Portsmouth to santander (1 Viewer)

[Chris]

I am surprised at that to be honest.

The Pont Aven seems much bigger

Just checked. The Pont Aven takes 2400 passengers compared to about 800 on the other one.

I guess it must be shorter but with more decks?

It's twice as good in my opinion.

 

[bellabee]

I agree - the Pont Aven is much nicer. We like the Piano Bar for relaxing over a drink in the evening, and the restaurant is better, Cap Finistere does not have the buffet. However, we're booked on the Cap Finistere because it has pet-friendly cabins, whereas the Pont Aven does not.

 

[keith]

Where ? Not a breath of wind here .

Santander Monday - wind 47kph

6 Strong breeze 38–49 km/h 3–4 m Long waves begin to form. White foam crests are very frequent. Some airborne spray is present.

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[DanielFord]

Cap Finistere is a bigger ship isn't it? About the same size as the Pont Aven? Hope so, I'm booked on it.

Been on both, and whilst they both have their plus points, the Pont Aven wins for us. The deluxe cabins on the Finistere are only 2 berth, but they are forward facing. The restaurant on the finistere is a la carte, whereas on the Pont Aven there is a buffet option.
The children's play area is much better on the Pont Aven, ironically the one on the finistere is larger!
The shop is smaller on the finistere. I could go on, the two boats are similar. You get the picture

 

[Dorwyn]

I am more concerned with the on board comfort, particularly its rough sea capabilities. From what I've read here it seems the differences between the two ferries are relatively minor and as I do not want or need an on board bar or supposedly tax free shop, have got a cabin and intend to take plenty of food on board to avoid the apparently high prices in the restaurant, I might as well stay on the CF and put it down to experience either way. But it is good to know the experiences of others, so many thanks to all.

 

[gus-lopez]

Santander Monday - wind 47kph

6 Strong breeze 38–49 km/h 3–4 m Long waves begin to form. White foam crests are very frequent. Some airborne spray is present.

Aah, oop North ! Same climate as the Uk No wonder it's windy .

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[Tea Bag]

Aah, oop North ! Same climate as the Uk No wonder it's windy .

Any Tips ?
NURSE the STUGERON Tablets.....How many ? A Bucket FULL.
Ooops flop.. Better fetch a mop. O thrice LOL.
Tea Bag **( Look for my heart,it's in there somewhere.....)**
** This was quoted at a "Leaving" party by Mc Farlane,while beeing supported,an old mate,buddy ,sparring partner,get the picture, from another happy time

 

[DBK]

I am surprised at that to be honest.

The Pont Aven seems much bigger

It is bigger, Brittany Ferries say the Cap
Finistère is smaller than the Pont Aven though it is the newest. http://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/fleet/cruise-ferries/cap-finistere

 

[MR. FUSION]

Ex scuba divers tip......If anybody is taking stugeron, start taking it at least 12-24 hours before you are due to sail, otherwise you are waisting your time. As the drug needs to be well established in your system to work.

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[busby]

Wouldn't fancy it this weekend, it's blowing a hoolie down here (Spain)

Where are you...no wind here near Benidorm....sea like a millpond.

 

[busby]

I am more concerned with the on board comfort, particularly its rough sea capabilities. From what I've read here it seems the differences between the two ferries are relatively minor and as I do not want or need an on board bar or supposedly tax free shop, have got a cabin and intend to take plenty of food on board to avoid the apparently high prices in the restaurant, I might as well stay on the CF and put it down to experience either way. But it is good to know the experiences of others, so many thanks to all.

Restaurants and bars are fair prices. Go on spend a bit you can't take it with you,,,,

 

[Southampton]

We are on the Cap Finisterre Portsmouth-Bilbao sailing on the 31st Jan, been on it before and it was okay but like others on here I prefer the Pont Avon. As it is a two night crossing, sod the expense, I have booked a good cabin, at least we can slob out and watch TV or read in comfort if it is a bit bumpy. Take care everybody.......Derek

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[HymerB544]

I hesitate to ask this but has anyone heard of people being gassed whilst on this crossing?

I've seen a few people slightly the worse for wear in the bar, but not totally gassed.

 

[JockandRita]

Where are you...no wind here near Benidorm....sea like a millpond.

Cheers................................................. mate

Jock.

 

[Chockswahay]

After reading about Motorhomes and cars being parked on the open deck and knowing what the state the bodywork can look like on docking I've decided to change my booking to the Cap Finistere cruise ship on the Bilbao route. OK you can be unlucky and end up being parked below the funnels and get covered in exhaust soot but at least the crew know about it and will hose it off with fresh water if you ask them. They have done it once before for me. I can't see them hosing down a full deck of motorhomes and cars before disembarking on the Baie de Seine.

I checked the booking web site and it suggests that only cars will be parked out in the open

Edit: err, I'm not really sure now. I think the reference to deck 3 is for wheel chair users???

"Information about Brittany Ferries économie


Brittany Ferries économie is our no-frills brand offering a simple yet comfortable choice for travel to France and Spain. The ships, Baie de Seine and Etretat, have smaller public areas, limited dining options and more basic facilities than our classic cruise ferries. Cabins have ensuite facilities but many do not have carpets. Pet owners will welcome the pet friendly cabins to France and Spain. There are also 2 wheelchair-accessible cabins on each ship.

