Accessible Travel on the Portsmouth to St Malo Ferry: The Complete 2026 Guide

Accessible travel on the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry is well catered for — but it requires advance planning. MV Saint-Malo, the dedicated ship on this route since February 2025, is a brand-new wheelchair accessible ferry with lifts to all passenger decks, eight wheelchair-accessible adapted cabins, accessible toilets throughout, and a full boarding assistance service. Portsmouth International Port has a dedicated minibus with ramp, a Space to Change facility, and recognises the Sunflower Lanyard for hidden disabilities. Whether you use a wheelchair or mobility scooter, have reduced mobility, a visual or hearing impairment, a hidden disability, or travel with a registered assistance dog, this guide covers everything — verified directly from Brittany Ferries and Portsmouth International Port.

Last updated: March 2026 | Verified from Brittany Ferries official sources and Portsmouth International Port. Always contact Brittany Ferries to confirm your requirements: 0330 159 5015 | access@brittanyferries.com

2 Berth Wheelchair cabin on the MV St Malo for accessible travel Portsmouth to St Malo ferry

♿ Accessible Travel Fast Facts — Portsmouth to St Malo

~11 hrs

Overnight crossing

8 cabins

Adapted on MV Saint-Malo

48 hrs

Notice for boarding assistance

All decks

Lifts throughout ship

✅ Declare your requirements at step 1 of the Brittany Ferries booking process — not on arrival at the port
✅ Only 8 wheelchair-accessible adapted cabins on MV Saint-Malo — book the day your travel dates are confirmed
✅ 48 hours notice required for boarding assistance at Portsmouth International Port — call 0330 159 5015 or email access@brittanyferries.com
✅ Portsmouth International Port operates the Sunflower Lanyard scheme for hidden disabilities and has a Space to Change facility with ceiling hoist
✅ Dedicated wheelchair boarding minibus with ramp at Portsmouth International Port — request at booking
✅ Registered assistance dogs welcome — must be declared at booking; pet travel rules apply for all dogs travelling to France
✅ Bring your own wheelchair — on-board wheelchairs are for emergency use only

Book with Brittany Ferries

♿ Is the Portsmouth to St Malo Ferry a Wheelchair Accessible Ferry?

Yes — accessible travel on the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry is well supported. MV Saint-Malo entered service on this route in February 2025 as a brand-new wheelchair accessible ferry with accessibility designed in from the outset. Lifts connect all passenger decks to the vehicle deck, eight wheelchair-accessible adapted cabins are available, accessible toilets are provided throughout, and trained crew offer boarding assistance on the car deck. Portsmouth International Port adds a further layer of support — designated disabled parking, a boarding minibus with ramp, a Space to Change facility, and the Sunflower Lanyard scheme for passengers with hidden disabilities.

Brittany Ferries are transparent about the realities of ship design. A ferry is not a purpose-built hotel — raised bulkheads, heavy sea doors, and a moving deck in rough weather are factors that all passengers with mobility needs should plan for in advance. The sections below explain exactly what is provided, what to arrange before you travel, and the honest limitations to know about.

✅ Accessibility Provided

Lifts to all passenger decks from the car deck
8 wheelchair-accessible adapted cabins (very limited — book early)
Accessible toilets on all passenger decks
Wide corridors on main passenger decks
All bars, restaurants, and public areas accessible to wheelchair users
Car deck parking close to lifts for disabled passengers (request at booking)
Dedicated boarding minibus with ramp at Portsmouth International Port
Crew boarding assistance navigating the car deck to the lift
Priority embarkation and disembarkation
Space to Change facility in the Portsmouth terminal (radar key)

⚠️ Limitations to Know

Raised bulkheads (door thresholds) throughout — standard maritime design
Heavy sea doors in some areas of the ship
The ship moves — rough Channel seas make navigation harder for everyone
Standard cabins have narrow doorways and a step into the bathroom
Lift-adjacent car deck spaces are first come, first served at booking only
Brittany Ferries may limit the number of passengers needing individual assistance per sailing for safety reasons
Wheelchairs on board are for emergency use only — bring your own

⚠️ Safety capacity limits — always declare at booking: Brittany Ferries may limit the number of disabled passengers requiring individual assistance on any sailing for safety reasons. If the limit is reached after your booking is confirmed, they will offer an alternative sailing or a full refund. This is uncommon but does happen — which is why declaring requirements at booking, not on arrival, is essential.

