Top 10 Questions When Travelling By Ferry with DFDS Seaways

Travelling by ferry is now becoming a better value option for those looking to save money on their holidays. But what with recent delays at borders, it’s understandable if you have a few questions before you book. If you’re considering using DFDS Seaways for your trip, then we’re here to give you the lowdown on their services, routes, policies and any available special offers and codes. This way, you can plan and prepare in advance, then secure the best price on your travel.

About DFDS Seaways

Who Are DFDS Seaways? - This company is a large, successful ferry operator that runs a number of freight and passenger routes between the UK and Europe. As well as tickets for direct crossings, they also provide holiday packages such as mini-cruises, city breaks and driving tours.

Where Do DFDS Ferries Sail To? - As well as the popular DFDS Seaways Dover to Calais route, they also run crossings between Dover and Dunkirk, Newhaven and Dieppe, and Newcastle and Amsterdam.

In collaboration with partner organisations, you can also plan short breaks and holidays in France on their site. And as well as providing direct travel, mini cruises are also available on the DFDS Seaways Newcastle to Amsterdam route. These include 2 nights on the ferry, staying in one of their ensuite cabins, a coach transfer to the city on arrival, and then a chance to explore before boarding. There is also the option to extend your stay in Amsterdam and book hotel accommodation as well.

When Do DFDS Release Dates? - At present they have only released dates until the end of 2022. We recommend checking in with their site and the DFDS Seaways timetable or contact them directly to see when new dates are released.

Travelling with DFDS Seaways

What’s On a DFDS Ferry? - Facilities will differ slightly depending on which route you are travelling, but all their boats have shops, restaurants, play areas, and wifi. If you are travelling between Dover and Calais or Dover and Dunkirk, these ferries will have at least one restaurant open - the 7 Seas Restaurant. The additional Lighthouse Cafe is usually open during busier journeys, and with both of these, customers can pick up hot food such as fish and chips, cooked breakfasts and curry, plus vegetarian meals. You will also be able to buy lighter snacks and drinks. There is also the option to book a pass to the Premium Lounge if you would like more space to relax, and this is available on selected crossings. It gives you access to comfortable seating, complimentary drinks and snacks, and priority boarding, and if this sounds like something you are interested in, then please check before your departure date to see whether the lounge is open that day.

Because the passage between Newcastle and Amsterdam is longer, additional facilities are available here. Food options include an a la carte restaurant and global buffet, there is a choice of ensuite cabins to suit different budgets, and entertainment is provided via live music, cinemas and casinos.

Can You Take Food and Drink on a DFDS Ferry? - You can take food and drink onboard, but there may be restrictions on where you can consume it, such as in your cabin, or only in certain areas on the ferry. However, alcohol is not allowed to be brought on board.

Where Are the Latest DFDS Seaways Travel Updates? - They have a Live Travel Updates page on their site. This features specific updates for each route, timetables and the latest Covid-19 info. You can also find general advice on preparing for your trip, travelling with pets, info for disabled passengers and what to expect at ferry ports.

Saving Money With DFDS Seaways

Where Do I Find a DFDS Seaways Voucher Code? - We have a page dedicated to the latest DFDS Seaways voucher codes, and here you can often access up to 30% off selected crossings and dates. We also occasionally have secret codes that can get you an extra 20% off your booking. Examples of current DFDS Seaways deals include up to 30% off selected short breaks in France along with a £50 voucher to spend in their duty free shop, and up to 30% off last minute Amsterdam mini cruises.

Changing Your Travel Plans

What Happens if You Miss Your DFDS Ferry? - As you may have seen on the recent news reports, there have been extensive delays in Dover for those driving to ferry terminals to travel to France, heightening the risk of missed ferries. As it stands at time of writing, if you have missed your reservation, then DFDS let you transfer your booking to the boat leaving after the one you were originally booked on, as long as there are available spaces. Unfortunately you cannot claim a refund or any vouchers equivalent to the ticket price to re-book. But please do check updates on their site on a regular basis in case there is a change to this policy.

Are DFDS Ferry Tickets Refundable? - There are, with some conditions. If you have booked a flexible ticket, then you can claim a refund as long as you cancel 48 hours or more before you are due to depart. Flexible tickets are available for their Dover routes only and come with other benefits, such as no admin fee for amended bookings. For other tickets, a fee is usually charged if you want to cancel or amend your booking, and this charge will differ depending on what route it is for. Refund conditions also differ from route to route, so we recommend taking a look at their refund policies for your chosen route on their site.

How Do I Contact DFDS? - If you have already booked, the contact number for Dover and Newcastle routes is 0344 848 6090. For the Newhaven route, the contact number is 033 058 78787. If you want to call before making a booking, then the sales numbers do differ for each route, so we recommend taking a look at their contact page for further details.

If you have a ferry crossing booked in the coming months, please do check out all the available information on the DFDS Seaways site on a regular basis. During the busy summer period, travel issues are constantly arising, so the best thing you can do is to be as prepared as possible. If you are yet to book your travel and want to explore your options further, we have a Travel page with lots more current deals to browse.

By Anna Scott, 28th July 2022