Plain sailing

William Gibbons at the Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) says: “Our members provide an extensive network of nearly 50 routes and many will provide a reliable and hassle-free way to escape the Olympic crowds.”

In the summer holidays, too, ferries outside peak travelling times can offer some great deals particularly when they link with operators in camping and mobile homes sectors, for instance.

Bob Atkinson at Travelsupermarket.com says: “With the pound very strong against the euro, this is a good summer to put together cheap ferry crossings and low-cost accommodation abroad. But travellers need to factor rising fuel costs into their plans.

“Ferry fares move directly in response to demand levels, like budget airlines, so it is important to travel midweek and on evening sailings.

“There are good deals available for foot passengers, under £20 for single crossings, with plenty of car returns in the £60-80 bracket. These sort of fares would have been unthinkable a decade ago.”

Price wars among ferry operators are also helping travellers; for instance DFDS Seaways, a newcomer on the Dover-Calais and Dunkerque run, has returns for under two weeks from £60, while P&O starts at £70 return for longer stay bookings for those who get in early enough and can travel late at night or early morning.

“Best buy” fares listed on travelsupermarket.com currently include Norfolkline day returns on Dover-Dunkerque or Calais for car and nine people for £19; P&O returns on Dover-Calais for under five days for car and four passengers for £49, and Irish Ferries one way for car and four passengers on Holyhead-Dublin for £79.

Across the North Sea, P&O Ferries fares for car and two passengers on either Hull-Rotterdam or Hull-Zeebrugge start at £119 each way, including overnight cabin. Stena Line’s North Sea crossing, between Harwich and Hook of Holland, starts at £59 one way, for an adult and car.

Brittany Ferries spokesman Chris Jones says: “Our French and Spanish self-drive holidays are showing a rise of three per cent during the summer period of June-September compared to last year. And during the three Olympic weeks alone, bookings are up 12 per cent as Londoners look to escape the mayhem.”