Family Travel: Newhaven to Dieppe Ferry with Children

Family-Friendly Facilities Onboard

Both ferries (Côte d’Albâtre and Seven Sisters) have excellent facilities specifically for families with children.

💡 Parent Tip: The play area is incredibly popular, especially in the first 30 minutes after boarding. If your children are keen to use the games, head there immediately after boarding to avoid queues. The play area can occupy kids for 1-2 hours of the 4-hour crossing!

BABY CHANGING ROOMS AVAILABLE ON:

• Deck 6 (near children’s play area)
• Deck 7 (near main toilets)
• Accessible toilets also have baby changing

FACILITIES IN EACH:

• Fold-down changing table
• Nappy disposal bins
• Hand washing sink
• Paper towels
• Clean and maintained regularly

MICROWAVE ACCESS:

• Microwaves available near baby changing areas
• For heating baby bottles and food
• FREE to use
• Typically takes 30-60 seconds to heat a bottle
• Bring own bottles/food — nothing provided

IMPORTANT: No hot water taps for making formula. Bring pre-made bottles or bring powder + cooled boiled water from home to mix onboard.

DECK 7 (MAIN LOUNGE):

• Designated family seating sections
• Tables suitable for family activities
• Space to park pushchairs/prams nearby
• Near accessible toilets and baby changing
• Atmosphere accepting of children

DECK 6 (QUIET LOUNGE):

• Reclining seats with more space
• Good for naptime
• Near children’s play area
• Quieter environment if kids need rest

PUSHCHAIR/PRAM STORAGE:

• Can bring pushchairs onboard
• Fold and store under/near seats
• OR leave in designated storage area
• Security staff keep eye on stored items

RESTAURANT (DECK 7):

Children’s Menu (DFDS-confirmed items):

• Potato burger
• Breaded hake portion
• Steak burger
• All include a 33cl bottle of water and a dessert (yoghurt, apple compote, cheese or ice cream)
• Every child’s meal comes with a special kid’s pack!

Portions: Child-sized, suitable for younger children

Service: Table service, 10-15 minute wait typical. Check with restaurant staff for current prices when you board.

SELF-SERVICE CAFÉ:

• Sandwiches: £4-5 (can share with child)
• Crisps, chocolate: £1-2
• Fruit pots: £2
• Drinks: £1.50-3
• Faster than restaurant

BRING YOUR OWN FOOD:

• Completely allowed and common
• Microwaves available (heat baby food)
• Can eat at any seating area
• Saves money for families

See our complete packing guide for family food suggestions.

4-Berth Family Cabins

Highly recommended for families, especially the overnight ferry or families with young children.

CABIN FEATURES:

WHY BOOK CABIN FOR FAMILY:

• Privacy – Kids can be loud without bothering others
• Rest space – Kids can nap in comfort (especially overnight ferry)
• Security – Lock valuables safely
• Changing area – Private space for nappy changes, clothing changes
• Excitement – Kids love the adventure of “sleeping on the ferry”
• Stress reduction – Parents can relax in private space

PRICING & BOOKING:

• Cabins start from £32 (in addition to your ferry fare)
• Add cabin when booking ferry online
• OR call: +44 33 058 787 87
• Popular in summer — book 8-12 weeks ahead
• State you need a family cabin for 4

OVERNIGHT FERRY (23:00 departure): 4-berth cabin HIGHLY recommended. Kids can sleep properly — arrive in Dieppe at 05:00 French time — parents get rest, and it makes the journey much easier than trying to sleep in lounge seats.

Ages & Fares

Understanding how pricing works for different age children.

AGE CATEGORIES:

EXAMPLE FAMILY COSTS (FOOT PASSENGERS):

Note: If travelling by car, DFDS prices the vehicle booking to include all passengers — you don’t pay separate adult/child fares on top of the car ticket. The examples below are for foot passengers, where individual fares apply.

Family: 2 adults + 1 toddler (age 2) + 1 child (age 7) — as foot passengers

💰 Family Savings Tip: Children under 4 travel free, so if planning a France trip with young children, going before they turn 4 saves one fare entirely. Also, book 12+ weeks ahead and travel off-peak for massive savings. If travelling by car, the car booking covers all passengers — great value for families. See our discounts guide.