Newhaven to Dieppe Ferry Cabins: Complete Guide 2026

Newhaven to Dieppe Accessible Ferry Cabin

Want privacy and comfort during your 4-hour Newhaven to Dieppe ferry crossing? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about ferry cabins: types available, pricing, booking procedures, what’s included, when you need one, and how cabins transform your ferry experience—especially on the overnight sailing.

DFDS offers 50 private cabins on both the Côte d’Albâtre and Seven Sisters, recently refurbished with modern Scandinavian design. Whether you’re taking the 23:00 overnight ferry or want privacy during a daytime crossing, cabins provide a comfortable retreat from the busy lounges.

Last updated: January 2026 | Based on DFDS Seaways current cabin offerings

🛏️ Ferry Cabins at a Glance

Total Cabins Available

Cabin Types Offered

2024

Major Refurbishment Year

4hrs

Cabin Access Duration

✅ Private en-suite cabins – Shower, toilet, washbasin in most
✅ 2-berth & 4-berth options – Couples and families accommodated
✅ Premium cabin types – Business, Family, and Deluxe available
✅ Pet-friendly cabins – Travel with your dog or cat
✅ Book when booking ferry – Add cabin at booking or later

Why Book a Ferry Cabin?

Not everyone needs a cabin—reclining seats in the three passenger lounges are free and perfectly comfortable for most daytime crossings. But cabins offer significant benefits in specific situations.

🌙 Overnight Ferry (23:00 Departure)

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. The overnight ferry departs at 23:00 and arrives 04:00+1. While you can sleep in reclining seats, a cabin lets you properly sleep, shower, and arrive refreshed for your onward journey. Most overnight passengers book cabins.

👶 Families with Young Children

Cabins give families privacy for nappy changes, feeding, and if children need naps. The Family cabin includes a bathroom with changing facilities. Much easier than managing young children in busy public lounges for 4 hours.

🐕 Travelling with Pets

Pet-friendly cabins (£40-60) let your dog or cat stay with you instead of free kennels or your vehicle. Ideal for anxious pets, first ferry crossings, or if you want to monitor your pet during the journey.

😌 Privacy & Quiet

Lounges can be busy, especially in summer. Cabins offer a private retreat where you can relax, work, nap, or change clothes without crowds. Business cabins include desk space for working.

🚿 Shower Facilities

Most cabins include en-suite bathrooms with showers. Particularly valuable for overnight crossings, after cycling/hiking to the port, or before arriving fresh for business meetings in France.

💼 Business Travel

Business cabins (only 2 available per ship) include desk, table, chairs, and power outlets for working during the crossing. Professional space away from leisure passengers and families.

💡 When You DON’T Need a Cabin

Daytime crossings (09:30 and 17:00) without special circumstances: The free reclining seats in passenger lounges are comfortable, and the 4-hour crossing passes quickly. Most passengers on daytime ferries don’t book cabins and are perfectly comfortable.

The lounges have sea views, charging points, TVs, and access to restaurants, bars, shops, and outdoor decks. If you’re travelling as a couple or solo without pets, you’ll likely be fine without a cabin.

Types of Cabins Available

DFDS offers four types of cabins on the Newhaven to Dieppe ferries, from standard accommodation to premium options. All cabins were refurbished in 2024 with modern Scandinavian-inspired design.

Standard Inside Cabin (No Sea View)

Most Common • Best Value • 2-Berth or 4-Berth

Available as: 2-berth (for couples) or 4-berth (for families/groups)

Includes:

2 or 4 bunk beds (depending on cabin type)
En-suite bathroom with shower, toilet, and washbasin (in most cabins)
Table and chairs
Towels provided
Shower gel/toiletries provided
Climate control
Power outlet
Coat hooks and hangers

No sea view (cabin is internal to the ship)

💡 Best for: Budget-conscious travellers who want privacy and shower facilities but don’t need a sea view. Perfect for overnight ferry when you’ll be sleeping anyway.

Cabin pricing: Prices vary by sailing date and demand. Book early for best availability.

