pets, but If I did I’d rather have my pet with me rather than locking it in a car on a car deck. Great video Andrew.👍

[@andrewjditton]

Glad you found it useful! Happy Travels.

[@jonkernow4477]

Great informative video, thank you

[@andrewjditton]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mentonish]

Thanks Andrew for a great review, P&O is a very sad decline. Before the buy out, P&O was a truly british experience

[@jonnieunix]

So true, before the tunnel opened P&O was always my crossing of choice. Everything was better appointed and more relaxing.

[@guidobojahr]

Really nice and informative video. As a shiplover I really enjoyed it. Especially your filming and editing skills are terrific. I would love to see a video on a cruise ship from you. Best wishes from germany.

[@andrewjditton]

Glad you enjoyed it Guido! I'd like to try some of the longer crossings like to Spain, which would be like a cruise. Best wishes from Scotland.

[@mpaws]

Excellent and informative video.

[@andrewjditton]

Thank you!

[@glidezilla]

Nailed it, appreciate the time and effort you have put into making this video, i do hope DFDS contacts you and says Thank You for an honest assessment.

[@andrewjditton]

Glad you found it useful! I think DFDS might be cringing about its Dunkerque ferry Premium Lounge and Prue & Trude in the shop, but if this inspires them to add a Pet Lounge and invite me along for the launch, that would indeed be great! Thanks for watching.

[@stevebrinkworth4298]

Very timely video Andrew as we’re looking at ferries for our crossing in May. I’ve been anti-P&O since their treatment of staff last year; but it was concerning to see your experience with the lack of crew in the lounges! Surely this is a worrying situation in the event of any incident/emergency on board? Great video once again Andrew! Keep up the fantastic work!

[@andrewjditton]

Hi Steve, I have to admit that my confidence levels were not high. I also notice upon re-watching the video that the closed off and locked-off Pub area on the Irish Ferries vessel was a Muster Station! I just hope that DFDS will introduce Dog Lounges soon. Thanks for watching.

[@bobhalliday8934]

Well that was an eye opener Andrew thanks so much for that we are planning a trip to Italy this year (2023) with our motorhome and we’re looking at ferry crossings so your report couldn’t have come at a better time Thanks again andrew

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Bob! Glad it was useful. Have a great trip and great to hear from you.

[@hunty1970]

Excellent review Andrew. Balanced and honest, which provides a great insight to all 3 ferry companies. Like many p&o will not be on my list! When we’re not on the eurotunnel we take our campervan on dfds and found them great.

[@andrewjditton]

Glad you enjoyed it Darren, cheers.

[@miffyonabike]

Used to sport a 'Don't go P&O' sticker on my car back in the day (like the late 80's). Was thinking about a trip across the channel and after your excellent report, I will be looking at a DFDS crossing. The Dunkerque crossing was always my favourite when working in the NL, but looks like the 1st Class is not as quiet as it used to be. Thank you for doing this, I am off to download the DFDS app now.

[@andrewjditton]

As I grew up in Dover, I was affected like all my fellow townspeople by the 1987 disaster then the bitter dispute that followed. I ended up removing all reference to this in the video to try and keep it current, but the 2022 Pride of Kent fiasco is still very relevant. The lack of visible crew on board is startling. There IS a 'Relax' lounge option on DFDS Dunkerque which I did not review as there is no equivalent elsewhere, and you might find this more suitable to you - do check it out. Happy Travels!

[@Margi183]

That's quite important for people to know-that it exists tho. Right?

[@Margi183]

Happy to find your Channel!

[@kjh789az]

Thank you for this informed comparison. Predictably, P&O' s cheap skate, callous attitude to their staff also finds an echo in their customer provision. Never travel P&O on practicality and principle. Many thanks for the time you spent making this video!

[@jackultramotiveyt]

This vid cool I’m gonna watch it forever

[@teethtrainsandcameras2668]

We used the Dunkirk route last summer and found it more relaxing as you didn't have to rush to get your meal. Going out, they searched every vehicle, our MH twice, a bit of a hassle have a guy in heavy boots tramping around the MH. There was also a 2.5m gap to fit our 2.35 vehicle through at customs.

