Brittany Ferries launches service to Bilbao
Brittany Ferries' new route from the UK to Spain launches this weekend. The service will operate from Portsmouth to the Basque capital Bilbao - Brittany Ferries' first new port destination in 25 years. The route will be served by the 33,000 tonne Cap Finistère, with the first sailing departing Portsmouth at 22.00 this Sunday, 27 March.
Brittany Ferries made its first sailing to Santander in northern Spain back in 1978 and the service has since served hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers and expats wishing to cut out the long drive through France when driving to Spain or Portugal. The addition of this new Bilbao link means that Brittany Ferries will now provide up to five return UK-Spain crossings each week: two from Portsmouth to Bilbao, two from Portsmouth to Santander and one from Plymouth to Santander.
Sailings from Portsmouth will take from 24 to 32 hours and will arrive at a brand new terminal in the port of Bilbao with fast and easy access to Spain's A8 motorway. From here there are excellent road connections to Madrid and the Costa Brava, as well as Spain's far south. Bilbao is also well positioned for reaching south-west France: Biarritz for example is less than two hours' drive east.
Mike Bevens, Brittany Ferries Group Passenger Commercial Director comments: "Bilbao has forged a reputation as a destination in its own right in recent years, not least due to the iconic Guggenheim Museum and Norman Foster-designed metro system."
He continued: "As the numbers of air travellers from the UK to Spain have declined, we've witnessed a surge in demand for direct UK Spain crossings. Our customers welcome being able to relax on a comfortable and spacious cruise-ferry and the freedom that having their own car brings. They are also increasingly falling for the charms of northern Spain and the Costa Verde, a refreshing and unspoilt part of the Iberian Peninsula. It's a peaceful, unspoilt region of Spain which offers impressive cities, beautiful beaches, breathtaking scenery and some of the very best cuisine in Europe."
Martin Putman, Port Manager at Portsmouth International Port said "We are delighted that there is now even more choice for passengers heading to Spain this year. We know that people love the convenience of starting their journey in Portsmouth. The new Brittany Ferries route combined with the Port's brand new terminal and passenger facilities should ensure a great start to any holiday."
Cap Finistère joined the Brittany Ferries fleet in 2010 and will operate the new route at speeds of up to 28 knots (32mph). The vessel has been extensively modified and refurbished in readiness for this new service. Additions include a large kids' playground, a cinema and café and, for passengers travelling with their dogs, a dedicated walking area and 10 new pet-friendly cabins (giving a total of 14).
