Hints and Tips for the Ferry.

[Lesanda]

There’s bars, children’s crèche (suit you that).

Is that similar to child quiche, nah couldn't eat a full un.

 

[EuroTrotters]

I'm not really concerned about the ferry as long as the cabin's clean and it doesn't sink.
As a lifelong yachtsman I just enjoy being at sea, whatever the weather.

Se my message above. I do have concerns about the safety of the new fleet.

 

[Verteuil Man]

Bit disappointed with the snooker tables though

They use square balls so they don't roll in the swell.

 

[bladerunner]

The restaurant on Pont Aven has gone seriously downhill.
Used to be highlight with buffet starter and pudding.
Now served at table and food essentially inedible (despite £35 ish each).
Many of us were of the same opinion.
On my return trip 2 weeks ago I took packed Spanish meal.
Great shame and hope it returns to previous.

 

[Pusscat]

The restaurant on Pont Aven has gone seriously downhill.
Used to be highlight with buffet starter and pudding.
Now served at table and food essentially inedible (despite £35 ish each).
Many of us were of the same opinion.
On my return trip 2 weeks ago I took packed Spanish meal.
Great shame and hope it returns to previous.

That’s a real disappointment…use to really look forward to it! Thanks for the heads up

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[The general]

Sick bags are free of charge if it turns rough.

If ? My mates wife said never never again

 

[Bertilak]

Now it's been slowed down to a 30hour crossing, one breakfast and dinner is included- and really excellent (French). Take snacks for lunch and before you get off. Cabins are ok, but much nicer with window. Not a lot to do on the boat. Portsmouth doesn't really welcome you if you get there early - on meters just to stop... some use the Port Solent mall complex to eat after arriving.

 

[Verteuil Man]

Now it's been slowed down to a 30hour crossing, one breakfast and dinner is included- and really excellent (French). Take snacks for lunch and before you get off. Cabins are ok, but much nicer with window. Not a lot to do on the boat. Portsmouth doesn't really welcome you if you get there early - on meters just to stop... some use the Port Solent mall complex to eat after arriving.

I have heard that the reason the crossing has slowed is due to the time it takes to refuel the Salamander with LNG.

 

[The Boofles]

Depending on your sailing times (and budget!!) an upgrade to the Executive Lounge might be worth considering …. we used it in April and the snacks and drinks are unlimited pretty much all day.

 

[OldCodger]

Depending on your sailing times (and budget!!) an upgrade to the Executive Lounge might be worth considering …. we used it in April and the snacks and drinks are unlimited pretty much all day.

Thanks. We got this on the way back but it is full on the way out. Does anyone know if you can get cancellations “on departure”?

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[The Boofles]

Not sure but you could always ask at the door (of the lounge) when you’ve boarded.

 

[Mike Rivers]

Done this many times. If you have a cabin, then take your cool box up to cabin and plug it in. We normally start to chill the cool box down about 36hrs before we leave home. Add in freezer blocks and bingo. The cool box is normally cool enough right up to point of arrival. If this isn’t possible then fret not as there are plenty of Lidl’s and suchlike over in Portugal. Enjoy the crossing, a very civilised way to travel I must say.

 

[minesapint]

Thanks Badknee is there much to do on the boat ?

There is not much in the way of entertainment on the Galicia, no cinema etc. if the weather is good you can lounge on the top deck.
The Galicia is not as cruise friendly as the old ship. Try an avoid cabins above the dog walking decks as the door closing dampers have failed already and the doors bang with an almighty noise.

 

[EuroTrotters]

The restaurant on Pont Aven has gone seriously downhill.
Used to be highlight with buffet starter and pudding.
Now served at table and food essentially inedible (despite £35 ish each).
Many of us were of the same opinion.
On my return trip 2 weeks ago I took packed Spanish meal.
Great shame and hope it returns to previous.

Shame, we had an excellent meal in April. But no buffet. Excuse was the “C” word. But breakfast was buffet.

 

[MichaelT]

I have heard that the reason the crossing has slowed is due to the time it takes to refuel the Salamander with LNG.

