Check-in and boarding

Dover - Dunkirk/Calais
Check in typically closes 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time (GMT). However, in high season and during the holidays, check in closes 120 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time (GMT). Check in will close promptly, therefore, we advise customers to allow plenty of time prior to departure to pass through all controls.

Dunkirk/Calais - Dover
Check in typically closes 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time (GMT). However, in high season and during the holidays, check in closes 120 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time (GMT). Check in will close promptly, therefore, we advise customers to allow plenty of time prior to departure to pass through all controls.

Newhaven - Dieppe:
Check in closes 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time (GMT), therefore check in will close promptly. In high season and during the holidays, we advise customers to allow at least 120 minutes prior to departure to pass through all controls.

Dieppe - Newhaven:
Check in closes 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time (CET), therefore check in will close promptly. In high season and during the holidays, we advise customers to allow at least 120 minutes prior to departure to pass through all controls.

For more information, please click here.

All passengers must present relevant documents upon arrival to the terminal for check-in. These may include a valid passport, booking confirmation, documents for vehicle or pet travel, and/or other required documents, depending on the rules and regulations of country you are travelling to. Routine security checks of passengers, luggage and vehicles are carried out in all ports before you board the ship.

On the short crossings from Dunkirk - Dover and Calais - Dover, your children will have a great time in the dedicated kids' play area. The playing equipment has been specially designed for toddlers to safely go exploring.

Children travelling with another surname
Parents with a different surname to their children sometimes have problems with checking their personal details at a port. If this is the case, we advise you to complete a form. More information and the application form can be found on the website of defensie.nl. This applies to both the IJmuiden - Newcastle route and Dunkirk / Calais - Dover route.

DFDS is committed to making travel on our services as comfortable as possible for passengers with reduced mobility, disabilities and special needs. More information on accessibility can be found here.

All passengers must present relevant documents upon arrival to the terminal. These may include a valid passport, booking confirmation, documents for vehicle or pet travel, and/or other required documents, depending on the rules and regulations of the country you are travelling to.

Routine security checks of passengers, luggage and vehicles are carried out in all ports.

On our Dover - Calais/Dunkirk routes we are unable to accept foot passengers due to operational reasons. In order to use this service, you must have a vehicle.

Vehicle Passengers:
The car check-in at the port of Dover, Dunkirk, Calais, Newhaven & Dieppe is very well signposted. First, drive to the check-in counter and keep your ID card / passport and, your visa (if applicable) and the booking confirmation ready. Once checked in you will proceed through security and drive onto the ship where our staff will instruct you and ensure that you park your vehicle correctly.

Foot Passengers: On our Dover - Calais/Dunkirk routes we are unable to accept foot passengers due to operational reasons. In order to use this service, you must have a vehicle.

Newhaven - Dieppe: Upon arrival to the port we advise you to check in at the passenger terminal where our team will be there to assist you. Once checked in you will be invited to board where you will pass through security. After you have completed all controls you will use our passenger shuttle bus to board the ship.

If you are travelling with your dog, cat or other pet onboard our Newhaven - Dieppe route as a foot passenger you must ensure you have booked a kennel for your pet. Upon arrival to the port we advise you to check in with your pet at the passenger terminal.

Please ensure you follow our pet checklist & ensure this is fully adhered to before travel

Once all checks are completed you will board via our passenger shuttlebus, which will take you directly to the ship, where our team will greet you to assist & direct you to our pet Kennels.

Newcastle - Amsterdam
Check in closes 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time of 17:00pm (GMT), therefore check in will close promptly at 4.15pm (GMT).

Amsterdam - Newcastle:
Check in closes 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time of 17:30pm (CET), therefore check in will close promptly at 4:45pm (CET).

For more information, please click here.

All passengers must present relevant documents upon arrival to the terminal for check-in. These may include a valid passport, booking confirmation, documents for vehicle or pet travel, and/or other required documents, depending on the rules and regulations of country you are travelling to. Routine security checks of passengers, luggage and vehicles are carried out in all ports before you board the ship.

