Frequently Asked Questions
Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions from Leisure Direction:
Book Ferries
What documents should I take when travelling abroad?
There are several documents you will need to have with you when travelling by ferry abroard.
- Relevant passports or photographic ID for all passengers on your booking
- Non British/EU Citizens may require a valid visa. This is your own responsibility. Leisure Direction are not liable for any losses due to invalid/expired visas.
- Full, valid driving licence
- Current vehicle insurance details/certificate
- Travel insurance and a European Health Insurance Card
Are the ferries accessible to passengers with reduced mobility or special requirements?
A large number of ferries are well adapted to be able to suit the needs of disabled / reduced mobility passengers. In most cases, your car can be positioned close to the lift on the car deck and there will be use of a wheelchair in the terminal and onboard the ship
Please be aware however that not all ferry operators are able to offer all these facilities onboard. It is very important that customers requiring assistance check-in much earlier than the latest times stated. If you would like to request assistance in advance, please contact Leisure Direction.
Can I book a crossing with a different number of passengers on the outbound and return journeys?
Leisure Direction does not currently offer the option to be able to book different passenger numbers on each route. However, you could make 2 separate bookings.
Example: 2 people outbound, just 1 returning.
1 x booking with 1 person return and 1 x booking with 1 person single OR 1 x outbound (one way) booking for 2 people and 1 x return (one way) for one person.
Should I include the driver in the total number of passengers?
Yes. Please ensure that you select the total number of passengers travelling in your party. This should include the driver.
I've selected the month I want, but why can't I see any dates or times?
If there are no dates on the month you have selected, or no times for the date you have chosen, it is because there are currently no timetables available for that particular selection.
In order to proceed with your booking, please select alternative dates. As soon as we have schedules available to us from the ferry operators, we will update the timetables online.
Do I have to select a return date and time?
Yes. It is not possible to book open return journeys with Leisure Direction.
How do I make a booking as a foot passenger, travelling without a vehicle?
If you are travelling by ferry without a vehicle, please choose the 'Foot Passenger (No Vehicle)' option when selected the method of travel.
Can I make a booking over the phone?
To keep costs low, we do not take bookings over the phone. By using our online booking form, you have access to over 50 major European ferry operators as well as hundreds of routes and sailings to and from the UK.
If you have a query with an existing booking made with Leisure Direction, please email or call us on the phone number provided on your email confirmation.
How can I find the cheapest ferry ticket price(s)?
We always display the lowest fares we have searched for the route/date/time combination that you have selected. If you are flexible and can travel outside of peak times / periods, then cheaper fares are usually available late at night (excluding overnight sailings) or very early morning on midweek sailings (Monday-Thursday).
I was quoted a price, but now when I have looked again, it has increased. Why is this?
The prices you see online are only valid at the time of the quote. As many ferry operators use a demand-driven pricing structure, the price may change according to availability. Therefore, we always advise making your ferry booking early to obtain the cheapest prices.
I have booked online, should I expect to receive any tickets?
If you make a booking with Leisure Direction you will not receive ferry tickets. Once your booking has been completed, you will see an on-screen BOOKING REFERENCE NUMBER. At the same time, you will also receive your booking confirmation by email.
We recommend that you print a copy of your confirmation and present it, along with your photo ID at the port check-in - where you will be given your travel documents.
If you book a crossing with the ferry operator SNCM, we will send your travel documents by email within 2 working days. You will be required to print these documents and present them at check-in for you to be allowed to travel,
What do I do if I haven't received my confirmation email?
Sometimes emails can be blocked as an anti-spam measure due to large volumes of emails that are sent out, otherwise you typed your email address incorrectly. Please contact us and we can resend your email confirmation.
How do I know which ferry operator I have booked my crossing with?
Both your on-screen and email confirmation includes the ferry operating company that you'll be travelling with, your booking reference number, check-in time and other essential information. Operator details are also shown on the terms and conditions for your route quotation/booking.
How can I amend or cancel my booking?
The first named passenger/driver on the booking is automatically agreed as the Lead Name. This is the only person who is allowed to discuss, amend or cancel the booking. If the person who paid for the crossing is not the first named passenger they are not the lead name and we cannot discuss details of the booking with them.
If you require your ferry crossing amending or cancelling then please contact us. Please note a minimum £25.00 amendment fee will be charged in addition to any increase in the cost levied by the ferry operator. All crossings and fares quoted are subject to restricted space and sailing times and may increase in price at the ferry operator's discretion as space is sold. Fares may be withdrawn at anytime. If you decide to cancel your booking a minimum cancellation fee of £25.00 also applies.
Is it compulsory to book onboard accommodation (seats/cabins)?
Onboard accommodation is usually only required on overnight crossings. If accommodation (reclining seats or cabins) is compulsory, and you have not selected sufficient accommodation, you will be notified during the booking process.
Do I select the number of cabins I require of the number of berths (beds)?
Please select the number of cabins you require onboard your ferry crossing. If booking seats, please select the number of seats you require.
Is bedding provided in the cabins?
Yes bedding and towels are provided in the cabins.
Are baby cots provided in the cabins?
Most ferry operators are able to provide cots in the cabins however not all offer this facility. Please contact us with your booking reference number should you wish to add a baby cot to your booking.
I will be travelling in a rental car. I don't yet know the make or registration number of the car, can I still book online?
We advise that before making your ferry booking, you check that your rental car may be taken on the journey that you are proposing.
Yes, you can still book online even if you don't know the make or registration number of the car. Simply enter "Rental Car" in the vehicle registration field and the expected size of the car, e.g. Small, Regular, MPV etc in the Make/Model field.
I have a roof box/bicycle rack attached to my car, does it matter?
Yes. It is important that you select your vehicle as a non-standard car and enter your vehicle dimensions correctly, including any attached racks/boxes. If you do not enter your vehicle dimensions correctly it may lead to problems at the port, such as additional charges or not enough space being available for you to board the ferry.
Can I book a vehicle plus a trailer?
Please select "Car and Trailer" or "Motorhome and Trailer" or "Van and Trailer" and select the appropriate dimensions for both the vehicle and the trailer and proceed with the booking. Please note that if the vehicle is an MPV, SUV or a 4x4, then please select "Car and trailer" as the option and select the correct dimensions.
If I change my car can I transfer the booking onto my new vehicle?
Yes you can transfer it - provided that the new vehicle falls within the dimensions of the original vehicle booked and is the same category of vehicle (e.g. car, van, motorhome).Please note that a £10.00 administrative charge will be made to amend the vehicle details.
If the new vehicle is larger than that originally booked, please contact us at your earliest convenience so that we can amend your booking. Failure to do this may result in extra charges at the port.