Bay of Biscay

[Cecyhall]

I really want to go on a cruise as I'm a scared flyer but want to see other places, however I'm not a great boat rider either and the thought of the bay of Biscay is putting me off- is it terrible? For various reasons we are looking at a 7 or 10 night cruise, I think if it was 14 I'd feel a bit better as the bit in the middle would be longer.

When it's bad is it as bad as I imagine? And will it ruin the holiday worrying about coming back. Or would I be better to somehow train or coach to Barcelona and go from there, even though Southampton is so much nearer?

(I know I'm pathetic!)

I fly to the cruise departure port. The best way.

Biscay can be fine, or can be a nightmare, my husband does it regularly and there have been times when he's stayed in his cabin the whole way, but that's more likely in winter

What's worse, possibly 24 hours of a rough crossing, or 2-3 hours in a plane?

When we went through it last year it was fine.

My parents have been through when it's been a bit choppy but by the next morning it was fine.

I wouldn't let it out you off trying a cruise.

I have done the bay of biscay a number of times sometimes it is fine and others can be rough. Have you considered the London - Paris - Barcelona train? That would be a good option for you.

I wouldn't travel overland to Barcelona as it won't really solve your problem. We had a horrendously rough passage through the Gulf of Lion in the med last year and have had several other reasonably bumpy times. By comparison I think we've been through the Bay of Biscay getting on for 30 times and probably only once have had a bumpy trip. Travelling from Barcelona won't guarantee you a millpond. I do sympathise though! I hate the fact you can't get off, be it a plane or ship!

Thank you all, maybe I need to make peace with the fact that UK holidays are nice and look into train travel or even coaches a bit more, I'll meet the others there so they can fly! I know I'm a wimp but my plane fear is really paralysing and sick inducing, boats slightly better but I did admittedly cry on the Isle of Wight ferry so maybe I should let it go and move on.

You will get bumpy seas anywhere but the Bay of Biscay has bad weather more often then the med. You could always consider perhaps doing a fjords cruise as once you are across the north sea most of the time you hug the coast or are in fjords so sheltered.