[@clanger_6870]

Just booked Dover-Calais-Dover on DFDS after watching your review. Thanks!

[@andrewjditton]

Bon voyage!

[@happysporran]

Thank you Andrew, the p&o slide seems to have continued.

[@andrewseamaster]

Very good! Makes me want to take a trip.

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Andrew! The £39 DFDS daytrip is a great way to spend a day, and we saved way more than that on the Duty-Free ;)

[@RushfanUK]

I do the Irish Sea crossing quite a lot and really like the Stena ships on the Belfast route, their premium fare isn't cheap but not only do you get a really good lounge you also get priority boarding and disembarkation.

[@perbilse573]

Many thanks for a very well made and informative video. I drive to Norway once or twice per year to visit relatives, and used to use the Dunkirk route (since it's a bit further in the right direction), but recently I have grown to like Stena Line from Harwich to Rotterdam. It's kind of awkward -- too long for a day sailing, too short for a night sailing -- but it does get you a fair bit further north, and it tends to be surprisingly reasonably priced considering the distance.

[@andrewjditton]

I agree! I took that route in August 2022 with the caravan and it was half the price of Dover-Calais (day crossing).

[@ashkanyavari]

Andrew thanks for this

[@andrewjditton]

You're welcome, thanks for watching.

[@Rammstein56]

Very proud that the Isle of Innishmore is still going strong, was one of the people who worked for the yard as a sub contractor. In 97 she was state of the art

[@rikban872]

I regularly travel to our office in Hamburg, before the pandemic used P&O ferries. Because of the website difficulties with P&O found DFDS website for booking much more user friendly, always use DFDS and their business lounge now.

[@yaminthegrey]

Hari OM Excellent work, Andrew! I had wondered how ferries compared with the tunnel -although I am nowhere near the stage of travelling even across the Clyde, it's academic interest only - but I do have a strong hobby interest in commercial shipping. I love spotting all those that traverse this busy firth. Ear chucks to Dougal and Ted. YAM xx

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Yam! Yes, it was hard work but fun. No surprise to see you're a shipping enthusiast too :) xx

[@Richiehawk]

Hmmmm! You're amazing and that's so nice of you literally i must say you Rock sweetie 😁🙃😊.. So stay happy healthy and safe beautiful friend 🤗

[@prou5]

Thank you for this excellent review of the Channel ferry crossings, I with my friends up until Covid used to be very regular users of P&O, could never fault them. When they sacked all their English staff I said I would never use them again, your video has now made my mind up for definite & I can not understand why anybody still uses them. Want to go to France in the Spring & Eurotunnel is £31 dearer than DFDS, so for the convenience it looks like it will be the train.

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Pete. Yes, you can't argue with the convenience of Eurotunnel. However, to go with DFDS does add a 'break' element to the journey, although this is less of an issue if you can enjoy the comforts of your OWN Club Class Lounge (i.e. the motorhome) when on the train! Happy Travels.

[@dfbiker]

Superb video. I’ve been on both DFDS AND PO PO used to be amazing, great staff and decent food. I can’t believe what they have done to the same vessel I was on just on 4 years ago in 2019. DFDS was great when we went to Dunkirk, but you must have got the same shop staff as me as we had similar issues in buying something and it turned into a bit of a nightmare which was a shame. . But thanks for the video and also great to see one on Irish ferries to which I’ve not been on yet.

[@andrewjditton]

No bother, thanks for watching!

[@vasilicastoica4802]

Am fost și eu aici acum șase ani!!!!😀🛳🇬🇧,când m-am deplasat pe feribot către Franța!!!!😀,FELICITĂRI pentru videoclipul tău Prietene 👏👏📽

[@ARFilms2]

I think Doogal, and yourself, did a great job, a complex undertaking, delivered brilliantly

[@andrewjditton]

Many thanks!

[@cathyarcher724]

What an interesting comparison. I have to say I agree with you on The Botanist gin.... my favourite!!

[@andrewjditton]

Great choice Cathy! Although of course, living in Uist I have to say I prefer Downpour ;)

[@jamesdoyle8442]

Love your video 👍👍❤️

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks James!

