33 hours at SEA with NO CABIN | Feeling UNPREPARED |Starting our mini Spain+Portugal ROAD TRIP |EP35

EPISODE 35
We're heading over to Spain on a 33 hour ferry crossing from Portsmouth to Santander... We were feeling positive but ended up realising we had miss-judged this part of our journey! An interesting start to our road trip!!...
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👋 If you are new here, hello! We're Ben and Emily! We live on our 56 foot narrow boat as full time continuous cruisers with our cat Alan 🌟
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[@StephenLPhotos]

Somehow, even when she is tired, unhappy, and possibly travel sick, Emily is still always just GORGEOUS. It's not fair. Anyone else agree? :)

[@djefabs]

Hi Guys, I do this trip (Portsmouth-Bilbao) usually 3 times a year when i'm driving down to my boat (in Spain) I think you would find it much more comfortable to book a cabin. They have very comfortable beds, En-Siute facilities and you will arrive fresh, rested and ready for the long drive. Pretty sure at this time of the year you would be able to upgrade on board for your return trip. Enjoy and stay safe.

[@jamesjohnmoss8130]

So agree, in my younger day I took this trip to climb in the Picos (sic) mountains, had great times, but after the first trip a cabin was always the first option. I have spent a number of nights sleeping in Glenco in a car in Scotland because we where ice climbing, never again! This last bit has little to do with anything really, other to say that I would never do it again!!! Love what you are doing, found your site yesterday, and was up until 2am, watching, continuing today.I am caught up with your 33 hour boat trip.

[@victoriazoejewellery]

😅 love both your sense of humour and how laid back benny boy is 😂 that speaking stone of Alan is amazing ! I would buy one ☝🏻 get them in your shop it’s beautiful

[@elizaphe58]

Love this! 1985 5 children under 6 yrs of age youngest 4 months old Coach from Manchester down to Costa Brava! via Ferry.Thank god for Breast feeding! one child sick from Paris to Costa Brava! People thought we were mad...We weren't put off! Continued for a number of years! then by the time the youngest 4 appeared we travelled on the Eurotunnel stopping in France Costa Brava on our way down to Costa Blanca! in our own car.Love travelling overland great to plan and see different places also the unexpected stop too! Hubby did the driving I supervised the children packed the bags and boot of the car. Lol love the Chicken waistcoat! I'm away next month 3 weeks in Spain one thing going in my case is my knitting and crochet yarn hooks and needles! just had three breaks in the uk they go everywhere with me.Hubby drives I sit knitting or crocheting as we drive to some good music! last week The Moody Blues driving on the M6. it used to be 24 hours on a coach!

[@BenandEmily]

Wow they sounds like some brilliant trips! 🤩

[@spotty_cat26]

That's a trip I've done many times. A cabin is a definite must. You only go without a cabin on your first crossing.....

[@Improveng1]

Hiya guys, lovely to see you kiss Alan goodbye, she'll be ok with her Uncle Dave. First night on the ferry looked uncomfortable guys, no wonder you abandoned the ridiculous recling chairs for the much more comfortable lookinh sofas, nice one. Good to see your excitement on reaching Spain, and good to see the Alan stone. Good luck with the rest of the trip, stay safe . 😀xx

[@JonnoDoesStuff]

'You can't go on holiday without chicken waistcoat' has me reevaluating my entire holiday wardrobe

[@BenandEmily]

🤣

[@jenniferstrachan7084]

You definitely need to book a cabin The cost far outweighs the sleep deprivation encountered from sleeping in those chairs ❤

[@JonnoDoesStuff]

@@jenniferstrachan7084 This is a conversation about chicken waistcoat, Jennifer

[@hodgheg]

My number one item to pack for travelling, especially where sleep may be awkward - ear plugs! The thick foam ones that you screw up so they expand in your ears block out even the most obnoxious snores and bores.

[@jackplaysgames5103]

You two are so talented and inspirational. Your channel is a go to for me and it relaxes me so much…makes me realise there is more to life than just work, sleep, work, sleep. It gives me something to relax and switch off to. You guys are legends, thanks for sharing your lives with me and everyone. 🙏☺️

[@michaelamilesmiles2097]

Just love your videos it's a long time since I slept such on uncomfortable chairs and benches in my youth it all came flooding back to me at 73 I will just watch you both doing your thing enjoy it all time fly's love Benny's music still trying to work out the style bit folk or country 60s 70s ? Emily you tuffed the not well bit out love your little vegetables miniatures stay safe and take care ✌️👍🌹

[@michaeldawley9140]

Hey guys if you are on open water one of the best ways to help with nausea is any thing with Ginger in it (ginger nut biscuits , ginger tea easer really anything) my dad was in and around the Navy his whole working life and says it really helps.

