On board the ferry: facilities, cabins & amenities

Travelling by ferry and want to know what to expect? Our guide covers everything you need to know. In general, shorter journeys use smaller ferries with more limited amenities, whilst longer routes tend to have larger vessels with a wider range of options – from places to eat and drink to spacious lounges and even cinemas. Read on to find out more about what’s on board.

Entertainment

On longer routes, you’ll usually find a variety of entertainment options on board. These can include shops, restaurants, and play areas for children.

Shopping

You don’t have to wait until you’ve reached your destination to go shopping. Many ferry operators offer onboard shops, and some such as Brittany Ferries, Stena Line and DFDS feature duty-free shopping on selected routes where you can save up to 40% off high street prices on items like fashion, fragrances, electronics and alcohol. For more information including allowances, check out our guide to duty-free shopping.

Children and families

Travelling with little ones? Most ferries are family-friendly, and longer crossings often offer a range of amenities to help keep everyone entertained. You’ll often find dedicated children’s play areas, games rooms, and fun activities such as quizzes, shows or even magicians, especially during peak travel periods.

Some ships also feature cinemas where you can all watch films together, and on certain ships, such as Brittany Ferries’ Pont-Aven cruise ferry, you can also enjoy amenities like swimming pools.

Tip: It’s always a good idea to bring your own entertainment too, such as tablets, toys or games, especially for longer sailings.

Food and drink

Whether you’re after a quick snack or a sit-down meal, most ferries offer a range of dining options on board. What’s available will depend on the length of your crossing – shorter journeys may just have vending machines or small cafés for drinks and light bites, whilst longer routes usually offer a wider choice, including:

• Cafés and coffee shops
• Self-service restaurants
• À la carte restaurants
• Bars

You’ll usually be able to buy everything from soft drinks and alcohol to snacks and hot meals. Many ferries also offer children’s menus, along with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

If meals can be pre-booked, you’ll see this option during the booking process, just below the cabin or seating options:

Tip: Bringing your own food and drinks can help save money, especially on longer crossings. Just make sure to check any restrictions before you travel.

Viewing decks

One of the best things about travelling by ferry is the views you can enjoy along the way. On many crossings, especially on conventional ferries, you can head out onto the deck, feel the sea breeze and soak up the passing scenery. 
Although high-speed or catamaran ferries may not have outdoor viewing areas due to the speed, you can still enjoy beautiful views from a window seat inside.

Working and connectivity

Working whilst you travel? Many routes are well equipped for business travellers with amenities such as:

• WiFi
• Charging points and plug sockets
• Quiet lounges
• Desk spaces in cabins

For example, Tallinn to Helsinki is a popular commuter ferry, with operators such as Tallink Silja Line’s offering free internet. Premium Wi-Fi is available on their MyStar and Megastar ships, offering speeds of up to 50 Mbit/s, perfect for business travellers. Red Funnel’s Isle of Wight service from Southampton to East Cowes is also popular with commuters, with high-speed Wi-Fi available on board.

Popular commuter routes and amenities

See below for some popular commuter routes and what you can expect on board:

If you do plan on working, it’s worth checking the Wi-Fi on your route in advance, as there may be a small fee for using it. It’s also worth bearing in mind that mobile signal may not be available for the whole journey. 

You can see if a route has free WiFi during the booking process – it will usually be listed to the left of the price:

During the booking process, you can also check if onboard lounges are available for working and whether WiFi is included in the lounge:

Accommodation & seating

Just like other facilities on board, seating and accommodation vary depending on the length of your crossing.

Seating and lounges

On shorter crossings, seating is usually fairly standard with airline-style seats. On longer routes, you’ll find a wider range of options, including:

• Standard seating: Unreserved airline-style or open lounge seating is usually included in your ticket at no extra cost. These are often first-come, first-served and may be located indoors or on the outside deck.
• Reserved seating: On some longer routes (such as with Stena Line), you may be able to book reclining seats with extra legroom for an additional cost.
• Lounge seating: On longer crossings, dedicated lounges can often be reserved for an extra fee. These offer quieter, more spacious seating, and may include perks such as charging points, Wi-Fi, or complimentary drinks and snacks.
• Accessible seating: Most ferries provide facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including designated seating areas with extra space and easy access to lifts and other amenities. It’s always best to check in advance if you need specific arrangements.

