I know this is probably a stupid question to some, but can anyone tell me why it is 2 nights to Bilbao and only 1 back? We went Plymouth Santander last year and it was 1 night each way! Also anyone that has been on the Pride of Bilbao is there a swimming pool I can't find any mention of one on P&O website.
Thanks
------------- Kaz
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Kaz, I've not looked at the P&O website so I'm only guessing, but here goes. If the journey is 36 hours & your outward journey sets off at (say) 2000 you'll have 2 nights & if your return journey sets off at 0800 then you'll only have one night onboard.
There is a sort of an indoor swimming pool but I think that due to it's size, it's referred to as a plunge pool
As to the 2 nights vs 1 night, I think that this is down to the time that ferry sets off/ timetabling by p&O. The ferry sets off in the evening from Portsmouth arriving first thing in Bilbao but sets off from Bilbao in the early afternoon. I suspect that the ferry moderates (slows down) it's speed to Bilbao to ensure that it arrives at 8 AM Spanish time - this probably corresponds to the time that the port opens. Mind you it is uphill coming back up north ;)
There is a small pool in the depths of the boat just big enough for kids to have a splash about in. It is closed when the sea gets a bit choppy. There is also a small area for coffee right by the entrance. There is a cinema and a play area for kids. There is a reasonably large bar that puts on 'cabaret' type shows in the evenings and bingo etc during the day.
When we went a couple of years ago we took a kettle, a couple of bottles of wine and lots of crisps etc. Prices on board are a bit on the high side but as everyone says it is part of your holiday and should be enjoyed.
For me it is a lot better than the long drive and we will probably use it again next year.
Years ago I went on the mini cruise from Portsmouth to Bilbao and it was 2 nights there and back and it was so choppy my friend, I and the kids were so ill I vowed never to go on it again. The Bay of Biscay in February definitely not a good idea. The pool is right down the bottom of the boat as far as I can remember and quite claustraphobic.
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Topic: Bilbao Ferry question?