💡 Consider travelling with a companion: Brittany Ferries recommend that passengers with disabilities consider travelling with a non-disabled companion where possible — particularly on an 11-hour overnight crossing. MV Saint-Malo carries over 2,000 passengers and while the crew are excellent, dedicated one-to-one boarding assistance is not available throughout the voyage. A companion significantly increases independence and confidence on board.

🛏️ Wheelchair-Accessible Cabins on MV Saint-Malo

A wheelchair-accessible cabin is not optional on this crossing — it is essential. The sailing departs Portsmouth at approximately 20:15 and arrives in St Malo at around 08:15 the following morning: an 11-hour overnight journey. Standard non-adapted cabins have narrow doorways and a step into the bathroom, making them unsuitable for most wheelchair users. MV Saint-Malo has just 8 wheelchair-accessible adapted cabins across its entire 386-cabin fleet — a very small number for a ship carrying over 2,000 passengers. See our full cabin guide for a complete overview of all cabin grades available on MV Saint-Malo.

♿ Adapted Cabin Features

Wider doorways for wheelchair access
Accessible en-suite bathroom with step-free layout
Located on lift-served passenger decks
Some adapted cabins include bunk beds — companions may need the upper bunk
Air-conditioned, with en-suite bathroom, LCD TV and Video on Demand
Bed linens, towels and toiletries included

❌ Standard Cabin Limitations

Narrow doorways — not suitable for most wheelchairs
A step into the bathroom in all non-adapted cabins
Not appropriate for passengers with significant mobility needs
Narrower internal corridors in standard cabin sections

📋 How to Book a Wheelchair-Accessible Cabin — Step by Step

Step 1 — Declare your disability when booking
On step 1 of the Brittany Ferries online booking pages, declare your disability or impairment. Alternatively call 0330 159 5015 or email access@brittanyferries.com
Step 2 — Select your adapted cabin
On step 3 of the booking process, select a wheelchair-accessible cabin, subject to availability. These are first come, first served
Step 3 — Request lift-adjacent car deck parking
If travelling with a vehicle, request lift-adjacent parking at booking — it cannot be guaranteed if requested on the day at the port
Step 4 — Declare all mobility and medical equipment
Wheelchair, mobility scooter, oxygen, CPAP machine — Brittany Ferries need this information to plan boarding and vehicle placement
Step 5 — Arrange boarding assistance at least 48 hours before travel
Call 0330 159 5015 or email access@brittanyferries.com to confirm arrangements including the minibus service
Step 6 — Arrive at Portsmouth International Port 90 minutes before departure
Standard vehicle check-in closes 45 minutes before departure — passengers requiring boarding assistance need more time
Step 7 — Repeat all requirements at check-in on the day
State your requirements again at the check-in desk. Do not assume booking details have automatically reached the port team

💡 Treat adapted cabins like a specialist hotel room: With only 8 across a 386-cabin ship, availability disappears fast. Peak summer sailings in July and August can be fully booked months before departure. Book the same day your travel dates are confirmed.

🏢 Portsmouth International Port — Accessibility & the Space to Change Facility

Portsmouth International Port provides a comprehensive accessibility service for disabled passengers. Several of its facilities are not widely known — including the full Space to Change facility and the Sunflower Lanyard scheme for hidden disabilities. The port requires that Brittany Ferries are informed at least 48 hours before you arrive so that boarding assistance can be coordinated. For port-specific questions call 023 9229 7391 or email info@portsmouth-port.co.uk. Full details on the Portsmouth International Port assisted travel page.

🚌 Boarding Minibus with Ramp

Portsmouth International Port operates a dedicated boarding minibus with a ramp to transport wheelchair users and reduced mobility passengers from the terminal to the ship. This removes the need to navigate the full length of the car deck independently.

