This is not perhaps the most obvious route, but from the north it saves a lot of hassle getting south of Birmingham. It’s also a good option for Spa and the Nurburgring. You are not restricted in what you drive, they take trucks as well, so motorhomes, caravans, roof boxes & trailers are no problem.

• First Impressions - The on-line booking & confirmation is as efficient as you would expect. There are no tickets as such, just quote the Reference Number on arrival at the port and you’re in business. Because there is only one sailing a day, the timeframe you have for check-in is massive. On the downside for this reason, if you’re late you’re completely knackered.

• The Port - P&O have their own berths at the docks, one in the river for the Rotterdam service, and behind a sea-lock for the Zeebrugge service. They have a waiting area if you don’t want to stay in your car, but there’s not much there, just toilets, seating and some vending machines, this is really aimed at the coach parties who have to embark on foot. The traffic getting there isn’t bad and it’s very easy to find.

• Embarkation - Quick & efficient, because it’s a massive ship they don’t have to cram you in like sardines. The trucks (and truckers) are kept separate from the ‘tourists’.

• Comfort - It’s a great service on a pair of new ships. There is everything you would expect plus a lot more, it’s more like a hotel than a ship. It’s an overnight sailing and you have to have a cabin, even the basic cabins are ok. A small premium gets a sea-view cabin and TV, mini-bar etc.

• Facilities - There are restaurants, bars, cabaret, shopping, cinemas, tax-free, bureau de change, kids area and sun-deck (of questionable value for a service which doesn’t sail until 9pm). The cabins are good, with en suite facilities. It is worth paying the extra for the evening meal and breakfast, these are in a buffet arrangement so, if you’re like me and like food, you can definitely do some serious damage to the food. There are not enough spaces for everyone to dine together, so if you don’t want to queue or don’t want to be rushed prior to disembarkation, get there early.

• The Journey - An overnight crossing so no rush, just relax and arrive refreshed. A really enjoyable way to go.

• Disembarkation - Slick, provided your car isn’t blocked in by some salad-dodger who is still tucking into the sausages.

• Value - It’s not cheap but depends on timing. Weekend sailings are more popular as mini-cruises so for Le Mans you could get better value by sailing midweek. But it’s not overpriced for what you get.

• Overall - It’s a relaxed way to go, on a huge cruise-ferry (the biggest in the world, as it happens). There are cheaper ways to get there but you won’t be as refreshed as going on this route.

If you have any questions on getting the right route, please visit our forum where you can learn more about how many of our members get across the wet bit on their way to Sarthe!