There are several ways to travel from England to Belgium, such as flying or driving through France. Another option however is to use the ferry services which will take you directly from the port of Dover to Oostende in Belgium.
Hoverspeed, a transport company based in England, serves this route with two high-speed catamarans. They will get you from Dover to Oostende in just two hours. The two vessels are named Rapide and Diamant.
The catamarans have light refreshment available on board, but passengers will have to pay for these. Choice is limited but the prices are not unreasonable. it’s a journey that takes two hours, but the time should pass quickly if you can get something to read.
There is not too much opportunity to get up and walk around in catamarans, although they are much quicker than larger ferries. It’s good to get a seat by the window if you’re prone to sea sickness, although the catamarans are usually quite stable. Unfortunately for smokers, smoking is not permitted whilst on board the catamarans.
When you arrive at Dover, you will find both short and long stay parking available right on the docks. There is more than one terminal building at these docks; the one you need for the Oostende crossing is the Hoverport terminal. There are various facilities available at this terminal including telephones, cash points and a bureau de change. There is a large booking office on site so you don’t need to book in advance although this is probably a good idea, in the interests of securing a seat. Plenty of food is available in the terminal building so there is no need to go hungry.
The ferry port city of Oostende serves as a gateway to the whole of Belgium, but has plenty to offer in its own right. There are beaches to be enjoyed here, plus a night life which you would expect of a sea side resort, including bars, restaurants and a large casino. The area offers much more besides this and details may be found at the tourist information office, located near the city’s main railway station.
