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 first 30 minutes after boarding. If your children are keen to use consoles, head there immediately after boarding to avoid queues. Soft play for toddlers usually less crowded. 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 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 Available:

• Chicken nuggets & chips: £5
• Fish fingers & chips: £5
• Pasta with tomato sauce: £6
• Cheese & tomato pizza: £6
• Mac & cheese: £5.50
• All include drink (squash/juice)

Portions: Child-sized, suitable for ages 4-12

Service: Table service, 10-15 minute wait typical

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 (family of 4 = £25+ saved)

See our complete packing guide for family food suggestions.

4-Berth Family Cabins

Highly recommended for families, especially 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 adventure of “sleeping on ferry”
• Stress reduction – Parents can relax in private space

BOOKING:

• Add cabin when booking ferry online
• OR call: +44 33 058 787 87
• Popular in summer – book 8-12 weeks ahead
• State you need 4-berth family cabin

OVERNIGHT FERRY (23:00 departure): 4-berth cabin HIGHLY recommended. Kids can sleep properly (arrive 04:00), parents get rest, makes 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:

Family: 2 adults + 1 toddler (age 2) + 1 child (age 7)

💰 Family Savings Tip: Infants 0-3 travel free, so if planning France trip with young children, going before they turn 4 saves one full adult fare (£30-70 depending on season). Also, book 12+ weeks ahead and travel off-peak for massive savings (60%+). See our discounts guide.