Standard Sea View Cabin

Popular Upgrade • Ocean Views • 2-Berth or 4-Berth

Everything in Standard Inside Cabin PLUS:

Window with sea view (watch the English Channel during crossing)
Natural daylight in cabin

Same facilities as standard cabin: En-suite bathroom, beds, table, chairs, towels, toiletries, climate control.

💡 Best for: Daytime crossings when you want to enjoy sea views from your private cabin. Perfect for couples wanting a romantic crossing or families who want to watch the journey.

Upgrade cost: Typically £5-10 more than inside cabins. Worth it for daytime sailings.

Family Cabin (Premium)

Only 1 Per Ship • Family-Optimised • 4-Berth

Everything in Standard Cabin PLUS special family features:

Enhanced bathroom with family-friendly facilities
Baby changing area in bathroom
Cot available on request (request at reception after boarding)
More spacious layout for families with children
Child-friendly fixtures and fittings
4 berths standard

⚠️ LIMITED AVAILABILITY: Only ONE Family cabin per ship. Books out fast, especially for overnight ferry and school holidays. Book 8-12 weeks in advance if you need this cabin.

💡 Best for: Families with babies/toddlers, families needing changing facilities, anyone travelling with infants who needs a cot. The changing area and cot option make ferry travel with babies much more manageable.

Business Cabin (Premium)

Only 2 Per Ship • Work-Optimised • 2-Berth

Everything in Standard Cabin PLUS business features:

Desk and office chair (proper workspace for laptop work)
Larger table for spreading documents
Additional seating area separate from beds
Better lighting for working
Multiple power outlets for devices
Professional, quiet environment
2-berth configuration (not family-sized)

⚠️ VERY LIMITED AVAILABILITY: Only TWO Business cabins per ship. Extremely limited. Book months in advance if you need workspace during crossing.

💡 Best for: Business travellers who need to work during the 4-hour crossing, anyone needing professional workspace, corporate travellers expensing ferry costs who want proper work facilities.

🐾

Pet-Friendly Cabins

Limited Availability • Dogs & Cats Welcome • 2 or 4-Berth

Standard cabin facilities PLUS pet accommodation:

Your pet stays in cabin with you (not kennels or vehicle)
Same facilities as standard cabins (bathroom, beds, table)
Easy access for taking pet to designated deck area
Pet must remain in cabin (not allowed in restaurants/shops)

Cost: Standard cabin rate PLUS £40-60 pet cabin supplement (in addition to £30 pet ferry fee)

Total pet costs with cabin:

Pet ferry fee: £30
Pet cabin supplement: £40-60
Total pet cost: £70-90 (plus standard cabin rate)

Alternative options (FREE):

Free kennels on vehicle deck (supervised, checked regularly by crew)
Stay in vehicle (if travelling with car—you can visit during crossing)

⚠️ BOOK EARLY: Pet cabins have very limited availability and sell out quickly, especially for overnight ferry. Book 8-12 weeks ahead if you want your pet in cabin with you.

💡 Best for: Anxious pets, first ferry crossing, elderly pets, pets who don’t do well in kennels, peace of mind for owners who want their pet nearby.

📖 Learn more: See our complete pet travel guide for full pet requirements (passport, microchip, vaccinations, tapeworm treatment).

Cabin Pricing & Booking

Cabin prices vary significantly based on sailing date, time, demand, and how far in advance you book. Here’s what you need to know about cabin costs and booking procedures.

How Cabin Pricing Works

DFDS does not publish fixed cabin prices—they vary dynamically like hotel rooms:

Lowest prices: Off-peak months (October-April), midweek sailings, daytime crossings, booked 12+ weeks ahead
Highest prices: School holidays (July-August), overnight ferry, weekends, booked last-minute
Dynamic pricing: Prices increase as cabins fill up on each sailing
Ferry + cabin bundle: Cabin is added to your ferry fare (not a separate product)

💰 General Cabin Price Guidance

Based on analysis of booking data and third-party sources:

Standard inside cabins: Typically add £20-60 to ferry fare depending on season
Sea view upgrade: Usually £5-10 more than inside cabin
Pet cabin supplement: £40-60 (in addition to £30 pet ferry fee)
Premium cabins (Family/Business): Higher rates, limited availability

Note: These are approximate ranges. Exact prices shown at booking.

