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 @NearlyNewNonny Our teams at the ports are bilingual and are always happy to help, so you really don't need to worry about speaking perfect French. For a first ferry trip, I'd say Caen is a great option as the port is straightforward to navigate, and once you're off the ferry, the onward roads are easy to pick up too.

Hi @Momrage Yes, ferry travel can work really well with very young children because you’re not stuck in one seat for hours. There’s space to move around, and many ships have play areas for little ones.

If you’d like somewhere quiet for naps or a bit of downtime, you can also book a cabin on daytime sailings, which many families find really helpful.

I’d still bring a small mat or blanket if you have a crawler, as it’s a public space rather than a home floor. There are baby changing facilities on board, and breastfeeding is absolutely fine — you should be able to find a quieter spot if you’d prefer one.

Hi @GustyGertie The Bay of Biscay is often quite calm, especially in the summer months, although conditions can vary depending on the weather.

Our ships are equipped with stabilisers to help reduce movement, and many families travel this route very comfortably. If you’re concerned, bringing seasickness remedies and choosing a mid-ship cabin can help, and getting some fresh air on deck often makes a difference too.

Hi @blackforesthotchoc It’s lovely to hear how much you enjoy travelling with us, especially with a full family in tow. We hope you have a wonderful trip this year and look forward to welcoming you on board.

We’re always reviewing our routes and services, although there isn’t anything specific to share just now. The best way to stay up to date is via our website or email updates.

Hi @ItsOkItsDarkChocolate I understand why that would be helpful. At the moment, pets do need to travel with a vehicle on our services. We do, however, offer a range of options to make their journey comfortable, including pet-friendly cabins and kennels on many ships. It’s really helpful to hear feedback like this, so I’ll make sure it’s passed on.

Hi @ruqiya1965 Quite a lot has changed. Our ships are modern and comfortable, with a wide choice of cabins, dining options and onboard spaces to relax, including areas for families. Booking and check-in are straightforward too.

What hasn’t changed is the freedom ferry travel gives you, especially being able to take your own car and travel at your own pace.

Hi @alshareif Give yourself plenty of time to check in so everything feels relaxed, and pack a small bag with what you’ll need during the crossing.
Once on board, take a little time to explore, there’s usually more space and choice than people expect. And if you need anything at all, our crew are always there to help.

Hi @Kweenxo They offer quite different experiences. Ferry travel is generally more relaxed, you can take your own car, there’s more flexibility with luggage, and you’re free to move around during the journey.

It does take longer than flying, but many people enjoy it as part of the holiday, especially on overnight sailings where you can arrive feeling rested and ready to start your trip.

Hi @stayathomegardener For a campervan trip with somewhere interesting within a couple of hours of the port, I’d look at Portsmouth to Caen. Normandy is very easy to explore from there, with beaches, pretty towns, historic sites and countryside all within a manageable drive. It’s a nice route if you want to get off the ferry without a long onward drive.

Hi @saffysabir Prices can vary quite a bit depending on route, timing, cabin choice and how far in advance you book. Booking early, travelling outside peak periods and being flexible with dates can all help keep costs down.
It’s also worth looking at holiday packages, as they can sometimes work out better value with everything bundled together, with savings of up to 30% on ferry sailings. At the moment, we also have a “kids travel free” offer available on sailings this summer. You can keep an eye on our special offers page or sign up to emails as well, as there are often a range of deals available.

Hi @JacCharlton Tea and coffee-making facilities aren’t included in our standard cabins, but they are available in our Club cabins and our premium cabins, including Commodore cabins.

If having a hot drink in your cabin is important to you, it’s worth checking the cabin details when you book, and you’ll always find plenty of places on board to pick one up during your crossing

Hi @BonnieBairn If you’re travelling from Scotland and looking at both value and convenience, the Portsmouth routes are usually a good place to start.
Portsmouth to St Malo is a popular choice for convenience, as it’s usually an overnight sailing. You can get some rest on board and arrive straight into Brittany, which makes things much easier after the journey down.
Portsmouth to Caen is often worth considering for value and flexibility, as there tend to be more sailings to choose from. You arrive straight into Normandy, which still gives you good access to Brittany and a bit more choice on timings.
Plymouth to Roscoff is another good option to be aware of. It’s an overnight sailing straight into Brittany, so it can work really well if your route south makes Plymouth a practical option.
So it really comes down to whether you’d prefer the ease of arriving directly into Brittany, or having a bit more flexibility on sailing times.

