Caen Express Cancelled

[Andy]

Its been only just 2 weeks and the Caen Express has had its first sailing cancelled as has the Cherbourg Express. Yes it is due to adverse weather conditions, but as today is the last day of the easter break before the schools go back there are going to be allot of unhappy people... especially when they have to drive/be bussed to Le Havre when BF are so close.

"The 0645 Caen Express fastcraft from Portsmouth to Caen and the 1200 Caen to Portsmouth have been cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.

The 0745 Cherbourg Express fastcraft from Portsmouth to Cherbourg has also been cancelled due to adverse weather."

[John]

What a shame, bet they're absolutely gutted! Always hate travelling on the fast craft! Nice bus trip to Le Havre or Cherbourg waving goodbye to the Normandie as she slips ropes at Ouistreham....

[Unregistered User]

We're sorry, but unfortunately we have no sympathy for P&O.

We have never been lovers of fast craft, even for social visits to France. We used the "Cherbourg Express" on one occasion, just out of interest and so that we had first hand knowledge of the capabilities, Both Jacqui, my partner and myself were of the opinion that it was uncomfortable, claustrophobic and generally unpleasant, and we are seasoned travellers. We can only liken the experience to being tossed around in a bucket whilst being propelled forward at great speed. We arrived in Cherbourg feeling absolutely nauseous, that took a couple of hours to overcome, the feeling was so bad that we felt that we could not return on the same craft. So we decided to throw away the return ticket and rebook on the "Barfleur" for the return journey. We promised each other that we would never travel on a fast craft for a journey longer than 1 hour ever again.

Since our experience we have said many times, to many of our friends that these craft are not really suitable for the Western Channel, but ideal for a short journey such as Dover - Calais.

We are of the opinion that there are "horses for courses" and these "horses are on the wrong course".

We are still of the belief that the "Caen Express" is just a spoiling operation and that this year was chosen because it is the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings or it could be that this is the last throw of the dice for P&O in Portsmouth.

[Rod]

Who do you mean by "We" ?

[Dan]

I think Micheil meant him and his partner Jacqui.

[Rod]

Oh Ok, got confused cause he isn't mentionned before mid second part of message.

[Rod]

That's also why I asked who were "We" as I'm not really agree with the message spirit.

[Unregistered User]

In reply to Rod & Richard's comments regarding the original posting, we would make the following reply.

The comments that we made were not smarmy but a carefully worded opinion as to the suitability of such craft and our considered opinion thereof. We standby our opinion that we have never liked this type of vessel, no matter who operates them!! Just like every other member we are entitled to an opinion.

We would respectfully ask that you bear in mind that we have been using ferries for business and pleasure for the past thirty years.

Should you wish to view our company website, please see Micheil's profile for details.

Reply made in Micheil's absence by Jacqui S. McLeod

[Rod]

Oh, that' wasn't about the opinion itself, as I never traveeled on a fast ship I can't say (even if the fact Im living in Calais, a town wit fast ships and that I never travelled on then could give an idea about the opinion I would have). That was just I wondered who "we" was related to and thought one second that was to the forum members. I have answer now, and totally respect your opinion.

[Unregistered User]

Rod,

Thank you for your courtesy, and compliment you on your English.

In Micheil's absence
Jacqui S.