When to Book for Best Cabin Availability

✅ 12+ Weeks Ahead

Best choice: All cabin types available, lowest prices, pick your preferred cabin type. Essential for Business and Family cabins.

⚠️ 4-8 Weeks Ahead

Decent choice: Standard cabins usually available, premium cabins may be gone, higher prices than early booking.

❌ Last Minute (1-3 Weeks)

Limited/expensive: May find standard cabins, premium cabins definitely gone, highest prices. Overnight ferry cabins often sold out.

How to Book a Cabin

OPTION 1: Add Cabin When Booking Ferry (Recommended)

Book ferry crossing as normal (select route, date, passengers, vehicle if applicable)
Select “Add Cabin” option during booking process
Choose cabin type: Standard inside, sea view, pet-friendly, business, or family
See cabin price added to total booking cost
Complete booking and receive confirmation including cabin assignment

OPTION 2: Add Cabin After Booking Ferry

If you already have a ferry booking without a cabin:

Call DFDS: +44 (0) 330 587 8787
Have booking reference ready
Request cabin for your sailing
Pay cabin supplement (added to booking)

⚠️ Note: Adding cabin later is subject to availability. Cabins may be sold out, especially for popular sailings. Always better to book cabin with ferry if you know you’ll want one.

Money-Saving Cabin Tips

📅

Book Early

12+ weeks ahead = lowest cabin prices and best choice of cabin types.

🗓️

Travel Off-Peak

October-April cabins cost 40-50% less than July-August peak season.

☀️

Daytime Ferries

09:30 and 17:00 sailings have lower cabin demand than 23:00 overnight ferry.

🏠

Inside Cabin

No sea view cabins cost less. Fine for overnight ferry when you’re sleeping anyway.

⏰

Midweek Travel

Tuesday-Thursday sailings cheaper than Friday-Sunday. Fewer families travelling.

🎒

Skip If Unneeded

Daytime crossings: free reclining seats are comfortable. Only book cabin if you need privacy.

What to Expect: Inside Your Cabin

All cabins were refurbished in 2024 with modern, Scandinavian-inspired design. Here’s what you’ll find when you enter your cabin.

Standard Cabin Features

🛏️

Sleeping

Bunk beds (2 or 4 berths)
Fresh linens provided
Pillows and blankets
Comfortable mattresses

🚿

Bathroom

En-suite (in most cabins)
Shower with hot water
Toilet and washbasin
Towels provided
Shower gel/toiletries

🪑

Furniture

Table (fixed to wall)
Chairs or seating
Mirror
Storage shelves
Coat hooks
Clothes hangers

🔌

Amenities

Power outlet (UK/EU plugs)
Climate control
Heating/air conditioning
Reading lights
Door lock (privacy)

What’s NOT Included

❌ TV: No television in standard cabins (Business cabins may have)
❌ Phone: No cabin phone (use mobile, or speak to crew if assistance needed)
❌ Mini-bar: No fridge or mini-bar (buy drinks from bar/restaurant)
❌ Room service: Can’t order food to cabin (eat in restaurant/café)
❌ Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi available in public lounges, not guaranteed in cabins
❌ Luggage storage: Space is compact—keep luggage to minimum

Cabin Size Expectations

Ferry cabins are functional, not spacious. Think budget hotel room, not luxury accommodation.

💡 Size Reality Check:

Compact: Cabins are small—just enough space for beds, bathroom, and minimal moving around
Bunk beds: Children usually love them; adults find them functional rather than luxurious
No wasted space: Everything is efficiently designed for short ferry crossings
Clean and modern: 2024 refurbishment means fresh, contemporary design
Purpose: Cabins are for sleeping, changing, showering—not lounging for hours

For comparison, cabins are smaller than budget hotel rooms but larger than airplane bathrooms. They’re perfectly adequate for a 4-hour crossing, especially the overnight ferry when you’re mainly sleeping.

