Whether by air, rail or sea, we’re always interested in exploring new journeys, so when we recently took a trip to France, I was excited to see what a sleeper ferry would be like. For travellers looking for a comfortable and convenient way to travel between the UK and France, the Portsmouth Cherbourg ferry operated by Brittany Ferries offers a surprisingly relaxing alternative to flying. We recently experienced the overnight crossing and found it to be an easy, family-friendly journey that transforms travel time into part of the holiday itself.
We review the overnight ferry crossing from Portsmouth to Cherbourg with Brittany Ferries
Ferry Snapshot
Route: Portsmouth to Cherbourg
Operator: Brittany Ferries
Crossing time: Approximately 8 hours overnight
Ships: Typically operated by Santoña, Salamanca or Galicia, depending on the sailing date.
Cabin type reviewed: Standard 4-berth inside cabin
Cabin facilities: En-suite bathroom with shower and toilet, pull-down bunk beds, UK and European power sockets, USB charging points, air conditioning and comfortable bedding.
Onboard facilities: Restaurants, café, bars, duty-free shopping, outdoor decks, children’s play areas, lounges and onboard entertainment. The newer vessels also feature boutiques, sundecks and video-on-demand systems.
Embarkation: Online check-in is available before arrival, but passengers are still required to check-in at the terminal for passport checking and to receive boarding passes. Passengers proceed through terminal security before boarding via shuttle bus or gangway, depending on the sailing. Cabin key cards are integrated into boarding passes.
Best for: Road trips through France, families, pet owners and anyone wanting to avoid airports.
Highlights: Comfortable overnight cabins, relaxed boarding process, impressive onboard facilities and the convenience of waking up in France.
Good to know: Overnight sailings generally require accommodation, either a cabin or reserved seating, making it easier to arrive rested for the onward journey.
Prices starting from: Varies by season, vehicle type and cabin selection, but foot passengers start from £34 one way for the journey, £10 for reserved seating, and £85 for a four-berth cabin.
Booking tickets online
For this trip, we were travelling with some older family members as a group of four. I found the website to be simple to navigate to book our tickets. We booked about one month in advance, and the cost for each passenger was just £34, which I thought was surprisingly cheap for an eight-hour journey.
For these overnight journeys, accommodation is compulsory, and travellers have the options of booking either reserved seating (from just £10) or a variety of cabins. We opted for the 4 Berth Inside Cabin (£85), which slept four people and included an ensuite bathroom and TV. For those travelling as a couple and looking for something a little more fancy, the spacious Commodore Suite Cabin (starting from £157) features a double bed, an outside deck, and a continental breakfast served to your room.
Check-in and boarding
The check-in desk at the Portsmouth terminal
An email reminder asked us to check in online a few days ahead of our journey. On arrival at Portsmouth International Port, we went to the Brittany Ferries’ desk and the team checked our passports and issued our boarding cards, which doubled as key cards for the cabin. Unlike at the airport, passengers travelling by foot are only expected to arrive 60 minutes ahead of departure, meaning less time wasted sitting around.
The terminal itself feels more industrial than modern airport offerings, but it has useful facilities, including a café, massage chairs, a sky garden, and shops, making it a pleasant place to wait before departure.
My boarding card/room key
After breezing through security, we were transported to the ship by bus, where we were met by a member of the team who showed us to the lift.
What I found interesting was how few people were taking the journey without a vehicle. Only about 10 passengers were travelling on foot for our journey, with the vast majority taking campers, cars or motorbikes.
The ship
The ship we were sailing on was named Salamanca, and the interiors are inspired by the Spanish city itself.
In terms of sustainability, the ship is powered by cleaner LNG (liquefied natural gas), which emits virtually no sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide or particulate emissions, following combustion.
Our sailing was set to depart at 22:30, and we were away exactly on time. In terms of wi-fi, all passengers get one hour of free access, and then there is a selection of packages available, starting from £3.50. Because we were sleeping for most of the journey, I only used my free hour on the morning we arrived.
Dining on board
The bar area on board
One of the highlights of the Portsmouth Cherbourg ferry crossing is the range of dining options available, all located on Deck 7. There are two restaurants, a bar, and live entertainment throughout the evening.
We enjoyed a glass of wine and the buzzing atmosphere created by live music in the bar area before heading to bed. Passengers should note that the main restaurant closes approximately 30 minutes after departure, around 10.30 pm on our sailing, so it’s worth planning accordingly if you haven’t eaten.
The following morning, breakfast is available in two formats: a full buffet breakfast at Azul Restaurant, or a quicker express breakfast option at La Taberna and the bar. We grabbed a coffee and croissant at La Taberna and had a lovely window seat offering a great view as we came into port.
