UK to Santander Ferry - A Guide to Surviving 33hrs on a Recliner Chair, NO CABIN. What to expect
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ธ.ค. 2024
- #Santander #brittanyferries #ReclinerChair #NoCabin
This is my review and experience of travelling on Brittany Ferries Galicia without a private cabin, on the 33 hour leg from Santander, Spain to Portsmouth, UK their newest editiion, the Galicia.
Get acquainted with the layout ahead of your journey and know what to expect if your thinking about booking a recliner chair and no private cabin.
I learnt a few things on my journey out, and so decided to make a handy video of the things I did differently on my return journey. In this video
I take you to the Santander ferry port, through Santander
show you the parking on deck and how things you need to remember when leaving the vehicle for return
take a tour of the recliner chair lounge
look at a possible sleeping alternative
show you the communal toilet and shower area for recliner chair users
provide an esential kit list, for sleeping and surviving without a private cabin
The ticket cost was £1178 for my Transit MK8 campervan.
This was during height of summer Mid July leaving Portsmouth, Returning Mid August Santander to Portsmouth 2022.
As I was travelling alone I chose the reclining lounge chair, and in this video I give you a full tour of the lounge, what to expect from the seating, the communal sleeping, showers, toilets and alternative sleeping possibilities on board.
Thanks so much for watching!
If you enjoyed the video please givce it a thinms up, consider subscribing and I hope to see you in the next one.
Many thanks for the insight … I’m cranky if I don’t sleep so cabin it is !!!!
👍
Considered it for half a second before booking a cabin for next June.
Cabin is always so much better that’s for sure. Happy travels
Thank you so much for this Video , you don't know how much this has helped
Fantastic
5*****
You're very welcome! Thanks for the lovely comments. Very much appreciated 👍
Thanks for this because when travelling alone, Brittany seem to give the option of a four person cabin one way only, and then advice to remove it because it’s not suitable for solo travellers, that begs the question what the recliners are like, which you explain so well in this excellent video.
Hi. Yes I agree solo travel you really want to know what options are available and if the recliners are suitable and what to expect. Thanks for your kind words of support, glad you found this helpful 👍
I just happened upon this by chance and I'm glad I did. An absolutely brilliant report, Toni, for which many thanks indeed. I have never used Brittany Ferries, so this video has been very informative about what to expect if I do. Take care Toni, I wish you safe driving / riding.
Hi. Many thanks for the kind words. So glad you found the video helpful, hopefully it helps give a little insight for when your on your next adventure. Take care and happy adventuring 👍
If the sailing is quiet I found that it was more comfortable to sleep on the floor with a roll mat.
@ Toni Reviews.....Thanks for this real informative 'down-to-earth' vlog. I've made this trip myself....just wish i'd seen this beforehand!!!!!!. Really well presented. 👍
Thank you @adyback7944 that’s really kind of you 👍
Your review is spot on in my book. I did this trip a number of years ago on the previous ship, they didn’t have a locked seated area then. The seats aren’t comfortable and l slept on the floor. Plenty of room then!
Thanks for sharing! And thanks for the comments of support too 👍
Thank you for such a great down to earth report, I may try this. It is definitely more comfortable looking than an overnight bus journey and I have survived those in the past.
Hi. No problem at all. It was definitely doable and far better than a bus journey. I’ve done a few of those before and that upright position is a killer. The ferry is a far easier journey even in the seating lounge.
Brilliant vid at last someone who tells you the practical details thanks a lot.
Hi. Thanks so much for the kind words. I do try to be as practical and straight forward as possible. So glad you found this helpful 👍
Thanks this was so helpful, I've booked a seat on my first crossing in March and would not have thought of half of those things. I am also adding, sleeping tablets, an eye mask and earplugs too !
