Passing the Port to the right

 It is a brave new world which we step out into - which today, mostly consists of routes through the docks.  For the occasional landee it is still a bit magical.  Just over a day since you had left Blighty you emerge blinking into the daylight from the cavern of Brittany Ferries finest and follow the car in front, hoping you are on the right side of the road, or is it left, and the headlight adaptors have gone on right.





Brittany Ferries get a surprisingly small 55 reviews.  Adrian said, two weeks ago, ‘What a great way to start and finish your holiday,a one night cruise on a large car ferry between Santander and Plymouth. This is my fourth time going to Spain this way, and I just booked next year's trip. Some may say it a bit pricey but looks at the distance it takes you and your car and passengers. Nice cabins on board or though the lighting in them is very dull. Comfortable beds,and great fresh food served in restaurants, also if you want on board entertainment and cinema,plus duty free shop. Nice to travel out of season as the ship was not full. Large bar and in high season a swimming pool. And if you take your dog, a section is dog friendly cabins and walk area outside. Various size cabins which you must book when booking an actual ferry.’


ToFeMa was less impressed with it all.  ‘Nice ship, good food, but No customer service or hospitality whatsoeer:  no management or Purser on site or available to talk to, all french crew (on a boat from Ireland to Spain) that speaks very little English, but is untrained and does not care at all. One of many examples: Semi final football. Bar is packed with no seat or space to be had, lower level deck empty and 8 TV playing kids stuff or commercials. 4 employees are saying "tough luck, Purser decided this"  Sad’



I’ve always liked travelling this way, especially at the end of term, as it represents a gentle introduction to the holiday.



We will be passing the Boluda Martime Terminal  https://www.boluda.com.es/es/terminales-maritimas/santander/  Julian reckoned ;Very friendly and effective staff, for being the first time we went they did not help enough’

That’s it - we are going to dodge the A67 and the joy that it offers on the way to Asturias or Leon.  Happy memories of a swimming pool at San Juan - we went passed it last year I think.  Onwards, ever onwards.




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