Hey all, On December 22nd Im travelling from Dublin to London using Sail Rail but I’ve always wondered how the conditions on the Irish sea are during the month of December so if anyone with experience with ferries in December on the Irish sea could tell me about it that would be great
(These photos aren’t the same trip I’m talking about btw but a different, I just didn’t want the post to seem kinda empty without photos)
Thanks
https://www.reddit.com/gallery/1pplyjc
Posted by GP728
11 Comments
We do this the other direction every year, it’s usually fine. Bring your own food though, the Irish Ferries food is crap and outrageously overpriced.
Done it a few times, different each time. Few times it was a bit rough but fine, just a few pints and chatted shite.
One half the boat was getting sick including myself, get a seat where you can see outside, there’s a some at the back, helps with the sea sickness.
Did it a few years ago to pick up car parts from the uk to avoid import taxes, it wasn’t too bad, but once when in a storm in March and that was painful, you couldn’t really walk around or go up to get fresh air. If you’re not used to ferries it takes awhile for your brain even when on dry land. But the ferry is pretty short so isn’t too bad.
If Feeling sick, I’ll try get fresh air.
I take the ferry every month or so.
Bring your own food and beer – food is crazy price.
Pre-download your movies, audiobooks and articles – no need to pay for internet.
When you begin to get seasick, look out the window, at the horizon to allow your brain to sync the feelings of turbulence with an actual event. Also, try laying down flat on your back and closing your eyes.
Boredom is the real enemy. Beer helps!
I do it nearly every year for the last decade. Weather can vary so it can go from mildly shaky to thrown half a foot off the chair and next crossing is cancelled.
I recommend taking sea sickness tablets, booking a cabin to sleep through the four hours, regardless of day or night crossing. Make sure you’ve predownloaded anything you want to watch as the WiFi, if it exists (depends on the boat) is absolutely dire.
While that all sounds quite negative, it’s enjoyable enough and comfortable, just a bit boring. It is nice to walk outside on the decks too break up the time, but make sure you’re wrapped up, the sea spray is cold, even if the weather isn’t.
Took it last year for Christmas and the storms made an 18h journey into a 38h one, ended up spending New Years eve on the thing, it was pretty brutal. At least we brought enough food and beer with us
done it in december a few times, the stabilization on the boats is does a pretty decent job even in 7 or 8 m swells now of theres a storm and the ferry runs different matter but those modern boats are great.
was on the normandy coming back from france in a force 10 gale and you couldnt stand up on it
Literally done that leg of the journey yesterday. It was mostly grand some rocking back and forth but nothing too hectic. Own food and water is smart.
Unfortunately, our trip originally was Dublin to Cherbourg which was cancelled due to rough waters. Instead we sailed Dublin to Holyhead, and drove all the way to Dover to sail to Calais instead 😑
I’ve done it loads of times, all times of year. The weather can go sideways in any given month. I can’t recall ever having a bad December trip. The worst one was a May if I recall correctly, it was the day that late Aguero goal won the league for Man City which I missed at the time hence I remember the sailing – that was rocky as fcuk!
Before you travel just say a prayer to Saint Francis of a Sea Sea
Weather forecast is for cold,dry calm weather.
Perfect for ferry crossing.