- Aug 22, 2021
- 6
- 25
- Funster No
- 83,646
- MH
- Hymer MLT 570 4x4
- Exp
- 24 years
Brittany herald their latest Chinese built LNG/electric ferry for the Portsmouth - St Malo route. This route under the old ferry was one of the last of the great cruiser ferries and their evening buffet was a meal of absolute French triumph, in the vein of post war grandiose cruisers. Living in Normandy with property in East Sussex, any visitors, would be treated to a Portsmouth to St Malo crossing. For every single guest over the years the crossing was always one of their most memorable experiences in Europe and solidified all that wa great about French cuisine, service and wine.
Fast forward to the present. We have had several misery trips on the " Santander to Portsmouth and Plymouth" crossings. A grinding interminable journey akin to being on a boarding school outing with food quality to match the school canteen experience. On our last trip from Santander some months back we booked dinner and as a couple were seated at a 4 seater table. Perusing the very limited menu (no St Malo type buffet) we were bemused when the somewhat arrogant and insouciant waiter placed all wine and water bottles on our table without reference to us for the adjoining table. Hoping for at least an intimate evening (we do try to manage that you know) we were pretty shocked. Emboldened by this action the couple on the 2 seater table adjoining us, whio were way ahead of us in ordering, simply dumped their crockery, cutlery, used napkins etc to afford themselves more space without any by your leave. Disgusting rabble. After 24 years of being a voyager member I have cancelled our membership. I would rather drive to be frank.
It will be interesting to see the "new" level of service on the St Malo. My guess? it will be more of the new same intent of lowered service and expectations. Be interesting to see reviews especially from folk that enjoyed the traditional St Malo crossing.
Fast forward to the present. We have had several misery trips on the " Santander to Portsmouth and Plymouth" crossings. A grinding interminable journey akin to being on a boarding school outing with food quality to match the school canteen experience. On our last trip from Santander some months back we booked dinner and as a couple were seated at a 4 seater table. Perusing the very limited menu (no St Malo type buffet) we were bemused when the somewhat arrogant and insouciant waiter placed all wine and water bottles on our table without reference to us for the adjoining table. Hoping for at least an intimate evening (we do try to manage that you know) we were pretty shocked. Emboldened by this action the couple on the 2 seater table adjoining us, whio were way ahead of us in ordering, simply dumped their crockery, cutlery, used napkins etc to afford themselves more space without any by your leave. Disgusting rabble. After 24 years of being a voyager member I have cancelled our membership. I would rather drive to be frank.
It will be interesting to see the "new" level of service on the St Malo. My guess? it will be more of the new same intent of lowered service and expectations. Be interesting to see reviews especially from folk that enjoyed the traditional St Malo crossing.
