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. Azura is so huge it takes a big sea to get a ship like that moving enough to worry anyone. Something to do with the acidity of the apples really settles your stomach. Impacted Itineraries: Bermuda, Bahamas, Eastern Caribbean, Canada/New England. This depends a lot of the ship and how fast it is going of course! Have sailed Biscay in a sailing boat in early spring and autumn. Cruising: the Bay of Biscay - Sail Magazine We must have been on the same cruise, I had to hang onto my DW's wheelchair in the theatre end lift foyer, otherwise she might have disappeared out onto the portside promenade deck. My OH used to get a bit seasick but now uses those wristbands you can buy and finds that he is fine. I Took a Traditional British Cruise with Fred Olsen (Entertainment, Food & Ship Review). If stabilisers are used the ship burns more fuel but they. Rough Waters: Not many cruise lines sail to Africa, but if your itinerary includes South African destinations, watch out! Efforts are under way to save a stricken cargo ship in the Bay of Biscay. I've been on. Cruise Bay of Biscay is known for its duty-free shopping, with a wide variety of items available, including jewelry, clothing, electronics, and souvenirs. 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. Located in the heart of San Sebastian, this beach is known for its stunning views of the Bay of Biscay and its white sand. Other that didn't notice anything. We did catch the tail end of a storm and even that was just a bit of movement as you wandered around the ship. If you prefer to buy tickets by phone, call us at 305-260-6855. For some reason, it doesnt work quite the same with red apples. Friendly staff. It seems to be around 50/50. The friendly staff is always happy to help customers find the perfect bottle to take home. Personally I prefer the Britannia which obviously is a larger ship and travels well. Have had a couple of very rough times on her between January to March and she rides the bad seas verywell (altho on any ship you normally feel the motion ofthe ocean when above a force 9). Related: Best Months to Cruise the Mediterranean: A. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? I know there's no definitive answer so the question I'm asking is more to do with your own experiences, was looking at the Iberian cruises on Ventura for 2018 and would like to know if there would be any difference in the sea conditions between the cruise at the end of March and the one that leaves the last week in May, I've read in places that it can be a bit unpredictable but would be interested to know what others have encountered, having only cruised in the Caribbean I've never had no worries over what we might encounter. But it can also be calm. Cunard also does its transatlantic cruises throughout the winter, sometimes attracting passengers who specifically want to sail on rougher seas. Ive been on crossings where you couldnt feel any movement at all but also crossings where you really could. we have our second cruise booked for the caribbean 15 december 2017 for 2 weeks. Impacted Itineraries: Eastern, Southern and Western Caribbean. Cruise passengers visiting the Bay of Biscay can enjoy a variety of beach activities. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the local culture, including shopping, dining, and visiting museums. Simple Step by Step Guide. We've only had one rough crossing in the Bay, although usually go in the Summer. The latest victim is the car carrier Modern Express, which ran into trouble 230 miles south-west of Brest, France. 953 subscribers Subscribe 3.9K Share 445K views 2 years ago MV Columbus (Cruise and Maritime Voyages) on its World cruise 2020. Powered by Invision Community. Can a transatlantic cruise go through the Bay of Biscay? La Concha Beach is one of the most popular beaches near Cruise Bay Of Biscay. by Jamie. The girlfriend and I enjoyed the trip. Ventura handled it well and the storm carried on through the night, unfortunately our cabin was at the front so we didn't get a particularly good nights sleep. The Bay of Biscay is a great destination for a cruise, offering a unique combination of natural beauty, adventure, and culture. Rough Waters: The typhoon season in the northwest Pacific Ocean is mainly from July to November with a peak in late August/early September -- although storms can occur year-round. On January 20th every year (Saint Sebastian feast) locals celebrate a festival famous as "Tamborrada". Who, What, Why: How dangerous for ships is the Bay of Biscay? cannot wait. Although it's atypical to sail on a cruise ship through the roughest waters and worst weather, you might be surprised to learn that ships regularly traverse some roiling seas. The terminal is also home to a number of tour operators and travel agents, making it a great place to start your cruise holiday. I don't think summer makes any dfference. :eek: I laughed about not taking the kitchen sink! There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and kayaking, as well as a variety of water sports. 