We've used them a few times from both Plymouth and Portsmouth to various French destinations including Caen, Le Havre and Roscoff. Always had a cabin and wouldn't do it without. Pretty expensive but worthwhile, particularly if it eliminates some M/way tolls and/or an overnight stay.
In our experience it doesn't get any cheaper if you wait. More likely to find options closed off as sailings fill, though perhaps less so outwith the main summer season.
Cabins were excellent or very good even on the 'Economie' sailing to Le Havre. Don't think we had any option for inclusive food at breakfast but maybe I overlooked something and it may be different on Spain sailings.
If you're due to arrive at destination first thing in the morning it's wise to retire early. There's an alarm call a good hour before arrival and we've felt a bit jaded when not getting to bed until post midnight.
Loading at Portsmouth is laborious. You check in then sit in an assembly area from where you're called forward to final assembly/loading. Vehicles are randomly selected for a lookover by Maritime Security who want to look in the boot and, in our case the caravan, including opening cupboards.
Seems a drag compared with Dover.
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