Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 15,161
Thanks: 166
Thanked 128 Times in 104 Posts
Yes, we did overnight at the ferry terminal. We went to Port Solent first ( see MHF campsite database) and had a meal and then went early to the ferry terminal. You're asked not to arrive before 10pm but it was quite full when we arrived at 8pm. We parked in the line for Santander check-in and set the alarm for 7pm expecting to be able to get up in a leisurely fashion ! In the event we were woken by loud banging on the van at 6.45am and demands to go through the check-in gate. Much scrabbling for clothes, tickets and passports and we eventually went through and parked in line for boarding.
Everyone must have got there well on time ( and it was full we reckon) and we left early. We got to Santander after a remarkably calm and pleasant crossing, at 11 am UK time ( 12 noon Spanish time). We were almost last off the boat as you " wind up" a couple of levels and MHs were at the top.
We were most impressed with the crossing ( on Cap Finisterre). We'd expected to be unable to sleep for noise in the cabin but it was totally silent- and i mean that- inside and no sensation of movement or vibration at all. We had a very good fixed price meal ( 2 courses, £18/ 3 course £22) which you have to book for as soon as you leave Portsmouth and were early to bed and slept very well.
We took a small travelling kettle with us (NB continental plug adapter) and coffee and tea bags and croissants for breakfast and are glad we did. We'd got a nice sunny outside cabin and we could relax and have coffee when we wanted it.
Enjoy your trip too.
G