It is 300 miles from Southampton and found in the Celtic Sea. The next day was quite lively and the MDR was half empty that night. Last week I crossed the Bay of Biscay on the Arcadia and again the sea was calm. The Bay of Biscay can be like a pond or a force 11 at any time of year. The waters around the Cape of Good Hope, especially where the Atlantic meets the Indian Ocean, can be pretty choppy. Also can I ask what the P&O ships cope in bad seas, while we are less likely to choose one of the bigger P&O ships, we are thinking we may just try one on a shortish cruise, if we can obtain a balcony at a reasonable price. It's been like a millpond, a gentle roll tosevere gales. I'd heard ginger was good, but wasn't sure in what form! Start eating some on your way down to the ship. The Bay of Biscay is a popular destination for cruise ships, with many of the major cruise lines offering trips to the area. We had sea fog as we came around Portugal and Spain once, and also experienced Le Mistrale in Marseille, but I think the Bay of Biscay is a myth!! saliecat, March 26, 2014 in P&O Cruises ( UK ). however we really haven't had many bad crossings at all. Weve crossed in all school holidays so Dec, Feb, May, Aug and Oct. Had far rougher conditions around Norway! From hiking and biking to fishing and bird watching, there are plenty of ways to explore the area's natural beauty. I shall definitely be looking out for Sturgeon tablets! These forums are great things for sharing information - what would we have done without them. Great experience, on time, well organized, entertaining and comfortable. I've gone from feeling sick as a dog to now quite enjoying rough weather! The bay is surrounded by stunning coastal scenery, with picturesque cliffs, sandy beaches, and lush green hills. Of course it all depends on the person.what may be rough to one, may be smooth to another. Have had far worse conditions in the Atlantic returning from The Canaries (difficult to even. I was delighted to discover that I dont get seasick and rather enjoy a rough sea. Cruise passengers visiting the Bay of Biscay can enjoy a variety of beach activities. Once again, thank-you to you all for your response to my question. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. Weare well cruised and have the sense to realise weather conditions are what they are anywhere and anytime, but have actually done very little sailing south out of the UK and when we have it was never in the summer, so a generalidea of whether seas are genuinely calmer at that time of year in that region would be very useful to us. They closed the Promenade deck and I was surprised because I didn't realise it was so rough; it didn't feel so on the ship! Modern cruise ships are so well built and stable it was hardly noticeable how rough the sea was (although I am fortunate in that I do not suffer sea sickness). We have sailed on Ventura several times and have only had the problem on the Caribbean round trip January 2019.We are booked to do the 35 night trip on her in january 2021 so it hasn t put me off sailing on her but there were quite a lot of people who had been cruising for years who said they had never known anything like it. La Boutique des Vins is a delightful wine shop located near the Cruise Bay Of Biscay cruise port. This beach is known for its stunning views of the Bay of Biscay and its white sand. The Gijon Cruise Terminal is located in the city of Gijon, on the northern coast of the Bay of Biscay. The Bay of Biscay is also a popular spot for bird watching, with over 200 species of birds having been spotted in the area. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! Will Bruton reveals the best ways to cross this notorious rite of passage. The city is part of Eurociudad Vasca Bayonne-San Sebastian/Eurocity - a cross-border region (between Spain and France, along the Bay of Biscay's coast) that integrates 42 communities (total population around 650,000) in both countries. Despite the city's small size, events like San Sebastian International Film Festival give it an international dimension. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises. At least in the summer it will be warm on deck or your balcony. They are further out. I think you pay your money you take your chance! I share cruise tips, tours, and videos on this website to help you master cruising on a budget. Island Queen Cruises - 786-402-2964 Diver's Paradise - 305-361-3483 Off the Beaten Path - 406-414-8949 It takes the best part of a day to go through the Bay of Biscay. Definitely avoid Ventura, she is awful in rough seas. Euribia is part of MSC's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, and it will use bio and synthetic fuels as they become available to further reduce its emissions. It doesnt make TOO much difference but if you do have the option definitely go for the middle. The La Coruna Cruise Terminal is located in the city of La Coruna, on the