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Ships and 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 en-suite cabins, comfortable reclining seats, free Wi-Fi, and full accessibility features.
✅ Full-service restaurant – hot meals, table service
✅ Self-service café – grab and go options
✅ Panoramic bar – indoor & outdoor seating
✅ Duty-free shop – perfumes, alcohol, gifts
✅ Free Wi-Fi – throughout passenger areas
✅ Children’s play area – supervised space
✅ Fully accessible – lifts, adapted facilities
DFDS operates two modern ferries on the Newhaven to Dieppe route, alternating depending on schedule and maintenance. Both ships are identical sister vessels built at the same Spanish shipyard, offering the same high-quality facilities and passenger experience.
Côte d’Albâtre — Ship Specifications
Built
2005/2006 by Barreras Shipyard, Vigo, Spain
Length
143 metres
Gross Tonnage
18,564 GT
Passenger Capacity
Up to 600 passengers
Vehicle Capacity
224 cars or 75 freight vehicles
Maximum Speed
22 knots
Number of Decks
8 decks (3 passenger decks: 6, 7, 8)
Cabins
50 en-suite cabins (196 berths)
Crew
Approximately 60 crew members
Ship Name Meaning: “Côte d’Albâtre” is French for “Alabaster Coast” — referring to the famous white chalk cliffs of Normandy near Dieppe, including the stunning cliffs of Étretat.
Seven Sisters — Ship Specifications
Built
2006 by Barreras Shipyard, Vigo, Spain
Length
143 metres
Gross Tonnage
18,564 GT
Passenger Capacity
Up to 600 passengers
Vehicle Capacity
224 cars or 75 freight vehicles
Maximum Speed
22 knots
Number of Decks
8 decks (3 passenger decks: 6, 7, 8)
Cabins
50 en-suite cabins (196 berths)
Crew
Approximately 65 crew members
Ship Name Meaning: “Seven Sisters” refers to the iconic Seven Sisters chalk cliffs near Newhaven in Sussex — a series of white chalk sea cliffs forming part of the Sussex Heritage Coast.
💡 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 Layout Summary
Deck 8
Upper Deck
Outdoor areas, sun deck, covered seating, smokers’ area
Deck 7
Main Passenger Deck
Restaurant, café, bar, shop, main lounge, information desk
Deck 6
Quiet Deck
Quiet lounge, cabins, accessible facilities, children’s area
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:
💺 Seating Options
200+ reclining airline-style seats
Footrests on most seats
Tables with 4-seat arrangements
Window seats with views
Power sockets throughout
USB charging points
🍽️ Food & Drink
7 Seas Restaurant (table service)
Lighthouse Café (self-service)
Horizon Restaurant (pizzas & pastas)
Beachy Head Bar (indoor/outdoor)
Vending machines
Children’s menu
🛍️ Shopping & Services
Duty-free shop (138m²)
Perfumes & cosmetics
Alcohol & tobacco
Souvenirs & gifts
Information desk
Customer service
🚻 Facilities
Multiple toilet blocks
Accessible toilets
Baby changing facilities
Free Wi-Fi
Panoramic windows
Air conditioning
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:
50 private en-suite cabins per ship (2-berth and 4-berth)
Cabin corridor runs length of deck
Lockable doors for security
Beds, en-suite bathroom, towels provided
See full cabin details in section below
CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA:
👨👩👧👦 Kids’ Area Features
✅ Soft play equipment for toddlers
✅ Board games and books
✅ Drawing materials
✅ Supervised during peak season
✅ Adjacent to family seating 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.
🍽️ 7 Seas Restaurant (Deck 7)
Location: Forward section of Deck 7
Style: Panoramic windows with spectacular sea views
Service: Table service with waitstaff
Payment: Card and cash accepted
MENU HIGHLIGHTS:
Category
Examples
Price Range
Starters
Soup, prawn cocktail, garlic bread
£4-7
Main Courses
Fish & chips, steak, chicken curry, pasta
£10-16
Children’s Menu
Potato burger, breaded hake, steak burger
£5-7
Desserts
Ice cream, chocolate cake, fruit salad
£4-6
Drinks
Tea, coffee, soft drinks, beer, wine
£2-5
TYPICAL MEAL COST:
Individual: £15-25 (main + drink)
Couple: £35-50 (2 mains + drinks)
Family of 4: £50-70 (4 meals + drinks)
OPENING HOURS:
Opens shortly after departure
Last orders 30 minutes before arrival
Peak times: 1-2 hours after departure
💡 Tip: The restaurant is first-come, first-served — no reservations. Arrive early after departure to avoid queues, or wait until 60-90 minutes into the crossing when it quiets down.
☕ Lighthouse Café (Deck 7)
Location: Mid-section of Deck 7
Service: Self-service counter
Payment: Card and cash accepted
MENU HIGHLIGHTS:
Hot Drinks: Coffee, tea, hot chocolate (£2.50-3.50)
Cold Drinks: Soft drinks, juices, water (£1.50-3)
Sandwiches & wraps: Pre-packaged and freshly made (£4-6)
Hot Food: Paninis, toasties, pasties (£4-7)
Snacks: Crisps, chocolate, pastries (£1.50-3)
Breakfast: Croissants, pain au chocolat, breakfast rolls (£3-5)
BEST FOR:
✅ Quick meals and snacks
✅ Budget travellers
✅ Breakfast on overnight ferry
✅ Coffee and cake breaks
🍕 Horizon Restaurant (Deck 7)
Service: Order and collect — place your order, then wait for your buzzer before collecting your freshly made food
Menu: Freshly made pizzas, pastas and salads
BEST FOR:
✅ Casual dining without full table service
✅ Pasta and pizza lovers
✅ Families wanting a relaxed meal
🍺 Beachy Head Bar (Deck 7)
Location: Aft (rear) section of Deck 7, with doors to outdoor deck
Style: Modern bar with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning sea views
Seating: Indoor and outdoor options
DRINKS MENU:
Beer: Draft lager, ales, cider (£4-5.50)
Wine: Red, white, rosé by glass or bottle (£5-25)
Spirits: Full range with mixers (£5-7)
Cocktails: Gin & tonic, mojito, etc. (£7-9)
Soft Drinks: Full range (£2-3)
Hot Drinks: Coffee, tea, hot chocolate (£2.50-3.50)
OPENING HOURS:
Opens after departure
Serves until 30 minutes before arrival
Overnight ferry: Open all night
🍷 Duty-Free Prices: Alcohol at the bar is NOT duty-free priced — you pay standard prices. For duty-free alcohol, visit the shop and take it away unopened.
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)