Travelling with children to England or Scotland? You can enjoy stress-free travel with DFDS. Our ferries are well equipped with facilities such as spacious family cabins, the dedicated Kids' Club and tasty dishes in our restaurants onboard. During the crossing you'll be able to enjoy onboard entertainment with your family and arrive fully rested at your destination in England and Scotland.

Children up to 3 years
Children up to 3 years of age travel for free, provided that no additional bed is required. It is not allowed to bring your own baby beds or camping beds in the cabin. This is due to safety regulations. For Commodore cabins, it is possible to reserve a baby bed in advance. These cabins are more spacious and extra beds won't block the passage.

If you would like your baby to have their own bed, it is possible to book a more spacious cabin. We have low bed rails available at the reception onboard. This rack can be mounted in front of the mattress and prevents the risk of falling out of bed while sleeping.

Children up to 11 years old
The rates for children on our website apply to children from 4 to 11 years (unless stated otherwise). This rate is based on your own bed onboard.

Child discount in restaurants
In the buffet restaurant Explorer's Kitchen, children receive a discount for both dinner and breakfast. The North Sea Bistro à la carte restaurant offers a discount on dinner compared to the adult meal price. Click here for more information about food onboard.

Kids' Club
The children will never be bored in the Kids' Club onboard with Jack the Pirate. In addition, children's entertainment is organised onboard with games, drawing, colouring and crafts. Onboard PRINCESS Seaways there will be an employee who speaks English and some Dutch. A Filipino employee who speaks English will be onboard KING Seaways.

Children travelling with another surname
Parents with a different surname to their children sometimes have problems with checking their personal details at a port. If this is the case, we advise you to complete a form. More information and the application form can be found on the website of defensie.nl. This applies to both the IJmuiden - Newcastle route and Dunkirk / Calais - Dover route.

DFDS is committed to making travel on our services as comfortable as possible for passengers with reduced mobility, disabilities and special needs. More information on accessibility can be found here.

All passengers must present relevant documents upon arrival to the terminal. These may include a valid passport, booking confirmation, documents for vehicle or pet travel, and/or other required documents, depending on the rules and regulations of the country you are travelling to.

Routine security checks of passengers, luggage and vehicles are carried out in all ports.

Foot Passengers
Upon arrival to the port we advise you to check in at the passenger terminal where our team will be there to assist you. Once checked in you will be invited to board where you will pass through security. After you have completed all controls you will use our passenger air bridge to board the ship.

If you are travelling with your dog, cat or other pet onboard our Newcastle-Amsterdam route as a foot passenger you must ensure you have booked either a Kennel or a pet friendly cabin. Upon arival to the port we advise you to check in with your pet at the passenger terminal. Please ensure you follow our pet check list & ensure this is fully adhered to before travel:

Once all checks are completed and you are checked in, you will board via our Air Bridge where you will be greeted by a member of team who will direct you to our pet cabins or Kennels.

Vehicle Passengers
The car check-in at the port of Amsterdam & Newcastle is very well signposted. First, drive to the check-in counter and keep your ID card / passport, your visa (if applicable) and the booking confirmation ready. Once checked in you will proceed through security and drive onto the ship where our staff will instruct you and ensure that you place your vehicle correctly. For more information on how to board our ships with your vehicle please click here

Klaipeda-Karlshamn/Kiel
Check-in opens: For all passengers 3 hours before departure.
Check-in closes: For passengers - 90 minutes before departure.

Karlshamn-Klaipeda
Check-in opens: For all passengers 4 hours before departure.
Check-in closes: For passengers - 90 minutes before departure.

Kiel-Klaipeda
Check-in times: For all passengers 6 hours before departure.
Check-in closes: For passengers - 90 minutes before departure.
Monday-Sunday: 14:00-19:30

Paldiski-Kapellskar
Check-in closes: 1 hour prior to departure

Kapellskar-Paldiski
Check-in times:
Monday- Tuesday: 06:00-08:30
Wednesday – Friday: 16:30-20:00
Saturday: CLOSED/NO DEPARTURE
Sunday: 06:00-08:30

For more information, please click here.

All passengers must present relevant documents upon arrival to the terminal for check-in. These may include a valid passport, booking confirmation, documents for vehicle or pet travel, and/or other required documents, depending on the rules and regulations of country you are travelling to.