Accessibility

Both ships have constraints for passenger with limited mobility.

Accessibility on Baie de Seine

It will not be possible to travel on Baie de Seine and park near a lift if your vehicle is over 1.83m high or towing a trailer or caravan. There are 2 wheelchair-accessible cabins located on Deck 8 and they are approximately 60m from the 24-hour Information Desk, and further still from the rest of the onboard facilities.

Accessibility on Etretat

Passengers travelling in a wheelchair in a standard car will be parked on deck 5. Larger vehicles will be parked on deck 3 with access to a small lift but a level walkway of 110m will need to be negotiated to access the passenger areas on deck 5. There is no lift to decks 6 to 8 and some outdoor areas are not accessible to wheelchair users or those with impaired mobility.

Open Deck Parking

Vehicles may be parked on open decks on either ship. While the crew will wash your vehicle with fresh water towards the end of the voyage, we recommend you wash your vehicle within a few days of sailing to remove any sea salt residue."

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[Dorwyn]

I checked the booking web site and it suggests that only cars will be parked out in the open

Well they stuck me on the open deck each time, along with the other MoHos. I'm not going to use that ferry again, having had a very choppy crossing and a very crusty salted van.

 

[Flamenca]

I just checked my reservation for February.....phew, Cap Finistere so hopefully will not be parked in the open air

 

[makems]

We have used both ships multiple times.
We take plenty of food and drink on board and rarely venture out of the cabin, using the time instead to read and catch up,on sleep.
It therefore makes almost no difference to us what facilities the ships offer.
Top tip 1 . if you plan to take a kettle so you can make your own tea and coffee makes sure you pack an adaptor as the cabins all have European type sockets.
Top tip 2 if you are worried about the ship rolling about, make your booking by telephone and request a cabin on the lowest accommodation deck, near the middle of the ship and Don't get an outside cabin (windows are small and all there is to see for 95% of the time is sea)

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[PeteH]

So, First trip for SWMBO, she is sat on the Bunk opposite the port light, and I could see her going "Green"!!. So I had to swap places, after which she was OK. probably the worse thing you can do is focus on the horizon through a restricted aperture!!. OK up on deck because your horizon is broader. And anyone who sufferers "mal-du-mare" is in very good company. Lord Admiral Nelson (Gord bless `im) was sick on almost every outing!!.

Or as we used to say "shouting for huey, down the big white telephone"

Pete

 

[Chockswahay]

Well they stuck me on the open deck each time, along with the other MoHos. I'm not going to use that ferry again, having had a very choppy crossing and a very crusty salted van.

Oh crikey! you have confirmed my fear

On the other hand, I can now justify driving via Calais or Cherbourg because the savings are even greater compared to the 'full price ferry'

 

[Littlewheels]

Well they stuck me on the open deck each time, along with the other MoHos. I'm not going to use that ferry again, having had a very choppy crossing and a very crusty salted van.

Sorry I'm confused I thought you'd be happy there with your Sandwiches and Flask perfect picnic area!!!!

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[Lark14]

Sorry the boat is Bale de Seine on the 12th Jan

We're on the Baie de Seine on the 12th, want to meet up? We are a Roller Team in case you see us at Portsmouth

 

[laurieash]

Now on the same boat but date moved to the 26th a funreal on the 20th or would have liked to meet up.

Laurie

 

[Neil S]

Now on the same boat but date moved to the 26th a funreal on the 20th or would have liked to meet up.

Laurie

Likewise were also on the Baie de Seine on the 26th

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[Lark14]

Now on the same boat but date moved to the 26th a funreal on the 20th or would have liked to meet up.

Laurie

Another time then, might see you over there. Sorry about the funeral

 

[Pete D.]

Hi funsters, we went to France for the first time last summer and really enjoyed the freedom of our new MoHo. This year we had hoped to go to Spain. SHMBO still works so we are restricted to her work holidays and thought the ferry to Santander or Bilbao would be a good option allowing the best part of two weeks to explore Northern Spain. I have to say I was shocked at the prices of the ferries. The cheapest I was quoted for a return trip departing middle of June was £1200. A change of plan looks likely, a steady cruise from Calais to Bordeaux and back being an option we are considering. Do you experienced travellers have any suggestions. Pete.

 

[laurieash]

Likewise were also on the Baie de Seine on the 26th

We are in a autotrail reg KAZ will keep a look out for ya.

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[laurieash]

Hi funsters, we went to which port.ce for the first time last summer and really enjoyed the freedom of our new MoHo. This year we had hoped to go to Spain. SHMBO still works so we are restricted to her work holidays and thought the ferry to Santander or Bilbao would be a good option allowing the best part of two weeks to explore Northern Spain. I have to say I was shocked at the prices of the ferries. The cheapest I was quoted for a return trip departing middle of June was £1200. A change of plan looks likely, a steady cruise from Calais to Bordeaux and back being an option we are considering. Do you experienced travellers have any suggestions. Pete.

Book early my ferry was £390 single not sure when to come back.or from wich

 

[laurieash]

We are in a autotrail reg KAZ will keep a look out for ya.

Fun badge in front.

 

[Neil S]

Fun badge in front.

Laurie I'm travelling with another Bailey Motorhome our registration ending 64CCZ and my mates is brand new 65 plate.
Will certainly keep a look out for you

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