Anybody who knows me knows that I am not a good traveller. To be honest, the ship doesn't actually go into Biscay itself, like we did on the yacht. Rescue efforts have been hampered by high seas and gale force winds, which are common in the bay. Look for a link at the bottom of this page or in our privacy policy where you can withdraw consent. Did a TA on Britannia where for about a day she was constantly heeled over a few degrees. Almost all Antarctica cruises have to traverse the infamously choppy Drake Passage, and Alaska cruises must emerge from the sheltered Inside Passage into the rougher waters of the Gulf of Alaska or the Pacific to reach their homeports. Cruise lines wont tell you this, but I will. 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. I know it can be bad, but weve never had anything major in 10 crossings; (August, April, February, May and December). Like a millpond both times. The best thing you can do is BE PREPARED. Stugeron needs to be taken about 8 hours beforehand and does not work straight away, but they do work. 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. I get car sick, plane sick, coach sick, if something moves itll make me feel sick. Then if the cargo moves to one side the ship can start to list.". 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. Cruise staffers say the gulf gets especially bad after Labor Day, in the shoulder season. << Although I do recommend doing this I rarely follow my own advice, for me saving money is more important than seasickness so I will often end up with a cabin right at the end of the ship. tring, September 10, 2020 in P&O Cruises ( UK ). 36 Things You Are Getting Wrong About Cruising Cruise Myths Busted! I know this one is difficult but try not to eat a ridiculous amount of food or drink too much. The ship was light one side and dark the other. We had calm seas, both ways, when we crossed in May last year, but had we gone a week later it would have been a different story! Despite there being storms around I never felt a thing. If you have cruised through the Bay of Biscay, did you experience bad weather? The Bay of Biscay, off the west coast of France and north of Spain, and the North Sea can also be rough, but are calmer in the summertime. Azura is so huge it takes a big sea to get a ship like that moving enough to worry anyone. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises. I am an EXTREMELY travel sick person and I do get seasick when I cruise. This beach is known for its strong waves, making it a great spot for surfing and bodyboarding. The terminal is also home to a number of tour operators and travel agents, making it a great place to start your cruise holiday. Impacted Itineraries: Transatlantic, transpacific, Hawaii, Canada and New England, world cruises. Its tempting to never stop eating when youre on a cruise but it is, believe it or not, possible to eat too much and make yourself feel unwell. As others will tell you it can be calm or it can be very rough, you pays your money and you takes your chance, just book it you'll be fine. And even then much more often calm than rough. The waters around the Cape of Good Hope, especially where the Atlantic meets the Indian Ocean, can be pretty choppy. :). The other times we encountered about force 5 or 6 an it wasn't that bad. It's been like a millpond, a gentle roll tosevere gales. Jeanette, I have been on 2 cruises through there. MSC Euribia, MSC's second LNG-powered ship, has completed a successful 4-day trial in the Atlantic Ocean (Bay of Biscay) for deepwater intensive systems tests.. by Jamie. I decided to ask the members of our Facebook Group for their experiences cruising through the bay, below are a few of their experiences: I have been on 5 cruises from the U.K. and back through the Bay of Biscay. Biscay has a fearsome reputation and for many sailors, it is their first taste of bluewater sailing. 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. Totally agree, especially about the balcony. Donostia is among Spain's most popular tourist destinations. 36 Things You Are Getting Wrong About Cruising Cruise Myths Busted! Think it was a combination of rough seas and very high winds, but simply walking from the sofa to the bathroom was like ascending Porlock Hill. 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). Located in the heart of San Sebastian, this beach is known for its stunning views of the Bay of Biscay and its white sand. You only have to look at YouTube to find footage of choppy seas, long swells, and ships of all sizes bobbing up and down, rolling, pitching and making, seemingly, for an uncomfortable voyage. The port is easily accessible by car, train, and air, and is a popular destination for cruise ships. and if the sickness does rear its ugly head, the old tip about green apples always works for me. So dont fear it embrace it , your quite safe. The deck officers will announce ahead of time if it's going to be rough and if so, take the (seasickness) tablets, secure the cabin, enjoy the ride.! Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. Not helped by our cabin being on the Lido Deck! 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. 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. If you are worried about being seasick I would definitely recommend you bring some medication. I would remove any loose hangers (or weighing them down with a towel) overnight as they get very noisy if it gets bumpy. Travellers suffered discomfort - a mule over the Alps, a clipper across the Bay of Biscay - to absorb the wideness of the world, to feel small or . Read about our approach to external linking. Cruise in rough seas - waves - Bay of Biscay. