Considering a family ferry holiday? Ask Brittany Ferries’ travel expert for advice - £750 voucher to be won

[CeriMumsnet]

Increased travel costs and ongoing uncertainty are prompting many families to rethink their holiday plans this year. With no fuel surcharges, reliable sailings and ABTA-protected holiday packages available, ferry travel could be a smart and stress-free option for a summer getaway.

That’s why we’ve invited Brittany Ferries’ travel expert Jane Elgar to answer your questions about family ferry holidays. Whether you’re looking for destination inspiration, tips for travelling with children or advice on making the journey easier, Jane is here to help.

About Jane
Jane is a ferry travel specialist at Brittany Ferries, with a strong background in customer engagement and family travel. As a mum herself, she loves holidaying in France and Spain and understands the practical realities of planning family trips. With extensive experience helping families travel by ferry, Jane has a strong understanding of common questions around routes, onboard facilities and travelling with children. She’s passionate about helping families feel confident and well prepared, so their holiday can begin the moment they step on board.

Everyone who posts a question on this thread by 14 July will be entered into a prize draw to win a £750 Brittany Ferries sailing travel voucher (T&Cs)

Planning a family holiday to France or Spain? Children travel free on Brittany Ferries sailings this summer. Book by 6 July. Find out more and T&Cs here.

Hi @pbandoj If your pet is travelling in your vehicle, you can ask about visiting them during the crossing by speaking to the Information Desk once you're on board. If conditions allow, a member of the crew will escort you to your vehicle so you can check on them. For safety reasons, pets do need to stay in the vehicle during the visit.

Hi @Cherry321 A couple of easy first-timer routes I'd suggest are Portsmouth to Caen for exploring Normandy, Bayeux and Mont-Saint-Michel, or Plymouth to Roscoff and Portsmouth to St Malo if you'd like to discover Brittany's coastline and lovely seaside towns.

Hi we are travelling from Plymouth to Santander in July. Is it true that the Bay of Biscay can be choppy or is this usually in the off peak months? I’m worried my kids will get sea sickness and I want to be prepared.

We decided since number 4 came along that the stress of flying was too much and now get overnight ferries to Europe along with the car - saves the stress of trying to transport luggage, car seats and children through mid-summer airport madness! This year it's Brittany Ferries over to Roscoff which we're looking forward to. Would be great to know if you've got plans for any other routes in addition to the range you currently have in the future?

Hi @Kastani Yes, on a number of our ships you can book a pet-friendly cabin and have your dog stay with you during the crossing. They tend to be very popular, so it's worth booking early if that's your preference.

Hi @Ferious It's a concern lots of parents have before their first crossing. Modern ferries are much more stable than many people expect, and there's plenty to keep children occupied. Fresh air on deck can help if anyone starts feeling queasy, and having your own cabin on longer crossings can make a big difference too.

Hi @WimbleOfWombledon Fresh air, staying hydrated and looking at the horizon can all help. If you're prone to motion sickness, it may be worth speaking to a pharmacist before you travel about the options available.

Hi @Missikat13 Both Armorique and Pont-Aven operate on the Plymouth-Roscoff route and each has outdoor deck space available. It's a great place to stretch your legs, enjoy the sea air and take in the views as you travel to Brittany.

Hi @BlackCatsAreBrilliant Lots of people travel as foot passengers. Once you arrive in France, there are good rail connections from ports such as Caen and St Malo, making it perfectly possible to explore without taking a car.

Hi @Featherhorn Vehicle details can normally be updated if plans change. The main thing is to let us know as soon as possible, especially if you're changing to a significantly larger vehicle.

That’s very helpful, thanks @JaneBrittanyFerries

Does the ferry have a doctor or trained medical professional- and facilities in case of medical emergencies - if so what are they like and if not what do there in place to get someone off the ferry in an emergency?

Hi @Smilingzebra There's a mix of options, including games rooms, lounges, cinemas, Wi-Fi on board, and seasonal entertainment, but it does vary depending on the ship and route.

Hi @Ilovemyshed Many of our accessible toilets provide additional space, which some passengers find helpful. If you have specific requirements, I'd recommend getting in touch before you travel so we can advise on the facilities available on your sailing.

Hi @Mama17xx There's usually plenty to keep both children and adults occupied on board. Children can enjoy the play areas and family-friendly activities available on some sailings, while adults often make the most of the restaurants, bars, shops and outdoor decks. Depending on the ship and time of year, there may also be live entertainment on board. If you're more in the mood to relax, some of our ships have wellness areas where you can unwind and enjoy a bit of downtime during the crossing. On selected sailings, our partners at ORCA are on board too, helping passengers spot and identify marine wildlife along the way.

Hi @Kernow54 Good news – our 2027 timetable for Plymouth-Roscoff is available now, so you can start planning that campervan adventure! I'd recommend booking early if you're travelling during popular holiday periods, as sailings and cabin availability can fill up well in advance.

Hi @madmumm Our website lets you compare routes, crossing times and departure ports, which can be really helpful when you're weighing up different options. If Normandy is your destination, Portsmouth-Caen is often one of the most straightforward routes.

Hi @SandwichMakerHater There's much more time to settle in, explore the ship and really ease yourself into holiday mode. Depending on the ship, you'll find a range of facilities on board, including restaurants, bars, lounges, shops, comfortable cabins and live entertainment. Some ships also have cinemas and wellness areas.

Hi @Lurker2734 Not necessarily. Plenty of people travel without a cabin on shorter crossings. On overnight or longer sailings, though, I'd definitely recommend one if your budget allows as it makes the journey much more comfortable.

Hi @Beach11 We offer a range of cabins, from standard cabins through to more spacious options, so there's something to suit most families. For a family of four, a standard four-berth cabin is often a popular choice and gives everyone their own space to relax during the crossing. Ferry fares are based on your overall booking, including passengers, vehicle and any cabin or accommodation you choose.

Hi @herebehippos If there are particular things that help make travel more comfortable, I'd recommend bringing them with you, whether that's headphones, familiar snacks, comfort items or activities. We also have quieter areas on board where you can take a break from the busier parts of the ship if needed. If there's any assistance we can provide, please note this when making your booking and our assistance team can look into it for you.

Hi @InNewYorkNoShoes Thank you for sharing that. It's always lovely to hear when our teams have been able to make someone's journey easier. We know travel can sometimes feel daunting when accessibility is involved, so feedback like this means a lot.

Hi @mummyhat On some overnight sailings, reclining seats are available as an alternative to a cabin. Overnight areas are generally kept much quieter than during the day, with lighting reduced to help passengers get some rest.

Hi @KrillBrill Yes, roof bags are allowed, but please remember to include the extra height when making your booking. Vehicle decks are secure during the crossing, although I'd always recommend keeping valuables with you rather than leaving them in or on your vehicle.

Hi @Codenamemango The Bay of Biscay certainly has a bit of a reputation, but many families travel to Spain every year without any issues. Modern ferries are designed for passenger comfort, and fresh air, cabins and a bit of preparation can all help if you're worried about seasickness. Plenty of families travel this route every year and find the crossing much more comfortable than they expected.