Not all ferry cabins are created equal—especially when you’re traveling as a big family. Many cabins are cramped, with awkward bed layouts that don’t work for larger families. But some routes offer spacious, well-designed options with extra comfort and privacy. In this guide, we’ll cover the best UK ferry cabins for families of five or six —where to book, what to expect, and how to avoid common booking mistakes.
Brittany Ferries
Brittany Ferries offers spacious cabins designed for families of five or six, making them ideal for longer voyages.
- Commodore Cabin: Features a double or twin bed, plus a sofa or recess bed and depends on route space for a cot as well so can sleep 5
- 6-berth Outside Cabin: Available on the new St Malo boat, with allergy-friendly features.
- Exclusive Lounges: Complimentary access to exclusive lounges on several ships.
- Routes: Larger cabins available on UK to Spain, and Portsmouth-St Malo
DFDS
DFDS offers spacious cabins designed for families on their Newcastle to Amsterdam route.
- Route: Available on the Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry only
- Seaview Cabin: Accommodates up to 5 guests with 5 beds and en suite bathroom with shower/WC.
- Amenities: Includes clothes hooks, a desk, and a mirror.
- Towels & Bedding Included: All essential items are provided for a comfortable stay.
P&O Ferries
P&O Ferries provides great options for families traveling between Hull and Rotterdam.
Interconnecting Cabins: Combine 4-bunk and 2-bunk cabins to accommodate up to 6 guests.
Booking Process: These are standard cabins and interconnecting can only be confirmed by phone.
Club Cabin: Features 5 bunks and provides a comfortable more spacious family setting. These can be booked online
Route: Only Available on the Hull to Rotterdam ferry.
Irish Ferries
Irish Ferries offers several cabin options for larger families on their longer routes.
4-bed Family Cabins: There’s a wide range of 4-berth cabins. Some can fit a cot, perfect for families of 5 including an infant.
Booking Process – Check the description online once you have selected your dates – the 4-bed Family Window Cabin / Deluxe Suite Window Cabin have space for a cot
Deluxe Suite Window Cabin: Offers space for 6, with a king bed, sofa bed, armchair bed, and pull-down bed. To fit 6 this can only be 2 adults and 4 children
Route: Available on the Dublin-Cherbourg route only
Stena Line
Stena Line provides the only 6 individual berth cabin in Ireland on their Rosslare to Cherbourg route on the Stena Horizon.
6-berth Cabin: Six single beds in a bunk-style arrangement, with en suite facilities (toilet, sink, shower).
Sea Views: Enjoy views through the window, but no TV in the 6-berth.
5-berth Family Cabin: Available on the Harwich to Hook of Holland route, with a combination of bunk beds, including a larger bed for two small children.
Facilities: Include En-Suite Bathroom, Flat Screen TV and Desk
Route: Available on Rosslare-Cherbourg and Harwich-Hook of Holland routes only
Finding the right ferry cabin for a family of five or six can make all the difference to your journey—turning a cramped overnight crossing into a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
With options available across Brittany Ferries, DFDS, P&O, Irish Ferries and Stena Line, there’s a solution out there for many longer routes.
But these larger cabins are in short supply and often sell out quickly, especially during school holidays. So if you find one that fits your family, don’t wait—book early to secure the space and comfort you need!