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. Cunard also does its transatlantic cruises throughout the winter, sometimes attracting passengers who specifically want to sail on rougher 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. If you get a midships balcony on a mid level deck you will be okay on almost any P&O ship. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! Will speak to doctor and see if he will prescribe something 'in case', failing that I will go to a pharmacy, as they're usually very helpful. Something to do with the acidity of the apples really settles your stomach. In my experience cruising through the Bay of Biscay can vary a LOT. Flat calm. Keep an eye on the weather predictions for the area and you'll have some idea what to expect for your. Although you can get lucky and find smooth seas, most cruise travelers experience rough waters traversing this region. Now thinking about which suitcase medium and holdall or large and 'carry on' bag. A bit bumpy but thought that was ok. Atlantic coast - Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar - dolphin watching in Gibraltar, walked last 5km of Camino, and visited the Alhambra. What are the car rental options near Cruise Bay Of Biscay cruise port. The shop is known for its unique selection of handmade jewelry, pottery, and other artisanal items. The Bay of Biscay is a great destination for outdoor adventurers. we have our second cruise booked for the caribbean 15 december 2017 for 2 weeks. Job well done. I have sailed the Bay many times (but not on Azura) and it has been very rough, very smooth and everything in between! Video, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure, MasterChef Australia host Jock Zonfrillo dies, NFL player's daughter, aged two, drowns in pool, Banana artwork in Seoul museum eaten by visitor, Donald Trump arrives in Scotland on golf visit, Indian 'killer' elephant relocated to tiger reserve, Ding becomes China's first male world chess champion. My husband found it fairly challenging and was grateful for the Cinnarizine that is packed for him in anticipation of this very event! The Truth About Cruising During a Storm (Review of 7 Days at Sea) Emma Cruises, [] To learn more about the Bay of Biscay, check out this post: Cruising Through The Bay Of Biscay: What to Expect (Real Experiences) []. It is known for its strong currents and unpredictable weather, making it a popular destination for cruise ships. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Safety is at the forefront of everything onboard cruise ships. This post includes multiple first-hand accounts from cruisers who have made the journey. They may do this months before the cruise or actually on the estimated day of arrival. I was delighted to discover that I dont get seasick and rather enjoy a rough sea. They then become shorter choppier waves when you hit the continental shelf.". #4. If stabilisers are used the ship burns more fuel but they make a big difference. Read about our approach to external linking. But there was an older cruise ship following us and that was being tossed around somewhat. I would recommend taking some antisickness tablets with you (herbal or otherwise) as well as a band as the onboard doctors are extremely expensive so would use as a last resort! Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. 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). Related: Best Months to Cruise the Mediterranean: A. With max passenger capacity 6327 (2421 staterooms), Euribia (MSC's 22nd liner) will be officially named on June 8 in Copenhagen Denmark, and will sail an inaugural season in Northern Europe from homeport Kiel Germany. 13 Actionable Tips to Prevent and Treat Seasickness, I was really worried first time when they said very rough Bay of Biscay crossing the next day and to secure everything in cabin and started tying down everything loose on deck. You'll be OK on Azura as it is so big. "It will roll around like a bucking bronco and water can come over the sides. : To see the full Facebook poll click here. Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app. It offers a wide selection of souvenirs, from traditional Basque items to modern French-inspired gifts. Last week I crossed the Bay of Biscay on the Arcadia and again the sea was calm. : 5 HUGE Differences Between a Ferry and a Cruise Ship (Real Examples), What Happens if You Get Sick on a Cruise? I'd heard ginger was good, but wasn't sure in what form! No matter what type of experience you are looking for, Cruise Bay Of Biscay cruise port has something for everyone. 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. Since starting cruising we have crossed it loads of times at different times of the year. Most of Donostia is built over the river's wetlands. (Watch us have a terrible cruise in August now.). Rough Waters: When one body of water runs into another, waves tend to be higher and rougher. The beaches are made up of golden sand and crystal clear waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. :), 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. We loved our tour guide! Where can I buy some.thought I would ask you all before clicking on a google search as I know the response will be more appropriate, and more interesting! 