Brittany Ferries can genuinely ‘shine’ onboard – but only if you pick the right setup for your sailing. This guide helps you choose between (1) a seat, lounge or cabin on a day crossing, (2) the best cabin type for an overnight sailing, and (3) upgrades (lounges, food options, pre-book dining) that actually add value.
We’ve sailed with Brittany Ferries a few times now, including a daytime crossing on Saint-Malo and an overnight sailing on another trip. Same operator, very different rhythm, and very different ‘best choices’ for cabins, seats and ticket types.
If you want the full trip feel, these are our two crossing reports:
- Portsmouth ⇄ Cherbourg on Santoña (our experience)
- Saint-Malo ⇄ Portsmouth (our experience + visuals)
Quick navigation
- Quick picks per route (fastest ‘what should I book?’)
- Decision tree: day vs night (free seating, lounge or cabin?)
- Accommodation overview (official Brittany Ferries page)
- Cabin types (what’s in the cabin + pros/cons)
- Is a cabin worth it on a daytime crossing?
- Ticket types: Standard vs Flexi (real-world logic)
- Upgrades worth paying for
- Food & drink: when pre-booking saves money
- Family of 5: what can you book?
- Ship-based accommodation cheat sheet
- Booking checklist
- FAQ
Quick picks per route – what most people should book
If you just want the ‘tell me what to book’ answer, start here. These are the most common smart picks for the two routes we’ve sailed ourselves – plus the overnight rule of thumb.
| Route (example ship) | Most people should book | Upgrade if… | Ferrygogo pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth ⇄ Cherbourg (Santoña – daytime) | Free seating (default) | You want privacy/quiet, need a guaranteed ‘base’, or kids need a nap | If there’s a discounted day cabin, that’s the best comfort upgrade for families (privacy + nap time). |
| Saint‑Malo ⇄ Portsmouth (Saint‑Malo – daytime) | Free seating + explore the ship | You want to be away from the crowds, you’re working onboard, or travelling with a dog | Consider a day cabin if discounted; otherwise a lounge upgrade can be the ‘quiet win’. Pet options sell out early in peak season. |
| Night/overnight sailings (any route) | Cabin (Standard inside/outside) | You’re a light sleeper, it’s a longer crossing, or you want a ‘hotel feel’ | Overnight is often our favourite: you arrive more rested and start your trip with energy (especially with kids). |
Decision tree: what to book, and why
Start with one question: day crossing or overnight sailing? Then pick your ‘base’ onboard: free seating, lounge (for quiet/privacy), or a cabin.
| Your sailing | Best default | Upgrade if… | Ferrygogo tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day crossing (approx. 4–8 hours) | Seat / reserved lounge seat | You’re travelling with toddlers, need privacy, or want guaranteed rest | If kids nap: a cabin can be worth it even by day. |
| Overnight sailing | Cabin (Standard is often enough) | You want a more ‘hotel’ feel, extra quiet, or it’s a special-occasion trip | Book early: the best cabin categories go first. |
| Travelling with a dog | Pet-friendly cabin (if available) | No pet cabins left | Check kennel options and rules per route/ship. |
| Family of 5 | Two cabins (2+3) or 4-berth cabin + reserved seat | You want everyone behind one door | Most cabins are 2–4 berths — plan the ‘5th person’ solution early. |
Accommodation overview
Cabin categories and lounge options may vary by ship. For the latest availability per route/ship, use Brittany Ferries’ own accommodation overview alongside your booking flow:
Brittany Ferries accommodation overview →
Cabin types on Brittany Ferries (mini summaries: what’s in the cabin + pros/cons)
This is the bit you’ll come back to when you’re actually booking. Cabin names vary by ship, but the logic is consistent: Standard → Standard Plus (where offered) → Club → Commodore. Add accessible/pet-friendly variants where needed, and consider lounge seating as the ‘comfort upgrade’ for day sailings.
1) Standard cabin (inside)
What’s in the cabin: your own private en-suite (shower/WC) plus beds/berths (layout varies), basic storage and the essentials.
Why it works: on an overnight sailing it’s the difference between arriving rested vs arriving tired. On a day crossing it’s the ‘reset button’ if you’re travelling with kids (naps), or if you want privacy without going premium.
- Pros: best value; proper sleep; private base.
- Cons: no sea view; compact at 4 berths.
