Ferry Travel: What to Do on Board

If you travel by plane, you're limited when it comes to things to do on board. After all, there are only so many times you can read the airline magazine, stare aimlessly at the clouds, and ask your neighbour to move so you can go for a stroll to the toilet. On a ferry however, it's a whole different story. With a wide range of facilities, the journey becomes part of the holiday too. 

Of course, what you can do on board a ferry does depend on numerous factors. For example, a 10-minute sail across the sea on a small high-speed vessel won’t offer as much as a 10-hour sail on a larger ferry. The operator you’re travelling with can also affect the facilities on board, with amenities varying from ship to ship. However, on most longer routes you'll find everything from entertainment to dining, accommodation and more.

So, whether you’re heading for a cheese-and-wine filled getaway in France, sun, sea and sand break in Spain or a sightseeing adventure in Holland, here are some of the things you can do on board. Plus, we've put together some useful tips when travelling on a ferry.

Tuck into something tasty

Whether you fancy a frothy cappuccino and a slice of cake in the ship's cafe or a full blown 3-course affair in the restaurant, you’ll find a range of food and drink outlets on board most longer routes. From casual grab-and-go options to more formal dining, there's something for every mood. However, you can also bring your own food on board with you. In fact, we recommend stocking up on snacks especially if you're travelling with little ones. Plus, this is a great way to save some money.

Go shopping

You don’t even need to reach your destination to start browsing the shops. Many ships actually have shops on board. You can even get access to duty-free prices on some routes, allowing you to save up to 40%. Whether you want to treat yourself or bring a souvenir home, take your pick from designer fragrances, chocolate, alcohol, electronics and more.

Sit back and relax

After all, relaxing should be your main priority on board a ferry. Plus, with comfortable seating and beautiful sea views, relaxing comes easy here. Many ships not only offer standard seating, but lounges too. These are usually available for a small additional charge. Think extra comfy reclining seats, quieter spaces where you can really switch off and a dedicated waiter service with complimentary drinks and snacks. For those travelling with furry friends, some ships also offer pet lounges so both you and your bestie can lie back and relax together.

Enjoy the entertainment

If you just want to just sit back, relax and read your book you can do. But there’s plenty of entertainment on board for those non-readers amongst us. Let's just say, you'll never be clock-watching on a ferry. The entertainment all depends on the ship you're sailing on but you'll find everything from onboard cinemas to casinos and live performances including DJ sets, tribute acts and magic shows. Most ships cater to the younger generations too, with children's play areas and fun activities to keep them entertained all journey long.

Work online

If you’re here for work rather than a holiday then don’t worry, there are plenty of places to whip out your laptop and tick off your to-do list. Booking a quieter lounge is a great option if you're working. WIFI is also available on board most ferries. However, some ferries require you to pay a small fee, with different WIFI packages available depending on your needs. If you're planning on using your mobile data then just be prepared that sometimes the connection can go whilst you're sailing. You'll also find sockets on board where you'll be able to plug in your laptop.

Sleep

For long journeys that require you to sail overnight, you’ll also be able to book a cabin. Cabins can vary depending on the ship, with some ferry operator's offering a variety of options to suit your budget and needs such as standard, superior, deluxe and accessible cabins. On these longer ferry routes, you'll have everything you need for a good night's sleep with ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning, and TVs. Some even come with added extras like toiletries and tea and coffee making facilities.

Useful tips when getting a ferry

Where do I store my luggage on a ferry?

Ferries tend to have designated luggage areas where you can safely leave your luggage for the duration of your journey. If you're travelling in a car then you can also leave your luggage in your vehicle. We recommend checking the ferry operator's luggage policy to see if there are any restrictions on board such as maximum sizes and weights for suitcases. As most cases look the same, it's a good idea to make your case easily identifiable and of course, use a padlock and keep any valuables with you.

Where do I sit on a ferry?

Seating arrangements depend on the ferry operator you've booked with. On some ferries, you'll find general seating areas where you can sit wherever you like. However, there are certain areas that can be pre-booked like private lounges that usually come at an additional cost. On other ferries, you'll be given a seat allocation with your ticket. Seats will be clearly labelled and easy to find once you're on the ship. If you are staying on the ferry overnight and have booked a cabin, you'll also be assigned a cabin number.

What do I wear on a ferry?

We recommend wearing something comfortable especially if you’ve got a long journey ahead. Some ferries are air-conditioned, especially in the summer months, so you may want to bring something warm with you in case it gets a little chilly on board. If you choose to head outside on the deck, it can also get very windy so we'd recommend bringing a jumper or a jacket with you. 

What do I bring on the ferry?

Bring everything you need for a comfortable journey! If you suffer from seasickness then make sure you bring any medication with you. We'd also recommend bringing a little first-aid kit just in case of any unlikely illnesses or accidents. Other things you can bring include water, snacks, phone chargers and head phones.

Can I travel with my pet on a ferry?

Yes, there are many ferry operator's that allow you to bring your pet on board. Just make sure you check which documents are required before you travel. Where your pet stays on the ferry depends on the individual operator. Some ferry operator's have pet-friendly cabins and kennels, whilst others may require you to leave your pet in the car.

So, are you ready to plan your next adventure? Sail somewhere special this year with Direct Ferries.