P&O Ferries vs DFDS vs Irish Ferries: Which is Best for Families?

For British families, the white cliffs of Dover signal the start of a milestone vacation. Whether you are heading for a camping trip in the Dordogne, an escape to the Riviera, or a magical week at Disneyland Paris, the journey across the English Channel is the first chapter of your adventure.

However, with three major operators—P&O Ferries, DFDS Seaways, and Irish Ferries—vying for your business on the Dover Strait, choosing the right one can be the difference between a stressful transit and a relaxing start to your itinerary planning.

P&O Ferries vs. DFDS vs. Irish Ferries: The Ultimate Family Comparison Guide

This guide cuts through the marketing noise. We analyze the “Big Three” based on what actually matters to parents: cost, child-friendliness, onboard facilities, and reliability. Here is everything you need to know to book the best ferry for your family.

The Verdict at a Glance: Which Operator Suits You?

If you are in a rush to book, here is the executive summary based on modern travel standards. While all three operators adhere to strict safety regulations and offer basic amenities, their target experiences differ.

Feature	P&O Ferries	DFDS Seaways	Irish Ferries
Best For	Modern Ship Experience	Reliability & Dunkirk Route	Budget-Conscious Families
Routes	Dover ⇄ Calais	Dover ⇄ Calais / Dunkirk	Dover ⇄ Calais
Kids’ Facilities	Excellent (Interactive Areas)	Good (Soft Play)	Decent (Video Games)
Crossing Time	90 Minutes	90 Min (Calais) / 2 Hrs (Dunkirk)	90 Minutes
Price Point	Mid-to-High	Mid-Range	Often Lowest

1. P&O Ferries: The Modern Hybrid Choice

P&O Ferries has long been the dominant player on the Dover-Calais route. Recently, they have revolutionized the crossing with the introduction of their “Fusion Class” hybrid ships, the P&O Pioneer and P&O Liberté. For families, these vessels are a game-changer.

Onboard Experience for Families

The new hybrid ships are designed with open spaces and massive floor-to-ceiling windows. This might sound like an aesthetic detail, but for children, being able to watch the sea and the approaching French coast is a major distraction. The “Junior Officers’ Club” provides a dedicated soft play area, and during peak holiday seasons, they often employ entertainers to manage activities.

Dining and Comfort

P&O offers a “Food Market” concept rather than a traditional cafeteria line, which reduces queuing time—a blessing when traveling with hungry toddlers. The quality of food is generally high, with options ranging from fish and chips to healthier salads.

Pro-Tip: If your budget allows, upgrade to the Club Lounge. On P&O’s new ships, this includes a private outdoor deck area. It offers complimentary soft drinks, wine, and snacks, which can actually save a family money compared to buying individual drinks in the public bars.

2. DFDS Seaways: The Flexible & Reliable Option

DFDS is unique because it operates two routes from Dover: one to Calais and one to Dunkirk. For families heading to Belgium, Germany, or Eastern France, the Dunkirk route is a strategic masterstroke in itinerary planning.

The Dunkirk Advantage

The Dover-Dunkirk crossing takes 2 hours instead of 90 minutes. While longer, this route is exclusive to motorized traffic (no foot passengers). This results in a calmer atmosphere onboard. The extra 30 minutes gives drivers a slightly longer rest break before hitting the continental motorways.

Kids’ Facilities

DFDS ships are robust and comfortable. They feature the “Pirates’ Island” play area, which is standard across their fleet. While perhaps not as high-tech as P&O’s newest offerings, they are clean, safe, and sufficient to burn off energy. Their “Sea View” lounge is affordable and provides a quiet space for parents to relax while the kids play nearby.

3. Irish Ferries: The Budget Challenger

Irish Ferries is the newest entrant on the Dover-Calais strait, shaking up the market with aggressive pricing. They operate the Isle of Inishmore and the impressive Oscar Wilde.

Value for Money

If your priority is saving money to spend on luxury escapes later in your trip, Irish Ferries is often the winner. They frequently undercut competitors on peak dates. The trade-off is that the Isle of Inishmore is an older vessel, so the layout feels a bit more traditional and enclosed compared to the modern P&O ships.

The “Oscar Wilde” Factor

However, their flagship, the Oscar Wilde, is excellent. It boasts the largest duty-free shop on the Channel and very spacious public lounges. If you book Irish Ferries, try to check the sailing schedule to see which ship you are on; the experience on the Oscar Wilde is superior to the Inishmore.

Operator	Pet Friendly?	Pet Lounge Available?	Notes
P&O	Yes	Yes (Specific Ships)	Large pet lounge with exercise area on new ships.
DFDS	Yes	No (Car Only)	Pets must stay in the vehicle (check current rules).
Irish Ferries	Yes	Yes	Dedicated pet kennels and lounges available.

