Newhaven to Dieppe Ferry Ships & Onboard Facilities Guide

What’s it like onboard the Newhaven to Dieppe ferry? This comprehensive guide covers everything about the DFDS Côte d’Albâtre and Seven Sisters ferries: ship specifications, deck layouts, restaurants and bars, shopping, cabins, entertainment, accessibility, and how to make the most of your 4-hour crossing.

Both modern ferries offer excellent facilities including panoramic restaurants, self-service cafés, bars with outdoor decks, duty-free shops, children’s play areas, private cabins, comfortable reclining seats, free Wi-Fi, and full accessibility features.

Last updated: December 2025

DFDS operates two modern ferries on the Newhaven to Dieppe route, alternating depending on schedule and maintenance. Both ships offer similar high-quality facilities and passenger experience.

💡 Good to Know: You cannot choose which ship you’ll travel on when booking. Both ferries offer virtually identical facilities and passenger experience, so whichever ship operates your sailing, you’ll have a comfortable crossing. The ship operating each sailing is determined by DFDS based on maintenance schedules and demand.

Understanding the deck layout helps you find facilities quickly and choose the best seating areas.

Deck 7 is the primary passenger deck where most people spend their crossing. This is where you’ll find the majority of facilities.

**MAIN LOUNGE SEATING:**

**BEST SEATS ON DECK 7:**

✅ **For views:** Window seats on starboard side (right when facing forward) – best English Channel views
✅ **For families:** 4-seat table arrangements near children’s area
✅ **For working:** Tables near power sockets (forward section)
✅ **For quiet:** Far aft (rear) seating away from restaurant/bar
✅ **For sun:** Outdoor bar seating (weather permitting)

Deck 6 offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere compared to the busier Deck 7. Perfect for reading, sleeping, or families with young children.

**QUIET LOUNGE SEATING:**

• 100+ comfortable reclining armchairs
• More spacious layout than Deck 7
• Quieter environment (no bar/restaurant)
• Better for resting or working
• Power sockets available
• Accessible toilets

**CABINS:**

• 60+ private cabins (2-berth and 4-berth)
• Cabin corridor runs length of deck
• Lockable doors for security
• Beds, washbasin, towels provided
• See full cabin details in section below

**CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA:**

**BEST FOR:**
✅ Passengers wanting peace and quiet
✅ Overnight ferry passengers (23:00 sailing)
✅ Families with babies/toddlers
✅ Readers and laptop workers
✅ People who struggle with noise

Deck 8 is the outdoor upper deck offering fresh air, sea views, and sun exposure (weather permitting).

**OUTDOOR FEATURES:**

• Open-air sun deck (fore and aft)
• Covered seating areas (protected from rain)
• Benches and standing areas
• Smokers’ area (designated section)
• 360-degree views
• Access to bar (drinks can be taken outside)

**WEATHER NOTE:**
The English Channel can be windy and cold, even in summer. Deck 8 is wonderful on calm, sunny days but can be uncomfortable in typical British weather. Always bring a jacket even if it seems warm at departure.

**BEST FOR:**
✅ Photography enthusiasts
✅ Fresh air lovers
✅ Smokers (designated area only)
✅ Sunset/sunrise viewing
✅ Children running around (supervised)

**PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:**
• Newhaven Port and white cliffs on departure
• Dieppe marina and château on arrival
• Cargo ships and other vessels in shipping lanes
• Seabirds following the ferry
• Sunrise (overnight ferry) or sunset (evening ferry)

Both ferries offer multiple dining options to suit different budgets and preferences.

🍷 Duty-Free Prices: Alcohol at the bar is NOT duty-free priced – you pay standard UK pub prices. For duty-free alcohol, visit the shop and take it away unopened. However, bar prices are reasonable for the convenience of table service and atmosphere.

**CAN YOU BRING YOUR OWN FOOD?**

Yes! You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks onboard. Many passengers do this to save money.

**FACILITIES FOR OWN FOOD:**
✓ Microwave available near café (free to use)
✓ Hot water dispenser for cup noodles, etc.
✓ Vending machines for drinks and snacks
✓ Can eat at any seating area
✓ Rubbish bins throughout

**WHAT PASSENGERS TYPICALLY BRING:**
• Sandwiches and wraps
• Crisps, fruit, snacks
• Thermos of coffee or tea
• Bottled water
• Cakes and biscuits
• Instant noodles (use hot water dispenser)

**NOT ALLOWED:**
✗ No hot food with strong smells in main lounge areas (consideration for others)
✗ No alcohol consumption unless purchased from bar (licensing laws)

The onboard duty-free shop offers competitive prices on perfumes, cosmetics, alcohol, tobacco, and gifts.

