Family Ferry Portsmouth to St Malo: The Complete 2026 Guide

Planning a family ferry Portsmouth to St Malo? You’re in the right place. The overnight channel crossing with Brittany Ferries is one of the best ways to start a family holiday in France — no cramped plane seats, no excess baggage charges, no expensive car hire at the other end. You take your own car loaded exactly how you want it, and the kids get to sleep on the ferry while you cross the Channel. MV Saint-Malo, the brand-new ship on this route since February 2025, was built with families in mind: dedicated play areas, an outdoor sun deck for little ones, kids’ menus in the restaurants, 4-berth and 6-berth cabins, Video on Demand in every cabin (MV Saint-Malo), and free travel for infants aged 3 and under. This guide covers everything — verified directly from Brittany Ferries.

Last updated: March 2026 | All information verified from Brittany Ferries official sources

Family walking to the beach, family ferry Portsmouth to St Malo

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Ferry Fast Facts — Portsmouth to St Malo

~11 hrs

Overnight crossing

Free

Infants aged 3 & under

Up to 6

Berth family cabins

7 / wk

Summer sailings

VoD

In every cabin (Saint-Malo)

Wi-Fi

Limited free, paid after

Ready to Book Your Family Ferry?

4-berth and 6-berth family cabins on MV Saint-Malo — book early, especially for summer sailings.

Check Family Cabin Prices & Book →

🚢 Why the Family Ferry Portsmouth to St Malo Beats Flying

Travelling by ferry removes the constraints that make flying with children genuinely stressful. There are no baggage weight limits — pack everything the family needs without penalty. You take your own car, loaded with car seats, pushchairs, bikes, roof boxes and all the holiday gear that doesn’t fit in an overhead locker. And crucially, an 11-hour overnight channel crossing means the kids sleep in a proper cabin bed and wake up in France, with the holiday effectively started the moment you drove aboard.

Brittany Ferries won Best Ferry Company and Best Travel Company For Family Holidays at the 2022 British Travel Awards — recognition that the onboard family experience is genuinely exceptional, not just an afterthought.

✈️ Flying with kids

Baggage weight limits & charges
Car seats must be checked in
Car hire needed on arrival
Stressed boarding with buggies
Kids confined to seats for hours
Airport transfers both ends

⛴️ Family ferry Portsmouth to St Malo

No baggage limits — take everything
Car seats stay in your car
Drive off in France, holiday begins
Roam freely once aboard
Kids sleep overnight in cabin
Drive straight to port — no transfers

🚂 Family Ferry Portsmouth to St Malo vs the Eurotunnel

For families heading to Brittany, the honest comparison isn’t ferry versus flying — it’s ferry versus the Eurotunnel. The Tunnel is quick, but it drops you in Calais. From there, Brittany is another 4 to 5 hours down the motorway with children in the back. The overnight family ferry Portsmouth to St Malo puts you in Brittany at 8am, refreshed, without a single motorway mile in France. Here’s how they compare.

🚂 Eurotunnel with kids

35 min crossing — but Calais is 4–5 hrs from Brittany
Kids confined to the car for the whole drive south
No entertainment, no room to move
Arrive tired after a long day in the car
No cabin — nowhere to settle babies or toddlers
Motorway tolls (péages) add cost and stops
First full day in France spent driving, not holidaying

⛴️ Family ferry Portsmouth to St Malo

Drive straight onto the ferry at Portsmouth — no tunnel queue
Kids roam freely, play areas, games rooms, restaurants
Everyone sleeps in a proper cabin bed overnight
Arrive in St Malo at 8am — Brittany from the moment you dock
No French motorway driving — saves hours and toll costs
First full day in France is a full day’s holiday
It’s a mini cruise — the crossing is part of the adventure

📍 The distance argument
Calais to St Malo is 425km — roughly the same distance as London to Edinburgh. Families who take the Eurotunnel and drive south spend their first half-day in France on a motorway. The Portsmouth to St Malo ferry eliminates that drive entirely and deposits you in the heart of Brittany ready to go.