Advise Brittany Ferries at booking — give at least 48 hours notice
Notify check-in staff on arrival if not already arranged
Available for wheelchair users and their travelling companions

🅿️ Disabled Parking

Designated disabled parking spaces in the port car park
Additional bays adjacent to the main terminal building
Request these at the time of booking through Brittany Ferries
Car deck parking close to lifts also available — request at booking

🔑 Space to Change Facility

Portsmouth International Port has a full Space to Change facility on the ground floor of the terminal building — a provision that no competitor guide currently covers.

Ceiling tracking hoist
Height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench
Peninsular toilet
Accessible by radar key — ask port staff

🚻 Terminal Accessibility

Accessible toilet facilities throughout the terminal building
Terminal building fully wheelchair accessible
Port staff available to help throughout
Port contact: 023 9229 7391 | info@portsmouth-port.co.uk

🚶 Travelling as a Foot Passenger with a Disability or Reduced Mobility

Foot passengers with a disability or reduced mobility can travel on the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry. The procedure is straightforward but requires you to declare your needs in advance and follow the steps below. Note that you cannot bring a pet if you are travelling as a foot passenger — this applies to all animals including pets travelling alongside disabled passengers. Registered assistance dogs are an exception and must be declared at booking.

📋 Foot Passenger Boarding Procedure

Declare your disability or reduced mobility at the time of booking
On arrival at Portsmouth, check in at the Brittany Ferries information desk at the port and tell them again about your disability or reduced mobility
Your passage through the port and onto the ship will be arranged for you — check-in staff will advise you exactly what to do
Staff will be on hand to assist you to board the ship
You will be asked to wait in the boarding lounge until it is safe for you to board
Boarding may be via lifts, ramps, or through the car deck depending on the port and ship
Passengers requiring assistance must check in at least 60 minutes before departure

⚠️ Foot Passenger — Points to Note

You cannot bring a pet if travelling as a foot passenger — vehicle passengers only
Bring your own wheelchair or mobility equipment — wheelchairs at the port are for emergency use only
Staff can assist with an overnight bag and medical equipment during boarding and disembarkation
Travelling with a companion is strongly recommended for negotiating ramps, bulkheads, and heavy sea doors on an 11-hour overnight crossing

🚗 Vehicle Travel & the Car Deck — Parking, Mobility Scooters & Medical Equipment

Most passengers requiring accessible travel on the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry travel with a car or adapted vehicle. Here is what to know about car deck parking, boarding assistance, what to bring, and one critical point that catches many passengers out.

🅿️ Lift-Adjacent Car Deck Parking

Spaces close to the car deck lifts reserved for disabled passengers
Must be requested at the time of booking — first come, first served; not available on arrival at the port
At checkpoint a windscreen sticker will be applied to your vehicle to identify it to the loading marshalls
You may be asked to put your hazard warning lights on as you approach the ship — wait with hazards flashing until directed into the lift-adjacent lane
The first vehicles loaded go to spaces furthest from the lift — do not be concerned if many cars board before you; you will be directed when the spaces near the lifts are being filled
Car deck loading crew provide boarding assistance to the lift
During peak summer months the car deck is very busy — allow extra time

🛵 Wheelchairs & Mobility Scooters

Declare at booking — Brittany Ferries need to plan boarding arrangements in advance
Brittany Ferries do not provide wheelchairs for general use — bring your own
Folding wheelchairs can travel in the cabin with you
Larger powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters may need to remain in your vehicle on the car deck — confirm with Brittany Ferries at booking

🫁 Medical Equipment

Declare all medical equipment at booking — oxygen, CPAP, powered devices
Confirm power supply requirements with Brittany Ferries in advance
Pack sufficient medication and medical supplies in your overnight bag before leaving the car deck

🧳 Luggage Assistance

Staff can help you with your overnight bag and medical equipment when boarding and when disembarking — at both Portsmouth and St Malo
Assistance is also available to help with luggage from the ship to the passenger terminal on arrival in France
Let Brittany Ferries know your exact luggage requirements at the time of booking and repeat them at check-in on the day

⚠️ Critical — the car deck is sealed for the entire 11-hour crossing: Once you leave your vehicle, you cannot return until the ship docks in St Malo. Pack all medication, mobility aids, medical equipment, and everything you need overnight into your bag before you lock your vehicle on the car deck. Do not assume you can retrieve anything during the voyage.