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. The city is located on the Bay of Biscay's coast, approx 20 km (12 mi) from the border with France. The weather can vary such a lot. I think you pay your money you take your chance! The best thing you can do is BE PREPARED. Hey, Im Emma, an award-winning cruise blogger, and YouTuber. 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. Impacted Itineraries: Eastern and Western Mediterranean, Western Europe, Baltic and Northern Europe. "These swell waves can be felt in the Bay of Biscay if you're still in deep water 100 miles out. Do You Need A Passport To Cruise? It's the shallow water that really causes a problem. Ever wondered how the mainstream cruise lines compare? Note: Some cruise lines have travel sickness pills that you can buy from reception for a few pounds if you get caught short, theyre sometimes even free. It's not usually anywhere near as bad as most people fear. Despite the city's small size, events like San Sebastian International Film Festival give it an international dimension. The port is easily accessible by car, train, and air, and is a popular destination for cruise ships. Then if the cargo moves to one side the ship can start to list.". The waters are teeming with marine life, including dolphins, whales, and seabirds. MSC Cruises second LNG-powered ship MSC Euribia successfully San Diego's Coast Guard helicopter crews rescue 4 passengers from 3 cruise ships within 24 hours, Costa Cruises unveils new program for 2024, including Greek islands & Turkey itinerary from Athens (Piraeus), The Bahamas' Nassau Cruise Port to reopen following $300m renovation, AIDAluna is the first AIDA Cruises' ship to arrive in Kiel (Germany) this season, Passenger on Spirit of Tasmania ferry dies after going overboard, Dozens evacuated as MV Pentalina ferry runs aground off Scottish island, VIDEO: Port Canaveral (Orlando, Florida) welcomes cruise ship MSC Seaside for inaugural voyage, Seabourn to sail 90-day Around Africa Voyage with Sojourn ship, CCL's Carnival Venezia ship boasts signature hull livery. The Bay of Biscay is home to a wide variety of marine life, including dolphins, whales, sharks, and even sea turtles. Been through some very rough seas on both, aft too, without any particularproblems. The Bay of Biscay can be like a pond or a force 11 at any time of year. I've tried other supposed sea sickness tablets and remedies but they don't work for me. 36 Things You Are Getting Wrong About Cruising Cruise Myths Busted! If you are cruising to the Mediterranean or the Canary Islands from the UK you are most likely going to go through the Bay of Biscay. Look for a link at the bottom of this page or in our privacy policy where you can withdraw consent. If your cruise ship is over 70,000 tons then it is definitely not going to be thrown about like a cork in a . RegionWestern Europe - Azores - Canary Islands. One of the most popular being from Bilbao in Spain to Plymouth in the UK. :halo: my hubby and i travelled on Ventura 2016 jan. to the caneries. There are plenty of restaurants and bars nearby, making it a great place to spend the day. The World's Roughest Waters for Cruising | Cruise Critic But the winds were a constant 40ish knots, gusting to just under 100 (from what the Capt said on the tannoy). Cruise lines wont tell you this, but I will. Rest assured though that crossings like this are EXTREMELY rare. Last April we had a force 11 gale coming back and it was fine. Keep an eye on the weather predictions for the area and you'll have some idea what to expect for your. If I am on a coach or a train for more than about two hours I usually take travel sickness pills so of course, I bring these with me when I cruise, (more about this later in the post). The La Coruna Cruise Terminal is located in the city of La Coruna, on the western coast of the Bay of Biscay. Sorry, that wasn't meant to sound like another question, just thinking out loud :rolleyes: No need to bother your doctor ask the pharmacist if you want advice.I take Stugeron from Boots and they are no problem with my blood pressure tablets. Certainly as a rule it's much much more likely October through March. Euribia has shore power plug-in connectivity, advanced wastewater treatment systems, waste recycling, and an underwater radiated noise management system to limit disturbance to marine life. Virtual Cruise Trip Report: Onboard a Cruise Critic Member's "Fake, Made Up and Completely Impossible" Cruise Itinerary, The World's Roughest Waters for Cruising (Photo: Chimu Adventures). If you have cruised through the Bay of Biscay, did you experience bad weather? A chance you take. Jeanette, I have been on 2 cruises through there. Start eating some on your way down to the ship. "She's floating on what looks like a very precarious angle," Ware says. With its unique combination of natural beauty and cultural attractions, Cruise Bay of Biscay is a great destination for a memorable vacation. (two for one deal). tring, September 10, 2020 in P&O Cruises ( UK ). Cruise ships typically dock in the ports of Bilbao, Santander, and Gijon in the Bay of Biscay. The Bay of Biscay is a large body of water located off the coast of France and Spain. (A408) and will be going through Bay of Biscay. Had a very relaxing time. There are some ferry routes which pass through the bay. 