[@petrocellihouse]

What an informative video. A thousand thanks from me, especially as I'm trying out various options to travel to and from France this year. I was astonished to see how P&O are now operating. Even last summer it wasn't this bad on their 2 big ships. My next trip is via Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth, returning on DFDS from Dieppe. I wonder if you could try these routes out? Thanks again for the unbiased reviews and keep up the good work 🥳

[@andrewjditton]

Hi Richard, I would LOVE to try these routes out. We'll have to see how this video goes... which sadly has got off to a bumpy start. But P&O has already invited me back to travel on its new ferries later this year (they apologised about my experience and took it on the chin) so maybe (hopefully) I'll get the chance to go Brittany too.

[@nickycranston]

Great video, two observations from me and my recent trip to France from the U.K. 1) I found the same experience as you coming back through Calais on 3/7/23 - It took us over a hour to clear both French and British passport control, out of the two whilst both were lengthy, U.K. passport control took the longest (and we are all British nationals). When I asked why it was taking so long we were told a lot of Germans were going through however it still seemed to take a long time to process us at the checkpoint ourselves. 2) unpopular view I am sure for understandable reasons - whilst it is pricey at £24pp in the P&O Club Lounge, crossing with two children who wanted to eat, have snacks and drinks I actually felt it was value for money vs. Eating in the standard self service restaurant. Our hot food choices were far better and we had a full three course and good tasting dinner on our way out on the Spirit of France and return on the Pioneer. Whilst more than expensive that the other two operators you have also reviewed, given the full hot food options we had, I would still opt for P&O Club Lounge if intending to use the ferry as a half way rest and refill point of the journey.

[@andrewjditton]

Hi Nicky, when I travelled on a Press Trip on the Pioneer in May, I was told that this video was the catalyst to improve the food offering in Club! Glad your experience backs that up, thanks for sharing.

[@wendysuperfan1014]

thanks for video.

[@sarahbertram2219]

Well done Andrew (and mum)- that took some stamina! DFDS it is then. P&O were shocking.

[@paulclarkson5494]

Well done something extremely informative and factual. I found exactly the same as you last year. I won't use P&O as i have serious safety concerns regarding their crews. I found Irish ferrys dirty. But DFDS appears properly crewed and clean with great food and service at a good price. I will use European flagged ships if possible. This was a pleasure to watch. Well done

[@andrewjditton]

Glad you found it useful, many thanks Paul.

[@jeanjacques9980]

I can not comment on the Dover service (tunnel user) but I found Irish Ferry services to Ireland cleaner than Stena? Ship on Dover route is geriatric and definitely not a premium service, not super cheap either reflecting the poor service, I believe the crew live on-board. Services to Dieppe and Brittany Ferries (BF expensive, get what you pay for) are very good.

[@garryclayton2001]

Great review Andrew. This has definitely steered me towards dfds and confirmed P&0 are the pits. A coffee is yours.

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Garry!

[@Happyinmyautotrail]

Hi I am not massively interested in ferries (we have a dog so the tunnel is best) but read your comment about KZbin so wanted to support you as your videos are always super helpful. You are right we need more informative vlogs rather than sensationalism. Good luck I hope everyone likes and comments

[@andrewjditton]

Many thanks!

[@lindakirk698]

Thanks. That was a mission & a half! A good comparison for travellers to/ from the Continent. On the past we mostly used P&O but wondered what would happen after all of the altercation they had. Well now we know. Will have to check out the online offers of all carriers. But at least we now know what we are getting. Safe journey back home. You can always call on me to help out & accompany you if you do another. X

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Linda! You'll look way more glamorous than me in front of the camera so that's a deal! ;)

[@Richiehawk]

Hmmmm! You're amazing and that's so nice of you literally i must say you Rock sweetie 😁🙃😊.. So stay happy healthy and safe beautiful friend 🤗

[@pauljohnson2430]

Excellent report as usual, will never travel P&O after sackings but was looking at Irish Ferries as slightly cheaper on C&MH club site, however after your report think I will stick with DFDS always been a good overall standard.