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). That is the only time on a ship when I have felt nervous due to the sudden listing! How safe is Cruise Bay Of Biscay cruise port? Many cruise lines -- including .css-hghiur{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-medium);border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;cursor:pointer;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);border-color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);}.css-hghiur:focus-visible,.css-hghiur[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-hghiur:hover,.css-hghiur[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;}Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian -- have multiple ships sailing to the Caribbean out of Florida and the Gulf States throughout hurricane season (though the vessels will make itinerary changes to shy away from the biggest storms). Yes, Cruise Bay of Biscay is a great cruise port. As other posters have said, if you worried about the movement chose cabin which is not too high up and ideally mid-ship. Oceana has gone now but I had 1 of only a couple of bouts of seasickness on her. RegionWestern Europe - Azores - Canary Islands. It will cost you alot if you see the doc on board so best to go prepared.we take a large toilet bag with all sorts of pills and potions, plasters, bandages, throat sweets, not the kitchen sink though!! It is located in the northern coast of Spain and the western coast of France and is named after the Spanish province of Biscay. I Took a Traditional British Cruise with Fred Olsen (Entertainment, Food & Ship Review). Of course it all depends on the person.what may be rough to one, may be smooth to another. Getting seasick on a cruise is not something that should worry you, it definitely shouldnt put you off of cruising. The average depth of the bay is 1745 meters and the maximum depth is 2790 meters and parts of the continental shelf extend into the bay those results into fairly shallow water at places. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. 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 share cruise tips, tours, and videos on this website to help you master cruising on a budget. It was fine to be honest. Well, have listened to all the advice I have been given. Cruising Through The Bay Of Biscay: What to Expect (Real Experiences). ozzysdad, May 12, 2017 in P&O Cruises ( UK ). It is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the local cuisine. We had a seriously bad crossing when leaving Portugal on Ventura in July last year and the ship was listing on a very funny angle which the Captain said was quite normal. (Everything You Need To Know). The continental shelf extends into the Bay of Biscay and this is a reason, in part, for some of the rough weather often experienced. I think you pay your money you take your chance! Zurriola Beach is another popular beach near Cruise Bay Of Biscay. Rough Waters: If you're cruising Down Under, you'll find some rough patches in the Bass Strait (between the Australian mainland and Tasmania) and the Tasman Sea (between Australia and New Zealand). The Bay of Biscay, off the west coast of France and north of Spain, and the North Sea can also be rough, but are calmer in the summertime. For the more adventurous, there are plenty of opportunities for water sports, such as kayaking, sailing, and fishing. Weare well cruised and have the sense to realise weather conditions are what they are anywhere and anytime, but have actually done very little sailing south out of the UK and when we have it was never in the summer, so a generalidea of whether seas are genuinely calmer at that time of year in that region would be very useful to us. They are top heavy and that would cause the roll. The Bay of Biscay is Home to a Variety of Wildlife. But, trying to be helpful too, I sailed the Bay in April last year on the QE to the Canaries and it wasn't exactly rough but there was quite a swell, so there was a fair bit of movement. 5 Ways Cruise Ships Avoid Bad Weather and How Itll Affect Your Cruise, I Took a Traditional British Cruise with Fred Olsen (Entertainment, Food & Ship Review). On January 20th every year (Saint Sebastian feast) locals celebrate a festival famous as "Tamborrada". Is climate change killing Australian wine? I was not entirely convinced.. The Bay of Biscay is a popular destination for cruise ships, with many of the major cruise lines offering trips to the area. "I don't think cargo ships are any more prone to going wrong [than other types of ships]," says Dr Chris Ware, from Greenwich University. say Aurora would be the best in rough seas, because she is built like a liner, the others are not. The bay is also home to a variety of shipwrecks, making it a great spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. I don't doubt what you say for a minute, Annie. The bigger your ship, the less you'll feel the waves. Weve all seen the videos of ships being thrown around and passengers clinging onto things for dear life, I wont show you one of these here as it might put you off, but it shouldnt. The friendly staff is always happy to help customers find the perfect sweet treat to take home. Did this woman die because her genitals were cut? I was recently feeling seasick on a cruise I took on the. Having crossed the BOB hundreds of times, as others have said, you cannot tell what it will be like I'm afraid. The Bay of Biscay is also a great place to spot seals, as they often come to the surface to bask in the sun. Not looking to book right now. 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. A number of northern Europe cruises will also go through the bay. You just cant predict. Emma Cruises Ltd is also a participant in other affiliate programs. Going on Azura 7th April, to Madiera and Canaries etc. Thanks Bronte30! It's known for its rough seas and violent storms and much of. thank goodness we weren't out there when that fell off ! We did a TA to Caribbean and back on her last year and the listing on the way back was really scary. 45% of cruisers that have cruised through the Bay of Biscay at least once did not report any bad weather when crossing. Encounter a storm in the South China Sea or other Asian waters, and you could find an unpleasant ride, not to mention some skipped ports. 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. 