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. The North Atlantic by northern Canada has its fair share of high seas, as well. So if you'd like to get out on the water and come boating with us check availability now. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates just follow the corresponding ship-link. Alternatively, you can usually get a seasickness injection from the medical centre for a fee. Many transatlantic cruises from the UK will go through the Bay of Biscay. We had a very similar thing happen on Adonia. Bay of Biscay, Mediterranean Sea - Book Tickets & Tours | GetYourGuide Been on Ventura when it was lumpy, they did have to shut down some lifts due to water ingress from one of the pools. Puzzled by the warnings about Ventura, and by implication Azura. Miami Tour Company has been offering the best tours and private charters for Florida travelers since 2008. Some vendors may process your personal data on the basis of legitimate interest, which you can object to by managing your options below. Bay of Biscay By saliecat, March 26, 2014 in P&O Cruises ( UK ) 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 saliecat 21 August 18, 2013 London. By You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Make sure you book a cabin in the middle of the ship, this is where you can feel the ship moving the least. If the ship is entering a patch of bad weather the captain will let you know ahead of time, in this situation I take some sea sickness medication and then Im right as rain. We only use the smaller ships and they'vecoped well. Cruise Bay Of Biscay Cruise Port - Things to Do! - Gangwaze.com But there was an older cruise ship following us and that was being tossed around somewhat. Bay of Biscay Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! Is climate change killing Australian wine? Impacted Itineraries: Transatlantic, transpacific, Hawaii, Canada and New England, world cruises. It also contains 3,600 tonnes of timber and digging machines, which would usually act as balancing weight. : 5 HUGE Differences Between a Ferry and a Cruise Ship (Real Examples), What Happens if You Get Sick on a Cruise? Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. The Bay of Biscay is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including dolphins, whales, sharks, and even sea turtles. 45% of cruisers that have cruised through the Bay of Biscay at least once did not report any bad weather when crossing. I came through the Bay of Biscay on the Independence of the Seas in a force 9 a few years ago. On a Med Cruise on P&O Ventura,we went through the Bay of Biscay no problems, like a millpond. Read about our approach to external linking. I travelled through the Bay on Ventura in April and the sea was much rougher in the English Channel than the BOB. Being confined to an interior cabin, or having to sit in crowded public areas, during bad weather, is my idea of hell. It was fine to be honest. Others obviously have, so a lot must depend on the angle of the wind to the ship and other factors? Enjoy and hopefully you won't need your seasickness remedies. Cruising Through The Bay Of Biscay: What to Expect (Real Experiences). How long does it take to sail through the Bay of Biscay? The shop is known for its unique selection of red, white, and sparkling wines. At 33,000 tons and 535ft long it's a mid-sized ship. Bay of Biscay - we crossed B of B 4x in Nov / Dec 2019 when we went to the Canaries and Atlantic Coast both on Queen Victoria, back to back. Will give them a try on Azura in May. This was a good cruise, not quite 90 min, but long enough. Probably crossed the Bay of Biscay a dozen times or more and only recall it being a bit rough once. Email us directly or holler through socials. During this post, we explore what cruising through the bay is like, how long it takes, why it has such a bad reputation and if it is dangerous. : To see the full Facebook poll click here. The shop is known for its unique selection of handmade jewelry, pottery, and other artisanal items. Bellissima cruise was rough in March! VideoThe secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure, LGBT troops take love for Eurovision to front line, Why an Indian comedian is challenging fake news rules. I remember sitting in the bar right at the top and my other half pointing out that we were listing. It offers a wide selection of chocolates, from traditional French-style truffles to modern artisanal creations. 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. Have had far worse conditions in the Atlantic returning from The Canaries (difficult to even stand up) and the worst by far was a freak force 10 storm in the Med! The municipality's population is around 185,000 (metro 435,000). I cannot recommend Stugeron strongly enough. It is 300 miles from Southampton and found in the Celtic Sea. The listing on the Ventura was definitely not one of my favourite experiences. 