There weren't that many footies on the outbound sailing but there were 7 coaches and quite a lot of cars and caravans. Add to that another 40 lorries and the sailing became rather crowded. The plus side of being a foot passenger is that you often board before the car/coach passengers so you can get something to eat and drink before the queues build up. There was a light northerly breeze Force 3-4 with a slight sea and swell. We left on time and after an uneventful crossing we arrived in Dover on time.
We then went to Canterbury by bus because there were no trains going to Canterbury that weekend due to engineering works on the line. We had lunch at le Marquesa (or something like that), a very nice Spanish restaurant that serves excellent food at democratic prices. I would really recommend going there and trying it for yourself.
We then returned to Dover by bus where my friend went to KFC cause he had never eaten anything from KFC.
Afterwards we went to the beach to enjoy the lovely weather.
But when we arrived at the terminal we were told we were too late and that we had to take the 18.40. This was strange because we arrived at the terminal more than 40 minutes in advance and normally you can arrive 30-35 minutes before departure and still catch the ferry. I think this was due to the large number of foot passengers (2 buses). The upside of the later departure was the fact that I could travel on the Pride of Calais again.
We had dinner and despite the fact that the burger my friend had was as dry as a bone and not very good, it was still an enjoyable meal. We then spent some time on the outside decks and I was able to take some pictures of the Spirit of Britain passing close to us just outside Calais.It was a very enjoyable trips despite the steep price and the very late departure.
You can find the pictures of that day below.
Greetings
Michaël
The Pride of Kent
Côte d'Opale
Both the Black Watch and the Braemar were in port that day
The Pride of Canterbury swings around inside Dover Harbour
The Pride of Calais now only has a few weeks left on the Dover Strait
. Also note the pier extension
The Seafrance Molière leaving for Calais
The Spirit of Britain berthing at ED 9
The Pride of Kent & Spirit at their berths with the White Cliffs Tour Boat in front
Fred Olsen's Black Watch leaving Dover
The Calais starting up her engines
The Eastern Arm was quite busy
Pride of Canterbury just outside Dover
Pride of Kent in the Dover Strait
Spirit of Britain passing the Pride of Calais just off Calais
Back at Calais