[@mikesmith2401]

Dry ginger from the bar ?

[@elizaphe58]

Lol I bought the sea sickness bands for my children anything with Ginger too...My Adult children can't stand the smell of Ginger scarred for life! but will eat ginger cake lol

[@janepritchett5408]

Phew!!! Panicked a bit when you weren't going to take chicken waistcoat.the chicken/cockeral is a symbol of Portugal.the kids ball pool is a good option for sleep on the way back!!!!love it that you dont go near the cafe,me too.looking forward to seeing your adventure.

[@dawnoakley1776]

I love how you miss Alan🐈 You guysaregreat👍 cant wait for the next video xx

[@jenesisjones6706]

I love twin tubs! Even when the "new" washing machines were sold, I still preferred a twin tub! ( I'm 67 😉)

[@cindytennessee]

I love Alan! Sleepy puppy! Dad’s taking care of Alan…jealous. Hope you two have a fabulous time! Love you guys!

[@tom52carey]

My wife and I once spent 35 bum numbing hours on a coach to Italy so your sofa's were pure luxury. Loved the vid and enjoy the rest of your trip.

[@craigmushens4789]

I remember we had a similar washing machine when I was a kid growing up in Scotland. There were so many gorgeous Land Rovers on the ferry… I was drooling! Looking forward to your adventure.

[@Ed_Shaw]

4:41 You've just got to pack the van?? Will the van fit in yer suitcase? 😂😂😂 16:20 Aaaah poor Emily. You did the right thing, which was to look out at the horizon to help keep yer brain orientated. A breath of fresh air might have helped too. I had to laugh. While Emily was sitting there feeling sick, Benny was stuffin' his face 'n' grinning. Great video. Thanks for taking us along!

[@100Noddy]

💗You too. Land hunting. Fed up with damp cold blighty.💗

[@bennyhill4228]

Two beautiful people on a journey

[@bennyhill4228]

Bay of Biscay don't mention micheal fish the weather man from 87 yer dad will know this one....." Aparrently a lady called the BBC and said there is a Hurricaine on the way " bloody conspiricy theorists xD

[@dingnextstop]

Don’t feel bad about getting sick Emily, I used to drive tour coaches from uk to Austria and the ferry trip from Dover to Calais made me sick on many occasion, the passengers often said I looked a bit green when loading them back on coach, very embarrassing 😅

[@jamesjohnmoss8130]

Nice bottle of Jonny Walker! Well done, no cabin, drink JW. Cool!

[@shirleygreaves9650]

Poor Emily I feel so sorry for you feeling so sea sick on your ferry journey. A cabin is a must, maybe your can upgrade for your return journey. I am so looking forward to watching the rest of your trip. I love your Alan speaking stone, you’re both as soft as me with my cat. I guess there will be highs and lows but you’re a strong couple and you’ll get through and it will be an experience that you will reminisce about in the future. Stay safe and enjoy the journey. Lots of love. xxxx

[@patriciaallen6478]

Hi both, what a fantastic video, really enjoyed it and can't wait for the next one. Emerly, please buy some travel sickness tablets for the journey home!!! Bless and love to you both xxxx

[@ianperryman1078]

I travel a lot on Brittany Ferries - well worth getting a cabin if youve got a long drive ahead when you get off.

[@thirdlion3107]

That’s actually just made my week! 😂 Wonderful! 🤗

[@curlynoodle2929]

Cabin, earplugs and travel sickness tablets on the way home. Nothing is worth that level of discomfort and sleep deprivation x

[@anniemac3075]

I've never made the trip but if I did I'd definitely get a cabin. Comfort is essential to keep you healthy with some decent sleep especially when you're driving a lot. If you're still there enjoy & try to get a cabin coming home. X

[@dreamofstorms]

just wonderful you guys!

[@Red-ns9ny]

Bless you with the twin tub they were great in the day

[@mikesmith2401]

Oh my, how you love an adventure. good luck.

