How to Prepare for your Trip on a DFDS Ferry Crossing: Useful Information

Are you planning on taking a ferry crossing with DFDS? If so, make sure to read through this handy guide first! We've compiled all the useful information you need to know before your trip, including check-in times and baggage allowances. Plus, we'll tell you a bit about our onboard facilities so you can start planning what you want to do during your voyage. Let's get started!

DFDS operates ferries between the UK and mainland Europe, connecting Dover in the south of England with Calais and Dunkirk in France, as well as Newcastle upon Tyne in North East England with Amsterdam in Holland. The crossing from Calais to Dover is around two hours long, while the crossing from Newcastle to Amsterdam takes approximately nine hours.

If you're traveling with DFDS, check-in at least two hours before your departure time. You can do this either at the port or online - just make sure to have your booking reference number handy.

When it comes to baggage allowances, each passenger is allowed one item of hand luggage and one suitcase or bag that doesn't exceed 20kg in weight. If you're traveling with a pet, there's a maximum of two animals per passenger and they must be carried in a kennel or travel box that doesn't exceed 45x36x25cm in size.

Onboard DFDS ferries, you'll find a range of facilities to keep you entertained during your voyage. Their ships feature a number of restaurants and bars, as well as a cinema, children's play area, and casino. There's also a range of shops where you can buy everything from clothes to souvenirs.

Allowance for Luggage

Passengers who travel by foot must be able to carry their own luggage and be responsible for getting it from the terminal to the ship and back.

Vehicle passengers will not be able to access the car deck during the cruise, so bring everything you might need with you when you leave your car.

To minimize disappointment, please let us know ahead of time if you have any particular luggage requirements.

Property that has been misplaced

Personal items discovered on the ships or in ports are delivered to the shore-based lost property department for collection. Passengers whose names or phone numbers have been written on their belongings will be contacted.

Property found onboard is held for three months before being donated to a good cause.

Smaller valuables can be safeguarded for the duration of the cruise in our onboard safe. Please keep in mind that DFDSis not responsible for any lost or stolen items. All valuables should be secured in your vehicle or carried with you at all times. Please don't forget to keep an eye on your bags.

Cellular Phones

If your phone is close to land, it will connect to your regular network if one is available. Mobile communication is available while at sea using satellite technology and worldwide roaming. This service's availability is determined by your cell network and price package.

The fees for using this service are established by neither DFDS nor its satellite provider. Your cell provider will determine the ultimate fee that will be applied to your account. It is critical that you confirm appropriate foreign roaming fees with your mobile network provider before using.

Identification with a Passport

All ID, passport, visa, immigration, and health formalities that pertain to your carriage or any other service supplied to you by us must be followed. Passengers with expired or insufficient travel documents will be denied boarding. We shall not be held liable for any consequences, and you will not be entitled to a refund.

It is your obligation to verify and completely comply with all entrance requirements for the various countries.

Sailings Have Been Interrupted

They make every effort to guarantee that their material and website are accurate. Despite the best efforts, though, modifications can occur. All departure and arrival timings, as well as the identities of ships, are estimates only and cannot be guaranteed in their literature, on the website, or on any confirmation advice or voucher. Weather conditions and force majeure situations affect all of our ships.

Please provide DFDS with a contact number (preferably your mobile phone number) when making your reservation, and they will make every effort to contact you in the event of serious disruption.

Sailings that were canceled

All tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and you must travel at the time and date mentioned. You have no claim to a refund or credit for the money you paid for the trip if you miss your sailing.

If you miss your ferry crossing on DFDS English Channel services for whatever reason, you can transfer free of charge (subject to availability) to a sailing that departs immediately after your original booked crossing time. This transfer window is extended to 72 hours if you booked a Flexi ticket.

Amsterdam Currency

Onboard, all prices are in Euro. They take both Euro and Sterling, although Sterling payments are subject to currency exchange fluctuations.

Dunkirk/Calais – Dover Onboard, all costs are in British Pounds, Sterling. BothEuro and Sterling are accepted by DFDS, although currency conversion rates apply to Euro payments.

Dieppe - Newhaven Onboard, all costs are in British Pounds, Sterling.

Medical Services

All DFDS ships are equipped with medical facilities and have a designated first-aid team. Onboard DFDS ships, there are no doctors.

Onboard Security

All DFDS ships meet the most stringent safety criteria, including the international SOLAS norms. Onboard all of our vessels, you are welcome to inquire about additional information from their knowledgeable crew. Every departure is preceded by the announcement of safety regulations via loudspeakers.

Due to a safety rule that was implemented in 2004, all ports conduct routine security checks of passengers, luggage, and vehicles.

When boarding the ship, all passengers must have a valid photo ID (passport or EU International Identity Card), which must be presented during check-in.