Brittany ferries

We are booked on a crossing to Santander next September and we are on their new boat, Galicia and breakfast and meal is included with ticket price.
 
Do you have a dog? If so, I would recommend you get a dog friendly cabin and avoid booking a kennel for the crossing. We booked a kennel, it was our first time and would never do that again, it was awful. All the dogs were distressed, crying barking and howling constantly, our dog was terrified and had to be forcibly shut in the kennel as she refused to go in there willingly, she was clearly terrified and it really upset me having to leave her there, this is a dog who normally is confident and will do anything we ask of her, but the distress of the other dogs frightened her. It was not a nice experience, never would do it again. We've always used the Eurotunnel in the past but different circumstances meant we had to use the ferry this time.
 
We have only used the ferry with a motorcycle, we always use the tunnel now because of the dogs. When we did take the ferry to Spain we took as much food as we could, we bought ice before boarding, so we could keep it, and the beer cool. We took a portable dvd player and did our best to avoid the rest of the ship. Much prefer a leisurely drive through France these days ,but It does depend on how much time is available.

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Mickey1 said:
looking at going to spain next year and maybe using Brittany ferries, can anyone give me info about the codes people give out, also any advice on the crossing.

Mickey.
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10% discount on Brittany Ferries? ...... send me a PM
 
Thanks all, we don’t have a dog but we do have time, this is one of those things we must try, it’s only this Covid that’s stopping me booking now.

Mickey.
 
Mickey1 said:
Riverbankannie , thanks for your reply, what’s the difference between inside or outside cabins please?.

Mickey.
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You get a Dirty Window that’s difficult to see the Sea.

I joined the Navy to see the World and what did l see l saw the Sea.

If you are fortunate you might see some Dolphins of the odd Whale but you have to be patient.

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We have used this route a few times as we don’t have the luxury of spending time to get to Spain but we found it to be very relaxing. It was lovely to arrive in Spain totally refreshed. The facilities have been good on their previous ships, we preferred Cap Finestere to the Port Aven but we are looking forward to seeing what the Galicia is like.
 
We loved Pride of Bilbao (RIP), had one slightly queezy trip on Pont Aven and have used Cap Finistere a few times.
PoB, for what it is worth, had a lovely lounge at the top front of the boat: wonderful views, quiet and almost intimate plus information from the Whale Watch officer on the bridge. We used to get in there when it opened (8am) and occupy two of the best seats until it closed at night. We took turns at returning to the cabin to bring food, drink, different activities, etc. It was a licenced area so the staff got cross if you were drinking your own booze!

We try to adopt a similar process on CF but the best lounge is at the rear, above the main Planets Bar. It is a somewhat larger area and the view is to the rear and side so not as good.

Given that we are happy to spend most of our day in public areas we are quite happy to have an inside cabin. It only saves £15 each way but £30 is £30.

Gordon
 
Have travelled Brittany Ferries for many years. Contrasting pros and cons of booking direct with Brittany. If you book direct you pay deposit and then pay balance nearer sailing. If you book via AFerry or Direct Ferries you may get a better price (marginally) but have to pay upfront. If you know anybody who is a frequent traveller (sister-on-law had property in Brittany) then you might be able to use their discount code. This year we booked via AFerry and with the COVID-19 backdrop they advised that first booking to Le Havre had cancelled. Rebooked to Caen and later on we got another message saying ferry cancelled? Couldn’t speak to anyone about this as e-mail only so spoke to Brittany Ferries using their booking ref (which AFerry give you) and they confirmed the only ferry cancelled was the original Le Havre service. At this point I decided in my mind that it probably would have been easier if I’d booked with Brittany Ferries direct in the first place as opposed to a third party especially where the situation re sailing or not sailing is fluid. Moving on, inside cabins for 2 are cramped. Sleeping is bunk beds, whereas a 4 berth cabin gives you a bit more room. Inside or outside, if price difference negligible go outside but not a deal breaker. On a trip to Spain the porthole window does give you some natural light in your cabin. Portsmouth > Bilbao is a fantastic sailing as you get 2 nights (Sun/Mon) on board arriving Tues first thing. It’s a very relaxing way to start your holiday and there’s usually a program of entertainment on the Monday be it whiskey tasting or dolphin spotting. The reverse sailing however is one night only so we usually loop round and head up through France. All in all it’s a marvellous experience which becomes (for us anyway) part of the holiday itself.
 