[@JISJ1964]

More than 24 hours, a better life-vest info i mandatory. Sea-sickness is best cured by a good meal and then some cool air.

[@Red-ns9ny]

Awe that was great poor you I knew seeing you arrive in those chairs it would be a ughohh moment. I did it once and never again. Bless you both thanks ❤😊xx

[@johnarnell4241]

I did that crossing on a boxing Day, to film in Spain and Morocco Dreadful weather tables and chairs literally sliding across the restaurant,spent most of the time in the bar where no one was as they were all puking elsewhere

[@BenandEmily]

Oh no!!

[@csjmoore]

Interesting video - I wondered how you would pull this one off - but you guys made a way. Cheers.

[@bennyhill4228]

Thank you ever so much for sharing yer travels, always a pleasure to witness and hello Dad

[@bennyhill4228]

Dad he's a good lad ;) but yeah i know ;)

[@Faith_Soprano]

Five Chickens, One Waistcoat would be a good band name.

[@jamesjohnmoss8130]

Noted a post by another supporter of your films, used to climb in the picos (sic) mountains in Spain only ever did one trip in a chair, after that always a cabin. The food was not to bad also. It’s worth trying to upgrade when on board, as they do not always sell of the cabins.

[@paulfisher2038]

Another great video.. totally enjoyable.. thank you.. 😊

[@stephenphelps9916]

It won't help you guys but the best thing for sea sickness, in my experience, is a nice greasy cooked breakfast. It tastes the same coming back up as it does going down. 🤣

[@debrandw246]

Omg. I would definitely have booked a cabin. Definitely worth it. I have always done the cabin for soooo many reason. I would need a bed for sure. So glad you survived. The chairs looked so uncomfortable. Enjoy your trip.

[@ronaldhornsey7453]

Hi I love your videos I think you are very brave I am only sorry we have to wait another week stay safe

[@jefftewson8798]

Glad to see I'm not the only one who thinks they are too hard to book a cabin .

[@onepanwonders718]

As Derek says, I am wondering if you'll upgrade to a cabin on the return trip. I feel horrible for Emily, but, you made it! Congratulations, have a great time.

[@tilerman]

About 20 years ago i got a ferry to St Malo to go camping in France. On the way out the channel was like a millpond. The journey back, i'm not kidding, the single most terrifying experience I've had in my 58 years. Hit a storm and i thought we were going to die! Up until that experience i'd been on dozens of crossings but since that crossing not been on a ferry since. Never again and now i get a ferry to Calais and drive the rest.

[@elelegidosf9707]

But these battles of "man against the sea" are such a fulfilling rush of adrenaline! (As long as man wins). Your tale reminds me of when I took a friend sailing out on San Francisco Bay. As happens there, the wind came howling out of nowhere and all of a sudden we were in huge waves, the mainsail ripped and the engine broke. My friend thought we were going to die and the look on his face was hilarious! I managed to sail back into harbour under just the foresail, crashed the boat into the dock and called it a win.

[@mary-chiltonvanhees1201]

Also want to say…you are so lucky the boat was so empty! I have stories!!

[@MrSychnant]

That was a brilliant video, brought back memories of the many many trips i made with my brother on the Portsmouth Cherbourg route, we knew the boat backwards and knew where the best specs were to get your head down, but of course so did many other seasoned travellers so it was always a rush to get the best (low light low noise) places for the night crossing. .Look forward to the next episode.. PS i hope you had some ventilation in the van when using the gas burner..

[@SuperDavensuziyoutub]

I go from Plymouth to Santander regularly on my motorbike, just one night on board. And not getting a cabin is crazy, they are comfy, quiet and a great bathroom too. It turns the buggeration of doing it into a lovely mini cruise.

[@bobbing_along]

Oh you guys! 33 hours with no cabin...well done for getting through it and hope your holiday is/was wonderful! Also fans of the chicken waistcoat and tick tock tea

[@BenandEmily]

hehe thank you! 😊

[@garyheap3780]

Yay, holibobs!! Your excitement is infectious. Hope you're having a fabulous time.