**DUTY-FREE ALLOWANCES (FROM FRANCE TO UK):**

Post-Brexit rules apply when returning from France to UK:

• **Alcohol:** 42L beer, 18L wine, 4L spirits OR 9L sparkling wine
• **Tobacco:** 200 cigarettes OR 100 cigarillos OR 50 cigars OR 250g tobacco
• **Other goods:** Up to £390 worth (per person)

These are personal allowances. Goods must be for personal use, not for resale.

💰 Best Value Items: The biggest savings are on perfumes (20-40% off), spirits (£5-15 per bottle saved), and cigarettes (if applicable). Chocolates and confectionery are marginally cheaper but convenient gifts. Electronics are usually similar to UK high street prices.

**OPENING HOURS:**
• Opens shortly after departure
• Closes 30 minutes before arrival
• Busiest period: first hour of crossing

**PAYMENT METHODS:**
• Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
• Cash (GBP and EUR accepted)
• Contactless up to £100

Private cabins are available on all sailings and are especially recommended for the overnight 23:00 ferry crossing.

**WHEN TO BOOK A CABIN:**

Highly Recommended:
• Overnight ferry (23:00 departure) – arrives 04:00
• Travelling with young children who need to nap
• Carrying expensive valuables (laptops, cameras)
• Anyone who values privacy
• Overnight ferry in winter (cold on passenger decks)

Optional:
• Daytime ferries (09:30, 17:00)
• Short 4-hour crossing
• Prefer socializing in lounge areas
• Budget-conscious travelers

**BOOKING ADVICE:**
✅ Book cabin when booking ferry ticket – cheaper than adding later
✅ Overnight ferry cabins sell out quickly – book 8-12 weeks ahead
✅ Daytime ferry cabins rarely sell out
✅ You cannot choose specific cabin number
✅ Cabins allocated at check-in

**USING YOUR CABIN:**
• Cabin available entire crossing (board to arrival)
• Can leave luggage in cabin (lockable)
• Free to come and go as you please
• Visit restaurant/shop/deck then return
• Must vacate cabin before disembarkation

Both ferries are fully accessible with comprehensive facilities for passengers with reduced mobility.

**ACCESSIBLE FEATURES:**

**BOOKING ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL:**

📞 **Call: +44 33 058 787 87** (at least 48 hours before travel)

When booking, inform staff of:
• Wheelchair user or reduced mobility
• Type of wheelchair (manual/powered, dimensions)
• Any assistance required (boarding, moving around)
• Accessible cabin needed (yes/no)
• Travelling with companion/carer

💡 Important: Always book accessible travel by phone, not online. This ensures appropriate arrangements are made, accessible cabin is allocated, and staff are prepared to provide assistance when you arrive. For complete accessibility information, see our dedicated accessibility guide.

Beyond food, drink, and shopping, both ferries offer additional entertainment and amenities for a comfortable crossing.

**FREE WI-FI:**

• Available throughout passenger decks
• Connect automatically (no password needed)
• Suitable for browsing, emails, messaging
• NOT suitable for streaming videos
• Limited bandwidth during peak times
• Download content before boarding for entertainment

**POWER & CHARGING:**

• UK 3-pin power sockets throughout lounges
• USB charging points at many seats
• Bring your own charging cables
• Some high-demand seats near sockets
• Power available in cabins

**READING & RELAXING:**

• Comfortable reclining seats
• Quiet areas on Deck 6
• Panoramic windows with sea views
• Bring books, tablets, laptops
• Peaceful environment for working

**CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINMENT:**

• Dedicated play area (Deck 6)
• Video game consoles
• Board games available
• Drawing materials
• Family-friendly seating areas
• Children’s menu in restaurant

**OUTDOOR SPACE:**

• Upper outdoor deck (Deck 8)
• Fresh air and exercise
• 360-degree views
• Photography opportunities
• Covered areas (shelter from rain)

Make the most of your 4-hour ferry crossing with these insider tips.