[@andywass3196]

Brilliant consumer focussed video Andrew, thanks very much, very illuminating also....... Living in Brighton my preferred route is Newhaven to Dieppe, close, functional and cheap (now I've. topped 60) However my partner has a morbid dread of sailing so we have to trail across to Folkestone and the tunnel. Smooth, efficient (usually) but always expensive! I miss the high sea's, the sense of 'journey' and the lower costs..... ah well!

[@andrewjditton]

That's a shame Andy. DFDS has since been in touch and invited me to try the Dieppe sailing, so hopefully I will be able to take you vicariously!

[@AUTOBAHNSTORMER1]

That was very interesting and an objective comparison. I normally travel with DFDS, but earlier this year went with Irish Ferries. I will not travel on P&O on principle. Thanks for the video, it was very informative.

[@Peugeot5008.]

As a regular traveler to the UK, I use DFDS most of the time. p&o after their sacking spree, never again, only out of principal. Next time I will give Irish ferries a go. Good info film. Top.

[@alanchilestone]

Great, informative video, we travelled with P&O (reluctantly as we were already booked when the wotsit hit the fan) and it looks to have gone downhill since then! We were on one of the Kent class and I believe the restaurant was still operating, but Spirit of France was in refit I believe, so I guess they will all go this way. It is only very recently the The Caravan & Camping Club have started taking ferry bookings again after COVID, so that might have been part of the problem there. We are on Brittany Ferries this summer, but I this has confirmed my leanings towards DFDS for Dov-Cal next year.

[@chrisbray9799]

What a great video. A most useful independent appreciation of the pros and cons of each company. Hopefully they will use it to up their standards. Keep it up Andrew. Maybe start a simililar vlog on campsites. Caravan Club and caravan and camping club provide the same standard year after year without moving on and up. Once I work out how to a coffee en roure to you.

[@andrewjditton]

Many thanks Chris. Both P&O and DFDS have since been in touch to discuss improvements so they ARE taking notice. Thanks for watching.

[@Deepthought-42]

As a regular traveller on the Dover- Calais crossing I was a regular traveller with P&O ferries. I used to buy block bookings (6crossings) with P&O which were very good value and enabled the flexibility of changing a booking or catching an earlier ferry with the frequent sailings. This is very useful if you have a very long drive to the terminal and your arrival is unpredictable. I used the club lounge facility to avoid the crowds during covid and it was extremely good value with polite and attentive staff. However all that changed with the mass sackings an changes of staff. I used up my remaining two crossings and found the food on in the club lounge a shadow of its former self. When I asked for a bacon sandwich the staff member didn’t know what it was ! Your experience in the remainder of the ship explains why. Any announcements that weren’t pre recorded were difficult to understand and would not inspire confidence in an emergency. I was bumped onto a DFDS crossing at the time P&O ships not sailing which used up one of my tickets. Since then its been DFDS or Irish depending on time. P&0 are blacklisted from my perspective regardless of ticket price.

[@briandizz9728]

I also buy block bookings. DFDS offer an identical deal to P&O with 6 or more crossings. You have to hunt through the website for it and can only book by telephone! Since the staff fiasco, I won't use P&O any more. The only advantage previously was that they had more frequent sailings, so if we missed the booked sailing, we didn't have to wait so long for the next one. The P&O service standard has plummeted since Covid. We've had long queues so many times at Calais, we prefer to depart from Dunkirk where we've not had problems (so far). With respect to duty-free, I've found little to choose between them. It all depends which ship you are on and what offers they have in that week.

[@Deepthought-42]

@@briandizz9728 Thanks, I’ll look into block bookings to Dunkirk with DFDS. It’s ironic that since Brexit Calais (unlike Dover) massively increased the area and potential capacity of the port of its port yet throughput has been limited by the numbers of booths open and speed of processing. Ferry duty free is not an issue for us since we buy wines locally although the massive selection at the Calais DFDS duty free seems to be anticipating a return to the old “booze cruise” days of hopping across the Channel to get “supplies”.