[@jackiehanning8808]

Really enjoyed video ..very interesting and exciting..looking forward to next part of trip x

[@newlifecomingsoon]

Bienvenido🎉 à España…it was lovely to see you both so happy to arrive in Spain…during my nomadic 6 years there, I was mostly in Asturias near the Picos de Europas…completely different from the beaches down south…looking forward to part 2 in Portugal 😉🙏

[@upaileed]

Hi Ben and Emily. If you do end up in Kuala Lumpur sometime in the future, please do let me know. I'll be more than happy to show you around😆

[@bettyourcampervan]

Another brilliant video guys ❤️❤️🚐🚐 xx

[@markpearce1437]

You two crack me up..good vibe's and funny faces..looking forward to the next vlog,safe travels

[@johnsharman7614]

Hi Ben and Emily, Absolutely loving our Vlogs and Adventures. Please MORE......

[@captainhornswoggle]

Managed to a cheap mini cruise to Bilbao once. Turned into a nightmare 4 days in gale force winds, and to make matters worse the whole thing was country and western themed.

[@BenandEmily]

oh no!!

[@davidbell4755]

I've crossed to france by almost all the different routes.. and to Spain numerous times. Only had a cabin once. The reclining seats are tools of torture.. I usually sleep on one of the long comfy benches in the bar. Ems dad .

[@tbumblebee1340]

Have a great trip. Alan is super cute 🐈‍⬛🐾

[@jaywindsor2258]

The chicken waistcoat is epic.

[@BenandEmily]

heheh thanks : )

[@salscycleshop3416]

I love your Alan 🪨

[@elizabethriedler]

The twin tub brought back memories when all we had was minimal tank water. Love your enthusiasm for life. Greetings from Australia.

[@caroledrury1411]

The atmosphere on the ferry is…well…. It rhymes with well…what were they thinking?

[@brucepartington6226]

Dear Ben and Emily. I did an overnight trip across to France without a cabin once. IT WAS HELL ON EARTH! Never again. Mind you the next overnighter, I got a cabin and it was like a furnace! No sleep that time either! I hope the rest of the trip is better for you.

[@terrystevens5261]

I feel for you Emily, i have crossed the Bay of Biscay half a dozen times on various cruises. sometimes it is like a millpond and others it is horrendous. i was onboard P&O's Ventura in 2012 and we encountered a force 11 storm, that was really hairy, even for a large ship. really enjoy your vids. have a great trip.

[@Pinion512]

Looks like a fun adventure.

[@kevinthepilgrim5441]

Poor Emily I wanted to scoop her up (in a dad way) and give her a cuddle when she felt poorly. We crossed overnight by ferry from Plymouth to Roscoff summer before with couchettes and unless you’re dead or a contortionist there’s no sleep. We found a man asleep under our couchette and maybe should’ve joined him. The next summer we had a cabin.

[@nickfaddy6624]

I've been enjoying your channel for a couple of months - you're living my dream (maybe when I retire in a few years :-))! Love your style - Emily's wisdom, Ben's music and of course the lovely Alan. And just when I thought it couldn't get any better... you're reading Terry Pratchett

[@john3Lee]

Thank you, and as always - a thumbs up from me !!

[@mishkawp8200]

Great video. Hoping you’ve booked a cabin for the way back!! Happy holidays 😊

[@philbrooke-little7082]

Normal split chargers won’t work well if your van has a ‘smart’ alternator as modern ones do. You have to use a dc-dc charger.

[@Mark-ww9sb]

We live in South West France and usually travel by car to one of the Brittany or Normandy ports (7-9 hours drive) and then get an overnight crossing to Portsmouth. One time, we took the ferry to Bilbao for a shorter drive at the other end but it was still a four hour plus drive and quite a long crossing. It was much easier with a cabin... I will also say that the food on this crossing was much better than on the shorter crossings. Really good in fact. If you get seasick, I can highly recommend Stugeron tablets. They are the difference between standing on deck and wondering how long it would take to die if you jumped overboard and sitting in a restaurant eating a good meal with wine. Love the channel. You are such a lovely couple (family counting Alan) and soul-nurturing to watch. Thank you.

[@suzie5772]

Omg, loving your new adventure. Poor Emily, what a start to your journey, travel sick, it’s miserable. I bet Alan misses the two of you. Embrace and enjoy every second ❤

[@kdkuaana]

We have on similar to that for camping.

[@fredsimmons2793]

It's great how Emily and Ben take the bull by the horns.