🌻 Hidden Disabilities & the Sunflower Lanyard at Portsmouth International Port

Not all disabilities are visible. Passengers with hidden disabilities — including autism, anxiety disorders, chronic pain, dementia, epilepsy, Crohn’s disease, and many other conditions — may need additional support at the port but not feel comfortable disclosing their needs. Portsmouth International Port has joined the Sunflower Lanyard scheme, which provides a discreet, nationally recognised way to signal to trained port staff that you may need extra time, patience, or help.

🌻 How the Sunflower Lanyard Works at Portsmouth Port

Wearing the green sunflower lanyard signals to trained port staff that you have a hidden disability
Portsmouth International Port staff will ask what additional support would help your journey through the terminal
You do not need to explain or disclose your specific condition
Lanyards can be ordered free from the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website
The scheme operates at the port terminal building and boarding process

⚠️ On Board MV Saint-Malo

The Sunflower Lanyard scheme is currently operated by the port — it is not yet an official Brittany Ferries on-board programme
If your hidden disability means you need support during the crossing itself — such as anxiety in confined spaces, sensory sensitivities, or conditions requiring specific arrangements — contact Brittany Ferries directly before booking: 0330 159 5015 | access@brittanyferries.com

👁️ Visual Impairment on the Portsmouth to St Malo Ferry

Passengers with a visual impairment can travel on the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry, but it is important to contact Brittany Ferries before booking to discuss your specific needs. MV Saint-Malo has some Braille signage on board — but Brittany Ferries are transparent that not all services and information are available in Braille, and that crew cannot always provide dedicated orientation assistance to passengers with a visual impairment throughout an 11-hour overnight voyage.

What Brittany Ferries Provide

Partial Braille signage on board MV Saint-Malo — not all areas or services
Crew will assist with orientation on the ship where possible on request
Staff available at the Information Desk throughout the crossing for passengers with a visual impairment

What to Do if You Have a Visual Impairment

Call Brittany Ferries before you travel: 0333 060 9896
Declare your visual impairment at the time of booking
Advise Brittany Ferries of the specific nature of your visual impairment and what assistance you will need
Brittany Ferries recommend travelling with a fully sighted companion if you are likely to need regular orientation assistance during the voyage — crew cannot always be available to a single passenger throughout an 11-hour crossing
On arrival at Portsmouth International Port, staff will help passengers with a visual impairment through the terminal and boarding process — advise them at check-in

🔊 Hearing Impairment

Safety announcements, the mandatory safety briefing, and operational information during the crossing are all broadcast via MV Saint-Malo’s onboard public address speaker system. If you or a member of your party has a hearing impairment, you need to take one straightforward action as soon as you board the ship.

Go Directly to the Information Desk When You Board

Report to the Information Desk as soon as you board the ship — before going to your cabin. Tell the crew about your hearing impairment. The crew will then make arrangements to ensure you receive all important messages directly that would otherwise be broadcast only over the ship’s speakers, including the safety briefing.

Also declare your hearing impairment at the time of booking so the crew are prepared on your arrival
Do not delay — the safety briefing happens shortly after departure
Ask the crew to confirm how they will communicate important information to you throughout the voyage
Ensure any travelling companion is also aware of all safety procedures

🐕 Travelling with a Registered Assistance Dog

Registered assistance dogs are welcome on the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry. However, as this is an international crossing from the UK to France, your assistance dog is subject to the same pet travel entry requirements as any other dog — and these must be in order before you travel.

