Thread: Santander by Ferry

Hi Folks

As many of you know I'm not keen of flying.......not ideal but hey ho.....anyway whilst I may have to face my demons on numerous occasions before summer, come August we're travelling by Ferry (from Portsmouth to Santander)

I'm really looking forward to this particular trip as I love boats and furthermore we'll get to enjoy a leisurely drive from Santander to San Pedro del Pinatar. The journey takes around 8 hours at 60 mph but we will no doubt stop and explore on route so it may take us a tad longer....

We're making this tip on the Cap Finistère which has amongst other things has a swimming pool, Movie lounges, Brasserie style restaurant and internet.....far less stressful than flying.....

Anyway I just wondered what those of you who had taken this mode of transport thought of the journey?

Hi Jazmines... I am sure that you read of the journey from hell before Christmas, unfortunately unlike you, I always tend to use this route in the winter months, hopefully you will have a calmer crossing!

I use this route out of necessity, if there were another option without driving through France, I would take it, but needs must!

Originally Posted by cadiar

Hi Jazmines... I am sure that you read of the journey from hell before Christmas, unfortunately unlike you, I always tend to use this route in the winter months, hopefully you will have a clamer crossing!

I use this route out of necessity, if there were another option without driving through France, I would take it, but needs must!

I did.....eek..... I recall you saying it was not fun but you had no cabin, right? ...That's why we chose August (I'm hoping to be in that swimming pool he he he) and we also booked a club premium cabin to make the trip even more enjoyable.....extravagant maybe but sometimes it's nice to spoil yourself

Hi Jaz, The last time we took the ferry Santander to Portsmouth then returned we booked a suite. Absolutley brillient, right at front of the ship, I felt like I was the capitan. If you can get one get one, it makes the experience much better.
We stopped in Aranda de Duero, excellent, surrounded by Sunflowers and huge lakes , unbelievable for the middle of Spain.
Try to avoid Madrid, unless you plan to stay. The traffic is crazy four or five lanes go into two etc etc,
Other than that enjoy the scenery , vast plains, mountains, lakes.
A far wiser decision than driving through france.

We booked a premium cabin so hopefully regardless of the weather the sailing will be pleasurable......as I love the sea I feel quite relaxed (unlike like each time I go to the airport)

We flew into Madrid to see AC/DC and then drove down to San Pedro del Pinatar.......like you say driving round Madrid is crazy.....not an experience I'd like to repeat in a hurry

Thanks for the tip about the Lakes, we may well check them out

Am I going senile, but I thought the Portsmouth route went to Bilbao (until september when it's due to close) and the Plymouth route was to Santander...Please tell me if I'm wrong, then I can start taking the tablets.
CD

Originally Posted by CDThader

Am I going senile, but I thought the Portsmouth route went to Bilbao (until september when it's due to close) and the Plymouth route was to Santander...Please tell me if I'm wrong, then I can start taking the tablets.
CD

You can travel to Santander from both Portsmouth and Plymouth with Brittany Ferries....

From September 2010 P&Q Ferries will be withdrawing their Bilbao route

Originally Posted by JazminesII

You can travel to Santander from both Portsmouth and Plymouth with Brittany Ferries..September 2010 P&Q Ferries will be withdrawing their Bilbao route

Thanks for that Jaz. I thought that once the Bilbao route finished, it would mean the long drive from Plymouth to London. You have made my day telling me I will still be able to go to Portsmouth.
CD

I have made the journey several times and each time it has been excellent. I have always been fortunate with the sea state and had a cabin but I have to say I found it really enjoyable.
Take the advice re driving through Madrid it is a nightmare!