Portsmouth to Bilbao

Stewart J

Stewart J

Joined
Jul 1, 2010
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SW Northumberland
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12,394
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Hymer B 588 DL
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Since September 2010
First timers across the water to Spain late January. Any tips on what to take on the ferry across to Bilbao ie kettle, food, drink etc
 
haha buttons that's reassuring .
.sorry cant help the op question, but will watch replies... doing the santandare crossing myself..
ta andy
 
Hi
We are on the 4th Jan Ferry to Bilboa, we take brew stuff and some Breakfast foods, crisps biscuits etc, we get food from the top deck if it's cold weather we bring the food down to the bar area and if required use the on board micro wave to give it a warming, we have never had a bad trip BUT I know there as been some bad ones, roll on the 4th Jan. Pete
Ps we book 2 berth outside cabin with twin beds not the bunks.

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Stewart J said:
Anybody out there :-0
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Brisey.......... :Eeek: although he should have made it to land by now... :giggler: Unles they are still trying to get across the bay of Biscay.. :crying1:

:sicker: :sicker: :sicker:
 
Been over a few times, one choppy crossing but otherwise fine.
Everything you need on board, Cap Finisterre not as good as Pont Aven but still quite comfortable.
Easier to get drinks and food on board. Also some entertainment and film show.
Don't forget to turn fridge / gas off.
 
Stewart J said:
First timers across the water to Spain late January. Any tips on what to take on the ferry across to Bilbao ie kettle, food, drink etc
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Hi I If you have not already booked the crossing I would take the ferry to Santander by preference, the Cap Finister Bilbao boat is not good for winter crossings as unless you go into the restaurant you have the choice of self select micro wave food or going out on the open top deck in all weathers for your meals, its best to take them down to the deck below. It Has the advantage that you can over night on the port but unless you leave before 6.30 am you will be in heavy traffic thro Bilbao. If you self cater take water milk tea kettle etc and the food you need. This, plus you have free motorway to Madrid and beyond makes it better in my book. Bon Voyage

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I can only speak for the Pont Aven and that is if you want to take a kettle to use in the cabin take a continental adaptor for the sockets. Don't know what the other boats may have but I would take one just in case.
 
Kettle is a must especially if you are an early bird.

The coffee places don't open until about 7am. I don't think that boat has any hot drinks machines either.
 
Hi Buttons retired 2 years ago after 40 years at sea in Merchant Navy, seen some horrendous weather, suffered structural damage on several occasions and even escorted safely into port after vessel partially crippled during a severe storm. The Biscay is kindergarten stuff ;-)
 
what about the crossing hook to harwick whats that like ?
 
Apart from a continental adaptor we take the usual personal items. I know some take pillows, kettle, food etc, but they have everything on board, so I don't see the point of carrying a truck full of extras. We've only done 4 crossings and so far so good, though the first time it was too rough for the Bay so they took us to St Malo. Make sure they have your mobile phone number and keep your phone on 'cos they'll text you if there's a cancellation. Use their Twitter feed to ask any questions or the Live Chat. I've found them very good in answering. When we went back via Bilbao, (the port is at Zierbena which is a few miles past Bilbao) the route doesn't go through the city. There's a good aire at Vitoria Gasteiz, about an hour away if you don't want to drive too far.

There's lots of info on the BF website, and BF Enthusiasts site will tell you everything you need to know. They have Voyage Reports so here's one on the Etretat. There are others as well.
 
Just take me, my dog and motorhome! It may be rough and uncomfortable but will be so worth it. Or just take your excitement of good things to come.
 
Caught the 10.30 pm Sunday night, arriving Tues 7.30 am, so 2 nights on board. If you need hook up on your van, advise them when booking and again when you arrive at docks. You may need 2 pin adapter fit ehu.
I also took kettle and coffee, as like my own, and mug. Pillow, theirs smelt strange, 2 pin adapter for cabin.toothbrush. snacks. Cold drink.
Charges for phones etc. Deodrant, change of undies lol
Euros may be handy.
Take seasick tablets. You can't get them on board any more.
 
We just take money on board. If we can afford £300 for the ferry we can afford to spoil ourselves to a excellent full breakfast (less than £3 being a brittany club member) and an really slap up evening meal...BUSBY...

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We take travel kettle and sandwiches etc on with us as the food on board is expensive and not very good. do not forget sea sick pills as it can be rough.
 
Think f
Polar bear said:
We take travel kettle and sandwiches etc on with us as the food on board is expensive and not very good. do not forget sea sick pills as it can be rough.
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We find food excellent...BUSBY
 
we are thinking of doing this trip or one of them so we can miss out the few days travelling through France, do they allow EHU on the boat? as if not and we have to turn the gas off we would lose all thats in our Fridge/Freezer as our Delware only allows Gas or vehicle battery whilst driving. No option for Leisure although if it was on this for 24 hours there would be none left anyway.
 
Again, I can only speak for Brittany Ferries and that is to take pounds sterling not euros. I don't know why but you get a significantly better rate of exchange buying drinks and food if you use proper Christian money rather than the pagan European stuff.
 
They have hook up, the big lorries need it, but you may need the two pin adapter. Just let them know when you turn up at the port.
It you take the 22.30 ferry on Sunday night, you get 2 nights on board!

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Theonlysue said:
They have hook up, the big lorries need it, but you may need the two pin adapter. Just let them know when you turn up at the port.
It you take the 22.30 ferry on Sunday night, you get 2 nights on board!
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That's a relief, just need to decide which route is best as they both look the same.
 

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