Routine security checks of passengers, luggage and vehicles are carried out in all ports before you board the ship.

We recommend passengers travelling with children arrive at the beginning of check-in on Klaipeda-Kiel-Klaipeda route.

Families travelling with babies or small children in the car are given a special sign. This sign alerts the loading personnel that passengers are travelling with children. Depending on availability, passengers travelling with children may be directed to park their car in a more convenient location on the deck.

For passengers' convinience, a bus can be taken from the terminal to the ferry. We recommend taking only the essentials items for one of the parents or guardians and use bus transfer as it will take you directly to the lift/escalator. Please note that lift location can vary depending on the vessel. Please enquire in advance by contacting Customer Care or ask the port personnel.

DFDS is committed to making travel on our passenger routes as comfortable as possible for passengers with reduced mobility, disabilities, and special needs.

Please contact us beforehand if you require any assistance during the check-in and boarding process.

For more information and requeirements regarding accesability when travelling with DFDS, please see chapter 5 in our Terms and Conditions

All passengers must present relevant documents upon arrival to the terminal. These may include a valid passport, booking confirmation, documents for vehicle or pet travel, and/or other required documents, depending on the rules and regulations of the country you are travelling to.

Routine security checks of passengers, luggage and vehicles are carried out in all ports.

Ports of Klaipeda and Karlshamn
Passengers travelling with vehicles are invited to go directly to the port's check-in gate, while passengers travelling without a vehicle are invited to check-in inside the building.

Port of Kiel
For all the passengers check-in is required in the building.

Port of Paldiski
Check-in is required in the building (only passengers with vehicles are allowed on this route).

Port of Kapellskär
Check-in takes place at the gate (only passengers with vehicles are allowed on this route).

If you are travelling with your vehicle from the ports of Klaipeda, Kiel or Karlshamn, you must check in at least 90 minutes before departure.
When travelling from the ports of Klaipeda, Kiel or Karlshamn without a car, you must check in at least 60 minutes before the ferry departs.
If you depart from the ports of Paldiski or Kapellskär, you must check in at least 60 minutes before the ferry departure.

It is essential to plan your arrival time in advance. We recommend arriving earlier as you may have to wait in line.

Due to strict port regulations and loading operations, passengers who are late to check in may not be allowed to board the ferry.

Check in with your pet as a foot passenger
All pets have to be on a leash and with muzzel or in the travel kennel while taking your pet to the cabin from the vehicle or from the shuttle bus.

Please ensure you follow our pet checlist & ensure this is adhered to fully before travel

Oslo - Frederikshavn - Copenhagen
Check-in opens:
Vehicle passengers: 2 hours before scheduled departure time.
Foot passengers: possible to check-in from 09.00

Boarding starts:
All passengers: 2 hours before scheduled departure time.

Check-in closes:
Vehicle passengers to Frederikshavn: 50 minutes before scheduled departure time.
All other passengers: 15 minutes before scheduled departure time.

Frederikshavn - Oslo
Check-in opens: 21:30
Check-in closes: 23:30

If there are changes to the schedule the openings hours will be adjusted and advertised on the door.

Copenhagen - Oslo
Check-in opens:
Vehicle passengers: 2 hours before scheduled departure time.
Foot passengers: Possible to check-in from 09.00

Boarding starts:
All passengers: 2 hours before scheduled departure time

Check-in closes:
All passengers: 15 minutes before scheduled departure time

For more information, please click here.

All passengers must present relevant documents upon arrival to the terminal for check-in. These may include a valid physical passport, booking confirmation, documents for vehicle or pet travel, and/or other required documents, depending on the rules and regulations of country you are travelling to.

Routine security checks of passengers, luggage and vehicles are carried out in all ports before you board the ship.

We recommend passengers travelling with children to arrive early.

Please make sure that you have all relevant information ready including your passport/ID, booking confirmation, and if applicable, your visa during check-in. Children under the age of 16 may travel without a passport if accompanied by a parent or guardian. We still recommend that you bring a passport or a Danish health insurance card for children under the age of 16.

