Ferries for mobility, hearing or visually impaired or disabled people
Ferry is a great way to travel to Britain. You can travel to any one of Britain's 16 ferry ports from Ireland, Spain, Belgium, France, Holland, Demark and Norway. Standards of accessibility are constantly improving across Britain's ports.
For maps and service information about ferries to Britain, visit our Ferries page.
Assistance
Before booking your journey, check with the ferry company, cruise operator or travel agent that they will be able to help with any requirements you have (e.g. check if there are ramps, lifts and accessible toilets). Most ferry companies require passengers with particular mobility, hearing, visual or disabled needs to be accompanied by an able-bodied companion.
If you speak to a member of ferry staff at the port you are leaving from, they should be able to assist you onto the ferry, and arrange for you to be assisted off the ferry at your destination.
Access
If a ferry has more than 1 deck, it should have at least 1 lift that's accessible to wheelchair users. All corridors and passageways on ferries should also be wide enough for wheelchair users to pass through.
If toilets are provided on a deck of the ferry, there should be at least 1 toilet that's accessible to wheelchair users, including wheelchair users who may require an attendant.
These services may not be provided on all ferries. If you have a physical disability you may not be able to access all areas of the ferry, so ask the ferry company about accessibility before you travel.
Onboard facilities
Most ferries have accessible toilets, lifts, sun decks, restaurants or cafés and shops. However, some ferry companies will offer fewer facilities, and some more. Large ferries may have swimming pools, kids clubs, a variety of restaurants, casinos and cinemas.
Check with your ferry company before you travel to find out what onboard facilities your ferry will have.
Transport from the port
Most of Britain's ferry ports have excellent transport connections, and you're sure to find a taxi rank, bus or train station nearby. These may not always be accessible, but if you ask a member of ferry or port staff at your destination, they should be able to help you.