FAQs

Age limits

Onboard our UK - France routes, a parent or guardian must accompany people under the age of 18 years.

Minors aged 16 years and 17 years who are not travelling with an adult over 18, must have a letter of consent from their parents/guardians. However, failure to produce this letter at check-in may result in refusal of travel. For more information, please see our Terms and Conditions, Section 7.

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Vehicle Information

Ensure you know your vehicle’s height and length, including any bike racks or roof boxes, and select the correct vehicle type when booking. Incorrect declarations may result in refusal or extra charges at the port. Visit our vehicle page if you’re unsure about your vehicle category.

You can amend your vehicle registration via 'My Booking' hub or for free at the port check-in. For hire cars without a registration number, use ‘TBC’ and update it at the port check-in for free.

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Can I book several vehicles on one ticket?

Unfortunately, you can only book one vehicle, per ticket.

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Can I travel with a roof box/bike rack?

You are welcome to travel with a roof box or bike rack free of charge if it fits in the overall dimensions of your vehicle. If it exceeds this, you will need to move to the next size category, which can be done via the ‘My Booking' hub.

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Can I travel as a Foot Passenger?

On our Rosslare - Dunkirk route we are unable to accept foot passengers on these routes. To use this service, you must have a vehicle.

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Can I book a specific cabin and/or book several cabins next to each other?

We cannot guarantee individual cabin numbers, nor can you preselect the cabin number, therefor we cannot guarantee you will have cabins next to other passengers in your group. You will of course always be offered the category booked e.g. Seaview. You can always request a change of cabin at check-in if availability allows this.

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Is there a limit to how many people can stay in a cabin?

You cannot over occupy our cabins, unless it is by 1 infant under the age of 4.

I’m experiencing payment issues, what should I do?

If you are experiencing payment issues, please contact our team who will assist you further.

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I’ve cancelled my booking; will I get a refund?

Please refer to the Terms and conditions you agreed to when making the booking. Any refund to which you are entitled under the cancellation policy must be made in writing within three months of the date of your cancellation.

You can make changes to your reservation online through the 'My Booking' hub, where you’ll see any amendment fees and fare differences before confirming.

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I can't amend my booking online, what should I do?

If you are unable to make the amendment online, please ensure it complies with our Terms and Conditions. If you need to speak to a member of our team, you can contact us here.

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Changing your booking

If you need to update your booking, such as removing a pet or passenger, change passenger details, or adding extras, use the ‘My Booking' hub. You can also make changes at the port during check-in.

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Up to what point can an amendment be made to a booking?

On our Rosslare - Dunkirk route, you can make amends to bookings up to 2 working days before your date of departure. Charges may apply.

What kind of ID/documentation do I need to travel?

For information regarding travel documents and preparing for your trip, simple head over to our dedicated page here.

It is your own responsibility to make sure you follow the government rules around travel. DFDS aren't liable if you get refused travel.

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What is the baggage allowance?

There is no weight limit of your baggage when travelling by ferry with DFDS. For the safety of yourself, other passengers, and our crew you must be able to handle and carry your luggage independently.

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Can I bring food and drink on board?

You are allowed to bring soft drinks and food onboard however they must be consumed within your cabin and not in any public areas.

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Inclusive meals

On your crossing from Ireland to France, your meals are included! Head to our self-service restaurant area where you can help yourself to freshly prepared meals. Soft drinks and tea/coffee is also included.

Please inform us of any dietary requirements, and our chefs will be happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets, among others. You will enjoy a total of 3 or four meals onboard depending on the crossing, and you can be sure that there will be something for the whole family to enjoy.

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Can I bring my travel cot to use on the ferry?

You are only allowed to use a travel cot in our Commodore cabins due to space allowance and health and safety regulations. Please note that there is limited space even in the Commodore cabins, so it might not be advisable. We do offer bed rails for children and infants, please ask at Guest Service Centre when you're onboard.

What time should I check-in for my sailing?

You can find the relevant check-in times on our dedicated page here.

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What is the address of the terminal?

All port addresses can be found on our terminals page.

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I’m running late to the port, what should I do?

If you are running late to the port, please don’t worry. Simply contact us at the earliest convenience and advise us if you're going to be late, before check-in closes, so we can amend your booking, so you don't lose your ticket. If you wish to move your ticket, fees may apply.

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What facilities are available at the port?

To read more about terminal facilities, please click here.

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Can I charge my electric vehicle at the port or onboard?

We currently don’t have charging facilities for electric vehicles onboard or at the port.

Is there a lift on the ferry?

Yes, we do have lifts on our ships. If you require to be parked near one, you must let us know at the time of booking.

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Are there medical facilities onboard?

