tips for Bilbao crossing please? Forums

pippin

Orally or aurally?

camperian

If you use 12v, you need a very, very long lead.

I meant to say 2 x AAAA batteries. Put pos end in right ear and neg in left ear. Your eyes light up and you don't need a torch to go to the little room at night.

Ian

DAVESMIFF

Hi Chrisgog,

" what are the best treatments for sea sicknesss as I want to be prepared just in case. "

I recall when I was young, whilst fishing with my dad on a small boat at Bridlington. I often suffered from sea sickness. I seasoned sailor told me the best cure for seasicknes was to sit under a tree.

Works every time. Guaranteed.

Dibs

We took the P&O ferry to and from Bilbao a couple of years ago - both legs were extremely smooth with no signs of any sea sickness from anyone (including 2 kids). The journey out was quite exciting, as it was the start of the holiday, but I must admit that the return leg did drag somewhat.

As for the ship/ferry - I found it a little bit like a floating motorway services (with prices to match!), however our 2 kids were successfully entertained with out too much problem. They have a small swimming pool available (which wasn't very busy), so take your swimming things and the cinema was useful for a couple of hours distraction. It the weather is fine one of the best things to do is to get on to the top observation decks and join the wildlife spotters - you should get to see dolphin and Whales fairly close-up. I spent several hours watching the horizon, so don't forget your binoculars. They also have a giant Chess set outside which our kids enjoyed.

Meals were OK and I remember that the 4 of us could eat a main meal and desert for around £20 (in the cafe/canteen), but snacks/sandwiches were costly - I would recommend taking a supply of these on with you (it will be much cheaper and more variety).

We also attended the (free) wildlife officer talk, which was interesting and gave you a good idea of the Bay of Biscay.

It is hard to avoid the bar in the evenings and the tacky cabaret (it was Abba favourites on our journey so at least we could all sing along).

Anyway, take your swimming gear, binoculars, food and lots of reading materials and treat it as a mini cruise and you will be fine.

If I was to make the journey again I would serious consider the Brittainy ferries route, but I am sure the the price differential would put me off!