With regard to your original question about codes if you are planning to make more than one trip a year (if like us after Brexit restrictions a certainty ) then it is worth joining the Brittany Club yourself to get discounts on the tickets...free breakfast...and other discounts.... i also give out my discount number now and again to friends and family (of course) which earns you an additional £10 a time to your account.. if its just a one off trip its not worth it..
 
Beware the Brittany Ferries booking T & Cs. Pay a deposit and dont get your money back even when they cancel the crossing!! I speak from bitter experience on the Spanish routes.

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BryanS said:
Beware the Brittany Ferries booking T & Cs. Pay a deposit and dont get your money back even when they cancel the crossing!! I speak from bitter experience on the Spanish routes.
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I have had 3 crossings cancelled this year, vouchers for full amount, no problem to me as I make several crossings a year normally. As I understand it they must refund if requested when they cancel the crossing.
 
We were on our way up through Spain yesterday (15th) to catch today’s ferry from Santander, got a txt at 11.00 saying that our ferry was cancelled for technical reasons. Their options? Wait a week and get the ferry from Bilbao on Friday or Santander on Sunday, or, drive an extra 1000 Kms to Caen. Only offer of compensation was if we took the Caen option where they would make a contribution to our extra costs! We decided on next Sunday, and as we have an apartment in Andalusia we turned around and went back, so now sitting on our terrace in the sun, it could be worse I suppose.

I do think it’s about time they pensioned off the Cap Finistere, this isn’t the first time we’ve had delays and problems with this old girl, hopefully the new ships will be more reliable.

Also, this experience shows the necessity of budgeting a few extra days, maybe a week to our post Brexit Shengen travel plans for return travel within the 90 days.
 
matamoros said:
I have had 3 crossings cancelled this year, vouchers for full amount, no problem to me as I make several crossings a year normally. As I understand it they must refund if requested when they cancel the crossing.
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After more than 4 months I gave up with Brittany Ferries and got nothing. Also gave up seeking a credit card refund. Wrote it off to experience vowing never to book one of their crossings again!!¬
 
Only been once and that was last year on the Pont Aven, a very kind funster gave me a code for 10% off, very nice sailing as the sea was like a mill pond, outside cabin and even then with a lifeboat partially obscuring the window she wasn't too happy, if it was an inside cabin or swim, she'd swim. We were 2nd from last on at Portsmouth and 2nd from first off at Santander so that was good until I got lost and finished up heading back to Santander. :doh:
Used the restaurant at the pool and thought it was ok for value, entertainment was ok and passed the time. I would happily go again, not sure about the wife though as she's not keen on ships.
 
Chris CM said,

"Also, this experience shows the necessity of budgeting a few extra days, maybe a week to our post Brexit Shengen travel plans for return travel within the 90 days.

In our post Brexit World this could be a real problem.

Go to France (as per the BF suggestion to travel to Caen) and you would be dealing with the French arm of bureaucracy EU style.

I can't imagine that they wouldn't be too enthusiastic to listen to your reasons, however reasonable, as to why you had gone over your 90 days.