Cabin experience
We were surprised at how comfortable our four-berth cabin with folding beds was
We stayed in Cabin 704, a four-berth inside cabin designed to maximise space. The beds fold down from the walls, while the upper bunks are accessed via a sturdy ladder. We youngies took the top bunks, and I was surprised at how comfy the beds were. Each bunk had its own reading light, and there were plenty of both UK and European power sockets, plus some USB charging ports.
The cabin featured an ensuite that included a shower, toilet and sink, plus there was a TV and some space for suitcases and hanging clothes. One thing that made me laugh was the painting of a window, hung where the real thing should have been.
Despite its compact footprint, the cabin felt practical and well-equipped for an overnight crossing. In terms of sleep, it took a little bit for me to drift off because of the gentle rocking, but once I did, I was out until the next morning. Around an hour before landing a soothing chime melody was coming through the speakers, and we all thought it was someone’s phone alarm until we realised it was the sign to wake up.
Entertainment and Facilities
On Deck 10, a striking mural decorates the outdoor seating area
Brittany Ferries has clearly invested in making the overnight crossing enjoyable for passengers of all ages.
On board facilities include:
- Duty-free shopping, including alcohol, perfume, clothing, jewellery, and a selection of French foods
- A dedicated wellness room, offering massages and facials
- Live music in the bar
- A cinema (The Devil Wears Prada 2 was screening during our crossing)
- Family-friendly lounges
- Extensive children’s play areas
Families are particularly well catered for, with numerous indoor and outdoor spaces designed specifically for younger travellers.
Deck 10 is one of the standout areas of the ship. Here you’ll find an open-air gym, an outdoor children’s play space, comfortable seating areas, and an eye-catching mural that creates a vibrant backdrop for enjoying the sea views.
Arrival in Cherbourg
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the overnight sailing is waking up refreshed as France comes into view. We were set to arrive in Cherbourg at 7 am, and we actually got in a little before that.
Over an announcement, foot passengers are asked to meet on Deck 7 before being escorted to the bus that transports us to the port, where we go through what seems to me at least as the world’s tiniest immigration. Though tiny, it was super efficient, and we were all through and ready to go in about twenty minutes from ship to exit.
Frequently asked questions: Portsmouth to Cherbourg overnight ferry with Brittany Ferries
Most overnight sailings take around eight hours, allowing passengers to board in the evening and arrive in France the following morning.
Absolutely. An overnight crossing is far more comfortable with a private cabin where you can sleep, shower and arrive refreshed.
Standard cabins are compact but well designed, featuring bunk-style beds, an en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, power sockets and storage space. Families can book four-berth cabins, while upgraded cabin categories offer additional amenities.
Yes. Brittany Ferries welcomes foot passengers on the Portsmouth to Cherbourg route, making it a convenient option for those travelling without a car.
Passengers can enjoy restaurants, cafés, bars, duty-free shopping, outdoor decks, children’s play areas and comfortable lounges.
Brittany Ferries recommends arriving at least 45 minutes before departure, although many travellers prefer to allow additional time, particularly during busy holiday periods.
Yes. The route is particularly popular with motorists heading to Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley. Driving off the ferry in Cherbourg allows easy access to France’s motorway network.
Yes. Restaurants, cafés and bars are available onboard, serving everything from light snacks to full meals and breakfast before arrival.
Very much so. Families benefit from spacious cabins, children’s play areas, onboard entertainment and the convenience of travelling with their own vehicle.
For travellers taking a car, bicycles, pets or significant luggage, the ferry offers a more relaxed and flexible travel experience. It also eliminates airport security queues and baggage restrictions.
Cherbourg is a historic Norman port city with a marina, old fishing quarter, museums and easy access to Normandy’s beaches, countryside and historic sites. There’s a bustling Saturday food market plus loads of restaurants serving local delicacies, including seafood, cheeses, and wines.
Late spring through early autumn offers the warmest weather and the widest choice of onward destinations, although the route operates year-round and can be a comfortable way to travel in any season.
For anyone considering the Portsmouth Cherbourg ferry, Brittany Ferries delivers a comfortable and stress-free crossing that feels more like the start of a holiday than simply a means of transport. Comfortable cabins, varied dining options, family-friendly facilities, and plenty of entertainment make the overnight service an appealing alternative to flying.
Final verdict
If you’re looking for an affordable and comfortable way to get from Portsmouth to Cherbourg, then the overnight sailing with Brittany Ferries is a great option. I was surprised at how modern the experience was and the different facilities available on board. Whether you’re travelling on foot or with a vehicle, this is a wonderful option.
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