Photo placeholder: add 4–5 images here (wide shot, beds/berths, bathroom, storage, ‘family layout’).
2) Standard cabin (outside / sea view)
What’s in the cabin: as Standard, plus a window/sea view (ship-dependent). If you like daylight and a view, this is the simple upgrade people rarely regret.
- Pros: brighter; nicer wake-up; more ‘holiday feel’.
- Cons: usually costs more; can sell out earlier.
Photo placeholder: add 4–5 images here (window/sea view, bed layout, bathroom, seating/space, morning light shot).
3) Standard Plus cabin (ship-dependent)
What’s in the cabin: an upgraded ‘standard’ category where offered – think a small comfort bump without going full premium.
- Pros: often the sweet-spot upgrade on longer crossings.
- Cons: not available on every ship/route.
4) Club cabin (ship-dependent)
What’s in the cabin: a premium cabin category with a more ‘hotel-like’ finish (details vary by ship). This is where the crossing starts feeling like ‘part of the trip’ rather than just transport.
- Pros: nicer vibe; better for overnight comfort; great if you care about sleep quality.
- Cons: pricier; limited inventory.
5) Commodore categories / suites (ship-dependent)
What’s in the cabin: top-end cabins/suites with extra comfort and (on some ships) more space and service touches. On long routes (Spain crossings especially), this can feel like a ‘floating hotel night’.
- Pros: maximum comfort; special-occasion worthy; very relaxing on long crossings.
- Cons: premium pricing; very limited availability – book early.
6) Accessible cabins
What’s in the cabin: adapted en-suite and layout designed for reduced mobility (ship-dependent). These are limited in number, so the key advice is simple: book early and double-check the location (lifts/decks) for your route.
7) Pet-friendly cabins and kennels (ship-dependent)
What to expect: either a pet-friendly cabin (pets stay with you) or, where available, a kennel facility. In peak periods, pet options can sell out quickly – so build your booking around pet availability.
- Pros: calmer for pets and owners; realistic ‘no-plane’ travel.
- Cons: limited supply; rules vary per ship/route.
8) Reserved lounge seating/lounge access (ship-dependent)
On a day crossing, lounge upgrades can be the ‘quiet win’: a calmer base, often better seating, and sometimes snacks/drinks included (depending on route and ship).
| Cabin type | What’s in the cabin | Best for | Pros | Cons | Ferrygogo note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard cabin (inside) | Private en-suite (shower/WC), beds/berths (layout varies), basic storage, climate control (ship-dependent). | Overnight crossings; daytime crossings with kids who nap; anyone who wants privacy on a budget. | Best value; proper sleep; private ‘base’ onboard. | No sea view; compact at 4 berths. | Inside cabins can be surprisingly good for sleep: darker = easier for kids’ naps. |
| Standard cabin (outside / sea view) | As Standard, plus a window/sea view (ship-dependent). | Day crossings where you want daylight; longer crossings where you’ll spend time in the cabin. | Brighter; more ‘holiday’ feel; nicer wake-up. | Costs more; can sell out earlier. | Great on day sailings if you’ll use the cabin as a calm base rather than just for sleep. |
| Standard Plus cabin (ship-dependent) | Upgraded Standard category (varies by ship). | A comfort step-up without going full premium. | Often a sweet-spot upgrade on longer crossings. | Not available on all ships/routes. | If the price gap is small, Standard Plus can be the best-value comfort bump. |
| Club cabin (ship-dependent) | Premium cabin category with a more ‘hotel-like’ finish (varies by ship). | Couples/small families who care about comfort and want to arrive properly rested. | Nicer vibe; better for longer or overnight crossings. | Pricier; limited inventory. | Worth it when you’ll actually spend time in the cabin — not just crash for a few hours. |
| Commodore / suites (ship-dependent) | Top-end cabins/suites with extra comfort and space (varies by ship). | Long routes, special occasions, ‘start the holiday early’ trips. | Maximum comfort; very ‘treat yourself’. | Premium pricing; very limited availability. | On long routes (e.g. Spain), the upgrade can feel like a ‘floating hotel night’. |
| Accessible cabins | Adapted en-suite and layout designed for reduced mobility (varies by ship). | Reduced mobility / wheelchair users. | Practical comfort built in. | Limited supply; book early. | Double-check location (lifts/decks) and boarding process for your route. |
| Pet-friendly cabins / kennels (ship-dependent) | Pet-friendly cabin allowing pets with you, or kennel facility where available. | Travelling with a dog (or pet allowed on the route). | Pet cabin keeps pets close; kennel is a good backup. | Limited availability; rules vary per ship/route. | If you’re travelling in school holidays, book pet options early — they go fast. |
| Reserved lounge seat / lounge access (ship-dependent) | Allocated recliner or lounge seating in a quieter area; sometimes snacks/drinks included (varies). | Day crossings when you want calm without paying for a cabin. | Comfortable base; good value when you’ll use it. | No privacy; naps can be harder with kids. | A lounge can be the ‘quiet win’ on a day sailing. |
Is a cabin worth it on a daytime crossing?
