P&O Mini Cruise, Portsmouth to Bilbao Review

“Great break, great value for money at under £100 for 2...”

Written on: 07/04/2010

Great break, great value for money at under £100 for 2 for a cabin with a view.



Cabin was small but clean. Bathroom was clean. Shower looked like it would not be up to much but was great, like a power shower.



Entertainment was top quality and we had no trouble finding a seat. Food in the self service was reasonably priced (£9 for a set meal dinner + pudding), cinema was reasonably priced around £6 a ticket, drinks were slightly on the pricy side but you could have a few in your cabin before going to the bar.



Dolphin watching made the trip, good film at the beginning and helpful guide, saw a few from comfy warm lounge.



Tips - bring your own drinks for your cabin especially water. There are no tea making facilities and buying every drink is costly.



Save Langan's or the carvery for a treat for one meal only, too expensive to always eat there. Try a snack from Costa instead of one meal a day to keep costs down. We bought hot sandwiches for dinner and took them up to the showbar to arrive early and get a good seat for the show.



One socket in your cabin, pack a 4 way extension lead for hairdryer, phone charger etc.



Stop off in Portsmouth and buy a takeaway to eat in the terminal before boarding, it always seems to be late and it is very pricy there with limited choice.



Don't know if the offer is still on but we phoned P&O booking line and bought vouchers to use on board at 10% off face value which kept the cost of meals and drinks down.



Don't get a taxi in the Spanish port. Either go on a trip or walk to the nearest town (not far but grim through the port). Taxis have to go all round the houses to get out of port with the meter running.



Disabled people are well catered for with good lifts, boarding via a minibus to the car deck. Despite booking disabled assistance, it wasn't clear when we got to port that you need to fill out a yellow card so ask for one if needed.



Booked to go again in May with whole family, would recommend to anyone.