All our crew are first aid trained, however we do not have any medical facilities onboard, so you need to make sure you are fit and well to travel. We do recommend that you have travel insurance in case of emergency.

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Is there an ATM onboard and what forms of currency are accepted?

We do not have an ATM onboard; however, we accept Euro and GBP in the form of cards and cash.

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Can I smoke & vape onboard?

Smoking and vaping are prohibited onboard unless you are in a designated area on the outside deck.

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Is there Wi-Fi onboard?

Onboard, we offer free Wi-Fi on both vessels. It’s ideal for checking emails and browsing the internet while you’re onboard.

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What is included in my Inclusive meals onboard?

All crossings include access to our buffet style restaurants, with soft drinks such as juice e.g. cordial and tea/coffee included. A total of four meals are served onboard during the crossing. Our chefs onboard will happily accommodate any dietary requirements and preferences. Check out our sample menu.

Accessibility onboard

All public areas including the bars, shop and restaurants are accessible for wheelchair users and guide dogs, except for the Recliner Lounge on the Optima Seaways, this is not wheelchair friendly.

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How do I request assistance?

To help us make your journey as smooth and comfortable as possible, we need to know your requirements at your earliest convenience, ideally when you make your booking, but no later than two working days before you travel.

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Is there a lift on the ferry?

Yes, we do have lifts on our ships. If you require to be parked near one, you must let us know at the time of booking.

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Do you offer Accessible Cabins?

Yes, onboard Rosslare - Dunkirk route we provide accessible cabins, that can accommodate passengers travelling who may with accessible needs and reduced mobility.

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I’m travelling with an Assistance Dog; can I stay in any cabin type?

If you are traveling with an assistance dog, you can stay in either a pet-friendly or an accessible cabin.

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Guide, hearing, assistance & emotional support dog

DFDS accept Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dog who are recognised by the Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and the International Guide Dogs Federation (IDGF) programmes.

Please notify our team if you are travelling with an Assistance Dog. You must ensure that the dog complies with the pet travel rules of the country they are travelling to. You will be asked to provide documentation.

Emotional Support Animals are not legally recognised by the above organisations in the way that assistance & guide dogs currently are. Emotional support animals can travel with us, but they must follow the same rules as pets.

There is no fee to bring your Assistance dog onboard and they are allowed in public areas on a harness/lead.

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Allergies, dietary requirements & medication

If you have allergies or dietary requirements, please ensure you advise us at the time of booking and make yourself known with our crew onboard in the restaurants, should you wish to dine.

We will allow you to store medication but please speak with the Guest Service Centre onboard to arrange it. More information can be found here.

Here at DFDS we know your furry friends are family, so why not bring them along for the adventure too? With our pet travel page, we’re confident you and your pet will find all the answers you're looking for.

As you may have heard in the media, several changes are coming to how the European Union and United Kingdom control their borders.

EES

The EU is introducing the European Entry Exit System (EES), an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of European countries. The date of commencement is to be confirmed. More details can be found on the official Entry/Exit System website.

ETIAS

In the future, most non-EU citizens will be required to have a travel authorisation (ETIAS) to enter most European countries. The date of commencement is yet to be confirmed. More details can be found on the official ETIAS website.

UK eVisa and ETA

Travel requirements to the UK are changing. The UK is transitioning from physical immigration documents, such as biometric residence permits (BRPs), passports containing visa vignette stickers and ink stamps, or biometric residence cards (BRCs), to eVisas. If you hold a UK visa and use a physical immigration document to prove your rights, take action now by creating a UK Visas and Immigration account to access your eVisa: www.gov.uk/eVisa.

If you already have an eVisa, ensure your travel information is up to date by notifying the UK Government about the passport you intend to use if it is not already linked to your eVisa account: www.gov.uk/update-uk-visas-immigration-account-details.

Those who are visa-exempt for short visits to the UK, i.e. visits of up to six months, will still need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which is digital permission to travel.

For Non-European Visitors:

• You can begin applying for an ETA from 27 November 2024.
• An ETA will be mandatory for travel to the UK starting 8 January 2025.

For European Visitors:

• Applications for an ETA open on 5 March 2025.
• An ETA will be needed for travel to the UK from 2 April 2025.

To check your specific ETA requirements and apply, please visit: www.gov.uk/electronic-travel-authorisation

Please note that the new controls only affect our non-Schengen routes (i.e., UK routes and Rosslare – Dunkerque).

DFDS is fully preparing for the arrival of these new measures, cooperating with the relevant authorities to ensure that we continue to carry our passengers on their journeys without major disruption.

We will inform you of the travel requirements that will be applicable to you where those are known at the time of booking.  We will contact you with details of any updated information after booking. However, please note that it is the responsibility of passengers to ensure that they are in permission of the correct documentation and completed relevant formalities.