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 cabins, comfortable reclining seats, free Wi-Fi, and full accessibility features.

Last updated: December 2025

Newhaven to Dieppe Ferry Ships and Onboard Facilities Guide

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🚢 Ships Overview

2 Ships

Côte d’Albâtre &
Seven Sisters

8 Decks

Passenger Decks
6, 7 & 8

350+ Seats

Comfortable
Reclining Seating

60+ Cabins

2-Berth &
4-Berth Options

✅ 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 offer similar high-quality facilities and passenger experience.

Ship Specifications

Built	1987 (refurbished 2014, 2019)
Length	164 meters (538 feet)
Gross Tonnage	19,763 tons
Passenger Capacity	Up to 650 passengers
Vehicle Capacity	140 cars or 40 freight vehicles
Maximum Speed	19 knots (22 mph / 35 km/h)
Number of Decks	8 decks (3 passenger decks: 6, 7, 8)
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.

Recent Upgrades:

2019 – Complete interior refurbishment of passenger lounges
2019 – New restaurant seating and kitchen equipment
2019 – Enhanced accessibility features
2019 – Upgraded Wi-Fi system
2018 – New cabin furniture and bedding

Ship Specifications

Built	1981 (extensively refurbished 2016, 2021)
Length	165 meters (541 feet)
Gross Tonnage	20,133 tons
Passenger Capacity	Up to 700 passengers
Vehicle Capacity	150 cars or 42 freight vehicles
Maximum Speed	19 knots (22 mph / 35 km/h)
Number of Decks	8 decks (3 passenger decks: 6, 7, 8)
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.

Recent Upgrades:

2021 – Major engine overhaul for improved fuel efficiency
2021 – Complete bar area redesign
2020 – Enhanced children’s play area
2020 – New cabin carpets and paintwork
2019 – Upgraded accessibility throughout

💡 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

Decks 4-5

Vehicle Decks

Cars, freight, foot passenger baggage storage, kennels

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

Full-service restaurant (50 seats)
Self-service café & counter
Bar with indoor/outdoor seating
Vending machines
Microwaves available
Children’s menu

🛍️ Shopping & Services

Duty-free shop
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:

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:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kids’ Area Features

✅ Soft play equipment for toddlers
✅ Video games consoles (PS5, Xbox)
✅ 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)

Newhaven to Dieppe Ferry Ships Restaurants

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

🍽️ The Seven Seas Restaurant (Deck 7)

Location: Forward section of Deck 7

Seating: Approximately 50 covers

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	Chicken nuggets, fish fingers, pasta	£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

💡 Booking 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. Peak lunch/dinner times (12:00-13:30 or 18:00-19:30) are busiest.

☕ Channel 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: 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)

ADVANTAGES OVER RESTAURANT:

✅ Faster service – grab and go
✅ Cheaper prices
✅ No waiting for table
✅ Can take food to any seating area
✅ Open continuously

BEST FOR:

✅ Quick meals and snacks
✅ Budget travelers
✅ Breakfast on overnight ferry
✅ Coffee and cake breaks

🍺 The White Cliffs Bar (Deck 7)

Location: Aft (rear) section of Deck 7, with doors to outdoor deck

Style: Modern bar with panoramic windows

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)

BAR SNACKS:

Crisps and nuts (£1.50-2.50)
Pork scratching and pretzels (£2-3)
Olives and cheese (£3-4)

OPENING HOURS:

Opens after departure
Serves until 30 minutes before arrival
Overnight ferry: Open all night

ATMOSPHERE:
The bar has a relaxed, cruise-like atmosphere with panoramic sea views. The outdoor area (weather permitting) is particularly pleasant on calm evenings. Popular with couples and groups enjoying a drink during the crossing.

🍷 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)