6 hour ferry with 9 month old - tips

[Chocoqueen]

We're going to Brittany in June and going via the Brittany Ferries Portsmouth - Caen route.

DD will be 9 months by then, any tips for making travel easier and keeping her entertained? We're doing the afternoon sailing so hoping she'll sleep in her buggy for some of it....

Have taken both my DCs at around this age and I don't remember it being too bad at all. Much better than being in the car or on a plane as there is lots of space to walk around. We were on the 9 hour St Malo crossing.

Make sure you take a buggy so they can nap in it or you can walk them around more easily. I would also recommend booking a cabin. They are much cheaper on the daytime crossings and then you have your own space and can store some of the baby's things in there or take them in there if they are grumpy and you are worried about disturbing other people. The ferries usually have little play area. Even if your DC isn't walking they can have a little crawl around in there. Otherwise take some of their toys and plenty of snacks and entertain them as you would at home. The main restaurant has high chairs. You can take your own food which I think they will heat up but I have a photo of DC2 demolishing a large plate of pasta on the ferry.

A cabin is worth paying extra for. By all means explore the ferry, but having an enclosed space in which your baby can crawl or nap while you put your feet up is invaluable.
Most cabins are en suite so you’ve got the option of a shower and change of clothes before your onward journey.
Pack a small bag just for the ferry. Backpacks are better than shoulder bags so you’re hands-free.
At the very least bring your own water, as it’s usually expensive onboard and often only available in small bottles.
It gets surprisingly chilly out on deck. Bring a jacket with you.

Thanks both, I'll look into the cost of a cabin (and hope they're not sold out), we're staying overnight close to the port when we arrive and carrying on the next day so not too worried about needing a shower/change but our own toilet would be nice 😆... and having room for her to move about - she won't sit still at the moment!