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Mike Rivers said:
Have travelled Brittany Ferries for many years. Contrasting pros and cons of booking direct with Brittany. If you book direct you pay deposit and then pay balance nearer sailing. If you book via AFerry or Direct Ferries you may get a better price (marginally) but have to pay upfront. If you know anybody who is a frequent traveller (sister-on-law had property in Brittany) then you might be able to use their discount code. This year we booked via AFerry and with the COVID-19 backdrop they advised that first booking to Le Havre had cancelled. Rebooked to Caen and later on we got another message saying ferry cancelled? Couldn’t speak to anyone about this as e-mail only so spoke to Brittany Ferries using their booking ref (which AFerry give you) and they confirmed the only ferry cancelled was the original Le Havre service. At this point I decided in my mind that it probably would have been easier if I’d booked with Brittany Ferries direct in the first place as opposed to a third party especially where the situation re sailing or not sailing is fluid. Moving on, inside cabins for 2 are cramped. Sleeping is bunk beds, whereas a 4 berth cabin gives you a bit more room. Inside or outside, if price difference negligible go outside but not a deal breaker. On a trip to Spain the porthole window does give you some natural light in your cabin. Portsmouth > Bilbao is a fantastic sailing as you get 2 nights (Sun/Mon) on board arriving Tues first thing. It’s a very relaxing way to start your holiday and there’s usually a program of entertainment on the Monday be it whiskey tasting or dolphin spotting. The reverse sailing however is one night only so we usually loop round and head up through France. All in all it’s a marvellous experience which becomes (for us anyway) part of the holiday itself.
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That used to be the case.

Now, unless you are prepared to pay a bigger price, you have to pay the whole amount right from the start.
 
Mickey1 said:
Thanks all, we don’t have a dog but we do have time, this is one of those things we must try, it’s only this Covid that’s stopping me booking now.

Mickey.
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The ferry to Bilbao is for us the best way to Spain, always book an outside cabin, its our preference. We drove back up through France and came home on the ferry from Ouistreham/Caen. That way we get the best of both worlds and avoid Calais.
 
Best to phone and book I find. First time we booked online and “the computer” allocated us a cabin high in the bow which was horrendous. If you book by phone you can find out exactly what is available and make an informed price. We prefer midship. Makes no difference to price
 
Pont Aven needs retiring, was the bain of our motorcycling touring holidays to Spain, it’s continually breaking down.

When it’s working we enjoy using the Plymouth to Santander route. (y)

Eating very expensive nowadays though.

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The Ex-Gasman said:
We have only used the ferry with a motorcycle,
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I've only used that route with a motorbike ( 3 times in May and June) from Santander to Porstmouth. I prefer to ride down to tour Spain and feel the temp rising rather than t'other way about.
I love being at sea and look forward excitedly to the return crossing on the ferry. The only downside is that the crossing's too short. Five days aboard would suit me.
 
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BryanS said:
After more than 4 months I gave up with Brittany Ferries and got nothing. Also gave up seeking a credit card refund. Wrote it off to experience vowing never to book one of their crossings again!!¬
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I have had 3 crossings cancelled this year and have been offered voucher codes which I have used for next years bookings that I have since made. Then my Roscoff Plymouth return on 1st Nov was cancelled. I was still in Sicily at the time, they offered a refund or voucher, I told them to take it off next years balance.
I have always found them a pleasant and honourable company to deal with and we generally have at least 4 crossings a year with them. These are difficult times and they are a commercial enterprise not a charity and they are running on fresh air at the moment. I want them to survive. I find it difficult to believe that you have not had any offers of a voucher as I and many others have had no issues although I will agree the unprecedented demand to deal with the Covid fall out has made communications very slow.
I would write a polite email to customer services.
 
We take our own pillows, the Pont Avon ones are naff. Inside cabins in the middle of the ship is the way to go.
 
Very interested in Chris' post We too have been sent last minute messages about crossing cancellations but have learnt to put up with it because of the convenience of the direct route.
We have just gambled on being allowed to go to Santander and have booked to cross in December. Very interesting is that you were able to return to Andelucia. We hear about police roadblocks between provinces in Spain. Did these affect you?
 
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