Hi @chickenpotnoodle Packages can sometimes work out really good value, especially in busier periods, as your travel and accommodation are bundled together. Our holiday packages also include up to 30% off ferry sailings, which can make a noticeable difference to the overall cost.

If you’d prefer everything sorted in one place, a package can be a nice, straightforward option. It’s also worth keeping an eye on current offers, we're offering “kids travel free” on summer sailings at the moment.

Hi @MadameEtourdie We do have some gluten-free options on board, although choice can be a bit limited. I’d recommend getting in touch before you travel so we can pass your details on to the ship, and then popping to the Information Desk once you’re on board so the team can check with the kitchen about what’s available. And thank you, I’m so glad you enjoy the restaurant, the desserts are definitely a highlight for lots of our guests!

Hi @Redbushteaforme Thank you for raising this. I understand that this is an issue people feel very strongly about. Brittany Ferries operates within the relevant regulations for livestock transport, but I appreciate your concerns and will make sure your feedback is passed on to the appropriate team.

Hi @YumLemonCheesecake Yes, there is outdoor deck space on many of our ships, and it’s often one of the nicest parts of the crossing for families. Children can get some fresh air, watch the ferry arrive and depart, and look out for wildlife along the way. Some of our ships also have outdoor play areas.

Hi @Nebulosity For a family of five, looking at an inside cabin or a mix of cabins and reclining seats can help keep costs manageable. Booking early and travelling outside peak times can also make a real difference.

It’s also worth looking at holiday packages, as they can often work out better value with everything included, and they include up to 30% off ferry sailings. If you’re travelling this summer, there are also “kids travel free” offers on sailings, which can really help bring the overall cost down.

Hi @Bourneyesterday Yes, dogs are very welcome on board. Depending on the ship, you can choose between pet-friendly cabins, kennels, or in some cases leaving pets in your vehicle. Spaces can fill up quickly, especially in peak season, so it’s best to book early and check the pet travel requirements for your destination.

We have never travelled on a ferry holiday before. What would your tips be for smooth planning?

thank you - I'd go for a Club cabin for the ability to make breakfast and drinks for my and my DH. Muchly appreciated.

When do you release tickets ie when can you get the best prices on sailings?

If we don’t book a cabin, are there enough seats for people to be able to rest in as previous trips this hasn’t always been the case. Thanks

Very interested to hear Jane Elgar’s thoughts on the announcement that two key routes will be removed this autumn - Portsmouth-Le Havre and Poole-Cherbourg (as the Barfleur is being taken out of service and no replacement is in the pipeline).

Seems disingenuous to be promoting family-friendly sailings when many of them will not be available after this summer.

We use your ferries a lot. And will be doing again in august , plymouth to roscoff night crossing. You say there are plenty of food options, something for everyone. This has not been our experience at all. When youve spent all day travelling down from the north in order to catch the night ferry you do not expect to be told that the cafe is shut and the only option for an evening meal is the restaurant, minimum spend £25 per person. We now bring our own food with us. And as for the cinemas !!! Our experience was that we paid for our timid 20 year old son to watch the film. He was the only person in there and the person who sold him the ticket then left the desk. Half an hour later our son reappeared and said the cinema had been invaded by a group of rowdy teenagers who would not be quiet and were running around and who had not bought tickets. I took my son back managed to find an employee and complained. All we got was a shrug. No help whatsoever, no refund either. I could go on ( particularly about the snooty womans attitude in the duty free shop when i requested ariana grande perfume for my daughter, the look of disgust she gave me, no madam we do NOT sell that, she cheered up when i asked her for chanel, oh YES madam we do sell that) weve used the ferries a lot, and will continue to do so but purely because we cant fly, not because weve found it to be a pleasant or helpful experience.

Is there anywhere at Portsmouth port where you can get a decent meal, not just sandwiches? After travelling over 250 miles it would be nice to have something to eat whilst waiting to get on the ferry.