Ferry (Bilbao/Santander crossings)
Discussion
It's a very large boat, I think there's only one on that run.
Last summer I took the Elise from Portsmouth to St Malo down across the Millau to the Med then across the Pryenees to Bairrits, Santander and home.
No problems with either ferry in either directions.
The bars are good and the prices, last year at least, were very reasonable.
We had an end of tour drink, a good kip followed by a large breakfast and plenty of time to "come too" before getting off the ferry.
I'm going to Le Mans in June or I would be looking to do a return crossing to Santander and tour Spain/Portugal.
Last summer I took the Elise from Portsmouth to St Malo down across the Millau to the Med then across the Pryenees to Bairrits, Santander and home.
No problems with either ferry in either directions.
The bars are good and the prices, last year at least, were very reasonable.
We had an end of tour drink, a good kip followed by a large breakfast and plenty of time to "come too" before getting off the ferry.
I'm going to Le Mans in June or I would be looking to do a return crossing to Santander and tour Spain/Portugal.
We went from Portsmouth, can't recall whether to Santander or Bilbao though, but nevertheless I agree with you.
As Tin_Hat above says, quite expensive to take a car, but is well worth it when you compare the cost (and time) of driving there through France.
It was what it was, if that makes sense. It wasn't luxury, but there was a bar, a "cinema", and the rooms were clean, if very plasticy. All you want really at the beginning and end of a road trip
As Tin_Hat above says, quite expensive to take a car, but is well worth it when you compare the cost (and time) of driving there through France.
It was what it was, if that makes sense. It wasn't luxury, but there was a bar, a "cinema", and the rooms were clean, if very plasticy. All you want really at the beginning and end of a road trip
used the route many times since 1991,done the journey 6 times in the elise(with front splitter)no great problems-in fact staff very sympathetic and helpful with boarding etc.even had a decent boost pack when the dreaded s1 battery gremlin struck!had everything from millpond to force 8(interesting).not too boring for me,try all bars,resteraunts,pool,gym,whale watching,duty free shops,bit of gambling chat to other petrol heads and you will soon be there!turn right for picos de europa or left for pyrenees,all good roads.good luck.
Apologies for the hijack, but I'm thinking of doing this trip back from Spain after Christmas. Are there any good websites for cheap ferry deals?
I'm thinking of driving down through France, via Geneva (going to be interesting at that time of year!!) or getting the car train and then ferry back with a cabin, but it looked about £250.
I'm thinking of driving down through France, via Geneva (going to be interesting at that time of year!!) or getting the car train and then ferry back with a cabin, but it looked about £250.
The PO service, Portsmouth to Bilbao is closing down for good on 27th
September '10. Said due to economic reasons. A pity !
What they currently offer is about £100 cheaper return than Brittany
Ferries (dependant on date timing).
I have used Brittany Ferries to Santander many times. One time I was
charged over £800 for driver & Caterham 7. It is a good service altho'
V. pricey for just a driver and a small car.
The PO service docks in Santander early morning whereas the B. Ferries
docks at around noon - leaving a part night-time journey for say a 500 mile
non-stop routing (again dependant on date-timing).
September '10. Said due to economic reasons. A pity !
What they currently offer is about £100 cheaper return than Brittany
Ferries (dependant on date timing).
I have used Brittany Ferries to Santander many times. One time I was
charged over £800 for driver & Caterham 7. It is a good service altho'
V. pricey for just a driver and a small car.
The PO service docks in Santander early morning whereas the B. Ferries
docks at around noon - leaving a part night-time journey for say a 500 mile
non-stop routing (again dependant on date-timing).
bordseye said:
Did the Portsmouth Bilbao run a couple of years ago. Good trip, decent cabin, food edible ( motorway cafe standard)but main hobby is yachting so anything that floats is fun as far as I'm concerned.
Dont know what Stephanie found wrong.
the people - a preponderance of chavs and nobbersDont know what Stephanie found wrong.
motorway cafe standard food - might work for you but didn't for me
cabin - well most ferries are a muchness but I wouldn't call them comfy in any way
And yes I sail too so more than happy on a yacht, but the Pride of Bilbao doesn't really liken to the sailing I enjoy.
Interesting experiences.
Seems the way forward to get to the south saving time/fuel considering its over £1.40 a litre in France at the moment its probably not a bad thing!