The Cost Comparison: Who is Cheaper?

Pricing on the Channel is dynamic, similar to airline tickets. However, general trends apply:

Early Booking: Irish Ferries usually offers the lowest “lead-in” fares for bookings made months in advance.
Last Minute: DFDS often has steady availability and fair pricing for last-minute trips.
Offers: P&O frequently runs “free caravan” or “long break” offers that can make them cheaper for specific types of travelers.

To get the best deal, use comparison engines, but always double-check the direct operator site before clicking “pay.“

Logistics: Check-in and Boarding

The boarding process at Dover is unified until you reach the specific operator lanes. All three operators require you to clear French Passport Control (PAF) and UK Border Force before you board.

P&O: Generally has the most lanes and the highest frequency (up to a sailing every 40 minutes), meaning if you miss one, the wait isn’t long.
DFDS: Check-in closes 45-60 minutes before departure. They are strict on this.
Irish Ferries: With fewer sailings per day than P&O, punctuality is key.

Pro-Tip: Arrive at the Port of Dover at least 90 minutes before your sailing during school holidays. The queues for French passport control can be unpredictable, and missing your slot can add stress to the start of your holiday.

Expert Recommendations for a Smooth Journey

Your ferry crossing is just one part of the puzzle. Here is how to elevate the entire experience:

Pre-Trip Stay: If you are driving from the North, don’t rush. Stay overnight in Kent. Check Booking.com for hotels in Dover or Folkestone that offer “Park and Stay” packages.
Travel Insurance: Medical emergencies or car breakdowns can happen. World Nomads offers flexible plans that cover families for road trips across Europe.
Gear Up: French law requires you to carry a warning triangle, high-vis vests for all passengers, and a UK sticker. Grab a pre-packed “European Driving Kit” from REI or a specialized auto retailer to ensure you are compliant with modern standards.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Choose P&O Ferries if:

You want the most modern, spacious ships (Fusion Class).
You are prone to seasickness (the larger ships are more stable).
You want the highest frequency of sailings.

Choose DFDS Seaways if:

You are traveling to Belgium, Holland, or Germany (take the Dunkirk route).
You prefer a quieter, truckers-and-families atmosphere.
You want consistent service standards.

Choose Irish Ferries if:

Budget is your primary concern.
You are traveling with a pet and want a dedicated lounge.
You are shopping for Duty-Free (the Oscar Wilde shop is vast).

Pro-Tip: Traveling with a roof box? Make sure you declare the accurate height of your car when booking. If you book a “Standard Car” (under 1.85m) but arrive with a roof box pushing you to 2.2m, you will be charged a hefty upgrade fee at the booth, regardless of which operator you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Which ferry operator is the cheapest: P&O, DFDS, or Irish Ferries?

Irish Ferries is often the most competitively priced, especially for standard car bookings. However, P&O Ferries runs frequent sales, and DFDS offers great value on the Dunkirk route. It is best to compare all three for your specific dates.

2. Which ferry is best for kids?

P&O Ferries, particularly on their new Fusion Class ships, offers the best experience for children with large interactive play areas, dedicated kids’ menus, and spacious decks for viewing the ocean.

3. Are P&O Ferries reliable after the recent restructuring?

Yes, P&O Ferries is operating a full schedule with high reliability. Their new hybrid ships have improved efficiency and consistency on the Dover-Calais route.

4. Can I stay in my car on the ferry?

Generally, no. For safety reasons, passengers must leave their vehicles and go to the upper decks during the crossing. The exception is for certain freight drivers, but leisure travelers must leave the car decks.

5. Which operator has the best food?

P&O Ferries’ “Food Market” offers a great variety of fresh, international options. DFDS also offers a solid “Lighthouse Café” with good quality meals. Irish Ferries offers a standard cafeteria service which is decent but less varied.

6. Is the Dunkirk route better than Calais?

Dunkirk is better if you want to avoid the congestion of Calais or if you are driving to Belgium or Germany. It is a longer crossing (2 hours vs. 90 mins) but often more relaxed.

7. Can I take my dog in the passenger lounge?

On P&O’s new ships and Irish Ferries, you can book a “Pet Lounge” where your dog can sit with you. On standard tickets or DFDS, pets usually must remain in the vehicle or in on-board kennels.

8. Do I need to book a specific sailing time?

Yes, your ticket is valid for a specific sailing. However, most operators allow you to travel on the sailing immediately before or after your booked time if there is space, sometimes for a small amendment fee.

9. Is there Wi-Fi on board these ferries?

Yes, P&O, DFDS, and Irish Ferries all offer Wi-Fi. It is usually free for browsing but requires a paid package for streaming video or high-speed access.

10. How early should I arrive at the port?

Current recommendations suggest arriving 90 minutes before departure to clear UK Border Force and French Passport Control comfortably, especially during school holidays.