DFDS Pet-Friendly Ferries: Routes to Europe from the UK

Traveling with your dog to Europe might seem daunting at first, but with DFDS Pet-Friendly Ferries, it’s much simpler than you think. Whether you’re headed to France, the Netherlands, or beyond, DFDS offers several routes designed to keep both you and your furry friend comfortable. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about traveling with your pet. From booking your ferry to ensuring your dog’s comfort on board, we’ve got you covered. Let’s explore how you can make your European adventure with your dog a smooth and stress-free experience!

🚢🐾Why Choose DFDS for Pet Travel?

When it came time to plan my trip to Portugal, I was looking for a ferry service that would make the journey comfortable for Cookie, especially as she was getting older. I chose DFDS because of their pet-friendly cabins, which offer a peaceful, stress-free environment for both of us. At that time, my usual ferry route—Stena Line—didn’t provide pet-friendly cabins, and I knew I wanted to avoid the kennel option. DFDS provided exactly what I needed: a comfortable cabin for Cookie, where we could travel together without stress. For me, it’s the best way to start any holiday—just love and companionship from the very beginning. While Stena Line now offers pet-friendly cabins, I’ll be sharing my experience with them in a future article.

🚆The Journey to Newcastle: My First Stress with DFDS Pet-Friendly Ferries

I needed to buy a train ticket from London to Newcastle. While Cookie travels for free, I ran into a stressful issue—all the tickets had sold out online! I thought, “How will I make it to Newcastle if I can’t buy a train ticket?” It felt strange that all the trains were sold out. So, I went to King’s Cross station and bought a cheaper ticket. A staff member kindly explained that the website had some errors.

Tip: Sometimes, it’s better to buy your ticket directly at the station.

🚕Taxi Trouble: The Uber Mistake

A Delay in the Journey: On the day of the trip, I was feeling tired. Instead of taking the underground, I decided to use Uber. Big mistake! The Uber took forever to arrive, and I missed my planned train by an hour. Thankfully, I hadn’t bought the cheaper, specific train tickets, which would have been non-refundable.

Tip: Don’t buy specific train tickets. You never know what can happen. Even if you’re not delayed, the underground can have issues, or other linked trains might be delayed.

🚢Arrival in Newcastle: Where’s the Port for DFDS Pet-Friendly Ferries?

When I arrived in Newcastle, I expected the port to be nearby, just like Stena Line, where the station sits right next to the ferry check-in area. To my surprise, I found myself in the middle of the city! I couldn’t see the port anywhere. I asked around and learned that I needed to catch a bus. With only 30 minutes left, I decided to take a taxi, which took about 20 minutes to reach the port.

Tip: Always check the distance between the station and the port, especially if you’re taking a different route!

🛳 DFDS Pet-Friendly Ferries: Check-In and Cabin Arrival

• Made It Just in Time: Despite all the stress, I made it to the port with just enough time to check in, including Cookie. The staff was incredibly kind and led us straight to our cabin. Finally, we could relax and enjoy the ride.

📝Pre-Travel Preparations

Before you set sail with your pet, make sure you have all the necessary documentation. You’ll need a pet passport/ health certificate, which includes proof of rabies vaccination and microchip. In absence of pet passport, the health certificate proves your dog is fit to travel and meets the required health standards for international travel. Make sure to check the specific vaccination and health requirements for the country you’re traveling to, as these may vary.

It’s also a good idea to book your pet-friendly cabin and ferry space well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. DFDS offers limited spaces for pets, so securing your booking early will ensure you have a comfortable spot for your dog. Planning ahead also avoids the stress of last-minute availability! For more details on traveling with your pet, check out my article on Pet Travel to the UK: Essential Guide for a Smooth Journey.

🐶Onboard Pet Facilities

DFDS ferries provide great pet-friendly cabins. I chose one with a window to enjoy the sea view. Cookie and I loved watching the blue sea meet the blue sky during sunrise and sunset. The view was stunning and made the journey unforgettable.

The cabin remained tidy throughout the trip. I noticed that all the linen and towels were white and spotless. No stains or smells—just as expected after reading some reviews. I didn’t experience any issues with odours or stains on the mattress. The cabin offered four single beds and a bathroom with a shower, creating a comfortable space for both me and Cookie.