Hi Nick. So glad you found this useful! An eye mask would be a great addition!. As for sleeping tablets etc, also a good call. Personally I like to keep my. witts about me a little so sleeping tablets would put me slightly at a dis ease, but if you find it helpful definately add those to your list. I know on my journey putbound there was a very big snorer in the room, which most people found difficult, so the sleeping tablets would be a good call in that situation! Safe travells! :)
That's very good info for the "first time wallahs", ms Toni. Brings back ( mostly ) fond memories of a works "paid for week end outing" , Hull/Zebrugge, ( To Amsterdam ) 1972. What larks !
🤣🤣🤣 sounds great @blackbob3358. Thanks for sharing 👍 I think we all get the mental pictures
Thank you sooo much for posting, I was having a panic attack today about no cabin and maby upgrading, my confidence is back, I can do it! 🤗
Hi Dave.... You can do it! Its fine, its not as comfortable as a cabin of course, but its fine. Youve got this!
Hi Toni, thanks again, cabin here we come 👍😁@@ToniReviews
I suppose ,if you fly to Australia you are on a seat for hours. Little room to move about.
It's a very similar arrangement on the M.V Pont Aven though I don't remember that having those bench seats outside the seating room. We used to 'rough it' on the overnight Plymouth-Roscoff run and oh boy it was tough going. The seating room was packed and everyone was snoring. Sometimes just by chance they'd all snore in unison like a choir! So we went searching for somewhere else where we could lie down but there was a hireded singer in the bar with a loud squeeky microphone that you could hear from everywhere and she kept singing for hours so that idea didn't work either. My wife eventually nodded off back in the seating room but I spent the night outside watching the boats go by. I got cold and wet but it wasn't too bad. On another trip there was a crowd of loud people roaming the decks who seemed oblivious to everyone else though after a few hours the captain came down and gave then a right ticking off. And there's more but I wont go on.. So nowadays we always get a room - lovely!
Thanks for sharing. Very informative
I cross the Irish sea monthly.. I have travelled on the mv salamanca ferry from rosslare to bilbao. I got a cabin which was excellent..i was inclined to share with a person who was in reserved seating if they wanted as I was travelling solo with a 4 berth cabin..good tip about noting parking position.
Hi. Many thanks for sharing 👍
Thanks Toni. That was really helpful. I’ve booked a cabin! But the plug thing was great advice.
Hi @lionzgirllisa . So glad you found it handy. On my next trip I’m travelling with friends and so I’m definitely opting for the cabin, but if alone I think the chairs are absolutely fine. Hope the trip goes well. Thanks for comments, really lovely to hear people find the information handy. Thanks :)
@14:13 - there is a small lever on the side of the tap for adjusting hot/cold.
No that was a plug close and open
You have definitely made me get a cabin! Stuff that! Good video very informative and well put together thank you 🙏
Glad to be of service 🤣 👍 take care and enjoy that cabin
thanks Toni great info and a great video, cant thank you enough.
Hi Robert. No problem at all, so glad you found it helpful and thanks so much for taking the time to leave a lovely comment 👍
I sailed from Corfu to Dubrovnik many years ago and slept in a sleeping bag on the deck. Very nice. Also slept in a deck chair on a ferry from Harwich to Gothenburg to Harwich.
Sounds like a real adventure 😊👍
Did the same from Corfu to Brindisi. But that was when I was a backpacking lad !! Cabines nowadays !!!
Great video, very informative. When I go I’ll make sure I have a cabin.
Glad you found this helpful. Yes a cabin is definitely a bonus especially if travelling via motorcycle!
Thanks for this. Im doing the shorter journey to Plymouth next week and was getting worried about not having a cabin.
Hi. You should be fine. I found it on once I decided to sleep in the open plan area outside the room. It’s definitely doable for a night
Nicely informative for my pending cycle trip - thanks
Hi Alan, glad you found thid helpful. Enjoy your trip 🙂
Great review with loads of good information. Thanks Toni! Definitely worth a subscribe.
Thank you @brianconnelly7823. Very much appreciated. Glad you found it helpful, always lovely to hear. 👍😊
@8:26 - pro-tip: always bring a couple of snoods with you when you travel. They will keep your head warm if there is a draught and will work as an eye mask for getting some sleep.
