Brittany Ferries: no foot passengers this summer

Brittany Ferries has confirmed that foot passengers and cyclists will not be able to travel on its ferries this summer due to anti-coronavirus measures it has had to introduce.

A spokesperson for the ferry company told Connexion there were practical reasons why Brittany Ferries and other operators can only take passengers arriving in vehicles this year and the company regrets not being able to restore a normal service immediately.

He explained that embarkation and disembarkation for non-motoring traffic is very different as it involves terminals, buses and requires separate attention by crew.

Travelling by ferry during coronavirus pandemic

DFDS told Connexion it does not have foot passengers so the question does not arise and that all its passenger routes to France are in operation and running to existing schedules.

P&O Ferries, which too is not carrying foot passengers at this time, said on its website it is running an ‘optimised service’ between Dover and Calais.

Read more: Coronavirus: P&O cross-Channel ferry services updates

Most of Brittany Ferries’ routes are up and running, though there is currently no service between Poole and Cherbourg.

Brittany Ferries said reservations for August are 'encouraging' considering the reduced onboard capacity to be in line with social distancing requirements.

Many of its August passengers are those who have moved their crossings after cancellations earlier in the year.

Social distancing on ferries

Passengers must wear masks in public areas on all ferries. All companies say they have several hand hygiene stations, areas are regularly disinfected, there is good ventilation and the reduced numbers of passengers means social distancing is easily achievable.

Brittany Ferries has a 12-point guide to sailing safely during the coronavirus pandemic which includes staggered boarding and compulsory reservation of a seat or a cabin. 

P&O’s coronavirus health measures are listed here, while DFDS's are available here.
Anyone travelling to the UK must fill in a Public Health Passenger Locator form within 48 hours of travelling. There is a £100 fine if you refuse to provide your details.

Read more: UK-France travel: which documents are needed?