Newhaven to Dieppe Ferry: Complete Packing Checklist

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🚨 CRITICAL ITEMS – Do Not Forget!

1. VALID PASSPORT (for every passenger)

• Must be passport BOOK (not card)
• Valid for entire trip duration
• Babies and children each need their own passport — children are no longer included on parents’ passports
• Check expiry date 8 weeks before travel
• Children under 16 cannot travel unaccompanied. Passengers aged 16-17 travelling alone require a parental consent letter.

2. BOOKING CONFIRMATION

• Booking reference number
• Can be on phone OR printed
• Screenshot recommended as backup
• Contains passenger names, vehicle details, sailing time

3. VEHICLE DOCUMENTS (if travelling with vehicle)

• V5C registration document (logbook)
• Insurance documents
• Hire car papers if rental
• MOT certificate (advisable)

4. PET DOCUMENTS (if travelling with pet)

• Pet passport or Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
• Microchip documentation
• Rabies vaccination certificate
• Tapeworm treatment certificate (dogs only, 1-5 days before travel)

5. PHONE & CHARGER

• Mobile phone for booking confirmation
• UK 3-pin charger (power sockets onboard) or USB-C cable (USB-C sockets at every lounge seat)
• Portable battery pack (optional backup)

6. MONEY

• Credit/debit cards (widely accepted onboard)
• €20-50 cash (euros for France — no ATM or currency exchange onboard)
• £10-20 cash (UK pounds for emergencies)

⚠️ Critical Reminder: Without valid passports and booking confirmation, you WILL be refused boarding with no refund. Double-check these items the night before travel. Put all essential documents in one easily accessible place (not buried in suitcase). See our complete check-in guide for document requirements.

💡 Money-Saving Tip: Bringing your own food and entertainment can save £15-25 per person. Restaurant meals cost £10-16, drinks £2-5, snacks £2-4. A packed lunch, water bottle, and downloaded content cost nothing extra and work just as well. Wi-Fi is free but too slow for streaming.

☀️ Summer Essentials

PACK:

• ✓ Light jacket – Air conditioning cold indoors, wind on deck
• ✓ Sunglasses – Bright sun reflecting off sea
• ✓ Sun cream – If spending time on outdoor deck
• ✓ Hat – Sun protection on Deck 8
• ✓ Sunglasses case – Don’t lose them!
• ✓ Light clothing layers – T-shirt + hoodie combo

EXPECT:

• Indoor temperature: 20-22°C (comfortable)
• Outdoor deck: Can be 18-25°C but windy
• English Channel wind: Always cooler than land
• Sunshine makes outdoor deck popular

TIP: Even on the warmest summer day, bring a jacket. The wind on the English Channel makes it feel 5-10°C cooler, especially at sea speed. Indoor areas are air-conditioned and can feel cold after an hour.

❄️ Winter Essentials

PACK:

• ✓ Warm coat – Essential for outdoor deck
• ✓ Scarf & gloves – If you want to go outside
• ✓ Warm layers – Fleece or jumper
• ✓ Closed shoes – Boots or trainers (not sandals)
• ✓ Thermal base layer – Overnight ferry especially
• ✓ Blanket/shawl – Extra warmth for resting

EXPECT:

• Indoor temperature: 22-24°C (heated, comfortable)
• Outdoor deck: 2-10°C with significant wind chill
• Rain possible – outdoor deck wet and unpleasant
• Most passengers stay inside in winter

TIP: Winter crossings are cosy indoors but brutal outside. The heating works well inside, so dress in layers you can remove. Outdoor deck is only pleasant in calm, dry weather. Bring entertainment as you’ll likely stay inside the entire crossing.

🌙 Overnight Crossing Essentials

HIGHLY RECOMMEND BOOKING CABIN (from £32)
See our prices page for cabin costs.

Note: The overnight ferry departs at 23:00 and arrives at approximately 04:00 UK time (05:00 French time).

IF BOOKING CABIN, PACK:

• ✓ Toothbrush & toothpaste – Small travel size
• ✓ Face wash/wipes – Freshen up (shower gel and towels provided in cabin)
• ✓ Change of clothes – Feel fresh on arrival
• ✓ Eye mask – Block out light
• ✓ Earplugs – Cabin walls thin
• ✓ Phone alarm – Wake up before arrival (or request wake-up call from reception)
• ✓ Slippers/socks – Cabin comfort

IF SLEEPING IN LOUNGE SEAT:

• ✓ Travel blanket or large scarf – Extra warmth
• ✓ Travel pillow – Neck support essential
• ✓ Eye mask & earplugs – Light and noise
• ✓ Comfortable clothes – Tracksuit or joggers
• ✓ Valuables in secure bag – Keep close

TIP: Overnight ferry without cabin is manageable but uncomfortable. Reclining seats are okay but you won’t sleep deeply. If budget allows, book a cabin — prices start from £32 and the cost is worth it for actual sleep and security. See our ships guide for cabin details.