Using Your Cabin: Practical Information

Here’s everything you need to know about accessing and using your cabin during the ferry crossing.

Check-In & Cabin Access

Boarding Day Procedure:

Port check-in: Check in at Newhaven Port as normal (60-90 minutes before departure)
Board ferry: Show booking confirmation, pass through security, board ship
Locate reception: Follow signs to reception desk (usually near main staircase)
Collect cabin key: Present booking confirmation, receive cabin key and cabin number
Find cabin: Cabins are numbered—follow deck signs to your cabin
Settle in: Key opens door, cabin is yours for the crossing

During the Crossing

✅ You CAN:

Use cabin any time during crossing
Lock door from inside for privacy
Leave belongings in locked cabin
Shower and use bathroom
Sleep or rest
Leave and return multiple times
Use lounges/restaurants while cabin booked

❌ You CANNOT:

Order food/drink to cabin
Smoke in cabin (smoke on outdoor decks only)
Have pets in non-pet cabins
Exceed cabin capacity (e.g., 5 people in 4-berth)
Make excessive noise
Take cabin items (towels, linens) off ferry

Overnight Ferry: Special Considerations

The 23:00 departure has specific procedures for overnight cabin users:

Boarding: Board as early as possible (from 22:00). Go straight to reception to collect cabin key. Get settled quickly before departure at 23:00.

Wake-up call: Reception provides wake-up calls if requested. Alternatively, set phone alarm for 03:30 (arrival is 04:00 French time).

Breakfast: Onboard restaurant serves breakfast for overnight passengers from 03:00. Continental or full English available.

Checkout: No formal checkout. Return key to reception before disembarking, or leave in cabin (crew collects).

Vehicle passengers: Return to vehicle deck by 03:45 for disembarkation at 04:00.

Foot passengers: Pack belongings, collect luggage, ready to disembark 04:00. Dieppe bus/taxi services start around 05:00-06:00.

Lost Key or Problems

If you lose your cabin key or have any problems with your cabin:

Go to reception: Located near main staircase
Crew assistance: Staff available 24/7 to help
Lost key: Replacement key provided (possible charge for lost keys)
Cabin issues: Maintenance problems fixed or alternative cabin offered

Cabins vs Free Reclining Seats

All passengers have access to free reclining seats in three passenger lounges. Here’s how cabins compare to the free seating option.

Feature	Free Reclining Seats	Private Cabin (£20-60)
Privacy	❌ Shared public lounges	✅ Private locked room
Sleeping	⚠️ Reclining seats (can nap)	✅ Proper beds with linens
Shower	❌ None available	✅ Private en-suite shower
Noise Level	⚠️ Public areas (children, announcements)	✅ Quiet private space
Luggage Security	⚠️ Keep with you at all times	✅ Lock cabin, leave belongings safely
Changing Clothes	❌ Use public toilets	✅ Private space with mirror
Sea Views	✅ Excellent (large windows)	⚠️ Sea view cabins only (small windows)
Restaurant Access	✅ Same access as everyone	✅ Same access as everyone
Power Outlets	✅ Available (can be busy)	✅ Dedicated outlet in cabin
Cost	✅ FREE (included in ferry fare)	💰 £20-60+ extra

💡 Bottom Line: When to Choose Each Option

Choose FREE reclining seats if:

Daytime crossing (09:30 or 17:00 sailings)
Travelling alone or as couple without children
Not bringing pets
Budget-conscious
Happy using public spaces

Choose CABIN if:

Overnight ferry (23:00 departure) – cabin highly recommended
Travelling with young children or babies
Bringing pets and want them with you
Need shower facilities
Want privacy and quiet
Need to work during crossing (Business cabin)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book a cabin in advance?

For overnight ferry (23:00): YES, book 8-12 weeks ahead. Cabins sell out quickly, especially in summer. For daytime ferries: Recommended to book ahead, but you may find availability closer to departure. However, premium cabins (Business, Family) sell out early regardless of sailing time. Best practice: always book cabin with ferry if you know you’ll want one.

