After months in lockdown many people are very excited about being able to travel again. Whether you are re-booking a trip that had to be cancelled, have been struggling with wanderlust, or are simply craving a change of scenery, going on holiday is something that is sure to lift your spirits. If France or any of its neighbouring countries are on your destination list, you might be curious about what to expect on P&O Ferries’ Dover to Calais route post-coronavirus lockdown – here, we share all you need to know.
You can expect clean, fresh air
The best thing about travelling by ferry to France is that you have access to fresh sea air. Not only can you head out on deck whenever you like, but the air circulation on board is 100% fresh air where possible too. Our outside decks offer the perfect place to relax and admire the sea views, and watching the White Cliffs of Dover disappear into the distance is a very memorable way to start your trip. Plus, what better place for that first holiday selfie than out on deck with the sea endlessly stretching out behind you?
You can expect safe, hygienic surroundings
Of course, the safety of our crew and passengers has always been our number one priority, but since the start of the coronavirus pandemic we have increased the amount of cleaning we do on board to ensure that everything is perfectly clean and hygienic. All high contact surfaces, such as door handles, table tops, and bar fronts are cleaned very regularly using recommended products approved by European standards, and our ships are fully cleaned between crossings. You’ll also find hand sanitiser stations dotted around which passengers and crew are encouraged to use whenever necessary.
You can expect plenty of space
Our ferries boast plenty of space for wandering around and stretching your legs, and passenger capacity has been lowered to ensure that social distancing can be maintained. A one-way system has been put in place on each ship to ensure a smooth and steady flow of traffic, and to give everyone travelling on board peace of mind that the 2m rule can be followed whilst moving around the ferry. As previously mentioned, our outdoor decks are open for passenger use, providing even more freedom, and there are lots of safe and comfortable seating options for those who wish to remain indoors too.
You can expect a great onboard shopping experience
As when you usually sail with P&O Ferries, you can expect a great onboard shopping experience during your trip. Visit our World Duty Free shop for treats and gifts, such as perfumes, make-up, toys, and confectionery, all at prices lower than you’d find on the high street. The number of people allowed into the shop at one time is limited to allow for social distancing, so you’ll have plenty of space to browse as you decide what to buy. Screens have been put up at the checkouts for the safety of passengers and crew, and you are encouraged to use contactless payment where possible for a smooth and speedy transaction.
You can expect convenient foreign exchange facilities
To minimise contact with people at a high street or supermarket bureau de change, why not simply buy your euros while on board? Our onboard bureau de change offers fantastic rates across a whole range of currencies, and anything that you don’t spend while you’re away can be changed back on your return trip, unless you want to use it to treat yourself in the onboard shop of course! You can pay using cash or card, and your money will be given to you in secure, hygienic plastic bags for practicality and complete peace of mind. For extra convenience, you can even pre-order your currency before you travel and then simply pick it up from the bureau de change when you head on board.
You can expect hygienic food and drink outlets
Whether you’re hungry for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack to keep you going, you’ll find a number of options on board. All of our food suppliers have been subject to an independent assessment to ensure that they meet the highest food and safety standards, so you can be confident about what you’re eating and drinking when you sail with us. From those who make your food to those who serve it, our catering crew receive formal, independently accredited food safety training, and are always kept informed with updates and knowledge that is relevant to their role. All of our ships possess the maximum 5 stars under the UK food hygiene rating scheme, and everything we serve is created with care and attention.
You can expect for people to be wearing face masks
The government’s advice to everyone about wearing a face mask on public transport extends to ferry travel, so you can expect to see both crew members and passengers wearing these around the ship. Please do remember to bring a face mask or suitable face covering with you to ensure that you can follow these guidelines, as this will help you to do your bit when it comes to protecting those that you’re travelling with.
Now that you know what to expect on P&O Ferries’ Dover to Calais route post-coronavirus lockdown, you can book your trip with the confidence that your crossing to France will be both safe and enjoyable.
