
P&O Ferries is a well-established shipping company that offers a range of travel services across the UK and Europe.
They operate a fleet of modern ships, including the Spirit of Britain and Spirit of France, which offer a range of amenities and services to passengers.
One of the key benefits of traveling with P&O Ferries is the convenience of their services, including check-in and boarding processes that can be completed online or at the terminal.
Their ships offer a variety of onboard facilities, including restaurants, cafes, shops, and entertainment options.
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Overview
P&O Ferries is a well-established company with a rich history dating back to 1824. They have been operating for nearly two centuries.
The company's origins date back to the early 19th century, when it was founded by William Wilkins. It has since grown into one of the largest ferry operators in the world.
P&O Ferries offers a wide range of routes, connecting the UK and Europe. Their fleet includes various types of vessels, from conventional ferries to cruise ferries.
The company's headquarters is located in Dover, England, a strategic location given its proximity to the English Channel. This allows for efficient operations and logistics.
P&O Ferries has a significant presence in the UK, with multiple ports and terminals across the country.
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Travel Options

You can travel on a P&O Ferry with your car, but this may vary by route and you can find more information on prices and routes by using their deal finder.
P&O Ferries also welcomes foot passengers, so you can travel without your car and enjoy the journey.
If you don't want to reserve a cabin or seat, you can still travel with P&O Ferries and spend your time in the communal areas where seats are available.
P&O Ferries operates several popular routes, including the Dover - Calais ferry and the Rotterdam - Hull ferry, with the Dover - Calais ferry being a particularly frequent service with around 28 daily sailings and 195 weekly sailings.
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Travel by Car Ferry
Travel by Car Ferry is a great option for those who want to bring their vehicles along on their travels. P&O Ferries offers car ferries, but availability may vary by route.
You can use their deal finder to get more information on car ferry prices and routes. This will help you plan your trip accordingly.
Some routes may offer car ferry services, so it's worth checking ahead of time to see if your desired route is available.
Foot Passenger Travel
As a foot passenger, you have the option to travel on P&O Ferries without a reservation. Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger with P&O Ferries.
You won't be stuck in a cramped space, either - you'll be able to spend your crossing in the seats available in communal areas. Passengers without facilities will be able to use these seats.
Reserving a cabin or seat is not compulsory for travel on P and O Ferries, so you can save some money by not booking one.
Booking and Facilities
You can book a cabin on P&O Ferries from Rotterdam and Hull, but cabin size may vary on selected routes. Booking in advance is recommended for the best availability.
Commercial drivers are well taken care of on P&O Ferries, with separate restaurant and lounge areas on board. They also have access to a dedicated outside deck space and separate shower, changing, and toilet facilities.
Facilities on

You can book a cabin on ferries with P&O Ferries from Rotterdam and Hull, with cabin size varying on selected routes.
P&O cabins have 2, 3 or 4 berths, and come equipped with power sockets, a private bathroom, sheets, bed linen, and toiletries.
Outside cabins have a porthole, whereas inside cabins do not.
For a more luxurious crossing, P&O offers Club Cabins with a flat-screen TV, minibar, en-suite bathroom with luxury toiletries, and tea and coffee making facilities.
Each P&O ship has cabins adapted for people with reduced mobility, which are spacious enough to accommodate a wheelchair and have a private bathroom with easy access and a shower seat.
P&O also offers pet-friendly cabins that include enough space for your pet to sleep and are located close to the exercise area on some crossings.
Internet access is available on board, but the specifics of the service are not mentioned in the provided article sections.
Commercial Drivers Facilities

