Portsmouth to Santander Boat Specifically Pont Aven - Question

[zac]

We weren't going to go away this year due to the Brexit (looks like a no deal) and now the covid but with the new winter timetables released curiosity got the better of me and i am now booked in December to Santander for 3 weeks over xmas and new year. Normally it would be on the Cap Finistere but this is not running so it's now the Pont Aven, i think we have been on this boat once before but cannot remember if it has a couple of microwaves one either side of the bar like the cap finistere does, anyone know? they have proved handy on previous trips

I brought a flexi ticket just in case things change, seems the cost just keeps on rising year after year, its approx £150 dearer this year with the flexi option as opposed to what we used to have. We wont be using the motorhome much this year so decided we would go after all, we never go for long as work gets in the way but it would be nice to get away.

 

[EuroTrotters]

Hi,

yes they do have them in the restaurant

• Self-service restaurant - La Belle Angèle. ...
• Café - Le Café du Festiva
• 
  one of the above will have microwaves or did !

 

[Popeye]

Deffo got Micro in the Restaurant.

 

[Chris]

Much nicer ship than the Cap Finestere IMO.

 

[zac]

excellent, thanks for the quick replies

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[Popeye]

Much nicer ship than the Cap Finestere IMO.

Oh definately! larger too so often more comfortable in a heavy sea!

 

[Chris]

Oh definately! larger too so often more comfortable in a heavy sea!

We like to go for the Commodore cabins when they are available.

 

[zac]

We like to go for the Commodore cabins when they are available.

We would of booked them but they were gone already, went down one to the deluxe, seems they sold out after around 18 hours of going live. Our fault as i ignored the email as wasn't going to be going but then changed our minds.

 

[Littlewheels]

If the Covid issue continues there will be no Restarant Service it’s a very simple self serve meal on offer with about three choices.
Everything is reduced in choice most of time you are asked to stay in Cabin.Came back last week.

 

[Popeye]

We like to go for the Commodore cabins when they are available.

I have looked at the pictures of those, but I have to go cattle class as I'm a pensioner!
ps. are there any crumbs about to fall from the table?

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[gus-lopez]

We weren't going to go away this year due to the Brexit (looks like a no deal) and now the covid but with the new winter timetables released curiosity got the better of me and i am now booked in December to Santander for 3 weeks over xmas and new year. Normally it would be on the Cap Finistere but this is not running so it's now the Pont Aven, i think we have been on this boat once before but cannot remember if it has a couple of microwaves one either side of the bar like the cap finistere does, anyone know? they have proved handy on previous trips

I brought a flexi ticket just in case things change, seems the cost just keeps on rising year after year, its approx £150 dearer this year with the flexi option as opposed to what we used to have. We wont be using the motorhome much this year so decided we would go after all, we never go for long as work gets in the way but it would be nice to get away.

What Littlewheels said & Barclaybasher will probably confirm. stay in cabin & meals delivered to room.
price hike is probably due to having to run at 50% capacity

 

[Barclaybasher]

It was breakfast served at a counter- sit at table, wooden cutlery! - which broke. Other food either prepacked or self service at the cafeteria - proper cutlery - that was on Cap Finistere.

Saying they had months to prepare it was poor enough to consider not renewing membership of Club Voyage - next trip through France....

 

[zac]

For sure, prices go up every year but this one is a little more. Still not travelling down through France as just don’t have the time to waste. Just the way it is i am afraid, never liked the boat but as long as it runs all will be good.

 

[zac]

It was breakfast served at a counter- sit at table, wooden cutlery! - which broke. Other food either prepacked or self service at the cafeteria - proper cutlery - that was on Cap Finistere.

Saying they had months to prepare it was poor enough to consider not renewing membership of Club Voyage - next trip through France....

If i was not pushed for time i would definitely travel through France. I hate boats and would prefer the tunnel. Work dictates though

 

[billym]

From March 2021 they have a new boat on the Portsmouth Santander route

Brittany Ferries

www.brittany-ferries.co.uk

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[busby]

If the Covid issue continues there will be no Restarant Service it’s a very simple self serve meal on offer with about three choices.
Everything is reduced in choice most of time you are asked to stay in Cabin.Came back last week.

Thats why i am using the tunnel both ways.Would rather be driving than stuck in my cabin for 24 hours..BUSBY.

 

[wileyfox]

I believe they have a new ship on the route after december, brand spanking new.

 

[2657]

I believe they have a new ship on the route after december, brand spanking new.

Yes, as billym says, the Galicia comes into service in March, I think, price includes breakfast and evening meal. No self service restaurant, Spanish style Tapas Bar, Spanish themed boat.

 

[scotzsue]

Have travelled on it a few times, but also on orther ferries when it was broken down, think it has had more problems than most, might have been a friday afternoon ferry
Always book at least a 4 berth although they have a few 3s which are ok too, doing the tunnel though, would go stir crazy staying in the cabin for that lenght of time.

 

[Barclaybasher]

You don't have to stay in the cabin but there is little to do but snack, walk and sit in the public areas.

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[2657]

You don't have to stay in the cabin but there is little to do but snack, walk and sit in the public areas.

That's all we do anyway, no problem for us.

 

[aztecannie]

Cap finishers not sailing? Booked for end November with pet friendly cabin!!! I hope it is. I know not such a good ship but needed the pfc!!

 

[zac]

Cap finishers not sailing? Booked for end November with pet friendly cabin!!! I hope it is. I know not such a good ship but needed the pfc!!

it’s not sailing in December or most of January as it usually does. The pont aven is though which i am assuming is the replacement until they get the new ship in March.

 

[2657]

it’s not sailing in December or most of January as it usually does. The pont aven is though which i am assuming is the replacement until they get the new ship in March.

They normally have one of the cruise ferry's out of service for maintenance over the winter.

 

[zac]

They normally have one of the cruise ferry's out of service for maintenance over the winter.

First time in the last 5 years i have not seen the cap finistere running in December. Judging from the comments the pont aven is better anyway. Or i hope so

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[busby]

First time in the last 5 years i have not seen the cap finistere running in December. Judging from the comments the pont aven is better anyway. Or i hope so

It is,,BUSBY.

 

[philann]

Looks like quarantine reintroduced for travellers from Spain to UK from tomorrow

 

[Sapper520]

Pont Aven.......pain of our Motorcycling tours.

3 times in 5 years broke down and caused us real grief. Once resulting in a motorway ride top to bottom of France in two days......we love our riding, but that was hard.

 

[PeteH]

I usually look out the Chief Engineer. It`s worked couple of times. Look around the Engine Spaces and a few beers with the "lads". swinging the lantern.

 

[busby]

Looking like essential travel only to Spain..BUSBY.

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