Why You Should Take a Ferry the Next Time You Travel

If you're tired of crowded airports or long drives, travel by ferry. Ferries offer an alternative method of traveling, island-hopping or continent-hopping. Take a luxury ferry to Spain from the UK or Morocco and you get to sail into vibrant ports like Barcelona or Bilbao. Ferries, however, are more than just a journey to the destination—they are an experience. Read on and learn why your next trip must be by sea.

Enjoy Breathtaking Views

Ferries sit you in the front row of nature's play. Watch coastlines vanish, scan for dolphins, or experience sunsets along the horizon. Cruises of the Greek Isles or Norwegian fjords turn journey time into viewing. Short trips like cruising across New York Harbor by the Statue of Liberty are superior to viewing highway traffic. Ferries make arriving half the enjoyment.

Travel Easy and Comfortable

Avoid cramped airplane seats or bumpy bus rides. Ferries have space to stretch your legs. Take a deck walk, eat a meal with a view, or sleep in a private cabin. Lounges, cafes, and even movie theaters are found on most ships. You arrive refreshed not stressed. And you avoid airport security lines—just get there, board, and forget about it.

Choose an Eco-Friendly Option

Ferries have smaller emissions per traveler compared to airplanes or cars. New ferries have hybrid motors or lower-emission fuels. Taking the ferry decreases your carbon footprint for your journey. Even some of the businesses will even offset emissions for you. It's a little way towards cleaner travel that counts.

Save Money on Your Trip

Ferries are also more affordable compared to flying, especially for groups or families. All routes offer the ability to bring a car along for free or at a low cost, bypassing rental charges. In-flight meals and entertainment are also more affordable compared to airports, as well. For travelers on a budget, ferries stretch your money further.

Avoid the Airport Hassle

Airports are equivalent to long check-ins, bag fees, and delays. Ferries are simple. Arrive 30–60 minutes beforehand, board with bags in hand, and depart. No liquid restrictions or removing your shoes. Missed your ferry? Most companies put you on the next one—no costly rebooking charge.

Bring Your Car (or Bike)

Ferries enable you to take your car abroad. Drive onto the boat in Dover and drive off in Calais ready for adventure. It's perfect for road trips or moving equipment like skis or camping gear. Cyclists like ferries, too—some have bike storage for island-hopping trips.

Family-Friendly Fun

Kids bored on flights? Ferries amuse them. Playgrounds, video games, and films onboard make the journey fun. Parents appreciate having room to breathe as kids are free to roam securely. Some ferries even have pools or mini-golf. And it is less hassle to pack snacks or toys if there are no rigid baggage restrictions.

Try Something New

Ferries add excitement to your trip. Sleep in a cozy cabin, dance at a deck party, or look up at the stars on nighttime voyages. Some journeys, like Japan's overnight ferries, have traditional baths and sushi bars. Others, like Alaska's state ferries, let you talk with locals and listen to local stories. It's travel with character.

Meet Fellow Travelers

Ferries encourage sociability. Eat at the restaurant with a stranger, swap tips with backpackers, or chat with locals on the morning commute. It's more sociable than muffled planes or sardine-packed trains. You could leave with new friends—or at least amazing tips.

French ports put Europe within reach—board ferries to France in Ireland or Britain and land in Normandy, Brittany, or the Riviera. Drive on into Paris, wine country, or Alpine towns. Ferries supplement road, bike, or train travel—to be topped with French onboard pastry shops superior to airplane snacks.

Ferries turn travel into an experience. They take longer, but that's the point—you get to ride it. If you're after scenery, trying to save pennies, or getting rid of stress, take the ferry. Next time you plan a trip, check the ferry routes. You might skip the airport hassle, save the planet, and start your vacation as soon as you board.