Requirements

Notify Brittany Ferries at the time of booking — non-negotiable
Your dog must be microchipped and have a valid, up-to-date rabies vaccination
An EU Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is required for travel from the UK to France
Carry proof that your dog is a registered assistance dog
You are responsible for your dog’s welfare for the entire crossing

Points to Be Aware Of

Sea travel can be distressing for animals — even highly trained assistance dogs may find an 11-hour overnight crossing challenging
If you are a foot passenger, you cannot bring any pet on board — this restriction applies regardless of disability. Registered assistance dogs are the exception and must be declared at the time of booking
See our complete Pets Guide for full documentation requirements for taking any dog from the UK to France

🚢 Onboard Accessibility — What to Expect on MV Saint-Malo

MV Saint-Malo entered service in February 2025 as the most modern ship ever deployed on this route — purpose-built with significantly better accessibility than the older vessels it replaced. Once on the passenger decks, most disabled passengers can move around independently and enjoy the full facilities on board. See our full guide to MV Saint-Malo’s onboard facilities for a complete overview of restaurants, bars, wellness, entertainment and what to expect during the 11-hour crossing.

🛗 Lifts & Getting Around

Lifts serve all passenger decks including from the car deck
All main facilities reachable without stairs via the lifts
During busy boarding and disembarkation periods lifts can be congested — allow extra time
Car deck loading crew will direct you to the nearest lift from your vehicle
In the event of any problem on board, crew will already be aware of which passengers have declared a disability and will be on hand to offer assistance

🚻 Accessible Toilets

Accessible toilets on all passenger decks
Ask at the Information Desk if you cannot locate one

🍽️ Restaurants & Public Areas

All public areas — restaurants, bars, shop, entertainment — accessible to wheelchair users
Wide corridors on the main passenger decks
Ask any crew member for assistance at any facility
See our Onboard Facilities Guide for the full overview of restaurants, bars and amenities on MV Saint-Malo

⚠️ Ship Design Realities

Raised bulkheads (door thresholds) throughout — unavoidable by maritime regulation
Heavy sea doors in some parts of the ship
In rough Channel weather, movement on board is harder for everyone
Steep stairs in some areas outside the main lift-served routes

⚖️ Your Legal Rights as an Accessible Passenger

Accessible travel on the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry is not simply provided as a courtesy by Brittany Ferries — it is backed by law. Regulation (EU) No 1177/2010 on maritime passenger rights was incorporated into UK domestic law by section 3 of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 and continues to apply to this crossing. Knowing your rights before you travel puts you in a stronger position if anything goes wrong.

✅ You Cannot Be Refused Travel

Brittany Ferries cannot refuse your booking, refuse to issue a ticket, or refuse to let you board solely on the grounds of disability or reduced mobility. Refusal is only permitted in very limited circumstances — where carrying you would breach a statutory safety requirement (such as the legal obligation to evacuate all passengers within 30 minutes), or where the physical design of the ship or port makes it genuinely impossible to carry you safely. If you are refused, Brittany Ferries must tell you the specific reasons in writing within 5 working days of your request.

💰 Assistance Is Free of Charge

All boarding assistance, disembarkation assistance, and support provided by Brittany Ferries and Portsmouth International Port under the regulation must be provided free of charge. You cannot be charged extra for using the boarding minibus, for parking close to the lift, or for crew assistance on the car deck. Tickets and reservations must be offered to you under the same conditions and at the same price as all other passengers.

👥 Your Companion May Travel Free

If Brittany Ferries require, for safety reasons, that you travel with a companion, that companion must be carried free of charge on a ferry. This is a legal entitlement under Regulation 1177/2010, Article 8(4) — it is not discretionary. If Brittany Ferries invoke this requirement, they must tell you the specific reasons immediately. Note: this free companion entitlement applies to ferry travel only, not cruises.

🦽 Mobility Equipment Compensation

If your wheelchair, mobility scooter, or other mobility aid is lost or damaged as a result of fault or neglect by Brittany Ferries, you are entitled to compensation covering the full cost of repair or replacement. You are also not charged for bringing any medical or mobility equipment on board that is reasonably necessary for your needs during the voyage (subject to it being permitted on the ship).