[@Clivestravelandtrains]

I'm a regular ferry-user and my favourite companies are DFDS and Brittany Ferries for travel to Europe, and Stena for going to Ireland. I should say that as I live in Scotland I tend to use the longer overnight crossings to Europe where possible, with a cabin. That way you get a good break from driving, and it reduces the overall miles driven. The food on Brittany Ferries is excellent.

[@andrewjditton]

Nice one Clive. I too live up North but as my Mum is in Dover I normally integrate a family visit into trips away. Thanks for watching, Andrew.

[@twerki78]

Thanks Andrew. Very well put together video. Personally I would always avoid P&O just because of their mass sacking, but seeing your experience this would be another reason why I would avoid booking with them.

[@Mango62uk]

Excellent video and a timely reminder by lots of commenters to NEVER EVER use P&O Ferries to show your disgust at the way they sacked their UK workers and replaced them with cheaper foreign workers.

[@richardcope3850]

Excellent review Andrew. We used the ferries regularly before Eurotunnel and that is now our preferred option, we cross regular, about once a month. We recently used P&O once - never again! Curious about Irish ferries but having used DFDS a few times now I’ve found them to be pretty good. Substantially cheaper when towing at times, a compromise with the time saved by using the tunnel!

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Richard. There USED TO be great deals to Dunkerque like Free Caravans through the Clubs, but these seem to have disappeared now. Happy travels.

[@thomasfenton2279]

Great video! It was very informative. I live in Poole so I’m loyal Brittany ferry customer, however I do an annual trip to Belgium, I always find it hard to decide who to book with whilst going from Dover to Calais. This has made my mind up to travel with Irish Ferries . It’s the club lounge that’s sold it for me . Many thanks

[@andrewjditton]

Bon voyage!

[@pierre5637]

Last summer, we have tried the ferry line from Poole to come back France, we arrived with our small motorhome very early during the night, we were parked in front check in of Brittany Ferries before it opens ; the small bar(on the right of the lines) asked us to pay a tax for parking , because check in was not open !!!! We won't coming back through Poole ....Brittany Ferries team was also disappointed by that, public toilets are also open only one hour before check in open, with the same person of the bar.

[@thomasfenton2279]

@@pierre5637 it’s a shame that the port of Poole feel the need to charge you for staying over night, the place is deserted most of the time . That crossing needs more passengers.

[@ardongrainford8004]

Great video - agree with the comments especially with regard to P and O….

[@andrewjditton]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davidlockwood9192]

As a former seafarer and now Harbourmaster/Pilot, it’s good to see that the UK flagged vessels came out tops!

[@marca.w.7237]

Whatever the owners of P&O ferries are doing: Killing a formerly succesful business is almost finished. I remember countless sailings using the Club Lounge, always with great people working there, friendly and attentive, good food and coffee. From DFDS I'm remembering the most expensive spaghetti Bolognaise (and the worst), a crowded lounge and bad planning towing a 9,60m caravan 2.52m wide... they needed half an hour extra to send us with the lorries ;) If I got the time, I'm going Harwich-Hoek of Holland. Longer trip, more expensive: but another level of quality. Excellent video, first one I've seen from you, one subscriber more! :)

[@andrewjditton]

Welcome aboard Marc! Glad you enjoyed the video. I see you've kindly commented on my Scotland-Germany video, so you can see I went Harwich-Hook. Through the Caravan and Motorhome Club it was half the price of Dover-Calais, even with the day cabin. Cheers for now, Andrew

[@BornToBeFast]

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. Did someone tested the new P&O PIONEER?

[@treaclelester7285]

Really interesting

[@abgmac67]

This video came just at the right time for me and many others no doubt. After watching the video I went straight to the various providers and input my details and various dates for potential crossings. So the video created a lot of traffic to the various companies . I see from your comment in the community section that it is not eligible for ad revenue - this is crazy given the amount of advertising traffic it must have created from all the views!! I think KZbin is run by bots!!

[@andrewjditton]

Many thanks. Yes, it's the Bots who run KZbin, but I have put in a request for a manual appraisal - goodness knows how long that will take!

[@karstentopp]

I know the Isle of Inismore from a lot of crossings of the Irish Sea on the Rosslare/Pembroke Dock route. The Club Class is worth every penny. Yes, she's an old girl, but she is comfy and always was good to me regardless of the weather. Pub facilities are oversized and I've never seen the aft pub(s) open - ever.