western coast of the Bay of Biscay. The Bay of Biscay is Home to a Variety of Wildlife. Having crossed the BOB hundreds of times, as others have said, you cannot tell what it will be like I'm afraid. "It's all to do with the centre of buoyancy and the centre of gravity. From swimming and sunbathing to beach volleyball and kayaking, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the sun and sand. As others will tell you it can be calm or it can be very rough, you pays your money and you takes your chance, just book it you'll be fine. Thank-you Dolphinwatch for that sound advice. The seas around the northwestern Spanish coast (around Vigo) was quite rough as well. This is amazing!. Later that night was hilarious trying to dance in the night club & watching people stagger sideways . "These swell waves can be felt in the Bay of Biscay if you're still in deep water 100 miles out. Can I expect it to be very rough? They are top heavy and that would cause the roll. I have only been seasick once and never forgotten it. Its seaside scenery is enhanced by the hilly surroundings. With so many activities to choose from, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Will speak to doctor and see if he will prescribe something 'in case', failing that I will go to a pharmacy, as they're usually very helpful. La Concha Beach is one of the most popular beaches near Cruise Bay Of Biscay. You just cant predict. 2023 BBC. Azura was awful in rough weather in the Med on south coast of France and Spain. say Aurora would be the best in rough seas, because she is built like a liner, the others are not. But I will invest in some of those wrist bands. The listing on the Ventura was definitely not one of my favourite experiences. Rough Waters: One of the most notorious places for rock-and-roll cruising is the Drake Passage, the body of water between Cape Horn -- the southernmost tip of South America -- and the South Shetland Islands in Antarctica. Something to do with the acidity of the apples really settles your stomach. << Although I do recommend doing this I rarely follow my own advice, for me saving money is more important than seasickness so I will often end up with a cabin right at the end of the ship. Ferries Cruise Through The Bay of Biscay There are some ferry routes which pass through the bay. For those looking for a more thrilling experience, there are also opportunities to go whitewater rafting, kayaking, and even paragliding. "There's been one or two incidents in the last 18 months with this kind of vessel, but if they're properly laden they're probably as safe as any other vessel. This year it was lovely last two weeks of April whereas last year early May it was dire. If you prefer to buy tickets by phone, call us at 305-260-6855. I personally wouldnt dream of going on a ferry as I get so seasick! Hey, Im Emma, an award-winning cruise blogger, and YouTuber. We had a seriously bad crossing when leaving Portugal on Ventura in July last year and the ship was listing on a very funny angle which the Captain said was quite normal. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. We've never felt worried at all and also havecompleteconfidence in the Captain. Alternatively, you can usually get a seasickness injection from the medical centre for a fee. However, as others have said, it can be calm in the winter and rough as hell in the summer, so just don't worry about it. 5 Ways Cruise Ships Avoid Bad Weather and How Itll Affect Your Cruise, I Took a Traditional British Cruise with Fred Olsen (Entertainment, Food & Ship Review). We have taken several cruises across the Bay early in the med season April to May and late Sept to October. Additionally, there are plenty of opportunities to sample the local cuisine, explore the area's history, and learn about the local customs and traditions. It is located in the northern coast of Spain and the western coast of France and is named after the Spanish province of Biscay. Is Cruise Bay Of Biscay a good cruise port? The girlfriend and I enjoyed the trip. We've only had one rough crossing in the Bay, although usually go in the Summer. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. In a worst-case scenario, a few guests may suffer motion sickness (although this is nothing to worry about). RegionWestern Europe - Azores - Canary Islands. I also found the Britannia moves a lot more at the front . The Bay of Biscay, which is bounded by the west coast of France and the north coast of Spain, covers an area of 86,000 sq miles. I've crossed the "Bag of Biscuits" more times than I can remember, and the only certainty is that you don't know what it's going to be like. Bay of Biscay Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! It is also a great place to spot seals, as they often come to the surface to bask in the sun. The port offers a variety of activities and . Your personal data will be processed and information from your device (cookies, unique