Ferry with kids: day and night crossings
For children, a ferry is an adventure in itself: the sea, the deck, the horn. A few hours or a whole night on board go best when you know what to pack and where to sit.
Day crossing or night ferry
- Day crossings of a few hours: book seats, ideally near a window and the play area if there is one.
- Night ferries: a cabin is worth it with children. A familiar bedtime routine and a night's sleep mean you arrive rested.
- Driving on board: you usually can't go back to the car during the crossing, so pack a separate bag for the ship.
The ship bag
- Snacks and drinks for the whole crossing
- Warm layers and a hat: decks are windy even in summer
- Activities for the table or the cabin
- For night ferries: pyjamas, toothbrushes, the comfort toy, a night light
- Wipes, a change of clothes and plastic bags
Seasickness
Children from about two to twelve are the most likely to feel sick on a moving boat. Movement is smallest in the middle of the ship and on the lower decks. Fresh air on deck, looking at the horizon, small light snacks and staying away from screens and books all help.
Ask a pharmacist about remedies before the trip. Many aren't suitable for young children, and most work best taken before you sail.
On board
- Start with a walk on deck: the harbour, the gulls, the wake behind the ship.
- Then something quiet: a sticker book, small figures, a game of cards.
- Hold small hands on deck and on stairs. Ships move, and railings are made for adults.
- Agree a meeting point with older children, in case you get separated.
Quick answers
Do babies get seasick?
Babies under two rarely do. Children from about two to twelve are more likely to. If your child gets carsick, prepare for the ferry the same way.
Is a cabin worth it on a night ferry with kids?
Usually yes. Children sleep much better in a bed than in a reclining seat, and you arrive ready for the drive or the day.
What do kids do on a ferry?
Watch the sea from the deck, explore the ship, eat, play in the play area if there is one, and quiet activities at the table or in the cabin.
Want it ready-made?
A box of quiet activities for their age is ideal for the cabin or a table on board. From €59, packed by hand for your child's age and delivered before you go.
Build their box