Ferry to Spain

[Grahamh]

Is there a deal to be had on the new LD route from Poole to Santander? I see a 5% reduction through C&CC and CSMA. Haven't tried Alan Rogers yet. Thinking it would be good to explore Northern Spain/Portugal this spring. Were going to revisit Italy but can't face the roads:-(

 

[RayS]

Out of interest I looked at the LD site and the price does seem competitive against Brittany Ferries. However, the ship they use is smaller than those used by Brittany and even these have had problems with the rough weather recently.
I have used LD from Dieppe to Newhaven once. While there was nothing seriously wrong we have decided that - for us - the extra cost of Brittany is worth while.
The Bay of Biscay is notoriously rough when it is bad, and several otherwise 'good' sailors' on site here in Spain have reported feeling uncomfortable or worse on crossings in the last year. It depends on how good you think your 'sea=legs' are

 

[Grahamh]

just been quoted by Alan rogers @ £707 + £45 for 3 Chqs.return which is about the same as I can get at C&CC . Brittany came up online at over a thousand. Think I might go with LD and hope for good weather.

 

[Raywood]

We did the route to Spain on Brittany before the new boats were built and had a force 8 gale I think. This was realy rough and the boat was deserted as most people just sat in there cabins. Have been accross on a cruise ship far larger than the ferries and the weather was so bad even the crew were sick so I would be wary of a smaller ship but given the cost saving I can see the attraction.
Still only had one calm crossing on that route but you never know your luck.

 

[Grahamh]

Well I thought I would go with Brittany but when I tried to book all the cheap places had gone so was quoted almost £1150. Booked LD today.Poole to Gijon. Couldn't book through CC as they don't deal with that route so booked online, £672. We are going to explore Northern Spain and maybe go into Portugal so that route is best -Gijon being further west.
Years ago we went on a mini cruise with P&O ferry to Santander as foot passengers. The weather was really bad and the ship was deserted with the few people about carrying sick bags everywhere. They couldn't believe we wanted to be served in the restuarant - it was our anniversary and they threw in the champagne for free but you couldn't let go of the bottle as it wanted to fly off the table!

 

[Raywood]

Well I thought I would go with Brittany but when I tried to book all the cheap places had gone so was quoted almost £1150. Booked LD today.Poole to Gijon. Couldn't book through CC as they don't deal with that route so booked online, £672. We are going to explore Northern Spain and maybe go into Portugal so that route is best -Gijon being further west.
Years ago we went on a mini cruise with P&O ferry to Santander as foot passengers. The weather was really bad and the ship was deserted with the few people about carrying sick bags everywhere. They couldn't believe we wanted to be served in the restuarant - it was our anniversary and they threw in the champagne for free but you couldn't let go of the bottle as it wanted to fly off the table!

Hope the trip goes well and you can let us know how it goes and what the ship is like.