identifiers, and other device data) may be stored by, accessed by and shared with third party vendors, or used specifically by this site or app. We are off to Bilbao with Brittany Ferries this weekend from Portsmouth, often do that April and October and again not had a bad crossing, it's all a matter of luck so we wish you good luck! I would remove any loose hangers (or weighing them down with a towel) overnight as they get very noisy if it gets bumpy. "If you lose power your ship will turn sideways on to the waves and then you're in serious trouble," New says. Take 2 as the ship departs Southampton and then one before you go to bed and one each morning for the first few days and even if it does get rough you won't feel sea sick. A bit bumpy but thought that was ok. Atlantic coast - Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar - dolphin watching in Gibraltar, walked last 5km of Camino, and visited the Alhambra. Bay of Biscay: Our most recommended tours and activities. Puzzled by the warnings about Ventura, and by implication Azura. Some vendors may process your personal data on the basis of legitimate interest, which you can object to by managing your options below. But it's a risk any time of the year, because BoB doesn't always follow the rules. The Bay is Biscay isnt always rough. and if the sickness does rear its ugly head, the old tip about green apples always works for me. We loved our tour guide! If stabilisers are used the ship burns more fuel but they make a big difference. Impacted Itineraries: One-way Alaska sailings. This beach is known for its strong waves, making it a great spot for surfing and bodyboarding. Thanks for the replies, much appreciated. Follow my advice and you need never be concerned about sea conditions. It will cost you alot if you see the doc on board so best to go prepared.we take a large toilet bag with all sorts of pills and potions, plasters, bandages, throat sweets, not the kitchen sink though!! The bigger your ship, the less you'll feel the waves. Emma Cruises Ltd is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. It's the shallow water that really causes a problem. It seems to be around 50/50. "Winds blow from America to Europe and the waves grow all the way as they travel from west to east," says Prof Adrian New, from the National Oceanography Centre. Many cruise lines -- including .css-hghiur{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-medium);border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;cursor:pointer;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);border-color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);}.css-hghiur:focus-visible,.css-hghiur[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-hghiur:hover,.css-hghiur[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;}Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian -- have multiple ships sailing to the Caribbean out of Florida and the Gulf States throughout hurricane season (though the vessels will make itinerary changes to shy away from the biggest storms). Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. Sam, Never had any problems crossing the Bay. March 23, 2009. The Bay of Biscay can be choppy If you're on a cruise itinerary leaving from Southampton that travels to France, Spain, the Canary Islands, or the Mediterranean, your ship will be passing through the Bay of Biscay. The beaches near Cruise Bay Of Biscay cruise port are some of the most beautiful in the world. Depart Bilbao and head for Vitoria-Gasteiz to explore the capital city of the Basque Country. Yes, the Bay of Biscay can be rough, it's notorious for it. Stugeron needs to be taken about 8 hours beforehand and does not work straight away, but they do work. Probably crossed the Bay of Biscay a dozen times or more and only recall it being a bit rough once. Major economic activities include commerce and tourism. From sightseeing tours of the local area to outdoor activities such as hiking and biking, there is something for everyone. That was the only thing that kept me awake last year as I forgot to do it, the swells can actually be quite relaxing otherwise! (Everything You Need To Know). Venice has blocked cruise ships and, . It is also a popular spot for bird watching, with over 200 species of birds having been spotted in the area. The shop is known for its unique selection of gourmet chocolates, including dark, milk, and white varieties. I found the Ventura very lively last April when areas of the ship were restricted due to the heavy swells. Can a transatlantic cruise go through the Bay of Biscay? Ever wondered how the mainstream cruise lines compare? Rough Waters: Not many cruise lines sail to Africa, but if your itinerary includes South African destinations, watch out! I am an EXTREMELY travel sick person and I do get seasick when I cruise. Cruise Bay of Biscay is known for its stunning natural beauty and its variety of activities. I manage ok