I've done Plymouth santander in a seat (pullman). Outward sailing was a breeze. Homeward was a nightmare.
Meant to dock in plymouth at 6am, finally pulled into port at 3pm after one of the worst storms and swells i've ever been in while crossing the bay of biscay.
Funny thing was everyone was in the seats as they all said being cooped up in the cabins in the storm was terrible.
All you could smell was sick and diesel fumes as the ships exhaust smoke was blown around the deck. And the huge shudder every 30 seconds as the props came out of the water.. Mind you, in a way i'm glad i experienced it (just the once) as it certainly left some memories.
The boat had a clean shower room for those in seats to use.
But bare in mind this was way back in 1980.
Off i went with the girlfriend, rode all around the spain and portugal on the coast roads, with no credit cards, no travel insurance, wearing a pair of training shoes, MA1 bomber jacket and non waterproof waterproofs and only £250 each in our pockets.
Got back three weeks later and we still had £40 left
And we weren't camping, B&B's all the way.
Never had a cabin when doing the overnight crossing from portsmouth/Le havre (sometimes went southampton/Le havre) when going to the Bol D'or. Used to doss under the stairs as you come out of the car deck.
I stayed in a few in Aragon and Catalonia called "Casas Rurales" which were cheap and very comfortable. If yours was any good I'd definitely try it.