🛳️ The Two Ships — MV Saint-Malo & Armorique

Two ships operate the Portsmouth to St Malo route. MV Saint-Malo is the primary vessel, sailing year-round. The Armorique covers early-season sailings, typically February and March. Your booking confirmation will tell you which ship you’re on. Both are family-friendly — but they have different facilities, so it’s worth knowing what to expect on each.

📋 Which ship am I on?
Check your Brittany Ferries booking confirmation — the ship name is listed there. If you’re travelling in summer or autumn, you’ll almost certainly be on MV Saint-Malo. Early-season sailings (typically Feb–Mar) may operate on the Armorique.

MV Saint-Malo

Primary vessel — Feb 2025 onwards

386 cabins including 4-berth and 6-berth family cabins
Children’s play area + outdoor sun deck play area
Games room (air hockey, video arcade)
Kids’ menus in all restaurants (ages 4–12)
Video on Demand free in every cabin
Wi-Fi (limited free, paid packages available)
Ferrynauts app for children aged 7–13
Le Littoral & Le Jardin restaurants
UK sockets in cabins (no adaptor needed)
No onboard cinema

Armorique

Early-season sailings (typically Feb–Mar)

4-berth family cabins (no 6-berth)
Children’s playroom with soft play & digital games
Games room (air hockey, foosball)
Kids’ menus in restaurants (ages 4–12)
Wi-Fi (limited free, paid packages available)
2 onboard cinemas showing latest films inc. kids’ films
Pierre le Bear appearances during school holidays
Le Restaurant & self-service dining
Continental 2-pin sockets — bring a travel adaptor
No Video on Demand, no Ferrynauts app

💡 For families: MV Saint-Malo is the better-equipped ship for families overall — particularly for larger groups thanks to the 6-berth cabin, and for older children thanks to VoD in the cabin. The Armorique has the edge on one point though: 2 onboard cinemas, which Saint-Malo doesn’t have. If you’re sailing early season on the Armorique, pack a travel adaptor for the 2-pin continental sockets.

🛏️ Family Cabins — MV Saint-Malo & Armorique

A cabin is compulsory for the overnight Portsmouth to St Malo crossing — and for families, this is a genuine feature rather than an inconvenience. A private ensuite cabin means children can go to sleep at a reasonable hour, parents can unwind, and everyone arrives in St Malo refreshed rather than bleary-eyed. Both ships offer family-sized cabins, but MV Saint-Malo has the wider range, including the 6-berth cabin unique to this route.

4-Berth Inside Cabin

Best value family cabin

Sleeps 4 — ideal for 2 adults + 2 children
Bunk-style beds (kids love the top bunk)
Ensuite bathroom
Air-conditioning
Video on Demand (free)
No sea view — lower price

Best for: budget-conscious families who’ll spend the night asleep

✅ Great for a family of four — 2 adults + 2 children, best value cabin on the route

4-Berth Outside Cabin

Sea view family cabin

Sleeps 4 — 2 adults + 2 children
Bunk-style beds
Ensuite bathroom
Air-conditioning
Video on Demand (free)
Sea view porthole window
Available as Club or Club Plus

Best for: families who want to wake up to the sea in the morning

6-Berth Outside Cabin

Perfect for larger families

MV SAINT-MALO EXCLUSIVE

Sleeps up to 6 — family of 6, or 2 adults + 4 children
Queen-size double bed + twin beds + fold-down berths
Sea view outside cabin
Ensuite bathroom
Air-conditioning
Video on Demand (free)
Unique to MV Saint-Malo on this route

💡 For larger families
One 6-berth cabin works out cheaper than two 2- or 3-berth cabins and keeps the whole family together.

🚢 Travelling on the Armorique?
The Armorique offers 4-berth family cabins but does not have a 6-berth option. Cabins are ensuite and air-conditioned. Note that sockets are continental 2-pin (220v) — bring a travel adaptor. Video on Demand is not available on the Armorique, but the ship has 2 onboard cinemas.

