Brittany Ferries Portsmouth to Santander 1st Feb

[Stewart J]

A heads up for those booked on this crossing looks like knock on delays possible, the following posted in last 30 minutes from Brit Ferries website:-

Portsmouth to Santander / Santander to Portsmouth
Thursday 29/01 Santander to Portsmouth 17:30hrs (PONT AVEN) - Poor weather and heavy seas are preventing the ship from leaving Santander today. We will not be able to set sail until 18:00hrs on Friday at the earliest and there is a chance it will take 36 hours to get to Portsmouth. The ship is available for use as a "floating hotel" . Please call us on 0044 1752 648637 for advice and assistance. If you wish to stay onboard tonight (Thursday), you will be able to board as a foot passenger between 16:30hrs and 21:00hrs. The doors will not open again until 09:00hrs tomorrow morning. Loading of vehicles will begin at 14:00hrs.

Have just spoken to their helpline on the number in above, they expect sailing to Santander to take place but delays possible and all passengers will be updated by text.

And joy of joys this from the shipping forecast:-

Biscay
Gale warnings - Issued: 0346 UTC Thu 29 Jan
Gale force 8 increasing severe gale force 9 soon, then veering northwesterly later

Shipping Forecast - Issued: 0405 UTC Thu 29 Jan
Wind
West or northwest 6 to gale 8, occasionally severe gale 9.
Sea state
Very rough or high.
Weather
Rain or wintry showers.
Visibility
Good, occasionally poor.
(http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/marine-shipping-forecast/#?tab=map)

 

[elamessa]

Sounds like a good time to use 'Le shuttle' or Dover - Calais

 

[Stewart J]

It's certainly an eventful start to our first European jaunt, not forget this weeks set backs in a hurry.

 

[Madwife]

Was looking at their site today for prices Santander to Portsmouth at end of March but think we will drive through France now as better option.

Kath

 

[Welsh girl]

We're already booked on it end of march. Should have calmed down by then. If not. Where's the sick bags although we don't mind rough seas makes it more fun unless we capsize of course.

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[MitchandJenny]

Not for us ta.! Sooner do the drive..

 

[Neil S]

We were due to sail on the economie service from Portsmouth to Bilbao on tuesday 27th and had our crossing cancelled on monday morning via a text from Brittany Ferries .
We have just arrived in Oliva after a long wet miserable drive down through France but at least its warm if a bit windy

 

[carolyn]

Friends came back on the Etretat 2 weeks ago, delayed twice, horrendous crossing , put off for life. Might be a bit better on the Pont Aven but I think we will drive if we go in winter. I know there might be snow but main roads should be ok from reading funsters reports.

 

[scousebird]

My in-laws wintered in Spain for years, they used the Santander crossing once. Terrible crossing going out, spent the whole trip being ill in their cabin and on the return trip which was better they couldn't believe the prices on board. They used Dover and drove down after that, for many years.

 

[makems]

Used the ferry to Bilbao and SANTANDER in winter many times. Only had one really bad crossing but provided you have taken your Qwells you should be OK.

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[busby]

Friends came back on the Etretat 2 weeks ago, delayed twice, horrendous crossing , put off for life. Might be a bit better on the Pont Aven but I think we will drive if we go in winter. I know there might be snow but main roads should be ok from reading funsters reports.

I have done this route eleven times now,,all in the winter. Have never had it rough. BUSBY.

 

[gus-lopez]

I have done this route eleven times now,,all in the winter. Have never had it rough. BUSBY.

If you have a rough one it is similar to being on the Russian convoys without having to hack the ice off.