For a short day crossing, most travellers do absolutely fine with free seating. You’ll usually find plenty of space to sit, especially if you board on time and don’t mind moving around a bit.
A reserved seat (or lounge-style seating) isn’t a ‘must’, it’s mainly a comfort choice if you want a guaranteed base, a quieter corner, or you’d simply rather be away from the crowds.
Our rule: if a day cabin is discounted, it’s often the single best-value upgrade for families. You’re not paying to stay in the cabin all day – you’re paying for options: nap time, privacy, a private bathroom, and a calm reset when the ship gets busy.
Ticket types: Standard vs Flexi (real-world logic)
Ticket conditions vary, but your practical decision is usually straightforward: Standard if your plans are stable, Flexi if your trip has ‘domino risk’ (kids, long drive, hotel check-ins, car reliability, work schedules).
We’re a big fan of Flexi for family road trips. On one of our Brittany Ferries trips we ran into car trouble and needed to adapt the plan. Having a flexible ticket meant we could adjust without turning it into a stressful (and expensive) mess – it genuinely changed the whole day. If you’re driving a long way to the port or travelling in school holidays, that extra peace of mind can be worth it.
| Ticket type | Flexibility | Best for | Ferrygogo take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Medium (conditions apply) | You’re fairly sure about dates/times | Good default - but always check amendment deadlines/fees for your sailing. |
| Flexi | High | Family road trips, long routes, tight schedules | Often the smartest ‘insurance’. One change can pay it back. |
| Economy / Promo (when available) | Low | You’re 100% locked in | Only if you’re truly sure - otherwise Standard can be better value. |
Upgrades worth paying for
Not every add-on changes your comfort. These are the upgrades that most often do:
| Upgrade | Best on | Worth it when… | Quick tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day cabin on a daytime sailing | Long day crossings / travelling with kids | It’s discounted or you value nap-time, privacy, and a private bathroom | Book early - day cabins can sell out on peak dates. |
| Club / Commodore cabin (ship-dependent) | Overnight and longer routes | You’ll actually use the comfort and any included perks on your ship | Sometimes upgrading only the parents’ cabin is the sweet spot. |
| Lounge access (ship-dependent) | Busy sailings; if you want quieter seating | You value calm and will use any included snacks/drinks if offered | Check age rules and availability per route/ship. |
| Pre-book meals / Food Pass (route-dependent) | Overnights and long routes | You’ll eat onboard anyway (families especially) | Pre-booking reduces ‘what do we do for dinner?’ stress. |
Food & drink: when pre-booking saves money
If you’re doing a longer crossing or travelling as a family, food onboard can add up quickly. Pre-book options (where available) can be a simple win: you’ll almost certainly eat onboard anyway, and it removes decision stress.
- Best value: families (meal + drinks are near-guaranteed).
- Also good: overnights (dinner + simple breakfast rhythm).
- Long routes: when meals are part of the crossing’s ‘day plan’.
Family of 5: what can you book?
It’s possible – but you need a plan. Many cabins are 2–4 berths, so families of five usually pick one of these setups:
| Setup | Best for | Pros | Cons / watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two cabins (2-berth + 3-berth / 4-berth) | Overnight crossings (best sleep) | Everyone has a bed; calmer bedtime; best rest | Costs more; book early if you want cabins near each other |
| 4-berth cabin + reserved seat for the 5th person | Day crossings or short nights | Cheaper than two cabins; workable if one person is fine in a recliner | Less ideal sleep; plan ‘swap shifts’ if needed |
| 5/6-berth family cabin (when available) | When your ship offers it | Everyone together; easiest routine; great value per person | Limited inventory; sells out quickly; check bed layout |
| Premium cabin for parents + standard cabin for kids | Parents want comfort without upgrading everyone | Parents arrive rested; keeps cost controlled | Still plan supervision; check cabin locations |
Ship-based accommodation cheat sheet
Brittany Ferries is a mixed fleet, so accommodation can feel quite different per ship. Use this as a practical ‘what to expect’ guide, then confirm your ship in the booking flow.