📚 Want full details on all cabin types, prices and what’s included? Read our complete Portsmouth to St Malo Ferry Cabins guide — covering every cabin category on MV Saint-Malo from inside cabins to the Admiral suite.

⚠️ Book family cabins early
4-berth and especially 6-berth cabins are limited in number and sell out quickly for summer sailings. For July and August crossings, book as early as possible — sometimes months in advance.

👶 Travelling with a Baby or Toddler

Brittany Ferries has put real thought into making the crossing as easy as possible for parents with very young children. Here’s what to know before you travel.

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Heating Baby Food

Microwaves are available in the restaurants on MV Saint-Malo to heat up baby food. Ask a member of staff at Le Littoral or Le Jardin.

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Cots in Cabins

Cots can be added to your cabin booking for a charge. Alternatively you can bring your own travel cot — but check the dimensions carefully beforehand as cabin space is limited. Book early as cot numbers are limited.

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Baby Changing

Baby changing facilities are available on board MV Saint-Malo. There are also dedicated play areas for toddlers and young children.

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Bed Guards

A limited number of bed guards are available for young children sleeping in cabin beds. Ask at the Information Desk once on board — these cannot be pre-booked.

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Pushchairs & Prams

Brittany Ferries recommends a lightweight, foldable stroller (such as a YOYO) rather than a full-size pram. Space on the car deck when exiting your vehicle, in the lifts, and in cabins is limited. A compact stroller makes getting around the ship much easier.

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Free Infant Fares

Infants aged 3 and under travel free. Still add them to your booking for passenger count purposes. If your child turns 4 before the return sailing, the charge applies on the way back.

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Daytime Sailings with Babies

Brittany Ferries advises booking a cabin even on daytime sailings if you’re travelling with a baby. Having a private space away from the busy public areas makes settling a baby for a nap much easier.

🎉 Keeping Kids Entertained — Both Ships

Both the MV Saint-Malo and Armorique have plenty to keep children occupied. The facilities differ between ships — here’s what’s available on each by age group.

👶 Babies & Toddlers — Both Ships

Dedicated children’s play areas on both ships
Outdoor sun deck play area (MV Saint-Malo)
Baby changing facilities throughout
Microwaves for baby food in restaurants
Quiet cabin space for naps
Small toys in onboard shops

🧒 Children (ages 4–11) — Both Ships

Play areas and games rooms on both ships
Outdoor sun deck play area (MV Saint-Malo)
2 onboard cinemas incl. kids’ films (Armorique only)
Summer school holidays: entertainers, magic, balloon modelling
Meet Pierre le Bear (seasonal sailings)
Pierre le Bear goody bag with breakfast
Colouring books, games and puzzles in shops

🎮 Teenagers — Both Ships

Games rooms: video arcade, air hockey, foosball
Wi-Fi (limited free, paid after)
Ferrynauts app ages 7–13 (MV Saint-Malo only)
Video on Demand in cabin (MV Saint-Malo only)
2 onboard cinemas (Armorique only)
Sun deck and fresh sea air
Magazines and entertainment in onboard shop

📱 Download the Ferrynauts App Before You Travel

The Brittany Ferries Ferrynauts app turns the crossing into an interactive adventure for children aged 7 to 14. Download it before you leave home so it’s ready the moment you board.

🍽️ Family Dining — MV Saint-Malo & Armorique

Both ships have restaurants with kids’ menus for children aged 4–12. The restaurants themselves differ between the two ships.

Le Littoral

MV Saint-Malo · Deck 7 — brasserie-style

Head for the coastal-themed Le Littoral for beautiful sea views as you savour French cuisine. This large brasserie-style restaurant features a classic French menu with locally sourced, seasonally changing ingredients.