I am guessing that Brittany ferries might be the way forward, as the food might be better? (Seafrance premium resturant is better than most London resturants - Scollops / then steak (nice and red) for £25 and no chavs in the resturant bit - mind you ship is full of them.
I am hoping on Brittany ferries you can get Brittany Cider and a good crepe.... (Maybe that is too much of a wish list)
Seems the way forward to get to the south saving time/fuel considering its over £1.40 a litre in France at the moment its probably not a bad thing!
I am guessing that Brittany ferries might be the way forward, as the food might be better? (Seafrance premium resturant is better than most London resturants - Scollops / then steak (nice and red) for £25 and no chavs in the resturant bit - mind you ship is full of them.
I am hoping on Brittany ferries you can get Brittany Cider and a good crepe.... (Maybe that is too much of a wish list)
kenprotheroe said:
Reply to Stu OO., Possibly your misconception as Brittany Ferries
crossing (Plymouth to Santander) is more expensive than the PO's
Portsmouth to Bilbao crossing - ref my earlier posting again.
Yes, the "Pont Aven" of Brittany Ferries does sell bottled
Brittany Cider.
Just been looking and for the dates I am looking at the Santander crossing is slightly cheaper (300 Vs 342 for the P&O crossing) but really depends on dates. crossing (Plymouth to Santander) is more expensive than the PO's
Portsmouth to Bilbao crossing - ref my earlier posting again.
Yes, the "Pont Aven" of Brittany Ferries does sell bottled
Brittany Cider.
Great news about the cider 
Edited by Stu_00 on Wednesday 14th April 13:06
kenprotheroe said:
Reply to Stu OO., Possibly your misconception as Brittany Ferries
crossing (Plymouth to Santander) is more expensive than the PO's
Portsmouth to Bilbao crossing - ref my earlier posting again.
Yes, the "Pont Aven" of Brittany Ferries does sell bottled
Brittany Cider.
We used the Pont Aven to Santander, in April last year. It worked out to be £560 per 4 berth cabin return. Drinks prices where fair, and the ship is quiet and low on vibrations so you can sleep (unlike the dover ferries). We had a force 10 gale on the return sailing, but it still was ok. Trying to find your room when you are pissed is a challenge!crossing (Plymouth to Santander) is more expensive than the PO's
Portsmouth to Bilbao crossing - ref my earlier posting again.
Yes, the "Pont Aven" of Brittany Ferries does sell bottled
Brittany Cider.
smack said:
kenprotheroe said:
Reply to Stu OO., Possibly your misconception as Brittany Ferries
crossing (Plymouth to Santander) is more expensive than the PO's
Portsmouth to Bilbao crossing - ref my earlier posting again.
Yes, the "Pont Aven" of Brittany Ferries does sell bottled
Brittany Cider.
We used the Pont Aven to Santander, in April last year. It worked out to be £560 per 4 berth cabin return. Drinks prices where fair, and the ship is quiet and low on vibrations so you can sleep (unlike the dover ferries). We had a force 10 gale on the return sailing, but it still was ok. Trying to find your room when you are pissed is a challenge!crossing (Plymouth to Santander) is more expensive than the PO's
Portsmouth to Bilbao crossing - ref my earlier posting again.
Yes, the "Pont Aven" of Brittany Ferries does sell bottled
Brittany Cider.
Force 10 - bet that was interesting ! Stu_00 said:
smack said:
kenprotheroe said:
Reply to Stu OO., Possibly your misconception as Brittany Ferries
crossing (Plymouth to Santander) is more expensive than the PO's
Portsmouth to Bilbao crossing - ref my earlier posting again.
Yes, the "Pont Aven" of Brittany Ferries does sell bottled
Brittany Cider.
We used the Pont Aven to Santander, in April last year. It worked out to be £560 per 4 berth cabin return. Drinks prices where fair, and the ship is quiet and low on vibrations so you can sleep (unlike the dover ferries). We had a force 10 gale on the return sailing, but it still was ok. Trying to find your room when you are pissed is a challenge!crossing (Plymouth to Santander) is more expensive than the PO's
Portsmouth to Bilbao crossing - ref my earlier posting again.
Yes, the "Pont Aven" of Brittany Ferries does sell bottled
Brittany Cider.
Force 10 - bet that was interesting ! Gassing Station | Elise/Exige/Europa/340R | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff