Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Morocco
Ferry Service UK to Spain Ferry Service UK to Spain
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Morocco Topics specific to Morocco, including Western Sahara west of the berm
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree2Likes
  • 1 Post By TheWarden
  • 1 Post By Tim Cullis

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 24 Oct 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Dorset, UK
Posts: 339
Ferry Service UK to Spain
Finally some competition again for Brittany Ferries

Poole - Santander starts 3rd November

Leaving Poole on Tuesdays and Saturdays and returning from Santander on Thursdays and Sundays

Ferry to France | Cheap Ferry France | Cross Channel Ferry | LD Lines
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 24 Oct 2013
Contributing Vendor
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Northumberland, UK
Posts: 558
Hello, Norman Asturias!

That's great news! Brittany have had it their own way for too long. We were being quoted over a grand last year for late bookings. Let's see how their pricing goes for 2014.
Hopefully, they'll respond to phone bookings "Well, I can get that crossing a lot cheaper with LD Lines..."


Happy trails,

Peter
__________________
Atlas Overland - Specialist adventure tour company providing off-road holidays for 4x4 enthusiasts in Europe and North Africa.
Tours to Morocco, Iceland, Arctic Circle, Portugal, Alps, Pyrenees, Eastern Europe, Corsica, and UK weekend tours.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 26 Oct 2013
Moderated Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 5
Thanks for the heads up twenty4seven. Just as we thought our trip was planned out and we were geared up for the long drive too hehehehehe....

Flexibility is key.

Jed
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 26 Oct 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,484
Fantastic news after the farce boarding Brittany ferries in Santander tonight. 20:30 sailing has only just finished loading.

Apparently the highly professional staff take advantage of the clocks changing tonight and said why do thy need to leave on time

Bad enough heading home anyway without attitude like that
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 16 Mar 2014
Moderated Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 5
Well we did it and recently got back. It is cheap and the boat is well kept with nice staff. The thing is the boat is a boat and not really a ship. It is really small and the crossing was really rough. In total it took 28 hours and 80% of the people on the boat were puking due to the boats size. Not great if you have small kids traveling with you so we drove back.
The s were reasonable in the bar though

Jed
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 17 Mar 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Inverness, Scotland
Posts: 251
Even the QM2 will get tossed around in the bay of Biscay. Coming back from South Africa when I was a kid we'd been on the boat for something like 3 weeks and I was still sick as a dog going through. Was ready for it first time I took the bike to Spain though- Seabands on my wrists (do they work?) and travel pill in my belly I was just about the only person in the restaurant for dinner ;-)
__________________
Our FB page: https://en-gb.facebook.com/Africa2Up/
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 17 Mar 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Inverness, Scotland
Posts: 251
Bloody stupid schedule on that LD ship- why dump you in Poole at half eleven at night? Even arriving in Spain at seven isn't ideal- by the time you've got off the ship it would be too late to go very far out of town to find somewhere to stay. The Gijon service is maybe better if you don't need to travel weekends
__________________
Our FB page: https://en-gb.facebook.com/Africa2Up/
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 17 Mar 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Dorset, UK
Posts: 339
Quote:
Originally Posted by reggie3cl View Post
Bloody stupid schedule on that LD ship- why dump you in Poole at half eleven at night? Even arriving in Spain at seven isn't ideal- by the time you've got off the ship it would be too late to go very far out of town to find somewhere to stay. The Gijon service is maybe better if you don't need to travel weekends
You pays your money and takes your choice, I can put up with quite a lot for a couple of hundred quid or so savings and I do live in Dorset
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 17 Mar 2014
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,124
The Pont Aven and Cap Finistere (Brittany Ferries) have stabilisers and even in December's force 9 it wasn't too bad.

Brittany Ferries has responded to the Louis Dreyfus initiative by introducing its own économie service. We've booked this for a trip in mid summer, worked out at about £150 cheaper each way for a Discovery and 2 passengers. And then we saved a bit more with our ClubVoyage discount.

Britanny has a massive new flagship gas-powered ferry under construction which will enter service in 2017, replacing Pont Aven.

.
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 18 Mar 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,484
Interestingly brittanies economy service cabins are more expensive than the regular one at £90 over £65

Just been looking at timetables etc for my trip in October. LD lines website won't quote that far in advance

(4x4 1 person cabin)
Brittany's cheapest fare - £428
Brittany's regular - £548
Combe Out regular back economy - £488

So quite a difference. Generally I think Brittany's service is pretty rubbish (same on board menu in 2011 and 2013! late departures etc) but trying to squeeze as much time in Moroco into 3 weeks off work does mean the Friday night Portsmouth to Santander sailing is great. I can finish work a little early catch the ferry and be in Morocco Sunday night . The new economy sailing leaving Sat am puts me only about 12 hours behind but that its into Morocco time. So £120 cheaper but 12 hours out of Morocco is about £10 an hour, I can live with that
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 21 Mar 2014
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,124
I think the grub on the Pont Aven is excellent quality and reasonably priced. I can't speak for Britanny's Etretat (economy boat) yet, but definitely not impressed with the self-service food on the Cap Finistere, nor the reheated chips, pizzas and other rubbish served on the top deck.

So last trip on the CF I took some Sainsbury's excellent Cumberland Fish Pies—one for evening meal, another for lunch the next day—and used the microwave ovens by the bar to heat them up.
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 7 Oct 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,484
Hey everyone, remember this? well guess what docked in Algerciras as I was boarding the Tanger Med ferry? the old LD Lines Norman Asturias, didn't see which operator its with now but I guess its doing the Morocco route


[EDIT: Tim Cullis] For anyone reading this thread, LD Lines terminated their UK to Spain service after just a few months.
Last edited by Tim Cullis; 18 Jul 2015 at 10:55.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 28 Oct 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Southampton UK
Posts: 195
Hi, yes it's a sad fact a lot of ferry routes are going by next year because of the EU's sulphur law on ships emissions.

Cheers Mark
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 17 Jul 2015
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,124
An update on Brittany Ferries' economie services...

We were mildly content with the Etretat, there's a bit 1970s formica feel about the ship but the cabins are spacious with wide gaps between the beds. The beds are also wide but with an annoying lip that digs into your legs when sitting putting your shoes on. Small shop, cinema, great food (much better than Cap Finistere and comparable to Pont Aven). Would use it again for the savings involved.

And this last trip we came back on the new (to Brittany) Baie de Seine economie service. Spacious cabins and wide beds, absolutely brilliant and reasonably priced food—both times I felt it necessary to congratulate the chefs. No cinema but I had films on my Macbook. This is now my favourite low-cost service.

In terms of overall enjoyment my preferences are Pont Aven, then Baie de Seine, Etretat, Cap Finistere.

And then we saved a bit more with our Club Voyage discount.
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
UK to Denmark ferry service update - August 2014 ArtiVati Trip Transport 12 14 Feb 2017 18:03
San Blas Ferry - New Panama – Colombia Ferry Service Mart456 Central America and Mexico 15 24 Jul 2016 10:14
ferry to spain and onto morocco bordo55 Travellers Seeking Travellers 6 27 Dec 2013 17:53
Ferry In Service from Panama to Colombia Jacob_Wisdom Central America and Mexico 28 3 Dec 2013 02:31
Ferry Wadi Halfa - Aswan / Port Said - Mersin manigoestoafrica Route Planning 3 19 Sep 2012 14:48

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 08:30.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top