Travel Tips: Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth to Cherbourg, France

Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth to Cherbourg, France
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As a family who love travel but enjoy our home comforts we jumped at the chance to go to Eurocamp in South Brittany. We chose to take Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth to Cherbourg, France.

As most people will know travelling with young children can mean taking a lot of stuff. We have tried flying and found it difficult to take all the luggage we want to and deal with the kids on the journey so we prefer to drive our own car. We chose to take Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth to Cherbourg, France.

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Last year we took a ferry from Portsmouth to Caen which took 6 hours.  This year I thought this might be too long as we had a long drive on the other side, so we booked the fast craft which takes 3 hours. You can read our post on the pros and cons of the Fast ferry v the Slow Ferry here.

Arrival and checking in were quick and simple and as the fast craft is a much smaller boat the total loading time was much quicker.  Once on board we found seats and a table and settled in for the journey. On board there are no cabins and towards the end of the journey the children were a bit tired and restless. Fortunately there was a TV screen showing the kids film for them to watch. Our children had good fun playing cards with other children and everyone was in high spirits.

Children playing onboard Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth to Cherbourg, France

On board there were two bars selling meals, snacks and drinks. There’s plenty of choice and you can pay in either pounds or euros to make things easier. The children really enjoyed the children’s lunch deal of a main meal, drink, apple compote, sweets and 2 gifts which came in a really useful little drawstring bag.

The shop has a shop with a good selection of wine, spirits, aftershave, perfume and other gifts and a newsagent type thing to buy papers, puzzle books and magazines.

Admiring the view from Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth to Cherbourg, France

The staff were really cheerful and happy to help out – excellent customer service is something we’ve always found with Brittany Ferries. The whole journey was really pleasant, efficient, and a welcome break from driving.

In the future Brittany Ferries will be our first choice for crossings to France, but perhaps we might go back to taking the longer crossing… On the longer crossing we absolutely loved having a cabin and there being an entertainer and play area for the children. For us the ferry is a really exciting part of the holiday so why not take a little longer to really relax and enjoy it?

Top Tips on the fast craft with Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth to Cherbourg, France

  • Head straight to the kids film area to secure a seat as soon as you board.
  • If no are seats available there secure a table in the restaurant area so you have a base where your children can play and eat.

Entertaining the kids onboard Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth to Cherbourg, France

  • Remember where your car is parked so you head to the right stairwell to reclaim your vehicle!
  • Although the crossing is half the time of others there is also less to do onboard so take some games and books.
  • You can feel the movement of the boat which may not suit all – travel sickness tablets are worth packing just in case.

NB: We received a complimentary crossing with Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth to Cherbourg, France but all views and opinions are my own.

Why not PIN this post about Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth to Cherbourg, France

Read our review of the ferry crossing from Portsmouth to Cherbourg, France with Brittany Ferries. Part of my travel tips series on Mini Travellers

Why not check out our Ultimate Packing List for Eurocamp with Kids?

Ultimate Packing List for Eurocamp with Kids www.minitravellers.com

Family travel made easy

Discover more ideas, hacks and products in my travel tips series.

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Ian & Emma Phillips live in Bolton with their three children, two boys aged 8 and 6 and their little girl who is now 4. Emma also writes over at Fuelled by Latte.

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