Brittany Ferries wrinkles................

[Jake Royd]

Planning a crossing to Spain next year, from Portsmouth , in May.
Has to be Portsmouth to time in with other commitments.
I know the basics.
Either , economy To Bilbao or 'cruise' standard to Santander.
I know we will book a cabin on both crossings and I know the 'cruise' option is about £100 more.

Could I please ask Funsters for their observations with Brittany ferries , is it worth the extra £100 odd for the cruise option of do many of you plump for the economy crossing to Bilbao to save money etc.

I know much of this is down to personal preference but I would like a few opinions before we book up to enable us to make the best choice.

Incidentally, another Funster very kindly let me have a discount code but this did not work , I assume I entered it correctly in step 6 of the booking process, so if anybody has a code I could try I would be profoundly grateful.

Thank you...............

 

[Lyrick]

Pm sent

 

[Riverbankannie]

We went Portsmouth to Bilbao but on Cap Finistere not the economie Baie de Seine. I think it alternates between the 2 ports. Most of the vehicles including grotty builders vans were parked inside but we were unlucky to be parked on the very rear part - only about 4 or 5 vehicles - and we were absolutely covered in salt on arrival.
We got the deck hands to give us a hose down but it was a bit lacklustre and we stopped as soon as we could near a tap to chuck as many buckets of water over the van as we could. Luckily clouds opened the next day and it rained heavily all day which for once we were grateful for.
On the Pont Aven, all vehicles are inside.

There were no outside cabins left when we booked so initially had bunk beds booking but I telephone BF on the way to Portsmouth and they changed us to a twin outside for a small additional charge. I felt that this was worth it as it was nice to have the cabin window and to both be at ground level! It was next to the disabled cabin so maybe it’s held back.

I took on board a cool bag in which I put our travel kettle that we use in the van when on EHU ( plus an adapter as the sockets are continental) and a couple of mugs, small milk and tea bags and my homemade cake.

So, after viewing Portsmouth going by, we were able to settle down for a read with afternoon tea. The crossing was 12 noon to 12 noon about.

The next morning we were able too have a lazy start to the day with tea and biscuits in bed before a late breakfast in cafe and then it was almost time to disembark.

 

[Jake Royd]

Thank you for your advice.
Decided to go Portsmouth/Santander on Pont Aven , prompted by your note above, although I realise the chances are low that you would be out on deck and by the fact that my wife wanted a little more dining choices etc. than the Bilbao crossing boat provides.

You pays your money................

Thanks also to Wedgy.

 

[Portland]

We went Portsmouth to Bilbao but on Cap Finistere not the economie Baie de Seine. I think it alternates between the 2 ports. Most of the vehicles including grotty builders vans were parked inside but we were unlucky to be parked on the very rear part - only about 4 or 5 vehicles - and we were absolutely covered in salt on arrival.
We got the deck hands to give us a hose down but it was a bit lacklustre and we stopped as soon as we could near a tap to chuck as many buckets of water over the van as we could. Luckily clouds opened the next day and it rained heavily all day which for once we were grateful for.
On the Pont Aven, all vehicles are inside.

There were no outside cabins left when we booked so initially had bunk beds booking but I telephone BF on the way to Portsmouth and they changed us to a twin outside for a small additional charge. I felt that this was worth it as it was nice to have the cabin window and to both be at ground level! It was next to the disabled cabin so maybe it’s held back.

I took on board a cool bag in which I put our travel kettle that we use in the van when on EHU ( plus an adapter as the sockets are continental) and a couple of mugs, small milk and tea bags and my homemade cake.

So, after viewing Portsmouth going by, we were able to settle down for a read with afternoon tea. The crossing was 12 noon to 12 noon about.

The next morning we were able too have a lazy start to the day with tea and biscuits in bed before a late breakfast in cafe and then it was almost time to disembark.

Like you we were used as deck cargoand when I complained at the reception I was met with typical French shrug of the shoulders but after I kept at them they promised to hose the van down with clean water! We watched but nothing was done. I then sent a complaint only to receive a mail saying it was essential to load that way,I replied not accepting and would contact them on return to UK. I then phoned them and stuck it out until they gave me £50 discount for next crossing. So never use the Crap Finister

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[Riverbankannie]

Like you we were used as deck cargoand when I complained at the reception I was met with typical French shrug of the shoulders but after I kept at them they promised to hose the van down with clean water! We watched but nothing was done. I then sent a complaint only to receive a mail saying it was essential to load that way,I replied not accepting and would contact them on return to UK. I then phoned them and stuck it out until they gave me £50 discount for next crossing. So never use the Crap Finister

I also got a £50 voucher which I used on return crossing. That’s probably thanks to one of your earlier postings??

The Pont Aven was out of service for the winter at the time so the only choices were Cap Finistere or Baie de Seine and in think with the latter, all vehicles outside.

I stood over them while they hosed it and made them do it twice!

They must get these complaints all the time so I don’t know why they don’t just shuffle the ordinary vans to this outside bit especially as a lot of them are hire vehicles so the drivers won’t be bothered.