P&O Ferries to Bilbao ... any experiences?

I'm taking the new Jaguar (XJ8 TDi Sovereign if you must ). the no. 1 and a somewhat famous lady friend to Spain and France for a driving holiday in September. We've booked P&O Ferries to take us to Bilbao, thinking that it would be pleasant to drive all the way up, rather than down and up, and we can see the Guggenheim, visit Burgos (wonderful city) then meander through SW France and the Loire.

Things is, I've since read some pretty dire tales about the P&O route to Bilbao, lots of 'mini cruisers' apparently who drink to much and do all the stuff that follows. I am also concerned now that my friend, who doesn't like too much interference when out and about, may be a little confined to cabin.

Am I wrong? Has anyone had any experiences of this trip? Thanks.

[Scrooge]

If I am remembering correctly they offer a higher level of cabin..more like a cruise ships one than a dorm room...go for that..it has been a few years since I did this though.

My folks did this trip along with several other family members and the only comments they had was it was extremely ROUGH SEAS! All of them were physically sick during the crossing. I guess it depends on the seas at the time but the Biscay seems to be particularly rough for most of the time.

Is your 'friend' instantly recognisable? Could she not put on a baseball cap and blend into the background?

Paul

[Scrooge]

As your friend will probably know...knowing a few "famous" people..they normally do the "you know I get that all the time" line..seems to work for the most part...

The Bay of Biscay is generally relatively rough I think, but September would probably be one of the better times to make the journey I should expect[:?]

45.

I've sailed through the bay on various liners back in my 'working at-sea' youth and I can attest that it is always moderately rough. However late Summer should be the best of a bad lot. It should be no worse than a winter Irish sea crossing.