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!! The shop is known for its unique selection of gourmet chocolates, including dark, milk, and white varieties. You are far more likely to experience rough conditions on a ferry than on a cruise ship due to the smaller size. The largest cities (with population 10,000+) in this "eurodistrict" are France's Bayonne, Anglet, Biarritz, Hendaye, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and Spain's Donostia-San Sebastian, Renteria, Hernani, Fuenterrabia, Passages, Andoain, Lasarte-Oria, Zarauz. Kay, It was the perfect excuse to have a couple more cocktails and nobody knew if it was the waves or the beverages. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises. This beach is known for its stunning views of the Bay of Biscay and its white sand. Cruise Bay Of Biscay cruise port is located in the Bay of Biscay, off the coast of France and Spain. Job well done. 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. I do understand that this one sounds like an old wives tale but it really does work. and if the sickness does rear its ugly head, the old tip about green apples always works for me. They do make you feel a tiny bit drowsy (quite a nice 'chilled' feeling actually), but the good news is you can drink alcohol when taking them with no adverse affects. For 24 hours, the city is awash with the sound of drums and adults march around the city dressed as soldiers and cooks. Cruise Bay Of Biscay cruise port offers a variety of excursions for visitors to enjoy. It is also a great spot for sunbathing and swimming. The Bay of Biscay is a Popular Cruise Destination. I think the results speak for themselves. 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. The ship will now receive her finishing touches at Chantiers de l'Atlantique (STX France shipyard in Saint Nazaire) before being officially delivered to MSC on May 31st. :cool: We are also braving the Bay on this cruise. It was so bad on Ventura that the captain came through to all the cabins in the middle of the night to assure us we were not going to capsize. Explore Miami Boat Boat Rental - explore the park from the comfort of a 33' private cruiser, max 6 guests, 305-714-2121 Wind Addict Miami - kiteboarding and kiteboarding lessons, 305-319-1119 Email. I share cruise tips, tours, and videos on this website to help you master cruising on a budget. How to sail Biscay: 3 ways to tackle the milestone. It is also the capital city of Gipuzkoa (Basque Province). Cruise staffers say the gulf gets especially bad after Labor Day, in the shoulder season. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. I found the Ventura very lively last April when areas of the ship were restricted due to the heavy swells. Forget the reputation on average it is perfectly ok. Zurriola Beach is another popular beach near Cruise Bay Of Biscay. But it's a risk any time of the year, because BoB doesn't always follow the rules. So dont fear it embrace it , your quite safe. I too take a sturgeon tablet before going to bed. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. Since starting cruising we have crossed it loads of times at different times of the year. Rescue efforts have been hampered by high seas and gale force winds, which are common in the bay. Once again, thank-you to you all for your response to my question. The bay of Biscay lays along the west coast of France and the north of Spain. 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. 36 Things You Are Getting Wrong About Cruising Cruise Myths Busted! I also found the Britannia moves a lot more at the front . It is a modern facility with a large passenger terminal, a shopping area, and a variety of restaurants and bars. We have taken several cruises across the Bay early in the med season April to May and late Sept to October. Bay of biscay! - P&O Cruises ( UK ) - Cruise Critic Community By For those looking for a more adventurous experience, there are also opportunities to go snorkeling, scuba diving, and windsurfing. I don't doubt what you say for a minute, Annie. Crying with laughter at this. The Agglomeration Cote Basque-Adour includes the French cities Anglet and Biarritz. This beach is known for its strong waves, making it a great spot for surfing and bodyboarding. 2023 BBC. Weve partnered with industry leaders to bring you the best deals and the most convenience. The port offers a variety of activities and attractions, including shopping, dining, and sightseeing. Presume it is just Ventura. At least we know to expect the unexpected! It offers a variety of activities and attractions, including beautiful beaches, historical sites, and plenty of shopping and dining options. To answer this question I decided to survey our Facebook group members and the public on Twitter. I was recently feeling seasick on a cruise I took on the. Have crossed this stretch of water both ways on almost every cruise Ive been on, never had any major issues. Follow my advice and you need never be concerned about sea conditions. Its worth noting that if cruise lines are completely within their rights to change the cruise itinerary at any time. I would remove any loose hangers (or weighing them down with a towel) overnight as they get very noisy if it gets bumpy. Thank-you Dolphinwatch for that sound advice. Powered by Invision Community. It