DFDS is committed to making travel on our passenger routes as comfortable as possible for passengers with reduced mobility, disabilities, and special needs. Please contact us beforehand if you require any assistance during the check-in and boarding process.

More information can be found here.

All passengers must present relevant documents upon arrival to the terminal. These may include a valid physical passport, booking confirmation, documents for vehicle or pet travel, and/or other required documents, depending on the rules and regulations of the country you are travelling to.

Routine security checks of passengers, luggage and vehicles are carried out in all ports.

Foot passengers:
Passengers on foot may check in at our self-service machines or at the counter, where our team will be ready to assist you. Please make sure that you have all relevant information ready including your physical passport/ID, booking confirmation, and if applicable, your visa during check-in.

For passengers travelling from Frederikshavn to Oslo, check-in must be carried out by our staff at the counter.

All pets have to be on a leash or in the travel kennel while taking your pet to the cabin from the vehicle or from the shuttle bus.

Please ensure you follow the relevant rules and regulations & ensure these are adhered to fully before travel. You can read more about travelling with a pet below.

Travelling to Norway from a EU-country:
https://www.mattilsynet.no/language/english/animals/travelling_with_pets/travelling_with_dogs_cats_and_ferrets_from_eucountries_to_norway.23686

Travelling to Denmark
https://www.foedevarestyrelsen.dk/english/Self-Service/Guides/Pages/How-to-travel-with-your-dog.aspx

Vehicle passengers:
Passengers travelling in vehicles must check in at the port. Follow the instructions on the signposts and proceed to check-in. Please make sure that you have all relevant information ready including your passport/ID, booking confirmation, and if applicable, your visa during check-in. Once you have checked in, our personnel will guide you onto the ship.

The check-in for vehicles opens 2 hours before and closes 15 before departure.

For passengers travelling from Oslo to Frederikshavn, please note the check-in closes 50 minutes before departure. If you're travelling from Frederikshavn to Oslo, the check-in opens at 21:30 and closes at 23:30.

We recommend planning your arrival time at the port in advance.

All passengers must present relevant documents upon arrival to the terminal. These may include a valid passport, ID card, booking confirmation, documents for vehicle or pet travel, and/or other required documents, depending on the rules and regulations of country you are travelling to. Routine security checks of passengers, luggage and vehicles are carried out in all ports.

When travelling from Dunkirk, please drive to the ticket office, reporting to reception on arrival. You will be accompanied to our Irish Terminal for check-in, customs, passport inspection and boarding. We recommend that you arrive at port no earlier than 3 hours and no less than 2 hours before departure. A failure to adhere to the latest check-in time may result in a refusal to travel. The allocated parking space on the ship may be inaccessible to late-comers or result in delayed disembarkation. We cannot guarantee the facilitation of mobility requirements to those that do not adhere to check-in times.

If you’re travelling with your family, be sure to check out the children’s play area onboard! Let their imaginations run wild as they get stuck in with the various activities and toys on offer.

Both our vessels have a shop onboard where you can browse and treat yourselves. Our Rosslare-Dunkirk ferry is a longer crossing, so we also recommend bringing your own activities such as books and magazines to keep yourself occupied. Additionally, we offer wi-fi packages for purchase onboard to help you stay connected if you wish.

DFDS is committed to making travel on our services as comfortable as possible for all passengers, particularly those who may require additional assistance during their journey. More information on accessibility can be found here.

All passengers must present relevant documents upon arrival to the terminal. These may include a valid passport, ID card, booking confirmation, documents for vehicle or pet travel, and/or other required documents, depending on the rules and regulations of the country you are travelling to. Routine security checks of passengers, luggage and vehicles are carried out in all ports.

The car check-in at the port of Dunkirk & Rosslare is very well signposted. First, drive to the check-in counter and keep your ID card / passport and, your visa (if applicable) and the booking confirmation ready. Once checked in you will proceed through security and drive onto the ship where our staff will instruct you and ensure that you park your vehicle correctly.

If you are travelling with your dog, cat, or other pet onboard you must ensure you have booked a pet friendly cabin for your pet. Please ensure you follow our pet checklist & ensure this is fully adhered to before travel, more information can be found here.