🐾 Show More Pet-Friendly Cabin Views

🚻🐾Pet-Friendly Outdoor Areas and Amenities

After settling in, Cookie and I decided to explore the pet-friendly facilities on board, where dogs can take care of business. I was pleasantly surprised by what we found! The outdoor area featured a proper toilet for our furry friends, with a spacious section of fake grass and pebbles on the other side. Naturally, Cookie immediately marked her territory with a wee!

In addition, we found a pet swimming pool, though it was empty at night. I could easily imagine how much fun the dogs would have during the day, splashing around and enjoying the water.

From this deck, stairs led up to the second-level outdoor area. There, we found a large table and seating, perfect for enjoying a meal. Cookie and I spent a lovely evening there, watching the UK slowly fade away at sunset.

Important note: Pets are not allowed in other areas of the ship, such as the restaurant, bar, cinema, or outdoor decks where humans can enjoy a bar and music.

🐾 Show More Pet-Friendly Amenities

🚢Ferry Experience and Amenities

After enjoying our meal while the ship was sailing away, I left Cookie in our pet-friendly cabin, where she happily relaxed for a nap. This gave me the perfect opportunity to explore the amenities DFDS had to offer.

I first passed by the restaurant and bar, where I grabbed a coffee. From there, I decided to visit the tax-free shop, which had a variety of products—from perfumes, jewuelry, and fancy bags to alcohol, clothes, and great gifts. Of course, there was also an irresistible selection of chocolates and sweets!

For some entertainment, I checked out the cinema and games area. If you’re looking for a quiet space, there’s also a Wi-Fi area, perfect for relaxing. However, I did notice that the cabins didn’t have Wi-Fi, which was a bit of a downside for me.

Since I don’t like leaving Cookie by herself for too long, I decided to return to our cabin. We spent the rest of the evening peacefully sleeping near each other, with Cookie curled up next to me.

🚍Navigating the Journey: Amsterdam Transfer and Return Challenges

When I booked my trip, I noticed that DFDS promotes the Newcastle to Amsterdam route, which got me excited. I thought the ferry might pass through a canal or river into Amsterdam. However, when we arrived in Holland, I was a bit surprised to find that the ferry actually docks at IJmuiden, not directly in Amsterdam. From there, a coach awaited us to take us into the heart of Amsterdam, and luckily, this was included in the ferry ticket.

The journey from IJmuiden to Amsterdam Central took about 1 hour and 20 minutes—a smooth but long ride. While the coach was comfortable, I wasn’t quite expecting that kind of transfer, so it threw me off a bit.

🚶‍♀️🐾Exploring Amsterdam Before the Airport Adventure

I usually book my flight later in the day to avoid stress, giving myself plenty of time to be sure I won’t miss it. Typically, I head straight to the airport and spend the whole day there. I know, it sounds a bit boring, but it gives me peace of mind. This time, however, I decided to do things a little differently. I stayed near Amsterdam Central train station and chose to explore the area with Cookie by my side.

We had a delicious omelette while watching the Dutch people cycling through their busy day. I didn’t want to wander too far, though—didn’t want to risk getting lost, haha! So, Cookie and I took a leisurely walk around the canal and discovered some beautiful spots. Every hour felt valuable, and I was so glad we made time to enjoy this lovely city before heading to the airport.

🐾 More Amsterdam Adventures with Cookie

🛫The Return Journey

The return journey brought more surprises. I had an early flight, but after COVID, airports were facing major luggage delays. It took me hours to get my luggage, which ate into my time at the airport. Normally, I would have plenty of time to relax, shop, and grab a meal. But this time, I had to skip lunch.

I rushed over to the train station to catch the train to Amsterdam Central and find the coach departure point. Unfortunately, I had forgotten to memorize it when we arrived. So, as usual, I got a little lost. Luckily, I found it just in time. The driver told me I was very lucky because he was about to leave. When I asked what time the next coach was, he said, “This is the last one.” I couldn’t believe it! I thought I had plenty of time. But that last coach was the only way to get to the ferry—unless I wanted to take a taxi.

✨Tips for Future Travelers:

📝 Double-check Departure Points: Make sure you confirm the exact ports or stations to avoid any surprises, especially when booking travel connections.

⏰ Allow Extra Time for Transfers: Account for unexpected delays, such as luggage issues or transfer time, to avoid stress.