If you're a commercial driver, you'll appreciate the dedicated facilities onboard P&O PIONEER. Separate restaurant and lounge areas are available just for you.
These areas are designed to make your journey more comfortable and convenient. You can enjoy your meal in the restaurant and then relax in the separate lounge area.
Shower availability is displayed in real-time on a screen near the access corridor, so you can plan your schedule accordingly.
Onboard Experience
P&O Ferries offers a range of onboard experiences to suit different tastes and preferences. Their ships feature a variety of dining options, including the popular Blue Diamond restaurant, which serves up delicious meals in an elegant setting.
You can choose from a range of accommodation options, from comfortable en-suite cabins to luxurious suites with sea views. The cabins are well-appointed and offer a range of amenities, including TV and tea and coffee making facilities.
Whether you're looking to relax and unwind or stay active and entertained, P&O Ferries has something for everyone.
Main Lounge & Bar
The Main Lounge and Bar is a great spot to grab a drink or snack on board. It's located at the yellow (Calais) end of deck 8.
You can purchase a selection of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, and pastries from the counter, making it a convenient spot to refuel.
A large outside deck with its own seating is located towards the forward area of the lounge, offering a lovely spot to take in the views.
Club Lounge
The Club Lounge on P&O PIONEER is a premium space that's only accessible to passengers who've paid the upgrade fee.
It's L-shaped and spans the full width of the ship at its widest part, with two distinct areas: a dining area and a relaxation area.
The relaxation area offers stunning views of the White Cliffs, and a dedicated outside deck lets passengers take it all in.
Inside, you'll find comfortable seating and surroundings that feel like a premium airport lounge.
Passengers access the lounge using a barcode given to them at check-in or when they pay the upgrade fee onboard.
A complimentary breakfast is available, with a range of hot and cold items to choose from, depending on the time of day.
Deck 8 Plan
On Deck 8, you'll find a large wraparound outside deck surrounding the shop, offering stunning views of the White Cliffs of Dover. This deck space is accessible to all passengers.
Seating with panoramic views of the English Channel is located on either side of the vessel, where the double-height glass walls that dominate the side profile of the ship are located.
Traveling with Others
Traveling with others can be a great way to make memories with family and friends, and P&O Ferries offers a range of onboard facilities to keep everyone entertained.
The ferry company has a dedicated kids' club on many of its ships, which is perfect for keeping children entertained while you relax.
P&O Ferries also offers a variety of dining options, including a buffet restaurant and a grill restaurant, which can cater to different tastes and dietary needs.
There are also plenty of outdoor spaces on the ferry, including a sun deck and a promenade deck, where you can take in the sea views and get some fresh air.
Many P&O Ferries ships have a self-service launderette, which is a great convenience for families or groups traveling together.
Special Needs and Services
P&O Ferries offers priority boarding and special assistance, making the embarkation and disembarkation process smooth.
These services are very useful for those who need them, providing a stress-free experience.
Priority boarding allows passengers to board the ferry before general boarding, giving them more time to settle in before departure.
Special assistance is available to help passengers with disabilities, making the journey more accessible and enjoyable.
Pets and Animals
You can take your pet with you on P&O Ferries crossings, as long as you declare it when you book.
Pets are allowed on ferries with P&O Ferries from Calais, Dover, Hull, and Rotterdam, so you can plan your route accordingly.
To keep your pet safe and happy during the journey, they must remain in the pet cabin or exercise areas, and are not permitted on the other decks of the ship.
You can use P&O Ferries' deal finder to check routes, prices, and schedules to ensure a smooth journey for you and your pet.
Fleet and Routes
P&O Ferries has a diverse fleet of 15 vessels, each with its own unique characteristics and features.
You can travel with P&O Ferries on several routes, including Dover - Calais and Hull - Rotterdam, with sailings ranging from 1 hour 30 minutes to weekly departures.
The Dover - Calais ferry, for example, offers around 28 daily sailings and 195 weekly sailings, making it a convenient option for those traveling between England and France.
Here is a list of some of the routes P&O Ferries operates:
- Dover – Calais
- Larne – Cairnryan
- Laren – Troon
- Liverpool – Dublin
- Hull – Rotterdam
- Hull – Zeebrugge – Route Cancelled
P&O Ferries also offers car ferry services, which may vary by route, so be sure to check their website for more information on car ferry prices and routes.
Routes and Ports
P&O Ferries operates a range of popular ferry routes.
The Dover - Calais ferry is a particularly popular route, taking approximately 1h 30m and offering 28 daily sailings and 195 weekly sailings.
You can travel on a car ferry with P&O Ferries, although the availability of car ferries may vary by route.
P&O Ferries provides ferries that sail to Calais, Dover, Hull, and Rotterdam.
Here are some of the key ports served by P&O Ferries:
- Calais, France
- Dover, England
- Hull, England
- Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Dublin, Ireland
- Larne, Northern Ireland
- Cairnryan, Scotland
- Troon, Scotland
- Zeebrugge, Belgium
- Liverpool, England
The company offers ferry services to and from France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Netherlands.
The Fleet
P&O Ferries operates a fleet of 15 vessels, which are the backbone of their operations.
The fleet is made up of a diverse range of ships, each with its own unique characteristics.
Here are some of the vessels that make up the P&O Ferries fleet:
- P&O Pioneer
- Pride of Canterbury
- Pride of Kent
- Spirit of Britain
- Spirit of France
- Pride of Hull
- Pride of Rotterdam
- European Highlander
- European Causeway
- Norbank
- Norbay
- Norsky
- Norstream
- Mistral
- Wilhelmine
General Information
P&O Ferries operates with a significant frequency, offering around 27 sailings daily. This level of service allows passengers to plan their trips with ease.
With up to 191 sailings weekly across 4 ferry routes, you can expect a reliable and efficient journey.
Information
P&O Ferries offers an impressive number of sailings daily, with around 27 sailings provided every day.
This means you'll have plenty of options to choose from, whether you're traveling for business or pleasure.
Our View

The P&O PIONEER is a game-changer when it comes to ferry travel on the English Channel. The P&O PIONEER is like no other ferry to sail on the English Channel before – both in terms of appearance and the onboard product.
Her outside deck areas are plentiful for those wanting to take in the sea air. This is a big plus for passengers who enjoy the ocean views.
Her décor could benefit from more artwork, but it's nonetheless contemporary, comfortable and modern.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happened with P&O ferries?
P&O Ferries fired 800 crew members without warning in 2022, replacing them with low-paid agency staff. This move sparked widespread criticism and controversy over workers' rights and fair treatment.
What country is P&O ferries?
P&O Ferries is a British shipping company, operating primarily in the UK and Europe. Headquartered in the UK, the company serves routes connecting Scotland, Northern Ireland, England, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
Sources
- https://www.directferries.com/poferries.htm
- https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.poferries.com
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_P%26O_Ferries_ships
- https://smartferry.com/ferry-companies/po-ferries/
- https://www.theferryspot.com/ferry-operators/po-ferries/
- https://www.niferry.co.uk/a-look-inside-po-ferries-new-dover-to-calais-ferry-po-pioneer/
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