Cherbourg Harbour La Rade
A ferry crossing to Cherbourg offers a unique, relaxed travel experience with onboard amenities and a touch of maritime history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, smoother boarding
Cherbourg Harbour La Rade
Best Time
Fewer crowds, smoother boarding
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A ferry crossing to Cherbourg offers a unique, relaxed travel experience with onboard amenities and a touch of maritime history.
"Great experience as usual. Customer service was top notch. Highly recommended specially for families with kids."
Bring Your Own Water! 💧
Onboard water is expensive (€3+). Pack your own to save money and stay hydrated.
Snack Smart 🍎
Many travelers bring their own food. Restaurants are available but can be pricey.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Onboard Amenities
Enjoy a relaxing journey with options like massages, a kids' play area, and even a nail salon.
Cherbourg Maritime Museum
Next to the dock
Explore fascinating exhibits, including a special Titanic display, for a dose of maritime history.
Cherbourg's Charming Port
Catch glimpses of a picturesque port area and a beautiful central square during your brief visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Pack Smart for Your Ferry Journey
Book Ahead for Smoother Travel
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Ferry to France
Bring Your Own Water! 💧
Onboard water is expensive (€3+). Pack your own to save money and stay hydrated.
Snack Smart 🍎
Many travelers bring their own food. Restaurants are available but can be pricey.
Rosslare vs Dublin port? Stena vs P&O?
Cabin Comforts 😴
Standard cabins are basic and can get warm. Consider earplugs for noise.
Family Fun Zone 🧸
Great for families with kids, featuring a dedicated play area.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Own Water! 💧
Onboard water is expensive (€3+). Pack your own to save money and stay hydrated.
Snack Smart 🍎
Many travelers bring their own food. Restaurants are available but can be pricey.
Cabin Comforts 😴
Standard cabins are basic and can get warm. Consider earplugs for noise.
Family Fun Zone 🧸
Great for families with kids, featuring a dedicated play area.
Relaxation Options 💅
Treat yourself to a massage or get your nails done onboard.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers generally have a positive experience on the Cherbourg ferry, highlighting excellent customer service and onboard amenities like a kids' area and relaxation options. While some find the cabins cramped and the journey choppy, many prefer it to flying and find it a relaxing way to travel, especially for families. The main drawbacks are the long waits for boarding/disembarking and the high cost of onboard food and drinks.
"First time using in years. Overall good experience. Long wait to board to go to France and to return to Ireland.
Trip over felt choppy during the night but I was probably nervous. Slept well on way back.
Few things I would do differently in future. Bring your own water with you! No water on board anywhere cheaper than €3! Small!
Lots of people brought there own food.
Both restaurants were fine €18 for Stroganoff or €16 for most other main courses, fish and chips for example.
All you can eat restaurant was €27 for anything you want or €20 I think for breakfast. Not sure either was worth it.
Standard cabins are very cramped and basic with essentially four bunk beds. It gets very warm at night in there as there is no air conditioning. The walls between cabins are also very thin so someone coughing all the time or snoring is hard to ignore if that kind of thing keeps you awake.
The wait to disembark can be annoying as well but it wouldn't put me off doing it again, I would prefer to stay longer next time as 17 hours travel + boarding and getting off essentially takes up almost a full day.
I still prefer it to flying. Wife was very nervous beforehand but afterwards said she found it relaxing. Got her nails done on board as well.
You can also get a massage and there was quite a big kids area."
kieran Kenneally
"Great experience as usual. Not my first trip via Stena Line. Customer service was top notch. We were welcomed with big smiles from all staff. I recommend it highly specially for families with kids. It's the most comfortable way for travelling."
Sana Shukri
"Great easy crossing to Poole. Highly recommended"
John Newport
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ferries operate from Rosslare to Cherbourg, primarily with Stena Line. The journey can take around 17 hours, so plan accordingly.
Stena Line is a popular choice for the Cherbourg to Rosslare route, often praised for customer service and family-friendliness.
The ferry journey from Rosslare to Cherbourg typically takes around 17 hours.
Yes, pets are generally allowed on ferries, but ensure you book pet-friendly accommodation and confirm arrangements in advance.
The harbour area itself is functional for ferry operations. The town of Cherbourg offers a charming port area and central square to explore.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary based on the season, type of cabin, and whether you're traveling with a vehicle or as a foot passenger. Booking in advance is recommended.
It's advisable to book your ferry tickets well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred sailing and potentially better prices.
Yes, standard cabins are available, typically with bunk beds. Some ferries may offer different classes or more spacious options.
Be prepared for potential long waits during boarding and disembarking. Arriving with ample time before your scheduled departure is crucial.
While possible, purchasing tickets in advance online is generally recommended to avoid disappointment and potential price increases.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Ferries offer various amenities including restaurants, cafes, shops, lounges, and entertainment options like massages and kids' play areas.
Yes, there are usually multiple dining options, including buffet-style restaurants and à la carte menus. Prices can be around €16-€27 per person.
The sea conditions can vary. Some journeys might feel choppy, especially at night, while others can be very relaxing.
Standard cabins are often described as cramped and basic, with bunk beds and limited air conditioning, and thin walls.
Information on Wi-Fi availability and cost can vary by ferry operator and route. It's best to check with the specific company.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the bustling port activity, the charming waterfront, and the distinctive architecture of the maritime buildings. The Maritime Museum offers unique photographic opportunities.
Absolutely! The sea views, onboard amenities, and the approach to Cherbourg provide plenty of photographic subjects.
The Maritime Museum, with its Titanic exhibit, is a key historical point. The town itself boasts a beautiful central square and charming port area.
Early morning or late afternoon light can offer beautiful golden hour shots of the harbour and town.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. Be mindful of private areas or specific exhibits within the Maritime Museum.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Ferry Experience
Onboard, you'll find a range of amenities designed to make the journey more comfortable. Options include dining at restaurants (with main courses around €16-€18 and all-you-can-eat options at higher prices), getting a massage, or utilizing the kids' play area, making it a popular choice for families.
Exploring Cherbourg's Maritime Heritage
A must-visit, especially for history buffs, is the Maritime Museum located conveniently next to the dock. This museum is particularly noted for its Titanic exhibit, offering a fascinating look into the ship's connection with Cherbourg.
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