📍 Know the Transfer Locations: Familiarize yourself with where you need to go once you arrive at the port or station, so you’re not caught off guard.

🏙️🐾Exploring Newcastle Before Heading Home

After the overnight ferry crossing, we arrived in Newcastle early in the morning. Since I had flexible train tickets, I decided to take advantage of the extra time and explore the city around the train station and city centre. Walking around with luggage isn’t the most comfortable, so I found a shop near the station where I could leave my bags for a small fee. With our hands free, Cookie and I ventured out and discovered a city that’s definitely worth returning to with more time.

We stopped at a small takeaway/caffe, which wasn’t pet-friendly inside, but they allowed us to sit outside and enjoy our lunch. The lady at the caffe was incredibly kind and even prepared a special burger for Cookie, without any salt or ingredients that could harm her. It was a wonderful and relaxing way to end our holiday.

🐾 Show More Photos of Cookie’s Journey

🚢🐾Conclusion: A Smooth and Scenic Journey with DFDS Pet-friendly Ferries

Traveling with Cookie on DFDS ferries was a memorable experience from start to finish. While there were a few unexpected surprises along the way, such as the longer transfer from IJmuiden to Amsterdam and some return travel hiccups, they didn’t take away from the overall adventure. DFDS made it possible for us to travel comfortably, with excellent pet-friendly amenities and a smooth journey across the sea.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway with your dog or simply need a stress-free way to travel between the UK and Europe, DFDS offers a fantastic solution. I highly recommend it to anyone traveling with their furry companions. After all, the journey is just as important as the destination!

🐾 Show More Pawsome Adventures

🚢🐾FAQs about DFDS Pet-Friendly Ferries

1. What documents do I need to travel with my pet on DFDS Ferries?

You’ll need a pet passport that includes proof of rabies vaccination, a microchip, and a health certificate. Make sure to check the specific requirements for the country you are traveling to.

2. Can I bring my pet in the cabin with me?

Yes! DFDS offers pet-friendly cabins, allowing you and your furry friend to travel together comfortably. However, DFDS also provides kennels on board for pets that prefer not to stay in the cabin. It’s always recommended to book your cabin or kennel in advance, as there are limited spaces available for pets.

3. Are pets allowed in all areas of the ferry?

Pets are not allowed in any indoor spaces on the ferry, including the restaurant, bar, and cinema. From the pet-friendly cabins, pets can go to the designated restricted or signed outdoor spaces. These areas are specifically for pets to take care of business and enjoy some fresh air during the journey.

4. How long is the ferry journey from Newcastle to Amsterdam?

The ferry journey typically takes about 16 hours. While some crossings are overnight, there are also day sailings available. I personally prefer the overnight route, which allows me to rest comfortably during the journey.

5. Is there a coach transfer from the ferry terminal to Amsterdam?

Yes, DFDS provides a coach transfer from IJmuiden (the ferry terminal) to Amsterdam Central Station. This transfer is included in your ferry ticket and takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes.

6. Can I leave my pet alone in the cabin?

Yes, you can leave your pet in the cabin while you explore other areas of the ferry. However, it’s important to ensure they are comfortable, with food and water available.

7. Can I bring food and water for my pet?

Yes, you can bring your pet’s food and water. However, be aware of the restrictions on animal products due to Brexit when traveling to Europe. You can bring up to 2 kg of pet food for personal use, as long as it’s in commercially packaged, unopened containers. Keep in mind that if the pet food contains meat or dairy, there may be additional restrictions. Always check the latest guidelines before traveling to avoid any issues.

8. What should I do if I miss the coach transfer from IJmuiden to Amsterdam?

If you miss the coach, you will need to take a taxi to Amsterdam, as there are no other scheduled transfers. It’s always a good idea to keep track of the coach departure times to avoid this.

For more information about traveling with pets on DFDS ferries, check out the official DFDS FAQs to get all the details on pet travel requirements, restrictions, and more.

🐾Ready to Travel with Your Furry Friend?

Now that you know what to expect when traveling with DFDS Pet-Friendly Ferries, it’s time to plan your next adventure! Check out more travel tips for pet owners, and don’t forget to stay tuned for my upcoming articles, where I’ll share more of my experiences with Cookie. Share your own pet travel stories in the comments—I’d love to hear how your adventures went! Stay connected and get more helpful tips on traveling with your dog by subscribing to my blog!

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