Definitely good tip!
Brilliant info..thanks so much for this vid. I wanted to know bout the reserved chairs etc. 😎👍
Glad you enjoyed the video and found it useful. If you read the comments someone also mentioned you can charge a phone in the lounge also
Thanks for sharing, I haven't toured in a few years so this was good revision 😮👍🙏
Hopefully, it’s sparked the travel bug 👍
Wow, Santander has changed! When I was hauling, Brittany ferries went there from Plymouth, P&O went to Bilbao from Portsmouth. Brittany ferries every time for me! I'll have to do some trips for memories but so much has changed.
thanks for haring that! im sure others whove done the route probably feel the sme
They still do Plymouth to Santander on the pont - aven , I'm booked on it on the 16 th June for a motorbike holiday with mate's . We do the Spanish Pyrenees or the Pecos de Europa every other year . Always in cabins 😊
NO THANKS LIFE IS TOO SHORT CABIN ALL THE WAY !!!
It’s really not that bad at all. Having done it I’d definitely do it again if I was travelling alone. Travelling with friends or family cabin definitely. Thanks for sharing 👍
Got to be a cabin. We couldn't put up with all that faffing about.
You’re right there. Cabin is the best way to get a good nights sleep
It does seem a lot of faffing without a cabin. I would be worried about my things all the time.
Anyway still enjoyed your Vlog.
@@stephensherry5197yes having to carry any valuables is a downside
Don't know how you managed that. We had lounge and cabin and struggled. Hardly anything to do on the ship and can't imagen not having own space to go to for 33 hours. Hats off to you
Hi. It honestly wasn’t too bad. I was on deck most of the time, the sea was also pretty calm which I think helped. The shower was a great help to help feel clean and settled. But yes a cabin is always better!
That's why ya never more than 2 mins from a boozer, mr Hanna. I love 'em.
Great video!! I’m taking the Plymouth to Santander one next week I might make my own video
Have fun!
@@ToniReviewsthank you 🥰🥰
How great and original content! Subscribed, Bob Belgium
@@bobdelaplage690 hey bob! Thanks so much for the follow . Hope you enjoy the channel. If you get time check out my recent adventures to Vietnam on a motorcycle. For some reason TH-cam’s algorithm doesn’t show it but it’s an epic adventure split into micro episodes. 👍
Brilliant tips and well presented. 👍
Thanks very much! That’s very kind. Glad you found it helpful 👍
Excellent thank you👍
@@steve7956 no problem. Hope you found this useful 👍
watching this after the boat. luckily I came to the same conclusions as yourself on my first go. I stayed in the reserved area there was an absolute melt on the first night going around with a head tourch on the highest setting.
One thing id say is people using the lounge left sleping bags dirty cloths and containers of food there all day so you could not use half the seats out there. if you sleep out there have a bit of deceny and tidy your stuff up during the day into the reserved area. dont be selfish!
Head torch 🙄. That’s people for you. Thanks for sharing and some worthwhile tips!
Cool..thanks for the tips
No probs. Glad you found them helpful 👍
I’m in the video! You followed me on the ferry lol😂 (silver camper )
Brilliant!!! Hello silver camper I remember you! Hang on… I had 2 campers I followed on. One was a transit van, the other was a big coach built… which one were you? I’ll have to watch this now and check out which one you were… brilliant 👍😊🤣
@@ToniReviews the silver fiat Ducati Gn12ezw as you parked up on ferry! :-)
Excellent! Thank you!
Thanks @dippyfish. So glad you found this helpful 😊👍
Just for info, there are phone charging points on all the chairs in that room. Just under the armrests. I only spotted them as I slept on the floor in that room the last couple of nights, on a Portsmouth to Santander crossing.
Very handy thanks for sharing! I didn’t see those!
I’m planning on taking the Plymouth to Santander ferry next April and back . Riding down from Scotland first , I’m torn over wether to take a room or not . It’s almost a £200 out and back again
Sounds like a massive journey. A cabin is nice place to put your head down uninterrupted and sprawl your gear out etc. I think if I was doing such a long journey I’d opt for the cabin. However I must say the cabin lounge wasn’t bad at all. As mentioned the seats aren’t really good for sleeping in but alternatives can be sought. Hope this helps
@@ToniReviews it definitely helps I’m not a huge sleeper when I’m away anyway but it is a big journey and when I arrive in Spain I’m riding straight to the bottom for the ferry to morocco so I probably should try and be as well rested as I can .
@@81craw blimey… what an adventure. In that case I would 100% opt for a cabin!
Love yer videos Toni. Just straightforward what ya wanna know without the bullshit. Belter. I'm thinking about taking my truck I'm converting to Portugal a bit later. All handy stuff to know.
Thank you Adam! I really appreciate you taking the time to leave such a lovely comment. Glad to hear your already thinking about adventures in your truck! If your thinking about the seat, it’s not too bad a journey to be fair. As long as you manage to lye flat , either in the seating lounge or in the big open area as those chairs are impossible to get comfy in, but it’s definitely do able and if travelling alone again I’d probably rebook the seat option. It’s fine. Glad you found it useful- good luck with the build and I’m excited for your adventures 👍😊
I knew someone would do a video about sleeping in the seated area on this ferry. So grateful and very helpful. Is it allowed to sleep in the lounge? Are the staff ok with that? Also, what is the temperature like does it tend to be on the warmer or cooler side. For me there were no cabins available with windows and I am really claustrophobic so doing one without was not an option!
Hi shell. The temperature was absolutely fine. As long as you have a small blanket or a goody something to cover your bare skin it’s fine. The staff were also fine about this and were very considerate during the night. Early morning was a little busier, but it was still fine. The open lounge has lots of windows so is very bright in the morning , but if you have something to cover your eyes, again it’s absolutely fine. You could also sleep on the floor in the reserved seating lounge if you had a roll mat or similar, but I personally preferred the padded seating in the open area. Hope this helps 👍
@@ToniReviews You are very kind and considerate, thank you for your time this will help us greatly. We leave Friday for Portugal.
@@shellrock5294 wow Portugal, one of my favourite places. Have a great trip, let me know how you get on, on the ferry ! Have a fab time 👍
Never been on a ferry so im confused if you got a camper van with a nice bed why pay for a cabin or a seat ?
You aren’t allowed to stay in the van. All the levels with vehicles on are locked so you can’t access vehicles whilst sailing. This is to prevent injury whilst at sea as the sea can’t get very rough and cars can move or worse. This is just one of the reasons you can’t stay in your campervan
@ToniReviews oh okay that makes sense it puzzled me as to why you would choose a single seat for 33hours over ur own bed 🤣
Very informative vlog which I enjoyed immensely and was disappointed when the video ended, I was hoping for much more, like looking at the canteen, the food on offer, the bar area, what other entertainment was on offer and later the sleeping experience, the breakfast next day, disembarkation etc.
So glad you enjoyed it. I guess I’ll just have to do another trip and showcase the food. I was planning on doing this but it’s a little embarrassing with a camera filming everything as people are w
Eating or your balancing a tray of hot stuff 🤣 but yes you are right it would make a good edition. The food was great by the way and as means of entertainment they offered whale and dolphin watching pub quiz and lots of children’s story time type activities
Very helpful, thanks.
Hi Janice. So glad you found this helpful. Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback 👍
We’ve done most crossings from most ports backwards and forwards from U.K. to Spain over the last 20 years.. We’ve been tempted to book the armchair option, so the main topic of the video was great. I watched every minute, even though we’ve been there, on those same roads, same everything. My husband says I should put my iPad down and go to sleep, if I’m so interested I can drive next time 😂😂
Excellent video. We are booked Portsmouth to Bilbao sometime this year, although we have a cabin your list is very useful thank you. What were you checked for going into Spain?
Hi. Many thanks for the kind words glad you found it helpful. If I was travelling with someone I’d definitely go for a cabin too, but when it’s just one person it’s hard to justify. As for what I was checked for they never said. They just pulled all vans over, required you to open the doors so they could see inside. One the way back they threw a spaniel in the van to sniff the van out too. Drugs and clandestines I would imagine
@@ToniReviews Thank you. I hope they don't find my Bovril!
When you drive onto the ferry, it looks like there are yellow anchor points all over the floor. Do you know if the workers tie vehicles down after everyone's on board? Thanks for the video, by the way. I'm going to Santander (from Portsmouth) on October 9th, returning 15th. Chair there, cabin back.
Hi. I think the hooks are there for diverse use of the space, so for example if they have a load they need to tie down. They don’t tie the cars down however they potentially could tie the wheels down if needed in stormy seas, although they’re more likely not to sail at all as my ferry was delayed 2 days on my return because of this. I know with motorcycles they tie those down, but not the cars. Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip 👍
@@ToniReviews Thanks. Always wondered about that. ⛵
You forgot one thing: earplugs, just in case someone is snoring on the reclining chair room. Btw, are there no plugs on the boat, just in case you empty the power bank?
Yes good shout ear plugs could be another. I prefer not to use earplugs as I still like to stay somewhat alert especially in a shared room, but earplugs would be a good shout. And the answer to the plug sockets is a no. I couldn’t find any sockets on board for communal use, I think these are in the cabins, however I’m sure if you asked at the helps
Desk they could accommodate a charge if you needed it. The Wi-Fi on the return journey was also out for much of the trip and no phone signal for a good portion, so maybe turning off devices could also be an option.
good tips. thanks, MS :)
Is it allowed to offer the spare bed in my cabin to someone not happy with his/her reserved seat?
edit: to share the cost (hopefully BF are not reading this)
@@DODO-vy6sf I suppose what you do with your cabin is your business but it wouldn’t be an official option via the ferry company. This would be something you’d have to arrange personally with someone, and then your compromising the luxury of a private cabin by having a stranger in there, your then back in the business of being in a shared dorm style accommodation. Hope this helps 👍
Another question. Are there any sockets/charging points in the reserved room with all the chairs?
Not that I saw. Hope this helps
@@ToniReviews Okay. I’ll have to take my power bank with me.
Really enjoyed this video
Thanks @sejn2587 that’s really kind of you. Thanks for taking the time to leave such a lovely comment 👍
Is there a kettle available to use?
No, there’s no facilities like that. You can get hot water from the bar
Thanks
I’ve tried this twice - once during a storm - and the seats seem to be deliberately designed to make you want to book a cabin next time. On both my outward trips in the seating area there was probably 60% occupancy of chairs and people were setting out sleeping bags on the floor in the walk areas and between rows of chairs where no-one was seated. Lying on the floor seemed very uncomfortable with the constant vibration and noise being transmitted through the metal walls and floors. I always go for an outside cabin with windows now. An internal cabin would be a last resort.
Thank you Clive… that does sound like an awful experience… I can imagine that vibration coming through the floor! I’d definitely opt for the open seating area outside in that instance, over the metal floor, but yes in a storm the boat isn’t great and I can imagine the chaos in the room of people trying to get comfortable, sleep and maybe move around to try an avert the sea sickness. Thanks so much for sharing 👍
When you get to Santander can you just walk straight off into Santander without the need for a shuttle bus?
Hi. Yes you can the ferry port is in Santander itself. If you skip towards the first bit of the video you see when I drive into the port through Santander itself. This should give you an idea of the area outside the port 👍
Thank you once again Channel bullying and nasty people But nervous now I’m just returning back to the UK after spending 2 1/2 months in Portugal and I’m a bag of nerves so I really appreciate this video specially show me the road bit that was really helpful to me. Thank you once again. Take care, I hope you’re all good
Hi. Glad you found this video helpful. Look out for the slip road on the bend for the ferry, if you miss it drive slowly through the town and you’ll find it there also as I show in the video. Just take your time, don’t drive too fast and you will be fine 👍
Thank you 😊
I hope you see this before I leave for ferry tomorrow. Well thay let you drive in am time . I’m finding it hard to find a parkup for the night. I been stop and ask ware am I staying and am I travelling with anyone else not what I was inspecting 🫣
Great video. Your video will be really helpful for those intending to travel. 👍 Was that the "Salamanca" ?
Hi Brian. Yes I hope the video is helpful to those considering travelling using the recliner chairs on bird. This is the Galicia.
@@ToniReviews Ah, the Galicia, apparently that's the sister ship of the Salamanca, they're identical. The Salamanca is now on the Rosslare to Bilbao route.
Thanks for the tips. How does the cost of the seat compare with that of the cabin?
Hi. It Depends on the cabin size, but approximately £200ish difference in price for a basic 2 man cabin
Did you have the option to sleep in your vehicle? Or was access to the vehicles limited during the crossing?
Hi not. All vehicles have to be left in the parking decks and all the doors are locked so once you leave you cannot return to the vehicle until you dock
great guide ! i was on the Galicia in November sharing a cabin with 3 other snorers I actually went and slept in the lounge, considerable saving on the journey ( we go across on the mbikes) not having a cabin, FYI the seat area on the Pont Aven is not not so big and im not sure about the showers etc, Your guide has made the decision for me to go without cabin now Thank You.
Hi Nathan. Glad you found the guide useful. Cabin is great but if your sharing with snorers then the open lounge is no different. The communal showers are lovely and barely used as most people have a cabin. Definitely take some items like something to cover your eyes and a sleeping bag and you should be fine if you sleep in the open area as the chairs do t really recline to the right position for sleep. Thanks for commenting and happy adventures 👍😊
We missed that turning as well 😆
😂 it’s so tight isn’t it and it’s right on a bend…. ! I cut the audio where I said beeeeep.
I would sleep on the floor -😂
I think that’s why most people found the bench seats a better option
I paid for a cabin - then went down to my van to get something, absolutely nobody in sight, could have easily just slept in there in hindsight!
I would have loved to have slept in my van. I actually went down to the lower car deck where I was parked at one point to get something from the van but the doors were locked. I think it’s a safety measure stop people going to their vehicles. I think it’s because it reduces the risk of people getting injured if cars move in rough seas or risk of fires with people turning car engines on etc. I’d love to have stayed in my van but didn’t fancy getting locked down there should something happen 👍
I always assumed that if your van was on the outside deck that you could stay in your van if you wanted to. You certainly can on some ferries but different operators may have different rules. I’ve been on this boat and was very happy to have a cabin, the value on a 31 hour crossing is beyond compare to a short crossing. If the price is a big issue, then the seats are not bad, but a cabin is always going to be better,
I never realised a simple ferry ride was so fraught with difficulties and complexities. You're very brave, Toni for even attempting it. My hero! You've certainly put me off ever leaving the UK, so thanks for that.☹️
Glad it helped 😊👍
Indeed. A sobering account of crossing the channel.
Next up: Storming Beach Green - where each step could be your last.
@@TomBartram-b1c Yes, it sounded like 33 hours of Hell. I mean having to brush your teeth with warm water, surely a Victoria cross is deserved.😁
I wouldn't say it is fraught with difficulties and complexities.
@@TomBartram-b1c Not quite crossing the channel.
I use ferries quite often as part of my motorcycle tours. I tried one of these seats once and once was enough. I had the most horrific night's sleep in my life. My rule now is simple ... if I can't get a cabin then I change my dates until I can. Yes they're usually expensive for what they are but starting the day exhausted is not a good thing.
Totally agree. You need a goods nights sleep for sure esprit you are on a bike. The good thing with the van was if I needed a Kip I could just pull over have a cuppa and get my head down. The other trick with the seats is not to sleep in them… they are horrendous for sleeping. Lying on the bench seating is a better option if considering the chair only option. Totally agree with you though. Thanks for sharing
@@ToniReviews looks compulsory now to get cabin
@@Luki-jz6gmno I think seats are still available. You just have to book ‘something’ either a cabin or a seat
Last took the Plymouth to Santander in 1997, we had a top spec cabin , well worth the extra,pretty sure it was only a 24 hour crossing though.
You probably had a more direct route. This goes through the channel from Portsmouth and is a long ok journey.
We’re going to Santander from Plymouth in June and it’s 20 hours. We’ve done Portsmouth to Santander and I think it’s 24 hours.
last few ferries i have been on have had the option to pay for a club lounge - usually a nice view and have complimentary drinks and food. Ive always found them good value even if your just drinking soft drinks and coffee. Not sure on the cost to add that to your ticket but pretty sure it would cushion the blow of not having a cabin.
Yes the club lounge was just next to the seating lounge. Complementary food and drinks sound good. Thanks for sharing
Not for me! I like to fly or take the train. I have done coaches/ferries No thanks. Great video Toni.
Thanks for sharing 👍
Last time I took the ferry in my motorhome I just closed the blinds and stayed inside with the dog. No one checks passengers from vehicles off the vehicle deck, just stay out of sight until it's underway then its just like being at home till you get there. It was a shorter route than that one but I imagine it's all the same.
I did contemplate that but I thought if I get seasick or if there’s a titanic moment 😳
@@ToniReviews I'd rather die in my own bed listening to Led Zep, than up on deck listening to the ships band 😉
@@DomingoDeSantaClara band?! Did I miss the band too 🤣
In the 80s I took the Plymouth to Santander ferry in a cabin with two friends. It was 24hrs.
That’s good… it’s slightly quicker from Plymouth I think as you don’t have to navigate that bit round the English Channel… I remember on my journey hom sitting on deck and seeing Portsmouth for about 5 hours thinking… are we moving 🤣
@@ToniReviews Yes I just had a look at the map and Plymouth is way further west than Portsmouth.
I am not a fan of the reclining seat . Not all that comfortable for sleeping . Have seen many people sleeping at night on one of them flat long lounge seats , on over night trips. I think with Brittany ferries to book a ferry crossing you ether have to purchase a reclining lounge seat or a cabin .
Thanks for sharing… I did actually cover all those points in the video 👍
prices??
Prices can vary depending on the size of the vehicle, the time of year you travel, how far in advance or last minute you book and if you use a 3rd party agent or website.
I would never ever travel on that ferry without a cabin, trust me I know what I am talking about.
@@daviddoyle5291 many thanks for the comments. I’ve also done a fair bit of travelling in my time. I’ve been to quite a few far flung corners of the earth and generally like to embed myself in the culture and get around as the locals do. There’s definitely worse ways to travel. Not having a designated cabin isn’t really all that bad, and if travelling alone and on a budget it’s definitely a solution for anyone looking to save. Again if travelling in a camper van, once you pull off the ferry you have the luxury to pull up and have a kip whenever you fancy. The video is designed to help people who may be on a budget and what to expect if they go for the seat only option.
funnily enough i did this cross well to Portsmouth 2 weeks ago and paid for the top teir cabin which includes the club lounge. there was so much food supplied that after first free course meal we didn't have to visit the restaurant again. Though I had experienced a nut allergy no nut allergy warnings on the menu. the medical staff are French but very good. lovely new ship even though it was a bit of bumpy crossing. Didn't know about this seat only option. Though I think they suspend it if the sea rough. It was not an option when I sailed
Thanks for sharing…. Your making me jealous with all that food talk. I did a trip pre lockdown with a cabin and the trip was suspended due to rough seas for all passengers. Spent 2 days in a hotel waiting for an opening. I wasn’t aware at the time about the seating only option so don’t know if the passengers without a cabin were catered for? When booking it didn’t mention anything about being lower priority in high seas? Thanks for sharing 👍😊
@@ToniReviews yes my ferry was also delayed due to high seas had to spend an extra night in Santander at a hotel called chique sounds more like cheeky. Trying to claim it back. It worked out £80 more but on top of what I had already paid total price was £426. So it’s not cheap. The free meal is universal for all I think but the buffet food is reserved for club only. There was also unlimited wine so you could drink all day for free ha. Due to my nut allergy incident they have given me a voucher to go again. I will see if I can do a vlog of the club seeing as no one seem to done it on TH-cam yet. I was too unwell this year though I did do a clip entering the harbour.