Is that because someone has to hold the button in all the time like you do when topping up the gas on the MH

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[125BEER]

Bit disappointed with the snooker tables though

And the Tenpin bowling is a scream

 

[Garry - June]

WE do the crossing twice a year.... tips... we always try and get the 2 night crossing from Portsmouth which departs around 10.30 and arrives around 7.30am which gives a full days driving when we disembark ... freeze bottles of water to keep fridge cold....take bags up to the cabin with tea making stuff, ie cups and kettle and a few snacks like sandwiches/biscuits etc... restaurants are good as is the food and breakfasts and the bars are reasonably priced... entertainment wise the cabins have tv's on which they have the entertainment option in the menu which gives access to free films..many new and some older titles.... more than enough to keep you entertained.. never had a bad crossing yet.... my only criticism of the new boats "Galacia" is the fact the designers thought it a good idea to place the main restaurant at the front of the ship... which is the worst place to put it for stability if there any waves..

 

[h8ten]

If you have a tracker fitted then let the company know as they will try to contact you due to the vehicle moving but the engine not running.

 

[BrianHHill]

We are heading down to Portugal later this month on Brittany Ferries. We’re on the Galicia from Portsmouth to Santander. This will be our first ferry trip with Betsy - but we are seasoned channel tunnel users and have driven a lot in France.

Are there any hints and tips folks can give ?

What are the newbie errors to avoid ? E.g. How do you keep the fridge cool ? Or do we forget any idea of taking fresh food and buy it all there?

Any tips gratefully received!

We've never found it problem providing it's reasonably full and cold to start with. . As others will tell you keep ice blocks, water etc. as each will help.

 

[BrianHHill]

Out of interest how much checking is there at Santander on arrival ?

It depends. Some get stopped, some don't. Last time, I was quizzed as to how much Sterling and Euros I had with me and was required to make a declaration.

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[scotzsue]

We travelled on pony aven earlier this year. Meal was delicious in the restaurant at first thought portions were a bit small but was stuffed by the end of the e meal. Those who have eat as much as you can appetites will be disappointed though. No need to take an extra pillow have always been supplied with one when I asked, if you book a 4 berth cabin for 2 as we do you can use the pillows from the other beds. Have never bothered much with entertainment but take my kindle and my sheepsies
Tip check your travel kettle doesn’t leak it makes a bit of a mess if it does.
Fridge freeze butter milk water before going use ice blocks and try not to open the door keep it on gas until your line is going on board.
Have a great time.

 

[AnEnglishmanAbroad]

We went on the Galicia in May to Santander and found it to be excellent. The cabin had a new feel and the staff were really helpful. It was a rough first 10 hours and there was a lot of seasickness. My wife was quite poorly. There were a lot of dolphins to be seen and a whale which was fabulous. The newish camper park at the nearby small town of Santillana del Mar was excellent and only a very short walk into the beautiful village. Worth it for the bars and restaurants depending on what time you leave the port.

 

[Bcollinson]

We are heading down to Portugal later this month on Brittany Ferries. We’re on the Galicia from Portsmouth to Santander. This will be our first ferry trip with Betsy - but we are seasoned channel tunnel users and have driven a lot in France.

Are there any hints and tips folks can give ?

What are the newbie errors to avoid ? E.g. How do you keep the fridge cool ? Or do we forget any idea of taking fresh food and buy it all there?

Any tips gratefully received!

Keep a good look out for whales in bay of Biscay. It can be a good show.

 

[MichaelT]

If you have a tracker fitted then let the company know as they will try to contact you due to the vehicle moving but the engine not running.

On ours we set the ferry setting on the app with a start and finish time so it does not warn.

 

[Reallyretired]

I would take minimum in the fridge. Spanish supermarkets are great cheaper than France and have the things that are difficult to find in France like decent bacon.

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[Eddieb]

Take a little kettle and some tea bags or coffee We also took our own wine to the restaurant waiters did not mind

 

[OldCodger]

Keep a good look out for whales in bay of Biscay.

And I thought it was in the Irish Sea.

 

[OldCodger]

Thanks everyone- we’re writing all this stuff down!

 

[Howard B]

Depending on your sailing times (and budget!!) an upgrade to the Executive Lounge might be worth considering …. we used it in April and the snacks and drinks are unlimited pretty much all day.

What is included in the Drinks & Snacks selection?

 

[pau1phi11ips]

Fridge has to be turned off. But you could use freezer packs to prolong cold.

Why does the fridge need to be turned off? Is this in the ferry rules? Seems a bit odd.

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