Is a two night ferry crossing a cruise?

SuzanneFH

The FCO has recently advised people not to go on cruises, we have a 2 night ferry crossing booked to Bilbao with Brittany Ferries - they are adamant that this is a ferry crossing and not a cruise. We have a non-changeable or refundable ticket but we are concerned about going on the trip now as our travel insurance won't cover us if we travel against FCO advice - any advice gratefully received

bradders1983

Advice is exactly that: advice.

Martin_the_Unjust

Ask your travel insurance provider.

Mrs_Soup

Personally I would consider that more of a cruise as the journey is the whole trip - you only get off for about four hours in Bilbao.  However on the same boat will be people doing it as a one way of a longer trip so its a ferry.  its a tricky one.  Are you not wanting to go but unable to get refund as FCO advice isn't to not go unless its a cruise.  If so I would think about why they are saying don't cruise and make a decision from there.  

[Deleted User]

Depends which way you look at it?    I would not classify a 2 night crossing from A to B a cruise but if you had booked it with the promise of entertainment, luxury dining etc so that the onboard time is a huge part of the holiday and you are informed this is now all cancelled then you may have an argument to cancel?   When are you due to travel?  

Actually have just popped onto their website and Brittany Ferries are actually promoting this as a 'cruise' mmm...  SO if FCO advice remains same about cruises you have a point I would say.   You might have a fight on your hands though. Take a snap shot of this.

Portsmouth to Bilbao timetable

Enjoy a cruise to Spain with Brittany Ferries' Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry route. There are two sailings each way every week for a choice of journey to suit you. Choose your departure day for a relaxing one or two night crossing onboard our luxury cruise ferry the Cap Finistère and start your holiday in style!    (From Brittany Ferries Website today)

Alan_Bowen

The law is enforced by Trading Standards and they are quite clear that ferries, even those that take 24 hours to arrive in Spain, are not cruises. That means the FCO advice against cruising will not help you. That has been the case for the last 28 years since the first laws came into effect regarding package holidays, sorry.

lincroft1710

In this case the word "cruise" is just upselling a rather lengthy ferry crossing.

JGB1955

It's probably rare to find a hold full of lorries and cars on a 'cruise'.

Nebulous2

I’ve done that crossing, and certainly didn’t regard it as a cruise. It was a necessary evil to get to the North of Spain with the dogs, without driving all the way. 

Actually evil is a bit strong. We got a beer and some Spanish lessons in the bar, so it wasn’t completely unpleasant, but I’ve always struggled to see the journey as part of the holiday.