Checking in for the return journey to the UK was easy, with my basic knowledge of French not even needed as the nice lady on at the P&O departures window spoke English. Equally easy was the passport control, where the man actually was English. I then went through to the departure lounge where other on-foot passengers were waiting and we waited to board the ferry.

The shuttle bus across the large port was quick and painless, and then I saw the vessel I will be returning to Dover in, the Pride of Calais. I was under the impression that all P&O ferries that make the Dover-to-Calais crossings were exactly the same, and I seemed to be correct as I did not notice many differences from the outside of the ship. I boarded the ferry and it was when I got inside that I noticed how varied the fleet is.