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. It doesnt make TOO much difference but if you do have the option definitely go for the middle. Out of the 4 crossings, 1 was rough. Impacted Itineraries: China, Japan, the Philippines and Korea. They are further out. I will def get these tablets as never sailed from Southampton before. If you're prone to seasickness or just want to be prepared for high seas and rolling waves, we've compiled a list of some of the bodies of water known for their chop. Weve crossed in all school holidays so Dec, Feb, May, Aug and Oct. Had far rougher conditions around Norway! The beaches are also great for surfing, windsurfing, and other water sports. The Agglomeration Cote Basque-Adour includes the French cities Anglet and Biarritz. Yes I have experienced, A very heavy swell on one occasion. "These swell waves can be felt in the Bay of Biscay if you're still in deep water 100 miles out. We must have been lucky - always the same position (aft suite) on both Ventura and Azura and we've not had a problem, even in 9/10 gales. You are far more likely to experience rough conditions on a ferry than on a cruise ship due to the smaller size. The bay is located above northern Spain and to the west of France. Tony, On an Azura May cruise, it was calm as a millpond going down but rough coming back. This happens for a number of reasons and I have another post all about why your itinerary may change here: Do You Get Compensation For Missing Cruise Ports? From visiting local markets and museums to taking part in traditional festivals and celebrations, there are plenty of ways to immerse oneself in the culture of the region. She gets everywhere, evidently she is deep in my sub-conscious. "She's floating on what looks like a very precarious angle," Ware says. 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! I can do science me. It is also a great place to spot seals, as they often come to the surface to bask in the sun. It is also the capital city of Gipuzkoa (Basque Province). Azura was awful in rough weather in the Med on south coast of France and Spain. This beach is known for its stunning views of the Bay of Biscay and its white sand. Well that page of discussions seems to have given me an excellent answer, as well as being of interest to others as well. San Sebastin city is at Urumea River's mouth. Cruise Bay of Biscay is known for its stunning natural beauty and its variety of activities. The seas around the northwestern Spanish coast (around Vigo) was quite rough as well. Been on Ventura when it was lumpy, they did have to shut down some lifts due to water ingress from one of the pools. 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. I suspect something very heavy has shifted inside her and the vessel can't right herself - the weight is just in the wrong place.". The shop is known for its unique selection of red, white, and sparkling wines. Can I expect it to be very rough? Enclosed by the Atlantic coast of France and northern coast of Spain, the bay measures less than 350 miles from headland to headland but is approximately 250 miles deep. The beaches near Cruise Bay Of Biscay cruise port are some of the most beautiful in the world. 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. Look for a link at the bottom of this page or in our privacy policy where you can withdraw consent. Have had far worse conditions in the Atlantic returning from The Canaries (difficult to even. One of the most popular being from Bilbao in Spain to Plymouth in the UK. Gales are most likely in the bay from October through March. Weather is one of the main reasons that cruise itineraries are changed last minute. Venice has blocked cruise ships and, . Enjoy and hopefully you won't need your seasickness remedies. After booking, you'll immediately receive an email with your tickets and directions. Friendly staff. Despite the city's small size, events like San Sebastian International Film Festival give it an international dimension. Once again, thank-you to you all for your response to my question. The average water depth of the Bay of Biscay is said to be around 5000 ft! The shop is known for its unique selection of gourmet chocolates, including dark, milk, and white varieties. Rough Waters: One of the most notorious places for rock-and-roll cruising is the Drake Passage, the body of water between Cape Horn -- the southernmost tip of South America -- and the South Shetland Islands in Antarctica. It offers a variety of activities and attractions, including beautiful beaches, historical sites, and plenty of shopping and dining options. Answering The Webs Most Searched Cruise Questions! Its can be a nice relaxing wind down travelling across the Bay at the start of your cruise. Crying with laughter at this. We were on Oceana in the Bay in April 2012 - it was very choppy - in fact we came back to our cabin and wondered what was on our Balcony - it was part of the "Oceana" sign off the side of the ship - not just a little bit the first 4 letters ! Bay of Biscay Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! It's not usually anywhere near as bad as most people fear. I travelled through the Bay on Ventura in April and the sea was much rougher in the English Channel than the BOB. Puzzled by the warnings about Ventura, and by implication Azura. But it can also be calm. 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!! Follow my advice and you need never be concerned about sea conditions. The port is situated in the northern part of the bay, near the city of La Rochelle in France. The latest victim is the car carrier Modern Express, which ran into trouble 230 miles south-west of Brest, France. The Bay of Biscay can be choppy If you're on a cruise itinerary leaving from Southampton that travels to France, Spain, the Canary Islands, or the Mediterranean, your ship will be passing through the Bay of Biscay. school location scavenger hunt, write a metaphor about someone who is slow, what are scorpios attracted to physically,