On-board services on the route between Dover and Calais

When do you feel like your holiday finally begins? The moment you board the ferry, of course!

Catching a ferry between Dover and Calais is a great transport option, as there are many onboard ferry services and amenities to make your ferry trip a pleasant and relaxing experience. 

On Ferryhopper, you can find out more about on-board services and amenities on the routes between the UK and France. Take a look, find what suits your needs best and book your ferry tickets with no hidden fees.

View to the White Cliffs of Calais from the deck of a ferry

Amenities and services on ferries between Dover and Calais

On Ferryhopper, you can find all necessary information about services and amenities on board ferries between Dover and Calais, before you start planning your trip!

• Accommodation options
• Amenities for people with disabilities
• Restaurants and bars
• Shops
• Entertainment and luxury
• Pet amenities

Tip: check out our relevant blog post on reasons why you should travel by ferry between the UK and France.

Accommodation options

Since the ferry ride between Dover and Calais lasts only around 1.5 - 2.5 hours, most ferries don’t have cabins. But, what they do have is spacious lounges and specially designed spaces where you can enjoy the short journey taking in the sea views. 

For a more luxurious experience, you can upgrade to the Premiere or Club Lounge, where you can enjoy comfortable seating, stylish surroundings and complimentary drinks and snacks. 

Tip: P&O Ferries also have Family Lounges on board.

Amenities for people with disabilities

On ferries operating routes between Dover and Calais, people with disabilities can enjoy a pleasant and, most of all, accessible journey. All ferries are equipped with lifts, wheelchair-accessible public toilets and lift access parking. 

Most of the time, it is ideal if you let the ferry company know about your upcoming trip, so that it can take all necessary steps to assist you on board. We advise you to contact the company 48 hours before departure to arrange your arrival time, so that a crew member can guide you at the terminal.

Important: while most pets must stay in the vehicles during the trip, passengers with disabilities can bring their guide animals on-board free of charge.

Restaurants and bars

The trip will definitely work up your appetite. Your options are limitless on English Channel ferries, whether you're in the mood for a small snack or a fine dining experience.

Inside the ferries and on the deck, there are cafes where you can enjoy delicious snacks, cakes and coffee, of course. If you are looking for a more complete gastronomic experience, you can visit the restaurants with panoramic sea views. From fish & chips, to curry and vegetarian options, there is something for everyone. 

And if you get any night cravings, the good news is that some restaurants and bars on the ferries are open 24 hours.

Lunch with a view at a ferry restaurant

Shops

Wondering how to pass the time on the ferry? As well as taking in the views of the English Channel, why not do a spot of shopping?

In the ferries’ Duty Free stores, you will find a wide range of products you can choose from, including designer perfumes, makeup and skincare products, confectionery, electronics, and travel essentials. Onboard some vessels, you will even find a Bureau de Change. By reserving online and then collecting during your sailing, you will avoid a commission charge. 

Useful info: on-board the route between Dover and Calais on P&O Ferries, you can reserve a number of products online before your ferry trip and then collect and pay in store during your crossing.

Entertainment and luxury

On board the ferries traveling between Dover and Calais, you can browse the web for free, sharing your photos with loved ones, updating your social media, and catching up with your favorite series. 

P&O Ferries offer a fantastic range of entertainment available for kids of all ages. The Junior Crew Kids’ Club, which runs during the summer months for 5-11 year olds, boasts many exciting activities, from arts and crafts sessions to face-painting, puzzles and games. Older children can check out the ferry company’s Video Arcade Room.

Pet amenities

Keep in mind that each ferry company serving routes between the UK and France has its own pet policy. 

While P&O Ferries has a Pet Lounge suitable for dogs and customers traveling with a motor vehicle, DFDS and Irish Ferries require that pets must remain in the vehicle throughout the crossing. Of course, you can visit or walk your pet at pre-arranged times during the course the voyage. 

Don’t forget to bring your pet’s passport and updated health certificate with you, and to check whether you need to add pets to the booking with a pet ticket prior to arrival at the port. 

Tip: when traveling with a pet, we would recommend boarding at least 1 hour before departure, to allow time to verify any pet passports and animal health certificates.

Passenger enjoying the sea view from the deck of a ferry

What are you waiting for? Traveling between Dover and Calais by ferry has never been easier and more comfortable. Check our Map of ferries, compare ferry companies, routes, and schedules, and plan your trip with confidence!

Tip: planning a short trip from the UK to France? Check out our tips for a perfect weekend trip to Calais from Dover by ferry.