during the day. A chance you take. Are modern ships still at risk from this notorious body of water, ask Claire Bates and Robert Spencer. My last cruise through the Bay was particularly bad at the end of October 2017, most passengers and even some of the crew were looking a little green around the gills. We were caught in a very strongMistral in the Med and were coping really well until a stabiliser jammed, the ship then began to list badly, andit was the force of the waves that had caused the stabiliser problem. I would say Aurora would be the best in rough seas, because she is built like a liner, the others are not. Although you can get lucky and find smooth seas, most cruise travelers experience rough waters traversing this region. But shifting cargo can be a problem. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! If you've booked a transatlantic cruise (especially in the cooler months) or a transpacific cruise (including those to Hawaii), you may encounter some bumps. I suspect something very heavy has shifted inside her and the vessel can't right herself - the weight is just in the wrong place.". There are plenty of restaurants and bars nearby, as well as a variety of shops and activities. The Bay of Biscay is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including dolphins, whales, sharks, and even sea turtles. Kwells are our best friend. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. Cruise Ship in Bay of Biscay with VERY BAD weather CruiseMiss 1.39K subscribers Subscribe 198 268K views 10 years ago On April 25th 2012 P&O Cruises, Oceana sailed through the Bay of. MSC Euribia, MSC's second LNG-powered ship, has completed a successful 4-day trial in the Atlantic Ocean (Bay of Biscay) for deepwater intensive systems tests. The port is situated in the northern part of the bay, near the city of La Rochelle in France. Cruising: the Bay of Biscay. 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The shop is known for its unique selection of red, white, and sparkling wines. The Bay of Biscay, off the west coast of France and north of Spain, and the North Sea can also be rough, but are calmer in the summertime. Powered by Invision Community. My OH used to get a bit seasick but now uses those wristbands you can buy and finds that he is fine. It offers a wide selection of wines, from traditional French-style vintages to modern artisanal blends. Going on Azura 7th April, to Madiera and Canaries etc. With its unique combination of natural beauty and cultural attractions, Cruise Bay of Biscay is a great destination for a memorable vacation. The friendly staff is always happy to help customers find the perfect souvenir to take home. Forget the reputation on average it is perfectly ok. Out of the 4 crossings, 1 was rough. I too take a sturgeon tablet before going to bed. From Bilbao: Mountains and Sea Full-Day Tour. If your cruise ship is over 70,000 tons then it is definitely not going to be thrown about like a cork in a . What are the car rental options near Cruise Bay Of Biscay cruise port. I remember sitting in the bar right at the top and my other half pointing out that we were listing. (A408) and will be going through Bay of Biscay. At least we know to expect the unexpected! With max passenger capacity 6327 (2421 staterooms), Euribia (MSC's 22nd liner) will be officially named on June 8 in Copenhagen Denmark, and will sail an inaugural season in Northern Europe from homeport Kiel Germany. From my experience even the roughest crossing can be conducive to a good nights sleep with the rocking motion; but you might be kept awake by the creaking and groaning of the ship, which the Captain will tell you is what it's designed to do. Then if the cargo moves to one side the ship can start to list.". Personally I prefer the Britannia which obviously is a larger ship and travels well. The friendly staff is always happy to help customers find the perfect sweet treat to take home. Over many years have been through the Bay of Biscay probably a dozen times, on ships from 15,000 tonnes to 115,000 tonnes, probably 50/50 light - medium swell to really heavy swells. At sea or on land (especially after a few too many the night before). Well thats how it is for me and the Mrs. As everyone says try and avoid the onboard doctor or you might choke on the bill. Read about our approach to external linking. Done two TA's on Azura. I do understand that this one sounds like an old wives tale but it really does work. Most of Donostia is built over the river's wetlands. With so many activities to choose from, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Simple Step by Step Guide. I know it can be bad, but weve never had anything major in 10 crossings; (August, April, February, May and December). I think you would be best to expect the worst and you may be pleasantly surprised! At midnight, at Konstituzio plaza in the Old Part ("Parte Vieja") the city's Mayor raises San Sebastian's flag.