How much does a cabin cost?

Cabin prices vary by date, time, and demand (like hotel rooms). Generally, standard cabins add approximately £20-60 to your ferry fare, with lowest prices in off-peak months (October-April) and highest in summer (July-August). Sea view cabins cost about £5-10 more than inside cabins. Pet cabin supplement is £40-60 in addition to standard cabin rate. Premium cabins (Business, Family) cost more but have very limited availability. Exact prices shown when booking—always book early for best rates.

Can I add a cabin after I’ve already booked the ferry?

Yes, call DFDS on +44 (0) 330 587 8787 with your booking reference. However, cabin availability is not guaranteed—if cabins are sold out, you cannot add one. This is especially likely for overnight ferries and summer sailings. Always safer to book cabin with ferry initially if you think you might want one.

Do all cabins have en-suite bathrooms?

Most cabins have en-suite bathrooms with shower, toilet, and washbasin. However, cabin specifications can vary slightly. When booking, cabin descriptions will indicate if bathroom is en-suite. After the 2024 refurbishment, the vast majority of the 50 cabins have en-suite facilities.

Can I take my pet in a regular cabin?

No, pets are only allowed in designated pet-friendly cabins. You must book a pet cabin specifically (£40-60 supplement plus £30 pet ferry fee). Regular cabins do not permit pets. Alternative options: free kennels on vehicle deck or pet stays in your vehicle (if you’re travelling with a car). See our pet travel guide for full details.

Is there Wi-Fi in the cabins?

Free Wi-Fi is available in public lounges and restaurants. Wi-Fi signal strength in cabins varies depending on cabin location—it may work in some cabins but is not guaranteed. If you need reliable internet during crossing, use lounges. Business cabins may have better connectivity, but this is not officially confirmed.

Can I get a refund if I book a cabin but don’t need it?

Cabin bookings follow the same cancellation policy as your ferry booking. Check your specific fare type—some fares allow changes/cancellations with fees, others are non-refundable. Flexi fares offer more flexibility but cost more. Always review cancellation terms before booking.

Can I choose my specific cabin number when booking?

No, DFDS assigns cabin numbers based on availability. You can choose cabin TYPE (inside, sea view, pet-friendly, etc.) but not specific cabin location or number. Cabin numbers are assigned at check-in when you collect your key from reception.

Do cabins have charging points for phones/laptops?

Yes, all cabins have at least one power outlet (standard UK/EU plugs). Business cabins have multiple outlets. Bring your own charging cables. If you have multiple devices, consider bringing a multi-plug adapter.

How do I get a wake-up call for the overnight ferry?

When you collect your cabin key from reception after boarding, request a wake-up call. Specify your preferred time (most overnight passengers request 03:30 as ferry arrives 04:00). Alternatively, set phone alarm. Crew also makes announcements 30 minutes before arrival.

Ready to Book Your Ferry & Cabin?

Now you know everything about ferry cabins on the Newhaven to Dieppe route. Book your ferry and add a cabin for the ultimate comfortable crossing.

Book Your Ferry Crossing & Cabin

Book 12+ weeks ahead for best cabin availability and lowest prices. Don’t miss out on premium cabins—they sell out fast!

Check Prices & Book Now

Related Ferry Information & Guides

⏰ Ferry Timetables

Complete ferry schedule including overnight sailing. When cabins are most valuable.

View Timetable →

💰 Ferry Prices & Booking

Full pricing guide for ferries. Understand base fares before adding cabin costs.

See Prices →

🐾 Pet Travel Guide

Complete guide to travelling with pets. Requirements for pet cabins and alternatives.

Pet Guide →

🚢 Ships & Facilities

Complete guide to both ferries. Restaurants, bars, and all onboard facilities.

Explore Ships →

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Travel Guide

Travelling with children? Complete family guide including when Family cabins essential.

Family Guide →

✓ Check-In Guide

Step-by-step check-in process. How to collect cabin key and board smoothly.

Check-In Guide →