Kids’ menu for children aged 4–12
Children under 12: choice from kids’ menu or child’s portion from adults’ menu + desserts
Breakfast: continental with croissant, pain au chocolat, cereals, hot chocolate + Pierre le Bear goody bag
Self-service option also available

Le Jardin

MV Saint-Malo · Deck 8 — plant-focused

A brand-new concept for Brittany Ferries, Le Jardin puts healthy, plant-focused meals at its heart. This light and airy restaurant has a contemporary market garden vibe, serving both meat and plant-based dishes using produce from the renowned Prince de Bretagne brand — sourced directly from Brittany Ferries’ own shareholders’ farms.

Fresh, seasonal Breton produce
Both meat and plant-based options
Savoury and sweet crêpes on the menu
Great for families wanting lighter, fresher choices

Armorique — Le Restaurant (Self-Service) and Le Cafe

Armorique · Early-season sailings only

The Armorique has a main self-service restaurant (Le Restaurant) and lounge (Le Cafe) serving sandwiches, cakes, pastries and hot and cold drinks. Le Restaurant has kids’ menus for children aged 4–12.

Kids’ menu in the main restaurant
Self-service children’s meal: main dish, dessert and drink
Children can choose: ham, chicken nuggets or pasta with tomato sauce
Breakfast: full cooked breakfast or continental, Pierre le Bear goody bag included

💡 Practical dining tips for families:

The day’s entertainment and dining programme is available at the Information Desk on board
Book a table in Le Littoral in advance during peak season (July/August) if you want a specific sitting time
Microwaves available in the restaurants for warming baby food — just ask staff
The onboard shop sells snacks, confectionery and small treats to keep in the cabin for hungry children

🎒 What to Pack for a Family Ferry Crossing

The overnight crossing means you’ll need a cabin bag separate from your main holiday luggage in the boot. Here’s what experienced family ferry travellers recommend having to hand.

For the cabin bag

Pyjamas for all children
Toothbrushes & toiletries
Any regular medication
Change of clothes for children
Travel cot if bringing your own
Favourite toy or comfort item
Night light if child needs one

For the crossing

Lightweight foldable stroller (not full pram)
Baby food & snacks (microwaves on board)
Tablets pre-loaded with content (backup)
Ferrynauts app downloaded (ages 7–14)
Headphones for older children
Card games or travel games
Sea sickness tablets if needed

Documents

Valid passports for all family members
Booking confirmation
Vehicle documents
Travel insurance details
Children’s GHIC cards (healthcare in France)
Any prescription letters if carrying medication

💡 Our Suggestions for the Crossing

We recommend packing a small bag with card games, mini board games and electronic devices for the family. An 11-hour overnight crossing gives you a brilliant opportunity to slow down, sit together in your cabin and enjoy some proper family time away from the usual rush — whether that’s a game of cards, a travel version of a favourite board game, or letting the kids watch something on a tablet before bed. It’s one of those rare moments where you have nowhere to be and nothing to do except enjoy each other’s company.

💡 Our tip — consider a cabin even on daytime crossings. Cabins aren’t just for overnight sailings. On a daytime crossing, booking a cabin gives the whole family a private space to relax and do whatever you like — whether that’s a nap, some downtime with the kids, or just enjoying the crossing in peace. You also have your own en-suite bathroom, so no queuing for shared facilities. It makes the crossing considerably more comfortable, especially with young children.

🗓️ How to Book a Family Cabin on the Portsmouth to St Malo Ferry

Booking a family cabin is straightforward but there are a few things to get right first time.

Choose your cabin type

Decide between 4-berth Inside (best value), 4-berth Outside (sea view), or 6-berth Outside (best for families of 5–6, or 2 adults + 4 children). All include free Video on Demand and ensuite.

Book early, especially for summer

Family cabins sell out months in advance for July and August. Don’t leave it until spring — the best cabins go in autumn and winter for the following summer.

Add all passengers including infants

Infants aged 3 and under travel free — but still add them to your booking for the passenger safety record. Add a cot rental at this stage if needed.

Download Ferrynauts before you travel

Get the Ferrynauts app for children aged 7–14 before departure so it’s ready to go the moment the kids are on board.

Arrive at check-in on time

Portsmouth International Port is well set up for family vehicles. Allow a little extra time for getting children and luggage out of the car before boarding. Cabins are accessible shortly after departure.