| Ship | Accommodation highlight | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Saint-Malo | Modern ‘cabin-forward’ ship; strong cabin focus | Day crossings where you want a private base; families who value cabins |
| Salamanca | Wide cabin range (Standard/Plus/Club/Commodore) + recliners (ship/route-dependent) | Longer crossings where cabin comfort matters |
| Santoña | Sister-ship style accommodation to Salamanca (ship/route-dependent) | Longer crossings; overnight comfort |
| Galicia | Cabin-heavy ship; often positioned with lounge options (ship/route-dependent) | Long routes and anyone who likes a lounge upgrade |
| Guillaume de Normandie | Modern sleep concepts (e.g. ‘couchettes-plus’) and club/lounge areas (ship/route-dependent) | Overnight Channel crossings where sleep quality is the priority |
| Mont St Michel | Strong mix of cabins and a large number of reclining seats | Comfortable day crossings + solid overnight options |
| Armorique | Balanced classic set-up: cabins + recliners | Short-to-mid Channel crossings |
| Pont-Aven | Large cruise-ferry feel with lots of cabins | Long routes (e.g. Spain) where the ship is part of the holiday |
| Barfleur | More seat-heavy set-up with lounge options (ship/route-dependent) | Shorter crossings where a cabin isn’t essential |
| Commodore Clipper | Smaller ship with limited cabin inventory | If you need a cabin: book early |
| Cotentin | Freight-focused ship with cabins for passengers (ship/route-dependent) | Transport-first crossings where a practical cabin is enough |
| Voyager (high-speed) | Seat-only experience (no cabins) | Fast day crossings; plan comfort via seating/layers |
Booking checklist (don’t miss these)
- Decide day vs night first: it determines everything else.
- Kids nap? Check for a discounted day cabin first, it’s often the calm-maker on daytime sailings.
- Family of 5: plan two cabins (best for overnights) or a 4-berth cabin + free seating for the 5th person on day trips (reserved seat is optional for extra quiet).
- Pets: pet cabins sell out quickly: book early.
- Bring what you need from the car: you usually can’t return mid-crossing.
- Layers: air-con can feel chilly in lounges and corridors.
- Roaming: switch off mobile data at sea unless you’ve planned Wi-Fi.
- Food plan: if you’ll eat onboard anyway, pre-booking can be a calm-maker.
- Ticket type: if a change would hurt (time/money/stress), consider Flexi.
Made your choice? Set sail to Brittany Ferries
FAQ
Do I need a cabin on a daytime crossing?
Not always. For a couple travelling light, free seating is often enough. With toddlers, or if you want privacy, a discounted day cabin can make the crossing dramatically easier.
Are cabins mandatory on overnight sailings?
If you want proper sleep, a cabin is the sensible default. Reclining seats exist on some ships/routes, but arriving rested is a different experience.
Can a family of five stay in one cabin?
Sometimes (if the ship offers 5/6-berth cabins), but often you’ll need two cabins. On day crossings a common workaround is a 4-berth cabin plus free seating for the 5th person (reserved seating is optional if you want extra quiet).
What’s the smartest upgrade for value?
Day crossings: a discounted day cabin is often the biggest comfort win for families; otherwise lounge access can be the ‘quiet win’. Overnight: spend on the cabin category you’ll actually feel. For families, pre-booking meals can remove stress.
Travelling with a dog: pet cabin or kennels?
Pet-friendly cabin if you can get it (calmer for everyone). If sold out, check kennel availability and route rules.
JW (Jan Willem) van Tilburg is one of the co-founders of FerryGoGo, has a passion for food, drink and travel. He loves exploring data and the history of the destinations featured on FerryGoGo, and he’s always curious about the population of each place. He’s also sailed many of the ferry routes between the UK and the continent himself; from Saint-Malo–Portsmouth to overnight crossings such as Portsmouth–Cherbourg and Newcastle–Amsterdam - so his guides are grounded in first-hand experience.
