Time to leave the island for warmer climes with the kids or grandkids?!

Imagine the fresh sea breeze ruffling your hair, the salty splash over the bow, and the sight of a magnificent ferry, almost like a floating city, pulling into port. Whether it’s your first voyage or a much-anticipated return, channel ferries transform travel from a routine journey to an enchanting adventure. With the splendid English Channel as your canvas, painting memories with family couldn’t be easier. Let’s embark on a mini-voyage of practical advice and get inspired for your own family odyssey across the Channel!

Setting sail: why choose a channel ferry?

Traveling by ferry is not just about reaching a destination; it’s about enjoying the ride there. Particularly for families, channel ferries offer several advantages:

• Space and Freedom: Unlike cramped airplane seats, ferries provide ample space for kids to explore. Watch their eyes light up as they roam the decks, discover play areas, and even peek into the itinerary “behind-the-scenes” activities.
• Affordable Comfort: Travel accommodates every budget, often at a lower cost than flights, without compromising on comfort. Dining options abound, from casual eateries to fine dining, leaving plenty of room to sprawl out with snacks in hand.
• Variety of Routes: From the UK, popular crossings include Dover to Calais, Portsmouth to Cherbourg, and Newhaven to Dieppe, courtesy of trustworthy providers like P&O Ferries, Brittany Ferries, and DFDS.
• Eco-Friendly Travels: A leisurely pace and larger capacity ensure a smaller carbon footprint compared to short-haul flights.

Pre-departure: preparing for your journey

Before setting off, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a smooth voyage.

Booking your ferry

• Early booking often nets better deals, especially during peak school holidays.
• Visit Openferry.com to easily compare Dover to Calais prices, ensuring you book the best ferry for your family.

Navigating ports and timetables

Port Information: Ports such as Dover and Calais are bustling hubs with clear signage and plenty of amenities. Arrive early to navigate check-in and loading smoothly.

Timetable Pointers: Opt for daytime crossings if it’s your family’s first-time sailing. Night crossings are exciting but may disrupt kids’ routines.

Packing essentials for ferry travel

A well-packed bag makes for a stress-free trip:

• Comfortable Layers: Temperatures can vary between port and sea, so plan outfits you can easily add or remove.
• Entertainment Kits: While ferries have amusements onboard, consider packing favourite toys, colouring books, and tablets loaded with movies or games.
• Essentials: Don’t forget hats, sunscreen for the sunny deck, and seasickness remedies if needed.

Onboard experience: exploring your floating wonderland

Here’s where the fun truly begins! Entertain your little ones, cherish some family moments and explore the wide-open sea together.

Kid-friendly activities

Most ferries are designed with families in mind:

• Play Areas: Many ferries offer supervised play zones with toys, games, and interactive installations.
• On-Deck Adventures: Encourage a sense of adventure by exploring the outdoor decks. Try a family-friendly scavenger hunt to make the most of your maritime surroundings.
• Meet the Crew: Some ferry companies offer tours or meet-and-greet opportunities with the crew, a perfect chance for little ones to ask all their burning questions.

Dining with the family

Treat your taste buds without restrictions:

• Family Menus: Seek out eateries offering diverse dishes, from fish and chips to continental staples. Le Bistro on Brittany Ferries and The Kitchen on DFDS cater to even the pickiest eaters.
• Snack Stops: Keep energetic tots fuelled with quick bites available at onboard cafes.

Relax and savour

Don’t forget to take moments of quiet:

• Absorb the views from the lounges, strategically placed with panoramic windows.
• Snuggle up in comfortable seating, and indulge in a good book, or enjoy a moment of reflection.

Disembarkation: smooth sailing into port

As your journey across the waves draws to a close, prepare for a seamless landing into new or familiar lands.

Navigating arrival

Know the procedure to quickly pass through immigration and customs:

• Prepare documents for each family member beforehand.
• Familiarise yourself with the port layout. Maps are often located in common areas aboard the ferry.

Local transportation

Once you’ve landed, the adventure continues:

• Trains and Buses: Ports usually connect directly to public transportation networks. Consider whether your destination is easier reached by train or hire a family-friendly taxi for convenience.
• Car Rentals: If road tripping, pre-booked rentals offer family suites to accommodate luggage and kids’ needs.

Your channel ferry adventure awaits

Traveling by channel ferry gracefully balances the thrill of journeying with the pace of family life, turning travel into an art form. Soak in the unique blend of sea and sky, cater to both relaxation and amusement, and make every moment count with your loved ones.