is a modern facility with a large passenger terminal, a shopping area, and a variety of restaurants and bars. By January crossing Bay of Biscay? - Cruise Critic Community Why the Bay of Biscay is Dangerous for Ships? - Marine Insight It is a modern facility with a large passenger terminal, a shopping area, and a variety of restaurants and bars. Take a guided walking tour through the center to see the cathedral, parliament and historical monuments of Plaza de la Virgen Blanca. The continental shelf extends into the Bay of Biscay and this is a reason, in part, for some of the rough weather often experienced. If you are worried about being seasick I would definitely recommend you bring some medication. My seasickness pills of choice are either Sturgeon or Kwells. Most of Donostia is built over the river's wetlands. "It will roll around like a bucking bronco and water can come over the sides. La Boutique des Vins is a delightful wine shop located near the Cruise Bay Of Biscay cruise port. It is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the local cuisine. thank goodness we weren't out there when that fell off ! Showed us some beautiful mansions. The bay is also home to a variety of shipwrecks, making it a great spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. After booking, you'll immediately receive an email with your tickets and directions. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1874 Foundering of the Steam Ship La Plate Bay of Biscay Wood Antique PRINT at the best online prices at eBay! Below is a section of Princess Cruises passenger contract: After departure, Princess does not guarantee that the ship will call at every port on the itinerary or follow every part of the advertised route or schedule or that every part of the Package will be provided. Princess reserves the absolute right to decide whether or not to omit any such port(s) and/or to call at additional ports and/or to change the advertised route, schedule or Package. I think you would be best to expect the worst and you may be pleasantly surprised! San Sebastin city is at Urumea River's mouth. The way back was quite calm though. I share cruise tips, tours, and videos on this website to help you master cruising on a budget. Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app. The cruise is relaxing and offers great views of the city. The Bay of Biscay is also a popular spot for bird watching, with over 200 species of birds having been spotted in the area. Yes, Cruise Bay of Biscay is a great cruise port. Conquering Biscay is truly a rite of passage. 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). If the captain and crew thought that sailing through the Bay of Biscay was dangerous they would not do it. Kwells are our best friend. :), I'm on the same cruise and do get sea sick but find that if I can see out it helps might invest in some of the wristbands myself, You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. At midnight, at Konstituzio plaza in the Old Part ("Parte Vieja") the city's Mayor raises San Sebastian's flag. Lee-on-the-Solent, England. Depart Bilbao and head for Vitoria-Gasteiz to explore the capital city of the Basque Country. Rough Waters: While cruises to Bermuda and the Bahamas from the East Coast are usually smooth, squalls can arise on the Atlantic Ocean, particularly during hurricane season. So you will probably be fine. You just cant predict. The Bay of Biscay - UK Cruisers - Cruise Critic Community Weve crossed in all school holidays so Dec, Feb, May, Aug and Oct. Had far rougher conditions around Norway! Have had far worse conditions in the Atlantic returning from The Canaries (difficult to even. Cruising Through The Bay Of Biscay: What to Expect (Real - Emma Cruises 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. If you suffer from seasickness take whatever works for you, and book a cabin that is lower down and central - this is the best place to be if you do suffer as that is where the ship moves the least. Making a stop in the bay may extend journey time to two days but it rarely takes longer than two days. The port is situated in the northern part of the bay, near the city of La Rochelle in France. It is also a great place to explore the local culture, with many of the towns and villages offering a unique insight into the local way of life. I can do science me. Cruising cheaply has allowed me to see more of the world than I ever thought possible and theres still so much more exploring to do! If stabilisers are used the ship burns more fuel but they make a big difference. 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. We are first-tiimers on Ventura in October and crossing the Bay and my father mentioned about rough seas. Because cruises that sail to Canada hug the New England shoreline, the ocean isn't as tempestuous unless there's a Nor'easter in the forecast. I tried my first cruise from the UK: here's what you should know Impacted Itineraries: China, Japan, the Philippines and Korea. The Gijon Cruise Terminal is located in the city of Gijon, on the northern coast of the Bay of Biscay. We were on Oceana which is a relatively small ship and does bob about a bit.