🚫 Prohibited Items

SECURITY WILL CONFISCATE:

• ✗ Liquids over 100ml – Must be in containers of 100ml or less in a clear plastic bag. Water bottles must be empty through security.
• ✗ Sharp objects – Scissors, knives, razors (loose)
• ✗ Weapons – Anything that could be weapon-like
• ✗ Pepper spray – Not permitted
• ✗ Fireworks or explosives – Forbidden
• ✗ Flammable liquids – Petrol, lighter fluid (over 100ml)

WILL BE CONFISCATED AT SECURITY: If you bring prohibited items, you’ll have to discard them at the security checkpoint. Save hassle and leave them at home.

⚠️ Unnecessary Items (Don’t Waste Space)

LEAVE AT HOME:

• ✗ Excessive luggage – 4-hour crossing, not a week away
• ✗ Heavy books – Carry weight, use e-reader
• ✗ Large toiletries – Not needed for 4 hours; cabins provide shower gel and towels
• ✗ Food that smells strongly – Inconsiderate to other passengers
• ✗ Valuable jewellery – Risk of loss/theft
• ✗ Formal clothing – Ferry is a casual environment
• ✗ Hotel confirmation – Not checked at ferry

💡 Packing Philosophy: For a 4-hour ferry crossing, think “afternoon trip” not “expedition.” You need: documents, phone, layers, entertainment, maybe snacks. That’s it. Many first-time ferry passengers over-pack dramatically. Keep it simple!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Packing List

ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR CHILDREN:

• ✓ Snacks & drinks – Kids get hungry, ferry food expensive
• ✓ Entertainment – Tablet with downloaded shows, colouring books, toys
• ✓ Spare clothes – For inevitable spills
• ✓ Baby wipes – Multiple uses
• ✓ Nappies & changing mat – Baby changing facilities available onboard
• ✓ Baby formula/milk – Pre-made bottles
• ✓ Blanket – For napping
• ✓ Dummy/comfort item – Anything they need
• ✓ Plastic bags – For rubbish/dirty items
• ✓ Small first aid kit – Plasters, paracetamol

ONBOARD FOR FAMILIES:

• Children’s play area on Deck 6 (soft play, games)
• Children’s menu in restaurant (£5-7)
• Baby changing facilities available onboard
• Family seating areas
• Microwaves available (heat baby food)

TIP: Consider booking a cabin for the overnight ferry — children love bunk beds and it makes the journey much easier. Give children responsibility for their own small backpack with toys/snacks.

👣 Foot Passenger Considerations

KEY DIFFERENCE: You carry everything with you on board. Pack light!

LUGGAGE RULES:

• Large luggage (bigger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm) must be left in dedicated baggage storage trolleys in the terminal — loaded onto the vessel but not accessible during the crossing
• Hand luggage taken on board is limited to 1 piece per person
• No official weight limit, but you must be able to manage your bags yourself

RECOMMENDED:

• ✓ Wheeled luggage – Essential for ease
• ✓ Comfortable backpack – Your 1 piece of hand luggage for crossing essentials
• ✓ Crossbody bag – Keep valuables close
• ✓ Good shoes – Walking to/from stations

WHAT TO KEEP IN YOUR HAND LUGGAGE:

• Phone, charger, wallet
• Entertainment (book/tablet)
• Snacks and water
• Jacket/layers
• Medications
• Anything you need during the 4-hour crossing

See our complete foot passenger guide for full details on luggage handling.

🐕 Pet Travel Packing List

ESSENTIAL PET DOCUMENTS:

• ✓ Pet passport (or Animal Health Certificate — AHC)
• ✓ Microchip documentation
• ✓ Rabies vaccination certificate
• ✓ Tapeworm treatment certificate (dogs only, 1-5 days before travel)

PET COMFORT ITEMS:

• ✓ Lead & collar (must be on lead at all times)
• ✓ Water bowl & bottle of water
• ✓ Pet food & treats
• ✓ Blanket or bedding (if using kennel — bring your own, not supplied)
• ✓ Waste bags – For toilet breaks
• ✓ Favourite toy – Comfort item
• ✓ Pet carrier – For small pets

ONBOARD OPTIONS:

• Option 1: Pet stays in your vehicle (vehicle passengers only) — fee £20 per pet, per way
• Option 2: Pre-booked kennels on vehicle deck (dogs only, foot passengers) — £30 per kennel, per way. Bring your own bedding.
• Option 3: Pet-friendly cabin — cabin price (from £32) plus £20 per pet, per way supplement

For complete pet travel requirements, see our dedicated pet travel guide.