When you book your tickets, you’ll be able to see which seating options are included. For example, reclining seats are included on the Portsmouth to Santander route, whilst deck seating is included on the Naples to Sorrento ferry:

If lounge seating is available, you will also be able to select this during the booking process:

Tip: If you’re opting for something other than standard seating, then we’d recommend booking in advance to secure availability.

Cabins

Travelling overnight? A comfortable cabin can make your journey much more enjoyable. You’ll often find a selection of different cabins on board such as:

• Standard cabins: Usually the most affordable option, with a choice of inside cabins (no windows) or outside cabins with sea views. We’d recommend opting for a window if you want a more relaxing experience. These are ideal for budget-conscious travellers. (link to budget travel topical page)
• Deluxe/premium cabins: The next level up, these cabins usually offer more space and upgraded amenities. Some may include balconies, whilst others come with extras such as complimentary drinks, snacks, toiletries or lounge access.
• Accessible cabins: Available on many ships, these are designed for passengers with reduced mobility and may include adapted bathrooms and easier access to lifts and facilities.
• Pet-friendly cabins: On selected routes, pet cabins allow you to travel with your pet in comfort rather than leaving them in your vehicle or in onboard kennels.

Bear in mind that shared cabins are also available on some routes as a more budget-friendly option. Booking a shared cabin means you’ll have a bed within a cabin shared with other passengers. If you want a cabin all to yourself then make sure to book a non-shared cabin.

Other options may also be available on certain routes, such as interconnecting cabins that are ideal for families (for example on P&O Ferries) or allergy-friendly cabins (offered by operators such as Brittany Ferries).

You can browse cabin options and choose the one that suits you during the booking process:

Luggage and Storage

Luggage storage options usually depend on how you’re travelling. If you’re travelling with a vehicle, you can  leave your luggage securely inside your car or motorhome during the crossing.

Foot passengers usually have access to a dedicated luggage storage area on board where bags can be stored safely. However, you normally won’t be able to access your luggage during the journey, so it’s a good idea to bring a small carry-on bag with essentials such as valuables, travel documents, and anything you may need during the crossing.

On overnight sailings, you’ll normally be able to bring your luggage into your cabin for easy access throughout your journey.

Vehicles on board

Bringing your vehicle along with you? After check-in, you’ll be directed to drive on board and park in an allocated space on the car deck. This is where your vehicle will remain for the duration of the journey. Although it will be secured and supervised by crew, we’d still recommend keeping your valuables with you.

If you’re travelling in an electric vehicle, it’s important to plan ahead. Most ferry operators do not offer onboard charging, so you should make sure your vehicle is fully charged before you arrive at the port and check the nearest charging points in advance.

However, some companies such as Irish Ferries do offer onboard charging on certain routes such as Dublin to Holyhead and Dublin to Cherbourg. You may need to reserve a space or check-in earlier if you plan on charging your vehicle and a small fee may apply. Also, don’t forget to bring your own charging cable.

You can add your vehicle when booking your ferry. You will need to state the type of vehicle and the model:

Accessibility

You’ll usually find a range of accessible features on board ferries, which may include:

• Accessible toilets
• Accessible cabins
• Lifts between decks
• Designated parking spaces
• Assistance services for boarding and disembarking

When booking your ferry, you’ll be able to select ‘wheelchair user’:

If you or someone you’re travelling with requires assistance, make sure to contact the ferry operator in advance so they can make the necessary arrangements.

Pets

Many ferries are pet-friendly and offer a range of facilities to help make the journey more comfortable for both you and your pet. Depending on the route and operator, these may include:

• Pet-friendly cabins
• Onboard kennels
• Designated exercise areas

When booking your ferry, you can add any pets you're travelling with and specify the number of pets.

Towards the end of the booking process, you’ll also be able to review the amenities and any extras you’ve added to your trip.

From restaurants to live entertainment and comfy cabins, most ships offer plenty of facilities on board for an enjoyable crossing. For any other queries, check out our help section or contact our customer service team.