Brittany Ferries twin super ferries Galicia and Salamanca are the mainstay of the Spanish routes from Portsmouth UK and Rosslare Europort in Ireland.
From April 2023 the former, built in 2020, will operate from the Irish port to Bilbao in northern Spain, until then the later which was built in 2022, will become a familiar sight on the skyline.
The aim of this blog is to show you there are alternatives to flying to Spain; why have the hassle of airport queues, endless luggage restrictions, being confined to a seat and an irritating wait at the baggage carousel?
Instead, consider travelling aboard this beauty....
Galicia and Salamanca are large, modern and spacious vessels with copious amounts of exterior deck areas to marvel at the passing vistas and breathe in the fresh sea air as you cruise to your holiday destination.
One three course dinner is included in the price of your ticket when travelling aboard either of these ships to Spain, there are no luggage restrictions and above all you can start your holiday from the moment you board!
Let's go and check them out!
Grab a cuppa, get comfy and let's [virtually] get aboard for a good look around.
Both vessels are essentially the same other than a few minor décor differences therefore, I have combined both ships into a single blog.
Passenger amenities are concentrated on two decks (7 and 8) though passenger cabins and exterior decks extend to other areas of the ship.
Starting at what is arguably the hub of both ships, Camino de la Playa reception can be found on Deck 7 amid ships – its Pursers Office open throughout the voyage.
A cavernous facility - space and freshness seems to be the brief when the ships were being designed; royal blue and beige tones feature heavily to create a relaxing ambience.
The personnel within the Pursers Office were friendly & courteous and were able to assist with all queries including arranging the secure storage of my overnight bag during my crossing aboard Galicia – a luggage room can be found around the corner from the reception.
Happy, polite and friendly plus, don't they look smart in their uniform!
Below: luggage storage close to the Pursers Office
Directly opposite the reception is a public lounge with an array of interactive computers.
Vending machines are available in the vicinity serving hot beverages including coffee, hot chocolate and soup plus one serving confectionary.
For those of you who are regular readers of my blogs you will know I love coffee therefore, having this accessible 24/7 allowed me to grab a cuppa prior to the opening of the ships’ dining rooms and was especially appreciative at ‘silly o’clock’ in the morning where I could have my morning coffee up on deck watching the sunrise.
Passing the glazed staircase giving access to Deck 8, a wide arcade spans the length of Deck 7 on the port side enabling access to the facilities both fore and aft.
Paralel to its picture windows is a large fully carpeted lounge subdivided into smaller seating areas by periodic full height divides enabling families and groups to call the space their own. Note the braille signage on the wall.
Being open plan to the adjacent corridor does mean privacy is lacking however, these seating areas are the ideal spot for ‘people watching’ as at some point everyone passes through here plus, it makes for an ideal resting area prior to disembarking or to admire your purchases from the shop.
The latter is located directly opposite the lounge and although small compared to some vessels, it is perfectly adequate and provides a range of wines, beers, spirits and tobacco products along with travel accessories, confectionary and a selection of regional produce such as meats and cheeses which I found of particular interest as I find these to be excellent gifts for friends and family.
Continuing forward along the aforementioned arcade we pass WC facilities and stairwells giving access to the ships’ other decks before arriving at the Azul Restaurant.
Essentially the ships main dining room, Azul has an informal and casual atmosphere however, it is operated as if it were an A la Carte restaurant found aboard other Brittany Ferries vessels.
For example, Azul is not open throughout the voyage – only periodically at designated times therefore, if you are intending to eat check the opening times upon boarding.
Wall mounted menus are conveniently framed on the adjacent wall for your perusal.
Upon entry to Azul a friendly crew member will direct your attention to the menu and ask what you are intending to purchase. You are then presented with a ticket which you hand in upon leaving the dining room and it is at that point you pay for your meal.
In ‘traditional’ self service restaurants aboard ferries you pay at the till prior to sitting down and eating your meal so this method did make me feel more special - as if I was going into a more formal dining room.
The décor within Azul is very attractive – royal blue coloured ceramic tiling pops against the dark panelling of the servery whilst marine green upholstered seating is positioned on deep pile grey coloured carpeting with flecks of teal to create a nautical flavour.
