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

116 replies

CeriMumsnet · 15/06/2026 09:35

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.

Considering a family ferry holiday? Ask Brittany Ferries’ travel expert for advice - £750 voucher to be won
Considering a family ferry holiday? Ask Brittany Ferries’ travel expert for advice - £750 voucher to be won
JaneBrittanyFerries · 22/06/2026 13:59

TweetleBeetlesBattle · 17/06/2026 08:27

Its a long drive to the ferry. Are there quiet spots to stretch out and nap or is all the seating in bars and restaurants?

Hi @TweetleBeetlesBattle There are lounges and quieter seating areas away from the busier parts of the ship, so it's usually easy to find somewhere to relax, read a book or even have a nap during the crossing.

Experts' posts:
JaneBrittanyFerries · 22/06/2026 14:00

ItsOkItsDarkChocolate · 17/06/2026 08:37

Can I bring my dog with me as a foot passenger? What are the facilities like for them?

Hi @ItsOkItsDarkChocolate At the moment, dogs can't travel as foot passengers on our routes. If you're travelling with a dog, you'll need to bring a vehicle with you and book them onto your sailing as part of your reservation.

Experts' posts:
ItsOkItsDarkChocolate · 22/06/2026 14:03

JaneBrittanyFerries · 22/06/2026 14:00

Hi @ItsOkItsDarkChocolate At the moment, dogs can't travel as foot passengers on our routes. If you're travelling with a dog, you'll need to bring a vehicle with you and book them onto your sailing as part of your reservation.

Yeah, I thought so.

Shame.

Maybe something to think about. Especially for the ferries good enough to have dog areas. I’d like to not have to need to bring the car.

ruqiya1965 · 22/06/2026 17:14

I've only ever travelled by ferry once and that was about 20 years ago. How have things changed since then?

alshareif · 22/06/2026 17:23

Is there any advice you'd give to first time travellers?

Kweenxo · 22/06/2026 17:30

How does travelling by ferry compare to travelling by air?

stayathomegardener · 22/06/2026 18:50

Hi Jane, I didn’t realise until recently that overnight sailings were an option (in my defence a childhood close to the Newhaven/Dieppe route meant lots of day trips!)
Which route to Europe would you recommend we take when using our camper-van? I’m keen on having somewhere interesting to spend the first few days within 2-3 hours of port.

saffysabir · 22/06/2026 19:43

What would you advise in terms of budgeting? Like how much for a family of 4?

JacCharlton · 22/06/2026 20:51

Do the cabins have kettles for making drinks and porridge tubs for the morning ?

BonnieBairn · 22/06/2026 22:00

Travelling from Scotland which Ferry crossing would you recommend for Brittany taking into consideration both value for money and convenience on the French side.

chickenpotnoodle · 23/06/2026 10:20

For a family of four on a budget, is it usually better value to book a ferry package or arrange accommodation separately?

MadameEtourdie · 23/06/2026 12:06

My son is coeliac- do you have gluten free options available on board?

We always enjoy a trip to your restaurant- the hors d’oeuvres and desserts are marvellous!

Redbushteaforme · 24/06/2026 13:12

When will I be able to start travelling with you again? I refuse to use any of your ferry services as long as you continue to transport young calves from Ireland to France on your ferries. The calves, some just a few weeks old, go unfed for more than 18 hours during the sea crossing, which is a clear breach of EU animal welfare laws. It is unspeakably cruel and totally unnecessary.

https://www.ciwf.org.uk/news/brittany-ferries-campaign-to-stop-calf-trade-escalates

YumLemonCheesecake · 24/06/2026 19:40

Is there space outside on the boat for the kids to get some fresh air and enjoy the sea views?

Nebulosity · 24/06/2026 20:20

we’re a family of 5 - what would be the most budget conscious option?

Bourneyesterday · 25/06/2026 00:08

Could we bring our dog?

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