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

As a Dane (The Home of the DFDS shipowners), and a shareholder, I appreciate your use my ships and the fine verdict! I won't try to translate the meaning of the original letters, as it is an old Danish Name (United Steamship Companies) for an old Company. But they also sails from Copenhagen to Oslo (Norway), which I may recommend, if coming round😄!

[@andrewjditton]

Many thanks! Yes, I didn't attempt to pronounce the Danish name in full! I'd love to sail Copenhagen to Oslo one day. Thanks for watching.

[@jeanettenorman7052]

Thanks for this video. Must say you amaze me, as all l care about on any ferry is - did the ferry me and my car actually disembark at the other end without drowing. Toilet facilities vital all else is tosh Mate.

[@KevinBaughen]

Thanks very much, this is really useful :-) Can I ask if you have any tips for sea-sickness as we hate the tunnel but get poorly even on a Dover Calais ferry during the winter :-(

[@MistahDave92]

Always used to use Sea France. My Ferry link were awesome the short time they were around, then used P&O while telling myself "next time i'll use DFDS." When P&O did what they did to their staff I have been using DFDS since and honestly cant' fault it. Fast loading and unloading, great food, clean ships. I've never tried Irish ferries, I typically use Stena Line back and for Ireland and they're alright too.

[@Chris_Carini]

Great job. It'll be tunnel or western crossing on Brittany for me.

[@andrewjditton]

Glad you enjoyed it. I'd love to try the Brittany crossings some day.

[@Chris_Carini]

@@andrewjditton I think you'd enjoy Britanny Ferries. In my experience, they have always provided good service and the fleet is under the French flag. Your experience of the crossing to Spain would be very interesting as I have just used the crossings to France.

[@AlexJacksonSmith]

The "Gin Grin" at 9mins was cool.

[@martins9266]

Great video, please consider doing a Brittany Ferries Portsmouth to Caen and a Newhaven crossing to France and compare the lot. It will be very interesting.

[@andrewjditton]

I'd love to! Cheers Martin.

[@user-bb4on2sm3m]

Great insight to these ferry companies but fast forward to September 2022. My experience with P&O Ferries and the club lounge experience is fantastic as I travelled early doors 6 am, a wonderful cooked breakfast served by a great host. They have certainly turned the corner and can honestly say their service is better than last year. Their new ship the Pioneer is well worth travelling on as well.

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks. Indeed, I re-visited the P&O club lounge in a recent video and concur.

[@mdfage]

I agree entirely with your findings. DFDS Dover Dunkirk with motorhome I have found to be the best overall.

[@marktaylor2533]

Normally use the last Irish ferry from Dover on a Friday night and it's great, always quiet, cheap and fast so no complaints for my circumstances

[@rolandsuch]

In the 30 years that I have lived in Europe, I have used the tunnel once, well you have to at least have tried it! For me, the ferry crossing is part of the adventure and travelling experience. Over the years I have also used the Hovercraft and Fast Ferry services. In the years following the ceasing of the Vlissingen - Harwich and Cuxhaven - Harwich ferry routes, I have mainly used the Dunkirk - Dover crossing. I mainly travel out of season and so the premium lounge is usually large enough, and my wife and I have a table and seating group for ourselves. I find the service offered by DFDS good value for money, the ships are refurbished at regular intervals and I prefer using Dunkirk to Calais. For me the DFDS service from Dunkirk to Dover and back is currently my preferred crossing.

[@andrewjditton]

Ahh... the hovercraft! And not forgetting the Jetfoil, where upon arrival the stewardesses would kick off their stilettos and put on gum boots, switch their white gloves for rigging gloves, then go outside and tie the vessel up! :)

[@CaymanIslandsCatWalks]

Stenna seacat or whatever it was called. In the 80s i went sally ferries from ramsgate to dunkirk. Rarely did dover. now in 38. lve been feixstowe to zebrugge a few times. And brittany ferries from newhaven to dieppe... maybe. Car tunnel once also.