Although a large facility it is sub divided into smaller areas by decorative divides to create a more intimate atmosphere and those seated by the picture windows are afforded magnificent views of the passing vistas.
On a personal note, I was particularly impressed with the lounge seating adjacent to the forward windows - the perfect place to sit with a coffee after having your meal and gaze out to sea allowing your mind to wander - very relaxing!
For children to burn off some energy, or perhaps build up an appetite, there is a playroom located within an adjacent family lounge; parents and guardians can relax in a comfortable seat safe in the knowledge the children are safe and close by.
Just look at those porthole inspired windows - I absolutely adore them.
Speaking of children's playrooms, aboard Galicia and Salamanca you will find a nursery up on Deck 8.
Staying on Deck 8 another dining area can be found towards the forward end of Deck 8 on the starboard side. Let's go and have a look.
Named Taberna De Tapas, the décor within is designed with a nod to Spain with its rich coloured wall panelling, vibrant red, peach and yellow coloured seating and attractive tilled façade to the servery.
Tapas is also available at the Plaza Maya Bar located amidships on Deck 8.
Arguably the most impressive room aboard, its main feature is the giant skylight set within a void of deck 9 above – mirrored surrounds with a baroque overlay and ornamental railings beneath is certainly a focal point and upon entering the bar one could imagine being transported to a relaxing Spanish square or pavement cave owing to the shaft of brilliant natural light.
What a great place to celebrate being on holiday!
A large flat screen TV takes prime position in the centre of the bar nestled below the skylight and shows sporting events during daylight crossings.
A small staircase with frosted glass screens and stainless steel handrails gives access to the Reception on Deck 7 below.
Unlike some vessels in the current Brittany Ferries fleet live entertainment is low key. On my journey a single singer / quiz host was found perched on a stool in a corner of the Plaza Maya Bar with a karaoke machine at her feet.
Baring in mind the primary route Galicia and Salamanca serve are the longest in Brittany Ferries operation, a little more entertainment would have been appreciated and a raised platform within one of the seating areas could quite easily be constructed however, what was provided was appreciated by those within the bar and the afternoon quiz was well patronised.
Below: Salamanca
Below: Similar view aboard Galicia
It would appear passengers are encouraged to find their own entertainment aboard – which to be fair can easily be done by taking a stroll to one of the onboard interactive museum rooms where lots of information on the Basque Country can be obtained.
Similarly, one can relax within the family sitting room on Deck 8 where children’s animated cartoons are shown or, if you have a cabin for the duration of your sailing, watch the complimentary movies on demand - I'll come back to this later.
These sitting rooms offer extremely comfortable seating with free standing pillars housing an inset flat screen TV showing children's films.
Views of the promenade exterior decks down on Deck 7 can be obtained from the porthole inspired windows from the lounges.
Those persons looking for some peace and quiet should head to the lounge at the forward end of Deck 8, port side.
Firm sofas encompass the perimeter of the lounge whilst individual low backed seating forms small clusters within.
Although open plan to the adjacent corridor a partial divide does effectively showcase this area as a facility in its own right plus, floor to ceiling panels with an inset flat screen TV provides some entertainment.
Those positioned by the giant porthole style windows are in for a treat as this views are simply stunning.
Looking to pamper yourself? Well, at the forward end of Deck 8 is the Commodore C-Club Lounge. Accessible for those with Commodore suite or Club Cabin accommodation, one can enjoy drinks and snacks plus their own private WC facilities.
With a capped capacity of around 100 persons this lounge never gets busy.
Note, limited places are available for other passengers to enjoy this private lounge should capacity allow.
As overnight accommodation is mandatory for the lengthy voyage to/from Spain, for those of you on a budget a reclining seat maybe your answer.
Located on Deck 8 access to the lounge is via a frosted glass door with a four-digit code entry system as you can see below.
A fully carpeted facility with warming and comforting tones, the seats are relatively comfortable and consist of a reading light, cup holder and side table, though no USB/charging sockets. However, European two pin sockets can be found within the lounge.