Why Are their Engines on the Ferries Running at A Low RPM
No Wonder 33 Hrs !!!
Probably cheaper to run that way on the diesel. And they make more money off the food and beverages
@ToniReviews Liquefied gas rather than diesel, I suppose.
You are right about their fuel economy incentive. Planes, for example, fly slower than forty years ago, so they can squeeze as much out of that fuel tank as possible
Alas they’ve stopped the included food now.
Have they? What a shame that was one of the real bonuses of the ferry. And seeing as you have no option to go elsewhere .
@@ToniReviews they claim they had too many problems ‘making it work’. There were times when busy that extremely long queues built up. But people still need to eat!
I cannot understand why you would not book a cabin you can book a berth in a share cabin or a single cabin. Its time they brought back the cabin only travel or do the travel pods like the Japanese, buy seat no way not a chance .
Each to their own. This isn’t a sales pitch to convince anyone. This a review to help people wondering what it’s like and what to expect. I personally would rather be in a seating lounge than in a small intimate shared cabin. Thanks for sharing your thoughts
and in English??
Better than flying Ryan Air
Easier than an economy flight to Australia - you can move around!
Exactly. Stretch your legs, enjoy the sunshine on deck, it’s not bad at all
A recliner isn't going to do it for my 6'-2" frame.
Nope it certainly won’t. Most people ended up finding alternative ways to sleep
on DFDS I Use the floor in the theatre/film room. Not many think about that option ;)
33 hours is tooooo much for this Chinese built ferry the old ferry used to do it in 24 hours. Won’t be doing that run again
It honestly wasn’t too bad at all. You have the space to roam and if the weathers nice it’s lovely on deck. 24 hours would’ve been better for sure.
I was under the impression that you had to have a cabin on overnight ferries
No you can book a seat in a communal lounge
I've got to go this month with my four dogs so I found this really helpful! So thanks so much 😊 I'm still dreading it though, more for the dogs than me because they will have to be in cages😢
Hi izzy. The crossing can get a little choppy in the bay of biscay but you will be fine. When I traveled there was someone I met who was also travelling with a dog in a cage. They allow you on part of the deck with your dog on a lead so they shouldn’t be in a cage the whole time as you should be able to visit them and take them out on deck (as far as I am aware) . Please do let me know how you get on
I travel with good quality ear plugs, ear protectors and eye mask
Great tip 👍
Better than those damn sea-cats I think.
👍
what month was this please?
Hi. This journey was 1st week of August.
Cabin
thanks for sharing :)
So you fink you get a free cawse miw on the furst nuyat then?
You certainly do
Sun cream for on deck😂coat and a hat tied under the chin.
Gusty.
🤣👍
The recliners on stenna line are as dum. Slide off easily. Not worth the money. Find a corner in the main area and lie down.
Thanks for sharing 👍
Think is not spelt with an F.
@@robbringbackthe50s10 it all merges into one when your born n bred in the eastend
Hec just get a cabin
A cabins a bit of a waste when your travelling alone. This was absolutely fine, and I’d definitely do it again if travelling solo. No different to a long haul flight except you get to ability to roam whenever you want. It’s perfectly fine.
Thanks for that Toni . Your ex H.M.forces yes
Hi Roy… no I’m not… I was in the sea cadets… does that count 😂
thought Santander was a bank
So did I lol
Would not waste my time
👍
Get a room no way sitting on a chair
A lot of people feel that way, but it’s surprising how many people especially if travelling alone just opt for the lounger. If you’ve ever done a long hall flight it’s no different, except you have the ability to stretch your legs a log more, sit on deck and take a shower.
So the moral of the story is spend more and get a cabin...
It could be. Saying that if I were to travel alone I think the seats option only are fine for a night.