📋 If Something Goes Wrong

If you believe your rights under Regulation 1177/2010 have not been respected, make a complaint to Brittany Ferries in writing within 2 months of the crossing. Brittany Ferries must react within 1 month and give you a final reply within 2 months of receiving your complaint. If you are not satisfied, you can escalate to the UK’s national enforcement body for maritime passenger rights: the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). You can also contact Citizens Advice for guidance on using the European Small Claims procedure for cross-border disputes.

🤝 What the Crew Can — and Cannot — Help With

Brittany Ferries crew are trained in disability awareness and will provide genuine assistance throughout your crossing. But there are important limits to what crew can legally and practically do. Being clear on these before you travel avoids disappointment and helps you plan the right support for an 11-hour overnight crossing.

✅ What Crew Can Do

Assist you from the car deck to the lift and to your cabin or seating area on boarding
Help you stow luggage on embarkation
On request during the crossing, assist you to proceed to the accessible toilet
Assist you to retrieve luggage and disembark at the end of the voyage
Communicate safety information to passengers who have declared a hearing impairment
Provide a ship’s wheelchair for temporary use if needed (for emergency use — bring your own for the crossing)
If your motorised wheelchair is too large or heavy for the passenger decks and must remain on the car deck, provide you with alternative mobility equipment for use during the voyage

❌ What Crew Cannot Do

Under Regulation 1177/2010, ferry operators are not required to provide personal care assistance. Crew on MV Saint-Malo cannot assist with:

Feeding or eating assistance
Administering medication
Breathing assistance
Physically assisting a passenger to use the toilet
Dedicated one-to-one attendance throughout the 11-hour voyage

If you require any of these, you need a travelling companion. As noted above, if Brittany Ferries deem a companion necessary for safety reasons, that companion travels free of charge on the ferry under Regulation 1177/2010.

💡 Disability awareness training is mandatory — all Brittany Ferries staff who come into contact with passengers, both in the port and on board, are required by law to have received disability awareness training. However, this does not mean they are experts in every type of disability. If you have specific requirements, explain them clearly at check-in and again to the crew member who assists you when boarding.

🇫🇷 Arriving at St Malo — Disembarkation Assistance

The guidance below applies if you have requested disembarkation assistance at the time of booking. If you have not pre-booked, speak to crew on board before arrival — they will make every reasonable effort to help, but it cannot be guaranteed without advance notice.

🚢 Before You Leave Your Cabin

Crew will already be aware that you require disembarkation assistance — this is logged at the time of booking and again at check-in
You will be given a disembarkation time or priority call — listen for announcements or check with the Information Desk the evening before arrival
Allow extra time: do not wait until the last general call to vehicles
If you need staff to come to your cabin to assist, request this at the Information Desk when boarding

🧳 Luggage & Getting to Your Vehicle

If you have requested disembarkation assistance, crew will help you retrieve luggage and disembark the vessel — this is a legal entitlement under Regulation 1177/2010
Staff can help with your overnight bag and medical equipment from the ship to the St Malo passenger terminal
If you have any specific requirements for returning to your vehicle on the car deck, discuss these with the crew at the Information Desk when you board — they can make arrangements for the morning arrival

🅿️ Vehicle Disembarkation

Your vehicle will have been parked in a lift-adjacent space on the car deck (if requested at booking) — it will typically be among the last vehicles unloaded to allow you to reach it safely
Car deck marshalls in St Malo are aware of accessible vehicles — follow their directions
Once through French customs and border control, the St Malo terminal has accessible parking and facilities

⚠️ The single most important step: Declare your disembarkation assistance needs at booking, not on arrival in St Malo. If you have booked assistance and have confirmed it at check-in in Portsmouth, you will be well looked after on arrival in France. If you have not pre-booked, speak to the crew at the Information Desk as soon as you board to make arrangements for the morning.

Frequently Asked Questions — Accessible Travel on the Portsmouth to St Malo Ferry

Is the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry wheelchair accessible?

