You’ve packed the snacks, charged the devices and squeezed the entire family’s luggage into two cabin-sized suitcases. Welcome to the frazzled start of your holiday. Thankfully, there is an alternative.
Travelling by ferry is the perfect antidote for families looking to skip the stress of cramped plane seats, excess baggage charges and bored children. With a Brittany Ferries holiday to France or Spain, the adventure begins the moment you step or drive on board.
Keeping small children entertained is a breeze with kids’ play areas and live entertainment, while the teens will thank you for access to the onboard cinema and video games room*.
The best part? You can pack everything you need in your own car (even bikes!) and everyone will be too entertained to start asking: “Are we nearly there yet?” Here are 10 ways to really take the stress out of your next family holiday.
1 Hit the shops
Forgot to pack the colouring pens and sticker books? Get through mealtimes without the moaning by stocking up on activities to stave off boredom, with small toys, puzzle books and magazines (plus emergency chocolate) available at Brittany Ferries’ onboard shops. There’s something for the grownups too, with duty free savings of up to 40% on perfumes, skincare and a large range of wines, spirits and Champagne.
2 Switch up screentime
If you peaked too soon and reached for the devices the minute you got in the car, a drained battery on the kids’ tablet doesn’t have to mean disaster. Ditch the headphones and enjoy some family screen time together at one of Brittany Ferries onboard cinemas. With comfy seating, surround sound and the newest film releases, all you need to do is grab the popcorn. Check which crossings carry a cinema here.
3 Pack your swimsuit
Don’t wait until you get to France or Spain to take a dip, keep your swimsuits handy and you can start the holiday before you arrive. Open from May to September (weather dependent), the epic indoor pool on Brittany Ferries’ flagship Pont-Aven means you can take a swim, sip a drink at the pool bar or grab a lounger and enjoy the perks of cruising without the crowds.
4 Take in a show
Oh yes you can! Summer feels like panto season when you travel with Brittany Ferries, as the busiest crossings carry live shows and gameshows. From magic shows to children’s performers, head to the information desk to find out what entertainment is happening on your crossing. And if you’re settling in on one of the longer routes, swing into the holiday vibe early with DJ sets and tribute bands.
5 Fill up the car
If you’ve ever attempted to squeeze the kitchen sink in your hand luggage you’ll know the concept of packing lightly doesn’t exist when travelling as a family. One top tip is giving the children a backpack they can each carry themselves, complete with snacks, books and games to pass the time. Better still, avoid airports, trains and rental car chaos and travel by ferry instead – that way, your only luggage limit is what you can fit in the car. After all, two teddies are almost always better than one.
6 Take a nap
Nothing like a missed nap time to trigger tantrums, tiredness and disrupted routines – and that’s just the parents. Arrive at your destination fully refreshed by booking an ensuite cabin on board. Ideal as a base on daytime crossings for baby-changing and downtime, or for bringing all the excitement of an at-sea sleepover with bunk beds for the children for overnight trips.
7 Let them roam
There’s nothing worse than little ones being stuck in seatbelts for hours on end, but travelling by ferry means they can run free. Blow off the cobwebs out on deck or head to the dedicated play areas where kids can play, make friends and really enjoy the first leg of their holiday.
8 Skip the sandwiches
Since you’ve spent the last few days packing everything else, take a day off from making packed lunches and make a beeline for the onboard restaurants, with an enticing array of dining options. Whether self-service or a la carte, crucially there’s a tip-top children’s menu (ice-cream obligatory) for under-12s that comes with a goodie bag to keep them busy between courses.
9 Have a virtual adventure
For hard-to-please teens, a trip to the video games room will earn you bonus parenting points, especially if you square up for an air hockey session. For the younger ones (aged seven-13), download the Ferrynauts app and allow virtual heroes Molly, Louis and Sofia to immerse you in a world of marine biology, engineering and travel blogging via an onboard virtual treasure hunt to explore the ferry. Back in the real world, keep your eyes peeled for onboard mascot Pierre Le Bear.
10 Take a moment
It’s your holiday too, and if you can carve out an hour to yourself, it’s worth slipping away for some downtime at the onboard wellness rooms and spa. With sea-inspired skincare treatments and bespoke zen therapies onboard Galicia, Salamanca, Santona and Saint-Malo, and the spa on Pont-Aven, it’s easier than ever to switch off and recharge.
But wherever you’re going, travelling with Brittany Ferries isn’t just about the journey. With combined sailing and accommodation packages for all of its destinations, you can book your family holiday – with expert choices from camping in Brittany to luxe hotels in Asturias – all in one place.
Taking the stress out of booking and arriving in style? Go on, you deserve it.
*Available on selected Brittany Ferries ships
