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I went on this ship 2 years ago in late August, when they had a dolphin and whale watch with specialists available to teach about what to look for. It was brilliant!

As Ben9 said, it gets somewhat choppy in the Bay, but we are good travellers and had no problem. If you do get a bit travel sick it may be wise to stock up on some tablets before setting off even if you are usually ok on ships, because it really does pitch about a bit.

The cabins were 'compact' as expected and the food was cheap and cheerful, but Mum and I had a great time.

Loads of chips!

The 'cheap and cheeful' cafe have a range of options from stews to fish and chips, and they seemed to cater to the British palate rather than the French. I would sugest you go early though because it gets quite busy, but later the quality seems to be not quite as good, we had some 'almost cooked' mashed potato the meal we went late!

The staff were very helpful though, My mum is 80 and struggled to balance when the ship was pitching all over the place, and I use a wheelchair, add to that a dinner tray and you can just imagine it!  The servery and clearing staff were always happy to assist though and by the return journey were on the look out for us, offering to collect our cups of tea for us.

They also had pack lunch style kids meals, with a sandwich, drink, apple, bun etc all served in a happy meal type box. I am sure even with your fussy ones you will find something to suit.

Hi Kaz

You can pre-book the meals in the carvery buffet style restaurant, its expensive tho, just checked for us 4 and it was £246 return for all the meals.  Thats for 3 evening meals x 4 and 3 breakfasts x 4.  They also said that you save 10% if you pre-book and it saves you a lot of time queuing up etc. 

If you're like me I wouldn't pre-book the food - you might not feel like it!

We took some sandwiches, snacks and drinks in a cool bag.

Although it was 'choppy' I would do the crossing again

Hi

Just got back on Saturday using the ferry.  Prices can be expensive but dont have to be.  Prices are all for 2 adults and 2 kids age 12 & 10.  Lunch was baguettes/paninis and pizza with drinks - 33euros.  Dinner was in the restuarant - 22 euros for family meal.  I had fish n chips - lovely, OH had steak pie - said it was good too.  DD had spag bol and said it was as good as mine!! DS had chick n chips - not feeling too well but said what he ate was okay.  Breakfast was a bit more expensive as we ate in the 'posh' restuarant - eat as much buffet - we thought if we have a brunch style meal we wouldn't have to do breakfast and lunch - only one.  This was 33 euros but the food was great - we sat for over an hour and got the best seats in the boat - overlooking the sea in front.  Drinking at night could be pricey but doubles are only 1euro more - drinks for 4 allow 8euros.  Bilbao to Portsmouth only one night, double this for the south crossing as its 2 nights.  We didn't see any dolphins/whales but the south crossing saw 631 dolphins and a few whales.  The ferry has a small pool and 2 cinemas - family about 20 euros.  Shopping is vast with lots of perfumes etc.  Could buy drink and have it taken down to car - obviously you go too and this is during the crossing.  They also have beauty salon if you want to have your toes done.  Have a great time - wish I was going again.  PS cabins are compact but there is plenty room.

Fiona

I wish I were going this year!

I did this journey about three years ago and had a great time.The crossing was not particularly rough but since we had an inside as opposed to sea view cabin the effects might have been easier for us. The food is definitely on the expensive side but the whale watching is fantastic. It is difficult to spend time watching out for them all the time but the captain announces over the tannoy if anything is passing by then you get a bit of a mad rush to the decks to catch a glimpse of the school of dolphins or whatever it is that has been spotted!

Keep an open mind and you will not be disappointed.For me it is all part of the holidayand if you are in a relaxed mood you are bound to enjoy it!

Hi

Glad that I could help.  The crossing started off really good with hardly a ripple but then turned a bit more rough later on - we watched a movie from 4pm - 6pm and it was during this - heavy noise coming from the front of the ship and the captain tannoyed that it was a 'wave slap'.  We did reach force 7 and although my husband and some others were a bit 'sick' most people seemed to be okay - they sell tablets at reception if you forget them or think that you dont need them and then do!!  On the whole it wasnt bad and I've heard different reports about what is normal.  I would go again despite the weather and crossing and so would hubby - now hese back on dry land he has forgotten.

Have a nice trip and enjoy it like a cruise.

Fiona