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How do you define “High vehicles”
Any vehicle over 1.85m high at any point (including roof-racks) is classified as “high”. Although Transeuropa do not charge extra for such vehicles, we cannot guarantee booked space will be available if we have not been advised at the time of booking (in such cases the booking confirmation will state “High Vehicle”). This is because most ships have two types of deck areas, “high” (in which primarily freight traffic is parked), and “low” which is allocated to passenger traffic. By default, all passenger bookings are allocated to the latter space unless “high” space has been requested & confirmed.
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How long is the crossing?
The crossing takes approximately 4 hours. However, please bear in mind that different ships (not just ours) have different speeds, and that both tides and channel traffic can affect the crossing time. In general, the Larkspur is the slowest of our ships and may take up to 5 hours.
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Does Transeuropa plan to carry foot passengers or coaches in the future?
Not at present.
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Why don’t Transeuropa carry bicycles?
We do not currently have the infrastructure in either port to handle bicycles in a safe and financially viable manner. However, we are constantly reviewing our position with regard to this type of traffic. If you would be interested in travelling by bicycle, please send an email to the Ramsgate office and we will advise you if our policy changes.
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Do you carry pets?
Transeuropa are NOT licensed to carry pets, whether such pets have “Pet Passports” or not. The Port of Ramsgate also has a local bye-law which prevents the presence of animals within the port confines. Any vehicle found to be carrying animals will be refused shipment and directed to leave the port.
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What security checks are carried out on your route
All ports, worldwide, are now subject to security checks of vehicles and passengers under the International Maritime Organisation’s ISPS code. In Ramsgate such checks are carried out by uniformed staff employed by the port and are not within the control of Transeuropa. Passengers should be aware that allowing time for the searching of vehicles is one of the reasons they are requested to check-in at least 45 minutes prior to departure
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How do you define “vehicles designed for, or being used for, commercial purposes”?
Any vehicle which is designed primarily for the carriage of goods (including transit vans) cannot travel on passenger tariffs, and must pay commercial freight rates. Transeuropa have a special “small van” rate which may be used by such vehicles. Additionally, any vehicle which is found to be carrying goods for commercial purposes, or in Transeuropa’s opinion could reasonably be considered to be doing so, becomes liable for freight rates and will be charged the difference between what has already been paid and the full freight rate. Freight rates are subject to VAT. Click HERE for examples of how Transeuropa define “commercial use”
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Which ship will I be travelling on?
We rotate ships around the schedule, so can never guarantee which ship will carry out a particular sailing. However, the last passenger sailings each day are usually the Oleander, and the others either the Larkspur or Eurovoyager. Occasionally we may use one of the freight vessels as a temporary stand-in. In such cases passengers will always be advised (before boarding) that there will be reduced facilities. Please note that we cannot load passengers with walking difficulties on these ships (see below). One of these ships (Gardenia) has a single large room used as a restaurant, bar and lounge. Passengers are advised that smoking is permitted throughout this area. The Primrose, although normally used as a freight vessel is actually a sister ship to the Eurovoyager and has similar accommodation.
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Which of your ships are suitable for passengers with walking difficulties?
Passengers must advise Transeuropa staff, at the time of booking, and again at check-in, if anyone in the party may have difficulties walking up stairs. This enables us to load the vehicle as close as possible to a lift on board the ship. Whilst all our passenger ships have lifts, those in the Eurovoyager and Primrose are small, and are raised slightly above the deck level (i.e. there is a step to negotiate) and are not practical for wheelchairs. Neither of the freighter (Gardenia) have lifts, and the passenger access on both is via steep internal or external stairs. As a result, we do not permit any passenger who has declared a walking difficulty, to travel on these vessels.
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Do you have currency exchange facilities on-board?
At present the only currency change facility is in the Ramsgate terminal (limit 100 euros). See below for opening hours.
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I have a very low caravan. What is the minimum ground clearance on your ships?
It is very unlikely you will experience a problem but as with all ships, the ground clearance is mostly determined by the state of the tide and the spacing between vehicle and trailer axles. If you are concerned about your vehicle on a particular sailing, please ask us to check the tide predictions and advise you if we forsee any problems (you will need to know the ground clearance of your vehicle)
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What travel documents (passports or visas) do I need?
Whilst it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation, we will help wherever we can. If in doubt, please contact the port reception staff.
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How far are your terminals from the towns?
Ramsgate is about 500m outside the town centre (10 minute walk, or 2 minute drive). The entrance/exit for our Ostend terminal is about 2000m outside the town centre
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What are your opening hours?
Both ports are open 24 hours per day. The passenger reception desks are manned from 06:00 to 18:45 during winter and from 06:00 until the last passenger sailing during Spring, Summer and Autumn
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