Buttons on the side of the arm rest permit the seat to recline and a footrest to be raised effectively making a (kind of) bed.
Luggage racks are available within the lounge which is a good feature though as always unattended luggage is left at your own risk.
Top tip, don’t forget to pack a (light weight) blanket as you may find this of use during the night; I forgot mine and instantly regretted it – not that it’s cold in the lounge, its just nice to snuggle up!
That being said, one can be obtained from the reception desk.
Speaking of sleeping accommodation, both Galicia and Salamanca offer a large array of differing types of well appointed cabins, all with private ensuite facilities, free video on demand and are ideal as you have your own private space, somewhere to relax, have a quick siesta during the day time or curl up and watch a movie.
Both ships offer 'outside cabins (with window) or inside (without) though the later has a 'fake' window where you can 'virtually' look out across the sea between a pair of partially open shutters to give the impression of a window - impressive!
In addition to 'standard accommodation', two berth commodore suites are available which benefit from having a double bed, complimentary access to the Commodore C-Club Lounge, TV, video on demand, mini bar and breakfast served in your cabin.
Premium 2berth Club Cabin with TV and video on demand. twin beds, complimentary access to the Commodore C-Club Lounge, tea coffee making facilities.
Pet friendly cabins located on Deck 7 close to the pet exercise area and benefits from having laminate flooring.
Wheelchair accessible cabins with an alarm and telephone
The joy of travelling by ferry is being out on deck breathing in fresh sea air.
Salamanca and Galicia will not disappoint as both super ferries have a considerable amount of exterior deck space which I was particularly impressed with as they offered more than I had been expecting.
Let's go for a wander
Starting on Deck 7, lengthy promenade areas flank the port and starboard sides between the reception and Azul Restaurant - a pet friendly exercise area and kennels being available for those travelling with their four-legged friends.
A series of terraced decks span the full width of the ships at the stern of Decks 7, 8 and 9 allowing views of the ships' wake disappearing into the horizon.
I spent many hours out here with a cold beer from the Plaza Maya Bar relaxing in the hot sun - absolute bliss! Again, why travel by aeroplane being confined to a seat in cramped surroundings?
Then finally up on Deck 10 is the main exterior deck which is accessible from the internal stairwells or from the terraced decks at the stern of decks 7, 8 and 9.
Below, the glazed roof of the Plaza Maya Bar
Isn't this wonderful!
Note the information board giving details of the species of whale and dolphin you may see whilst on passage.
The sun always feels more powerful at sea, perhaps due to the reflection off the sea so, Brittany Ferries have thoughtfully included a cooling shelter to give some shade.
Aboard Salamanca colourful street art inspired murals from Spanish artist Ruben Sanchez creates a lively vibe.
For children (and adults) gym equipment is provided - what a view for your morning workout!
Or if you prefer, just relax in a seat taking in the sunshine whilst others do the hard work.
Younger children have their own dedicated area
The Bay of Biscay is one of the top places in the world to see whales and dolphins. On some sailings a representative from ORCA will be aboard identifying differing species of whales and dolphins and answering passenger questions.
And there you have it, my blog of Galicia and Salamanca. I'm sure you'll agree they are impressive ships.
For me travelling by ferry is THE way to travel from A to B - these ferries offer space, light, lounges, a bar, restaurants, vast exterior deck areas along with attentive, courteous and friendly members of crew.
Here are two vlogs of my journeys aboard. Why not have a look and [virtually] come aboard for a walk about tour.
A2B via Sea was present during the maiden voyage of Salamanca - a magnificent fireworks display illuminated Portsmouth Harbour. Here is my video:
A2B VIA SEA
A2B via Sea YouTube portal where you can virtually come aboard for a look around the ferries.
Check it out, over 1,000,000 have!
A2B via Sea website - all blogs collated for easy reference - people from all over the globe have been reading my reports and been inspired to explore Europe by ferry.
A2B via Sea primary social media page - Facebook - why not 'like' & 'follow', nearly 4000 people from all over the world have!
It is (almost) possible to zig-zag your way across Europe just by using ferries and to prove it I do it! Why not follow yours truly on Instagram and see what a travel bloggers life is like.