| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 10/07/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 36 |
| Copyright: Other |
Ferry check
Get ready to set sail for a welcome siesta
Jane Archer samples Brittany Ferries’ service
The ports at Plymouth and Santander, Spain are well signposted en route to each city, so they are easy for motorists to find.Unfortunately, there is not much reason to get to either of the ports early. You can change money in the terminal at Plymouth while at Santander there is a shop selling a large selection of Spanish wine but it is not particularly cheap – especially when compared to the familiar French wines sold on the ferry at very keen prices.
The Santander terminal also has a tourist office but this was shut when the ferry docked, so it would not have been any use to passengers arriving in Spain.
There is a cafe too but this was so smoky and unappealing that we decided not to stop for a snack or drink even though we had missed breakfast due to an early start from our hotel.
What was impressive at Santander was that the police were out in force on special traffic duty to help drivers arriving in Spain exit from the port onto the main roads.
Smooth sailings: the Val de Loire carries up to 1,600 passengers in summer
Embarkation
Check-in at both ports was quick. Loading started about 30mins before departure and was fast despite the number of cars and lorries to load.
There is not much space to open car doors and there’s a bit of a scrum as everyone tries to get their bags for the night. Staff hand out cards showing you where your car is for the next day.
Disembarkation was organised but slow as it is done by deck. It seemed everyone was trying to get down one staircase to the car decks. It took 45mins to disembark at Plymouth.
On board
As this is an overnight crossing, passengers must have a cabin or sleeper seat.
The standard cabins are located either inside or outside with four berths, an en-suite toilet and a shower.
There is not much room – especially if you’re using all four beds. The 16 deluxe cabins have a double bed plus two bunk beds, TV, mini-bar and bathroom with toiletries.
There are 16 Commodore Class cabins. These are spacious, with a double bed in one section and a single bed partitioned off in the ‘living’ area, where there is a television and mini-bar. Breakfast and tea are served to you in the cabin, and a steward will book a table for you in the restaurant for lunch or dinner.
A Commodore lounge is at the front of the ship.
There are two waitered restaurants – Le Temps de Vivre and Cafe du Port – which are nice but not cheap (see factfile). La Magdalena self-service is has main meals for £4.60.
Sandwiches and pastries are sold at the Salon de The, which is well positioned next to the children’s playroom. An entertainer puts in regular appearances and there is face-painting session on each sailing.
There is a bar next to the Salon de The, or there is a much larger Rabelais Bar with live music and a DJ.
On the bottom deck, there is a swimming pool – £3 per person – and two cinemas showing latest films such as American Beauty and The Beach. Tickets cost £3.50. There is also a photo shop, newsagents, hairdressers and a book store.
Safety and service
There were no safety announcements. I was told to read the safety instructions in Voyage magazine given to me at check-in in the UK. Some of the French staff are a little brusque but the service was good, especially in the restaurants.
Clowning around: a children’s entertainer is a regular feature as are face-painting sessions
Conclusion
Both crossings were comfortable but there were less than 800 people on board each one so it was not crowded.
I’m not sure it would be so nice with the full complement of 2,000 passengers.
The playroom was sparce, but the entertainment kept my daughter, aged six, occupied all day and it was nice to be able to sit in comfort outside, confident that she was safe.
Standard cabins are small – one top bunk, if lowered, is a hazard for anyone going to the bathroom.
There is no reading light in the top bunks and no announcements in the cabin. Both would be useful. The deluxe and Commodore cabins are vastly superior – worth recommending.
Shop ’til you drop: passengers can buy goods on board, such as wine, at duty-paid prices
factfile
Brittany ferries
Sample duty-paid prices: 24x44cl cans of Stella Artois, £11.90; one-litre Teacher’s whisky, £11.99.
Maria Hammett, general manager, Brittany Ferries
“People do tend to congregate in reception when waiting for their call to go to the car deck but there are other staircases.
“There can be up to 1,600 people trying to get to their cars. Everyone wants to go down at once and some have big bags because they haven’t thought about what they will need on board in advance.
“We regularly carry up to 1,600 people in summer but we never get to full capacity because we are limited by cabin space. Everyone must have a cabin or reclining seat and we can’t expect strangers to share.
“Commodore Class starts to sell a year before travel. It is very popular on the long Spain route. The deluxe cabins also go fast. The menus have not increased in price for three years and I think they are good value. You get good food in a lovely environment. The restaurants are nearly always full.
“There should be a pre-recorded safety announcement before each sailing. That is a standing order. I will find out why you did not hear one.”