Ferry Companies
Travelling by ferry can be one of the least stressful ways to do long journeys particularly with young children. Many ferry companies now have play areas, and for the older children and teenagers, there are often cinemas or televisions showing films (see Ferry Companies below). There is also the possibility to book a cabin for longer crossings. The only thing worth remembering is that sometimes what you gain in facilities on a ferry you can also lose in speed, especially if there is going to be a long car journey the other side.
- Brittany ferries operate a number of routes, the closest for the West being between Plymouth and Roscoff, and Plymouth and Santander, and Poole to Cherbourg. Ask staff at the information points if you wish to have baby food or milk heated.
- Stena Line - Operates routes between Fishguard and Rosslare. On board this ship there are baby changing facilities, children's menus in the restaurants as well as a family area including a children's play area. Children under the age of 4 travel free.
- Condor Ferries Ltd - Operate services from Weymouth and Poole to Guernsey, Jersey and St Malo. There are children's areas on some of the ferries.
- Irish Ferries - Operates a service from Pembroke to Rosslare. Facilities onboard for small children include films, games, and adventure tunnels. These are conveniently located beside a tea and coffee bar, so that parents can relax while their children play. For older children there is the Cyber Zone, which includes arcade games and simulators.
- Swansea Cork Ferries - Crossings between Swansea and Cork. The majority of the sailings depart from Swansea in the evening at about 9pm and arrive in Ringaskiddy at about 7am. Onboard there are restaurants, bars, shopping areas, cinema, and children�s play area. All cabins are ensuite.