Santander to Portsmouth

[Glyno]

Havnt used Brittany ferries for years but have just booked a one way from Santander to Portsmouth for Aug 2014. As I recall the last ship was either Duc De Normandie or could even have been the Quiberon . Has the standard improved ? The price for me the missus, bike and cabin was quite reasonable for a one way. Santander is a days ride from my place down here and Portsmouth is just a 4 hour ride to mums back in north Staffs.
Looking forward to the trip already and making plans for the return journey which will be via Eurotunnel and then 8 leisurely days meandering back via who knows where.

 

[Roberto]

Well, I can't comment on the old boats but the Pont Aven is just about the nicest ferry you'll ever come across. The Cap Finistere isn't quite as nice but not bad all the same.
All in all a very comfortable way to head back to blighty.

If you booked the cheapest cabins they're certainly snug, but these boats are a very pleasant way to go

 

[sven]

I recently went to Spain on the Pont Aven and returned from Santander to Portsmouth on the Cap Finistere.

The Pont Aven is a much larger ship with a lot more passengers, but feels crowded at times. The Cap Finistere was a more civilised experience, especially as I sold a kidney to pay for a De Lux cabin, which made the wife very happy and was somewhere comfortable to sit to while away the time. The seats in the bar areas on the Cap Finistere were much more comfortable than the Pont Aven though and there were more available.

Both ships are nice though and I would book based on timetable. Getting off at 12:15 after a very lazy breakfast in the restaurant going into Santander was much less tedious than getting cabin fever waiting to get off at Portsmouth at 4pm.

 

[paintman]

When I booked a cabin on the Cap Finistere recently only four berth cabins were left, having no other options bit the bullet and booked one, it was fine but if you were with three others it would be unhealthily cosy.

 

[Paul G (BHT)]

I have a cabin booked on the Cap Finistere and the ticket says "please note this cabin is adjacent to our pet friendly cabins".

Should I take some ear plugs with me

 

[Paul Rochdale]

We recently travelled to Spain on the Portsmouth-Santander route on the 'Pont Aven' and other than the eye watering cost (2CV, two people, inside cabin, return = £950) the ship was excellent. The cabin was minute and with bunk beds. The queueing for the restaurant was excessive so we didn't bother but the food in the main eating area was excellent, the paella being as good as any we ate in Spain. The entertainment was so-so with the appalling 'comedian' on the outbound trip dying on his feet. Smutty jokes at 9pm when there were lots of children around not acceptable. The Bay of Biscay was a flat calm again (three times lucky now) and the sun shone on command. A good couple of trips.

 

[Glyno]

Could do with some ideas for extra baggage. Mrs O is on the back after all. I have the Vario luggage which I dont want to use in the extended mode to make filtering easier. Maybe roll type bags which will need to be waterproof just in case. Not huge things, just big enough to carry a change of clothes and such like. Any suggestions. Thanks.

 

[cookie]

Could do with some ideas for extra baggage. Mrs O is on the back after all. I have the Vario luggage which I dont want to use in the extended mode to make filtering easier. Maybe roll type bags which will need to be waterproof just in case. Not huge things, just big enough to carry a change of clothes and such like. Any suggestions. Thanks.

kriega US series bags strapped on top of the varios if they have fixings.

 

[Tusky]

I bought a brand new Kriega 20L bag to go on the back of my Vario box but changed my mind when I saw all the straps.

Seeing as bas was only 30 miles from Santander I used a rubber mat, a 750x750mm cargo net from tool station and a couple of good bungy clips and this: http://www.surfdome.com/quiksilver_luggage_-_quiksilver_giantness_luggage_-_asphalt-92962

Yes I got a few odd looks at the very but that changed to admiration as I wheeled it off to my cabin...... Perfect size for storing my flippers as well..

 

[PvtVoytek]

Ortlieb 20l rack packs, come in a nice selection of colours, black, white, yellow, red.

 

[thomo57]

I've just completed a three week trip to south of Spain with the missus onboard.
I've got the Vario luggage and strapped two Kriega US20's to my Adventure Spec engine bars.
Worked well and kept some of the weight up front

 

[Glyno]

Thanks for the suggestions fellas. Will work something out Im sure.

 

[Tusky]

Thanks for the suggestions fellas. Will work something out Im sure.

Have to be honest, I have left my panniers on extended, even when empty and its not been an issue...... Really is hardly any need for filtering out here at all.....

 

[sven]

Have to be honest, I have left my panniers on extended, even when empty and its not been an issue...... Really is hardly any need for filtering out here at all.....

They act like an airbrake at speed though as they're as aerodynamic as a brick - I tried to avoid expanding mine whenever possible as they knocked at least 10mph off the top speed and slowed the acceleration on the Autobahn when expanded.

 

[2 wheel humvee]

Back on topic............
Santander to Portsmouth ferry, I and a small group will be on this boat on Saturday 14th Sept. Anyone else from here?