If I recall, is the Pride of Bilbao the same design and if memory serves, she sails out of the Dover area, yes?
No, POBI is a 1986 build by Wartsila and is 37583 tonnes, 34ft tall and about 600ft long. She sails from Portsmouth and Bilbao across the Bay of Biscay. PO Rotterdam was built by Fincanteri yard in Italy. (P&O was once British but has a policy of buying anywhere but Britain). I have been on a few ships from Fincantiera and I can say they are artists as well as engineers. POBI is a square box, but she's as tough as hell and holds the sea well.
I was onboard last year and her charter has just been extended 4 years. She is a lovely boat, although she needs a face lift. Rotterdam is a much newer design.
Have a look at www.wikipedia.org there is a good article on Bilbao.
Stu