[@grahamgresty8383]

I recommend if you do this trip in future, that you sail from Plymouth as access to the city is easier from the northwest and the trip to Sanander is only 24 hours and is likely to be cheaper.

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks for the tip, im not sure they run in winter though...

[@okskookumbabe]

Lots of snoring fellas! 😂😂😂😂😂

[@user-xw6wj2qh5n]

'Just imagine if we end up in Kuala Lumpur'. Well, you are always welcome here - spare room at the ready here in Kuala Lumpur (we even have a view of KL Tower from our place - used to be able to see the Petronas Twin Towers too, but someone built a large condo block a couple of km from us directly blocking that part of the view).

[@BenandEmily]

hehe thanks! : ) sorry your view got spoiled...

[@Ukedc259]

Another great vid. Always enjoyable to have a glimpse into your adventures. And just to say - Ben, your CD arrived a couple of days ago and is getting heavy rotation. Beautiful , ethereal sounds and haunting melodies. Really nice and highly recommended 👍🏻

[@BenandEmily]

Thank you! Amazing, so glad to hear it! : )

[@christopherbutler7588]

Have a great time .

[@kensatterthwaite4535]

Looking forward to see what happens on your Portugal road trip guys...enjoy...!!!!! Jan & Ken... 🙂

[@vickieragle4130]

Hum. Emily, I felt a bit sea-sick with/for you. Glad you are both back on land. What an adventure! Have fun.

[@brionyhall4250]

I live in Shetland….. if you ver come here, fly or get a cabin. The ‘pods’ are horrible and the sea waaaaaay rougher. Every time I use it, I get MORE seasick 😂.

[@ninareeves2995]

I did a trip on the old Hamburg-Harwich line (RIP) and woke at midnight to see the jacket I’d hung on the door hook was horizontal from the rolling! Went straight back to sleep, scared witless😖🫣

[@BenandEmily]

😬

[@Jax240jk]

I went to Belfast from Liverpool only 8 hours but over night. We slept in the sofa benches near the restaurant. There was a newborn baby screaming all night so I didn’t sleep too well. The next time I went I got a cabin and what a difference 🙏🏻

[@andreaamer1183]

Oh guys I felt for you both. We used to go for the cheap option because you just feel your young , indestructible lol and it works to a point( you can catch up easily) but now in our 50s and like to think that we are pretty well and fit...totally we rethink those options and go with the cabins EVERYTIME! LOL SL sleep deprivation is the worst. But I did really enjoy your vlog...so natural and naturally funny . Hope you had a great time. The instas certainly look like you have xxxx

[@tonyireland8895]

Brings me back to the 80s when we did that cross to france and drive down to the south of France .great video guys

[@elizaandalisa]

Spent 3 months on a 15000 roadtrip round Oz swagged after 3 weeks I finally got an 8 hr sleep saved a fortune ( character building) I'm one hell of a character now! Seriously have a great trip enjoy Portugal beautiful country Marty Australia

[@karenjaques3937]

So sweet! Very endearing! Have a great time. 😀

[@trevorsbarkingmadchannel4501]

Awww have a lovely time. Great adventure.

[@marcoshea4868]

Enjoy your trip be safe 👍

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks : )

[@inpurgatory]

Packed motorways are the best reason for riding a motorbike :D Alas can't carry as much stuff as your van lol

[@ninareeves2995]

Looking on the bright side…..difficult with a 33hr journey….but 24 hrs cattle class to NZ is nearly as bad ‘cos you can’t get up and walk about as much as your ferry and there’s a Q for the loo…ALWAYS! Think of the destination!

[@simonbiggs9102]

Absolutely fantastic episode

[@johandemondt8028]

The ferry ⛴️ is a little bigger 😂😂😂😂

[@hazelp1831]

Have a great trip, looking forward to your next video. Stay safe!

[@richcolgate8929]

Fantastic!! Have a great trip guys and don’t panic x

[@bennyhill4228]

The speaking stone is nice Auntie a very lovely paint job indeed

[@bennyhill4228]

Core bloody l now i gotta crank me self out this seat again

[@NicksAllotmentDiary]

That looked like a trip and a half. Definitely looks like booking a cabin would be the only option for me. Thanks for showing what it was like. Take care. Nick

[@roydredge1273]

cool video i did a similar trip going to Jersey