Are you planning a ferry trip for your next vacation? This method of transportation is preferred for such destinations as Sweden, Finland, Estonia, France, Italy. During the trip, passengers can enjoy luxurious views, a high level of service, delicious dishes and drinks.
And yet the quality of rest largely depends on your preparedness. To make the journey on the water really comfortable, the choice of a ferry operator should be approached with full responsibility.
In this article we will analyze the main points that require attention when planning a ferry trip on vacation. From the material you will learn about some of the subtleties of ferry cruises, which will make your vacation truly comfortable.
Features of the placement
Most major ferry operators offer individual cabins. Simply put, your cabin will not become an object for unfamiliar fellow travelers or passengers who are not in your reservation. Experienced ferry tourists have known about this for a long time, but beginners are often afraid of unwanted fellow travelers in the cabin. The individual cabin serves as one of the main distinguishing factors between the ferry and the train. At the same time, the passenger can upgrade the accommodation class for an additional fee. It is better to do this in advance, when there are still free cabins of the desired class on the ferry.
There is an age limit for ferry cruises: independent travel is available to passengers aged 21 and over. Passengers who have not reached this age can travel strictly accompanied by adults. By the way, they don't have to move into the same cabin at all.
Getting flight information
As a rule, the information desk is located on the main landing deck of the ferry (the deck number may vary depending on the ferry). It is very easy to find this rack by the inscription Information or Reception. Also, a map, shelves with guidebooks, an expanded stand with a cruise program can be located above the counter. Some operators offer racks with maps and instructions in several languages.
Also at the reception desk you can buy some onboard services, a ticket for a transfer from the terminal, excursions to attractions, museums, historical monuments. Modern ferry boats are equipped with a high-speed Internet connection, access to which is free for all passengers. You can count on such an Internet, but with caution: it can be unstable due to a missing signal.
Ferry trip with children
The general rule of most ferry carriers states that children under the age of 6 can travel and eat on board completely free of charge. Children under 12 years old are offered a 50% discount.
Experts recommend traveling with children during the summer season, when the conference halls of ferries are reserved for entertainment programs. Children can also enjoy entertainment programs on the outdoor decks. Detailed information about the children's program can be found in the description of the cruise.
As free services for children on modern ferries are offered:
- safety equipment for cots in cabins (you can get them at the reception desk);
- high chairs for children in food outlets;
- mother and child room.
Ferry meals
Each ferry has at least three cafes and restaurants with menus in several languages. Also, on cruise ships, you can always visit drinking establishments. Russian travelers should not worry about the language barrier, because in every cafe you can use the services of an interpreter.
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Both standard and children's portions are available at food outlets. Most restaurants offer classic, dietary, vegetarian dishes. Free meals for children are available in all-inclusive restaurants.
An important point: at all ferry catering points (except the buffet), passengers can order drinks or dishes from other establishments in addition to the main meal. As a rule, ferry restaurants allow you to take food with you. When choosing a buffet, a takeaway portion must be paid at full cost.
By the way, if the desired drink is not on the menu, which is included in the menu of another institution, you can ask to bring it to your table. This option is offered on most modern ferries.
Medical services
Cruise ferries have medical offices operating around the clock. A paramedic and (in some cases) a nurse are always on duty in the offices. Team members are ready to provide emergency medical assistance at any time. If a passenger is experiencing health problems, free motion sickness pills are always available to him at the reception desk.
Important: if there are direct contraindications to traveling by water, it is strictly not recommended to go on a cruise. No one checks the certificates on boarding, but the carrier will not be responsible for your health during the trip. Remember: if the health problems are caused by contraindications, which the passenger knew in advance, an invoice is issued for all medical services rendered.
Finance
On board most ferries there are racks for currency exchange operations, special ATMs for cashing out funds without commission. Euro cash and bank cards are accepted for payment on international ferries.
Transportation of pets
Ferry operators do not impose restrictions on the transportation of pets. A passenger can take on board both a cat and an exotic animal (for example, a snake). For comfortable walking of animals on modern decks there are special trays.
Ferry transport
Owners of private cars can enter the ferry deck after the registration procedure. Most often, this procedure must be carried out an hour before departure. The team members will tell you in detail about the rules of entry and parking of the car. As soon as the ferry starts to depart, access to the deck parking is closed. In this regard, it is not necessary to leave personal and valuables in the car: take them to the cabin. If you still forgot a valuable thing in the car, you can get it through the reception desk.
Fuel and other flammable liquids are strictly prohibited for transportation. You need to prepare for departure in the deck parking half an hour (sometimes 20 minutes) before arriving at your destination. The passenger will be notified about this beforehand by the team members.
Safety
On landing, a selective inspection can be organized by team members. Passenger information is checked against a special database. If a passenger arouses suspicion or demonstrates inappropriate behavior, he may not be allowed on board. In addition to the boarding pass, a passport is required to get on board the ferry. By the way, it is recommended to take it with you while walking around the deck.
Modern ferries have round-the-clock video surveillance, and security on board is monitored by officers on duty. Periodically, deck rounds are performed by security personnel.
