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Accessible ramp to the Hovercraft ferry for guide dog users.

Ferry Accessible Travel

Discover Ferries members want all passengers to enjoy a relaxing and stress-free journey on board and is committed to making services accessible and easy to use. We partnered with 50+ model, fashion and beauty influencer and mental health and disability advocate: Sandie Roberts from Search for Silver Linings to show her experience of sailing to Normandy in France with Brittany Ferries.

We understand that the more information you have about your journey, the more confident you will feel when travelling. With this mind, we have put together this overview of the accessible facilities that are available on board ferries and ensure you have a great ferry experience.

Prepare and book ahead to ensure you get the best assistance

  • Facilities may vary depending on the vessel you sail on, so check what assistance is available at the port and on board before you travel. If you have questions about your journey, please contact the ferry operators directly.
  • The design and construction of a ship can make it difficult for some disabled passengers to move freely around, therefore may wish to consider travelling with an able-bodied companion to assist you during the voyage.
  • If you are travelling with an assistance dog, make sure you check which documentation is required and, if travelling to the EU or Northern Ireland, arrange for your dog to get a valid health certificate.
  • To ensure the best possible service is provided, ferry operators ask for as much notification of assistance as possible. Let ferry operators know about the level of assistance you will require for your travel when you make your booking or at least 48 hours before departure.
Wheelchair access to the Hovercraft ferry.

What assistance ferry operators offer on board

Facilities vary depending on the vessel you sail on, so check with the operator what facilities are available on board before you book.

Lifts

Most ferries have either lifts from the car decks or passenger ramps suitable for wheelchair users. Space on the car deck may be limited close to the lifts at busy periods.  If a passenger needs to use the lift they can let operators know at the time of booking and their vehicle will be loaded in the lift lane.

Accessible Cabins

Ferries which have private cabins have a range of wheelchair accessible cabins on most vessels, with wider doors and step-free en suite facilities. Some have bunk beds and your travelling companion/s may need to use an upper bunk.

Accessible toilets

There are accessible toilets available on most member ferries, however this varies by vessel. Please check before booking.

Loan of a wheelchair

Not all ferries can accommodate motorised wheelchairs or buggies in passenger areas; however, they can usually be loaded as freight or left on the car deck and a standard wheelchair will be made available for use during the journey on most crossings.

Priority seating

Some ferries have priority seating areas. Seats in this area can be used by anyone but should be made available if they are needed for passengers with disabilities, expectant mothers or the elderly.

Visual Impairment

Ferries have some Braille signage on board but not all services have information available in Braille. If you or a member of your travelling party has a visual impairment, we recommend visiting the information desk on board or speaking to a member of crew for assistance with orientation.

Hearing Impairment

If you or a member of your travelling party has a hearing impairment, please report to the Information Desk on board or speak to a member of the crew. Some operators have an induction loop and others will arrange for you to receive all important messages being made over the onboard speaker system.

Assistance Dogs

Assistance Dogs are carried free of charge and can access all passenger areas of the ferry. They must be kept on a lead at all times. You may need to show your assistance animal has been certified and, if you are travelling to the EU or Northern Ireland, that they have a valid health certificate.

Carrying medical oxygen

Please notify the ferry operator of any need to bring mobility and/or medical equipment at the time of the booking. You can travel with medical oxygen with written permission from a GP advising that medical oxygen is required. Ferry operators need to be informed that medical oxygen will potentially be used on the voyage at the time of booking.

Personal care

Ferry operators are not able to help with personal care matters such as feeding, breathing, lifting or using the toilet.

Sunflower Lanyard Scheme

The Sunflower Lanyard Scheme for hidden disabilities is recognised by Condor Ferries, Hovertravel, Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries and Red Funnel.

Discounts

Concessionary fares are available with some ferry operators, please check with the individual operators to see which discounts are available.

Where to find out more information

Ferry CompanyAccess information onlineTelephoneEmail / Contact us web form
Brittany Ferrieshttps://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/information/travel-advice/disabled-passengers0330 159 5015  
Mon-Fri 09:00 – 18:00 Sat-Sun 9:00 – 16:30
customer.feedback@brittanyferries.com
Caledonian MacBraynehttps://www.calmac.co.uk/on-board/passenger-assistance0800 066 5000  or
+44 1475 650397 (for international customers) Mon-Sun: 08:00 – 17:00
assistanceteam@calmac.co.uk 
Condor Ferrieshttps://www.condorferries.co.uk/ferry-routes-ports/plan-your-journey/travel-advice/disabled-facilities0345 609 1024   
Mon– Sat: 10:00 – 14:00
reservations@condorferries.co.uk
DFDShttps://www.dfds.com/en-gb/passenger-ferries/passenger-information/information-for-disabled-passengersDover to France: 
0871 574 7235 
Mon – Fri: 09:00 – 15:00 
Newhaven to Dieppe: 
0800 917 1201 
Mon-Fri: 08:00-16:00
*Calls cost 13p per minute plus your telephone companies access charge.
Dover-France:
dover.pax@dfds.com 
Newcastle-Amsterdam
travel.sales@dfds.com 
Newhaven-Dieppe: 
newhaven-dieppe@dfds.com
Hovertravelhttps://www.hovertravel.co.uk/hovercare-travel-scheme/0345 222 0461
Mon – Fri: 09:00 – 17:00
info@hovertravel.com
Irish Ferrieshttps://www.irishferries.com/uk-en/frequently-asked-questions/top-10-faqs/reduced-mobility-and-special-needs/03717 300 400
Mon-Fri: 08:00- 18:00
Sat: 09:00-16:00
disabilityofficer@irishferries.com
Isle of Man Steam Packet Companyhttps://www.steam-packet.com/information/specialassistance01624 661661
Mon-Fri: 0830-1800
Sat–Sun: 0900-1800  
IOM.Reservations@steam-packet.com
Isles of Scilly Travelhttps://www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk/plan-your-trip/special-assistance-and-accessibility/01736 334220 
Mon-Sat 09:30-17:00
sales@islesofscilly-travel.co.uk
P&O Ferrieshttps://www.poferries.com/en/accessibility01304 44 88 88
Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00
customer.services@poferries.com
Red Funnelhttps://www.redfunnel.co.uk/en/isle-of-wight-ferry/passenger-assistance/02380 019192 
Stena Linehttps://www.stenaline.co.uk/faqs/customers-with-assistance-requirements/i-require-special-assistance-can-you-help03447 707070
Mon-Fri: 08:00-22:00 Sat–Sun: 09:00-22:00
*Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge
assistance@stenaline.com
Uber Boat by Thames Clippershttps://www.thamesclippers.com/plan-your-journey/accessibilityContact us: 
https://www.thamesclippers.com/info/contact-us
Wightlinkhttps://www.wightlink.co.uk/tickets/accessible-travel0800 093 8236
Mon-Fri 09:00- 18:00 Sat-Sun 09:00-17:00
Contact us: 
https://www.wightlink.co.uk/contact-us?objective=accessible-travel#contact-form
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