How long do you have to be at the ferry before departure?
Make sure you leave in plenty of time – check-in closes 90 minutes prior to scheduled departure time for foot passengers and customers travelling with pets, and 60 minutes for all other categories of traffic. Need more flexibility to your booking?
If you just arrive at the terminal and hope to board you should arrive at least one half hour before sailing but know that likely will be pushed back by one or two or even more sailings because of the volume of traffic already waiting to board on a first come basis.
Check-in for passengers travelling without a vehicle closes 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time and 90 minutes for passengers travelling with a vehicle.
Vehicles / Motorcycles: 60 mins before departure time. Foot Passengers: 90 mins before departure time. Dogs in Pet Lounge: 90 mins before departure time.
We also have two ferry terminal in Vancouver coming to the island. So you have a choice. Horseshoe Bay goes to Departure Bay in Nanaimo, Tsawwassen goes to Victoria and also Duke Point just south of Nanaimo. Make sure you are there before the 30 minute mark or you will definitely lose your reservation.
Travelling by car ferry for the first time? | Brittany Ferries
Can you board an earlier ferry than booked?
Yes it can. If arriving early and wishing to travel on an earlier sailing, a booking amendment fee of £5 is payable if you purchased a Saver ticket for this leg of your journey (does not apply to Flexible ticket holders). Additional charges may also apply if changing to a more expensive crossing.
You can pack as much as you like when you travel by ferry, you can even bring your bike, your skis, and your dog! Pass the time unwinding in a comfortable chair with a drink or something delicious to eat as you watch the sea roll by.
For safety reasons passengers are not permitted to remain in their vehicle when the ferry is at sea. Prior to departure the vehicle deck is secured by our crew and closed to the public. Passengers are not permitted to access to the deck during the crossing.
The food was excellent. The seating area was excellent, and the lounge outdoor deck seating was fabulous. All staff were professional, helpful, and friendly. Will definitely do this again.
Passports are checked at the terminal to ensure your identity is noted. That is why you must be there 90 minutes before the ferry is scheduled to leave.
While all your luggage can stay safely in your car, don't forget to pack a small travel bag for things you'll need on the ferry. Consider including a warm jacket for the outer deck (weather dependent), headphones, a good book, or toys for the kids.
Travel tip! Pack a separate travel bag with the essentials you will require during the sailing to save taking large suitcases with you to your cabin/seat. Remember to take your essentials with you as you are not permitted to return to the car deck during the sailing.
Make sure you leave in plenty of time – check-in closes 90 minutes prior to scheduled departure time for foot passengers and customers travelling with pets, and 60 minutes for all other categories of traffic. Need more flexibility to your booking?
Travel tips for foot passengers. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before sailing. This gives you time to check in and prepare to board the ferry comfortably.
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks onboard. Most ferries will also have somewhere you can buy food and drinks from. On some longer or overnight sailings, there may be some areas where you can't sit and eat your own food, like restaurants or cafes, but the staff on board will let you know where you can go.
If you missed your sailing without making an amendment or cancellation, then no refund is due for that leg of your booking and it will be cancelled. Exceptions will still apply. We highly recommend customers amend where possible.
Routine security checks of passengers, luggage and vehicles are carried out in all ports before you board the ship. DFDS is committed to making travel on our services as comfortable as possible for all passengers, particularly those who may require additional assistance during their journey.
What happens if you arrive early for your ferry reservation?
Arrived early: customers arriving in time for an earlier sailing, on the date they booked to travel, may travel on an earlier sailing based on order of arrival at the terminal, at no additional charge. Applicable only for the same day, route and direction of travel as booked.
Enjoy top-tier perks, including butler service, priority boarding, in-cabin dining, and a daily breakfast in a premium restaurant. Thoughtful touches like a pillow menu, The White Company toiletries, champagne and chocolates on arrival, and even an atlas and binoculars make this suite truly special.
Relax on our outside deck with something to drink, and get comfortable in our sun loungers to compliment those beautiful views and make your sailing even more luxurious. Book your all-inclusive Club Lounge experience today for just £29pp!
Vehicles / Motorcycles: 60 mins before departure time. Foot Passengers: 90 mins before departure time. Dogs in Pet Lounge: 90 mins before departure time to get your dog on the ferry to France safely. You must ensure you arrive BEFORE these cut off times.
