Ferry Crossing Between The UK and Spain

When we planned our motorhome tour to Europe, our only fixed items were a Ferry with Portsmouth to St-Malo in France and a return Ferry a few weeks later from Bilbao within Spain. We travelled with P&O to the old Pride of Bilbao this also particular ship and road was withdrawn by P&O within September 2010.

Boarding for P&O’s ferry travel went smoothly- as standard with Ferry crossings- no luggage to worry about weighing, no queues with regard to security, just check the paperwork and obtain in line.

Sailing with the Pride of Bilbao, it was a 36 hour crossing in the Bay of Biscay – a tricky stretch with sea with variable climatic conditions, although the newer ferries today cross in around day.

On the day people sailed in early October, after the thunderous rain there were experienced for 18 hours perhaps in San Sebastian, the elements in Bilbao was inviting and calm – it was not to last, however, as we met the indegent weather system in the Bay of Biscay, making our transit even reduced and longer.

P&O useful to market the Pride with Bilbao crossing for passengers as a 3 day “mini-cruise” – when we boarded you could see many an inebriated soul either taking air or sitting in the bar ready for the next round of drinks using port! This is not necessarily the atmosphere you are looking for if you are traveling which has a young family.

However, after having a difficult outward sailing to help Spain, the return was to prove no easier for these hardy souls and few passengers at all were to be seen in the restaurant, bars or walking approximately ship once we were during the storm.

Compared to your experience with Brittany Ferries across the Channel to St Malo, it was very different, the ship was old, dated in its cabins together with facilities and showing signs of wear and tear.

However, we did enjoy one screen of the cinema, watching the film “Mamma Mia” for when, once I had got useful to the screen rising up and down with the sea waves as we headed into the storm. The ship also experienced a Jacuzzi and swimming pool, though these were not available at this juncture and a number associated with restaurants including an a la carte, bars including an Irish bar and an array of cabins to suit that pocket.

If you are looking to cross a similar route between the UK and Spain today, then Brittany Ferries comes to the rescue from Santander and Bilbao to Portsmouth with a time of around day on board the beautiful Cap Finistere, their newest addition on the fleet so enjoy!

To find out more about ferries from Portsmouth to St Malo visit my latest website.

Tweet