Taking the slow boat to Spain - Why the Brittany Ferry to Santander is the ultimate mini cruise experience
- teamthomastravels
- Jan 26
- 6 min read
If the thought of busy airport security queues and luggage limits makes you shudder, or you're planning a Spanish road trip, it is time to consider the "slow boat" to Spain. We took the two night Brittany Ferries crossing from Portsmouth to Santander, and honestly? It felt more like a holiday than a transit. If you've got the time to spare, here is why swapping the plane for the ferry is a total game changer.
Relaxing slow travel:
There is something special about the pace of a 33 hour crossing and the journey is filled with little luxuries that really help you start your holiday in the right way. It really does feel like a mini cruise! Set sail in the evening and watch the sun begin to dip behind the Spinnaker Tower as you slip out of Portsmouth harbour. During the day, you can sunbathe on deck with a glass of wine, keep an eye out for whales and dolphins in the Bay of Biscay, or simply curl up with a book by one of the huge sea-view windows. If you really want to lean into the relaxation, you can even indulge in some pampering at the onboard Wellness Centre or catch a film at the ship's cinema (additional charges apply).
Ditch the stressy airport terminal: the joy of drive-on travel
The biggest perk of choosing the ferry over a plane is that you can take your car, which means there are absolutely no luggage limits. Whether you are hauling endless toddler travel kit, your surfboards, bulky photography gear, or just a few extra crates of wine on the way back, you never have to worry about the scales at check-in.
It also eliminates that familiar airport stress, something that is a huge relief given how busy the popular Spanish flight routes can be. The check-in process is incredibly easy: you simply roll up in your car and show your reservation and passports at the kiosk, receive your cabin keys, drive onto the ship and park. There is no waiting around at a gate; you can head straight to your cabin to drop off your bags (pack yourself a little cabin bag for the two nights, no need to haul your big holiday suitcase on board!) or go directly to one of the eateries on board to start your holiday. The onward journey is just as pain-free. Once the ship arrives, you simply drive off, pass through passport control, and you are free to go!
Not sure what to pack for the cabin? Check out our 2026 ferry cabin bag essentials checklist here.
Greener and cleaner travel:
If you're trying to reduce your carbon footprint while travelling, taking the dry is a great way to start. Brittany Ferries’ newest ships serving the Spanish route, Santoña and Salamanca, are both powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), making them a much greener choice than flying. Brittany Ferries is Green Marine Europe certified and even utilise the tides and slow down overnight to save fuel, reducing their environmental impact while you sleep.
Over on their French routes, the ships Saint-Malo and Guillaume de Normandie are hybrids, combining LNG with battery power. This allows them to manoeuvre in ports emission-free and connect to shore power to recharge their batteries a significant step towards decarbonisation. Looking to the future, Brittany Ferries is transitioning to biomethane, a renewable form of LNG, to drive emissions even lower.
Comfy cabins and outstanding onboard facilities - your home on the High Seas:
Forget cramped plane seats and tiny tray tables. The cabins on these newer ships are fully air-conditioned and feature the biggest bunks in the fleet. Each one comes with en-suite facilities and a TV with a free Video on Demand service, which you can also stream directly to your own devices throughout the ship.
When you aren't relaxing in your cabin, there is plenty around the ship to keep the whole family occupied:
Relaxation & Wellness: Unwind in comfortable seating areas with sea-view windows, or head to the Wellness Room for a facial, manicure, or foot treatment using eco-friendly, sea-based skincare.
Family Fun: Little ones can burn off energy in the indoor and outdoor play areas, while older kids have their own space with interactive digital games.
Onboard Essentials: Stay connected with onboard WiFi, catch a movie at the cinema, or head to the sundeck to use the exercise equipment in the fresh sea air.
Duty-Free Shopping: Browse a great selection of perfume, wine, books, and souvenirs.
Dining with a view - eating and drinking on board Brittany Ferries:
One of the highlights of a "mini cruise" experience is that the food is a far cry from standard plane fare. Whether you want a formal sit-down meal or a quick tapas-style snack, there is something to suit every appetite on Brittany Ferries' Spanish routes.
Azul Restaurant: For a more refined experience, Azul offers delicious table service accompanied by stunning sea views. We watched the dolphins playing in the bow waves dry time we sat here! You can enjoy a full cooked or continental breakfast or a three course dinner, and there is a dedicated children's menu to keep the little ones happy.
La Taberna: This family-friendly, self-service spot is perfect for a casual bite. It’s our go-to for fresh sandwiches, soups, and salads, or a coffee and pastry in the afternoon. For a bit of holiday flavour, you can even grab a charcuterie and cheese board to share over a glass of wine.
Plaza Mayor Bar: This is the heart of the ship’s social life. Flooded with natural light from a huge skylight, it features a big screen for live sports and an impressive menu of cocktails, Spanish beers and wines. It’s a fantastic spot for light bites and soaking up the atmosphere.
Activities and entertainment:
Much like a real cruise, what truly elevates this crossing is the fantastic range of organised activities run by the onboard entertainments team. While the schedule can vary depending on your specific crossing, there is always something happening to keep both adults and children entertained.
During our trip, we loved:
Wildlife spotting: One of the most unique experiences was whale watching on the sun deck, guided by a qualified marine biologist who helped us spot incredible marine life in the Bay of Biscay.
Evening entertainment: We enjoyed live music in the bar on both evenings, which created a lovely holiday atmosphere as we sailed.
Interactive fun: For those who like to get involved, there were pub quizzes, competitive games like rope quoits and even a sangria-making class!
Fitness and fresh air: Starting the day with guided morning stretching up on the sundeck was the perfect way to wake up with the sea breeze.
The onboard dog show: A real highlight for animal lovers was the lighthearted dog show, where canine passengers took centre stage to show off their best tricks and compete for prizes in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.
Dog Show, You Say? Pet-friendly travel on Brittany Ferries
If you are planning a trip to the continent with your four-legged family member, the ferry is the perfect choice for a stress-free journey. Unlike flying, your dog can stay right by your side in your cabin or in dedicated facilities designed for their comfort.
Pet-Friendly Cabins: Enjoy the crossing together in air-conditioned cabins featuring laminate floors for easy cleaning.
Onboard Kennels: If you prefer, there are secure, comfortable kennels available for the duration of the trip.
Exercise Areas: There is a dedicated pet exercise area, so your dog can stretch their legs and get some fresh sea air.
While flying might be faster on paper, it rarely leaves you feeling refreshed. By the time we rolled off the ship in Santander, we felt rested rather than frazzled. If you have the time to spare, the "slow boat" turns the journey into a highlight of the holiday rather than just a way to get there. We're already dreaming about doing it again!
Related content:
Packing Guide: Everything you need for your overnight ferry cabin bag (2026 Checklist)
Time to spare in Portsmouth before you sail? You can't miss the Mary Rose Museum in Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard, home to Henry VIII's astonishing Tudor flagship. We've written a comprehensive visitor's guide to the Mary Rose to help you plan your pre-ferry visit.
Plan your Spanish Road Trip:
For more information about Brittany Ferries' England to Spain timetables and the most up to date prices, visit their website.
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