Essential Holiday Information

Holiday Prices

Inclusive prices shown in black include a return ferry crossing, accommodation and extras as described in the 'Inclusive Pricing' panel shown alongside the property listings throughout the brochure. Prices in pink or blue are for either an extra night, tour or week's rental.

Hotel Breaks on foot

Hotels that are ideal for foot passengers are denoted by a symbol and can ideally be reached on foot, by taxi, train or bus. To calculate the cost of  your break take your chosen room price in pink and add the relevant foot passenger fare. Don't forget to add weekend or peak sailing supplements, and on board accommodation costs if applicable.

Multi-Centre Holidays

Any accommodation in this brochure can be used for a multi-centre holiday, with time spent in more than one location. For an idea of cost simply add the nightly, tour or weekly price in pink or blue to your main ferry inclusive holiday price shown in black. But remember that ferry fares vary depending on length of stay abroad (1/2, 3/4, 5/6 or 7+ nights) and to add seasonal, peak sailing and weekend supplements, plus cabin costs if applicable.

Holiday Cost

Although we have tried our best to show accurate prices, where your travel is different to the date of stay, if mixing a route to France with a cruise to Spain, for multi-centre stays or those spanning two seasons, prices will vary from those shown.

Special Requests

Wherever possible we will try to meet your specific requirements but more often than not our suppliers allocate accommodation on arrival and, although requests can be noted, we are unable to guarantee these.

Last Minute Bookings

We will do everything we can to take bookings up to 24 hours before departure. When booking within 1 month of sailing payment must be by credit or debit card or through a travel agent. Confirmation may not be possible instantly and it's a good idea to let us have a 2nd or 3rd choice.

Disabled Clients

The properties that may be suitable for clients with restricted mobility are shown with a symbol. However please discuss your specific requirements with us before making your booking.

Tourist Tax

The local authorities in France may charge a Tourist Tax for each person staying there. This varies from place to place, and can be up to approximately €1.50 per day.

Swimming Pools

Outdoor pools are normally open from mid June to mid September (if heated slightly longer) and may close due to weather conditions or if maintenance is required. This is entirely at the discretion of the management/owner. On board the Pont-Aven, the Captain may also decide that under certain conditions the pool may be closed. Whenever using a pool suitable swimwear must be worn and  swimming shorts are not usually acceptable. Hats are also often compulsory in public pools. Parents should be extra vigilant and supervise children in and around pool areas at all times.

Passport for Pets

Most domestic pets can also discover the joys of France and Spain by travelling under the Pets Passport Scheme. Please contact your vet or the DEFRA helpline on 0870 241 1710 for information on taking your pet abroad. It should be noted that the procedure can take up to 7 months to complete so you will need to plan well ahead. We have highlighted accommodation that welcomes pets with a dog symbol. If you are taking more than one please let us know as we will have to make a special request which may be refused. A charge is made by the hotel. For ferry travel prices please call us on 0871 244 0439.

Travel Documents

All passengers must have a valid standard 10-year passport with the exception of children who were added to an accompanying adult's passport prior to 5th October 1998 and are still under 16. British passport application forms are available from Post Offices and you should allow up to 12 weeks for issue or renewal. Visas are not required for France and Spain by EU nationals. Any child going abroad without a parent or legal guardian must have a letterof consent otherwise permission to travel may be refused. For any queries contact the Passport Agency in the UK on 08705 210 410, or visit www.passport.gov.uk.

Useful Sources of Information:

Maison de la France

Lincoln House, 300 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7JH, Tel: 09068 244 123*, Fax: 0207 061 6646, www.franceguide.com
* Calls cost 60p a minute.

Spanish National Tourist Office

2nd Floor, 79 New Cavendish Street, London, W1W 6XB, Tel: 020 7486 8077, www.tourspain.es

Currency Exchange

We have commission-free exchange facilities for euro currency at our UK ports, and accept cash, cheques with cheque card, Travellers Cheques, major credit cards & charge cards.

Continental Motoring

It is a requirement to display your nationality sign if your car does not have a Euro plate - GB stickers are issued on request at our ports. All members of the party who intend to drive while abroad should be over 18 and must also take their driving licences. You should use stick on deflectors to convert your headlights to dip away from oncoming traffic and also carry spare bulbs – without these you may be liable for an instant fine. Please do not have a completely full fuel tank when you board the ferry. When driving in Spain, an EU or International Licence is advisable and if involved in an accident or breakdown, a reflective jacket must be worn when outside your vehicle.

Travel Insurance

All passengers except children under 4 must have Personal Insurance. We will arrange cover for all members of the party unless advised of your alternative arrangements to an equivalent or greater level of cover. All members of your party will need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Apply online at ehic.org.uk, telephone 0845 606 2030 or pick up an application form from the Post Office. Many insurance companies insist on this being used before a claim is made on your Personal Travel Insurance. It is advisable to have Vehicle Breakdown Assistance as well and you are advised to check with your insurance company whether you need a green card.

Privilege Card

The Brittany Ferries Privilege Card entitles you to excellent discounts at museums and leisure attractions nearly everywhere you go, and at wine warehouses at our ports. And the best thing about it is that it's absolutely FREE when you book any Brittany Ferries holiday or break.

Free Goodies

Included with your travel documents will be a trolley token to use at supermarkets and a surprise gift for the children. We will also provide an excellent map of France or Spain. What more could you ask for?

Price Match Guarantee

Brittany Ferries will match the price of any identical holiday found at a lower price within 28 days of booking and give you £38 worth of on board dining vouchers. The identical holiday must include – dates, times and route, vehicle or trailer size and on board accommodation, dates of holiday accommodation, duration of holiday and location, including type and standard of accommodation, facilities and party size. The travel and accommodation must be available and be offered as an inclusive package by the tour operator in their brochure. The price match excludes insurance, hotel booking service, special offers, loyalty bonuses and travel agent discounts. On board dining vouchers can only be used in the main restaurant on our classic cruise ferries. For clients travelling to and from France on our high speed service a reduction to the equivalent value will be given.

Our Holiday Helpline

If you encounter any problems on holiday that you cannot resolve yourself, we operate a Holiday Helpline, with English speaking staff on hand to give you any assistance you require. Details are supplied with your holiday documents.

Fiestas

These play an important part of Spanish culture and many towns and villages celebrate religious days and other important occasions. These can be numerous and often the dates are only confirmed at the last minute. Most people enjoy these festive occasions with firework displays, fairgrounds and live music playing into the early hours.

French and Spanish Public Holidays

On public holidays you will find shops, museums and banks are often closed, so make sure you have enough local currency to tide you over. And remember, trading laws often do not allow shopping on a Sunday except in tourist areas.