Yes. MV Saint-Malo is a wheelchair accessible ferry with lifts to all passenger decks from the car deck, 8 wheelchair-accessible adapted cabins, accessible toilets throughout, and wide corridors on main passenger decks. Portsmouth International Port also provides a dedicated boarding minibus with ramp, reserved disabled parking, a Space to Change facility, and recognises the Sunflower Lanyard for hidden disabilities. Declare your requirements at step 1 of the Brittany Ferries booking process and contact 0330 159 5015 or access@brittanyferries.com to discuss your specific needs.

How many wheelchair-accessible cabins does MV Saint-Malo have?

MV Saint-Malo has 8 wheelchair-accessible adapted cabins across its 386-cabin fleet. These feature wider doorways, accessible en-suite bathrooms, and are located on lift-served decks. With only 8 available for a ship carrying over 2,000 passengers, they are in very high demand — particularly July and August. Book on the same day your travel dates are confirmed and select your adapted cabin at step 3 of the Brittany Ferries booking process.

How do I book special assistance and boarding assistance on the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry?

Declare your disability at step 1 of the Brittany Ferries online booking process. For boarding assistance at Portsmouth International Port — including the minibus service, car deck parking near lifts, and any other arrangements — give at least 48 hours notice by calling 0330 159 5015 or emailing access@brittanyferries.com. Repeat all requirements at the check-in desk on the day of travel.

Can I take a mobility scooter on the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry?

Yes, but you must declare it at the time of booking. Brittany Ferries need to plan vehicle placement and boarding arrangements in advance. Folding wheelchairs can travel in the cabin with you. Larger powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters may need to remain in your vehicle on the sealed car deck during the crossing — confirm with Brittany Ferries at booking on 0330 159 5015. Never arrive at the port with a mobility scooter without having declared it.

Does Portsmouth International Port have a Space to Change facility?

Yes. Portsmouth International Port has a Space to Change facility on the ground floor of the terminal building. It includes a ceiling tracking hoist, height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench, and peninsular toilet — accessible by radar key, available from port staff. This is in addition to standard accessible toilets throughout the terminal.

Does Portsmouth International Port recognise the Sunflower Lanyard for hidden disabilities?

Yes. Portsmouth International Port has joined the Sunflower Lanyard scheme. Port staff are trained to recognise the green sunflower lanyard and will ask how they can support your journey through the terminal. You do not need to disclose your specific condition. If you also need support during the crossing on MV Saint-Malo, contact Brittany Ferries directly: 0330 159 5015 | access@brittanyferries.com.

I have a hearing impairment — how will I receive safety announcements on MV Saint-Malo?

Go directly to the Information Desk as soon as you board — before going to your cabin. Tell the crew about your hearing impairment and they will arrange for all safety and operational announcements to be communicated to you directly rather than only via the ship’s speaker system. Also declare your hearing impairment at the time of booking so the crew are prepared when you arrive.

What if my accessibility needs cannot be accommodated on my chosen sailing?

Brittany Ferries may need to limit the number of passengers requiring individual assistance per sailing for safety reasons. If that limit has been reached after your booking is confirmed, they will offer an alternative sailing or a full refund. This is uncommon but does happen — which is why declaring requirements at booking rather than on arrival is essential. Call 0330 159 5015 at the time of booking to confirm availability on your chosen date.

Continue Planning Your Portsmouth to St Malo Trip

🚗

Vehicle Guide

Cars, vans, motorhomes and caravans — prices, dimensions, check-in steps and car deck tips

Vehicle Guide →

🐾

Pets Guide

Dogs, cats and assistance animals — full UK to France documentation requirements

Pets Guide →

🛏️

Cabin Guide

Every cabin grade on MV Saint-Malo — including adapted accessible options, from 4-berth to Commodore

Cabin Guide →

⚓

Onboard Facilities

Restaurants, bars, shop, wellness and entertainment — the full guide to MV Saint-Malo

Onboard Guide →

Ready to Book Your Accessible Crossing to St Malo?

With only 8 wheelchair-accessible cabins on MV Saint-Malo, availability goes fast. Book the moment your travel dates are confirmed and declare your requirements at step 1 of the booking process.

Brittany Ferries special assistance: 0330 159 5015 | access@brittanyferries.com

Book with Brittany Ferries