Wake up in France

Overnight sailings depart Portsmouth at 20:15 and arrive in St Malo at around 08:00 the following morning. A family breakfast in Le Littoral, collect your bags, and you’re driving into Brittany before 9am.

Frequently Asked Questions — Family Ferry Portsmouth to St Malo

Is the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry good for families?

Yes — it’s an excellent choice. MV Saint-Malo has dedicated children’s play areas, an outdoor sun deck play area, kids’ menus in all restaurants for ages 4–12, baby changing facilities, Video on Demand in every cabin, and 4-berth and 6-berth family cabins. Infants aged 3 and under travel free. Brittany Ferries was voted Best Travel Company For Family Holidays at the 2022 British Travel Awards.

Do babies travel free on the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry?

Yes. Infants aged 3 and under travel free with Brittany Ferries on the Portsmouth to St Malo route. If you need a cot in your cabin there is a charge for rental, or you can bring your own travel cot — check the dimensions will fit beforehand.

What family cabin options are available on MV Saint-Malo?

MV Saint-Malo offers 4-berth cabins (Inside and Outside sea-view variants) and a 6-berth Outside Cabin — unique to this ship on the route. The 6-berth cabin has a queen-size double, twin beds and fold-down berths, sea view, ensuite, and air-conditioning. All cabins include free Video on Demand.

Can I take a pram or pushchair on the ferry?

Yes, but Brittany Ferries recommends a lightweight, foldable stroller (like a YOYO) rather than a large pram. Space is limited when exiting your vehicle on the car deck, in the lifts between decks, and inside cabins.

Is there a kids’ menu on the ferry?

Yes. All restaurants on board MV Saint-Malo have kids’ menus for children aged 4–12. At Le Littoral, children under 12 have a dedicated menu or a child’s portion from the adults’ menu plus dessert. For breakfast, children can have a continental breakfast with croissant, pain au chocolat, cereals and hot chocolate — often with a Pierre le Bear goody bag.

What age is the Ferrynauts app for?

The Ferrynauts app is designed for children aged 7 to 14. Download it before you travel so it’s ready the moment you board.

Do I need to book a cabin for the overnight crossing?

Yes — cabins are compulsory for overnight sailings on the Portsmouth to St Malo route. For families this is ideal: a 4-berth or 6-berth cabin gives everyone a private base, proper beds for the children to sleep in, and Video on Demand. Everyone arrives in St Malo refreshed.

Can I heat up baby food on the ferry?

Yes. Microwaves are available in both restaurants on MV Saint-Malo for heating baby food. Ask a member of staff at Le Littoral or Le Jardin.

🗺️ Day Trips from St Malo — What to Do Once You Arrive

One of the great advantages of the family ferry Portsmouth to St Malo is that you dock in the heart of Brittany at 8am with the whole day ahead of you. St Malo itself is worth a morning — the walled city, the ramparts, the beaches — but the region around it is packed with family-friendly day trips. Here’s a taste of what’s on the doorstep.

⛪ Mont St Michel

The island abbey is just 60km from St Malo — under an hour’s drive. One of the most dramatic sights in Europe and genuinely unmissable for families. Go early to beat the crowds. Children are usually awestruck by it.

⛵ Dinard & the Emerald Coast

Dinard is a 10-minute ferry ride across the estuary from St Malo — a beautiful Belle Époque seaside town with a calm, sheltered beach perfect for families with young children. The Côte d’Émeraude stretches west from here with some of Brittany’s finest beaches.

🏰 Dinan — Medieval Brittany

30km inland from St Malo, Dinan is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in France. Half-timbered houses, a stunning castle, cobbled streets and a lovely riverside port. An easy half-day trip with children of any age.

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See All Our Day Trips from St Malo

Mont St Michel, Cancale, Cap Fréhel, Paimpol, the Gulf of Morbihan and more — our full guide covers the best family day trips and short drives from St Malo with distances, tips and what to do with children at each.

Day Trips from St Malo →