Brits love jetting off to sunnier climes but if you’re looking for a more cost-effective way to soak up the sun, taking a DFDS ferry or cruise could be the perfect solution. With so many destinations reachable by boat from the UK – namely Jersey, Amsterdam and France – a dream holiday doesn’t have to mean paying for hiked-up airfare during half term and the summer holidays.
Here we’ve found the best ways to save on your next channel crossing or cruise holiday with DFDS. This leading ferry operator offers a variety of holiday packages to destinations across Europe. Keep scrolling for our money-saving tips and tricks.
Six tips to save at DFDS
1. Know when to book and be flexible
Timing is everything when it comes to saving money on travel. Choosing off-peak times, such as midweek or on overnight sailings, is significantly cheaper, sometimes saving you up to 50 per cent. For instance, afternoon departures from Dover are often cheaper and night ferries between midnight and 6am tend to have more affordable spaces available.
Planning ahead also pays off (literally). As with most travel providers, DFDS typically offers lower fares to those who book in advance. So, if you know your travel dates, securing your tickets in advance can help you lock in the best prices.
2. Use the cheap fare finder
Now that you know the best times to book, using the DFDS cheap fare finder is an easy way to get the best possible deal. By inputting your travel requirements, you can easily compare prices and choose the option that best fits your budget.
3. Student, young people and senior discounts
DFDS offers a 20 per cent discount on selected routes for students aged 18 to 27, young people aged 18 to 25 and seniors over 60. For example, right now there is 20 per cent off sailings from Newhaven to Dieppe. To take advantage of these savings, simply verify your eligibility and present a valid ID at the port.
It’s always worth checking out the DFDS offers page for limited time discounts on ferry crossings, mini-cruises and package holidays. Right now, you can save up to 50 per cent in the DFDS summer sale, which includes a mini cruise from Newcastle to Amsterdam. There’s also 15 per cent off autumn travel from Rosslare to Dunkirk, plus day trips to France for four people from just £45.
To get notifications straight to your inbox with with the best deals, sign up to receive the newsletter, which includes the largely discounted ‘tour of the month’.
5. Use a DFDS discount code
Now that you’ve got the scoop on all the ways to save on your booking, the last step is to check for a DFDS discount code. Promo codes are not as frequent as general sales, however our expert deal hunters are checking for new promotions daily. When there is a code available, such as 10 per cent off travel, you’ll find it here.
6. Duty-free shopping
Bonus tip: don't forget to browse DFDS's duty-free shops onboard and at ports including Calais and Dunkerque. You can save up to 50 per cent compared to UK high street prices on items such as spirits, perfumes, Lego and confectionery. For added convenience, use the reserve and collect service to shop online before your trip and pick up your purchases before you sail.
Deals at DFDS
Ferries
There are plenty of ways to save on DFDS ferry bookings. As mentioned previously, you can get up to 20 per cent off standard crossings through the offers page, plus there are often additional discounts depending on how you travel.
- 10 per cent off for campervans and motorhomes on selected routes
- Up to 20 per cent off when booking a family cabin
- Up to 50 per cent off premium lounge access for more comfortable sailing
- Free meals for kids on selected family bookings
Mini cruises
DFDS often runs 50 per cent off mini-cruises to various European destinations, including Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Oslo. Some offers are exclusive to foot passengers, so it’s worth checking if you can leave the car behind and still make the most of the deal.
Package holidays
There are package holidays available from just £60 per person including car and hotel. This means you can explore more of Europe with accommodation and travel covered. Destinations include popular cities such as Paris, Bruges, Cologne and Lille.
You can save up to 50 per cent on ferry crossings when you book selected city break packages, such as the half-price Amsterdam discount available in the current summer sale.
It’s also worth keeping an eye on the tour of the month in the offers section or via the newsletter for rotating holiday deals.
Helpful booking information
Best Price Guarantee
The DFDS best price guarantee means you can book with peace of mind that if you find a cheaper fare for the same crossing elsewhere within 24 hours, you’ll be refunded an extra 10 per cent of the difference. Just be sure to provide evidence, such as a screenshot with all the details, as soon as possible after booking.
Cancellation Policy
DFDS cancellation policies vary depending on your ticket type and route, so we highly recommend double-checking before you book. For example, for Dover to Calais/Dunkirk routes, economy tickets are non-refundable whereas premium tickets can be cancelled up to 48 hours before departure.
All refund requests must be made in writing within three months of the cancellation date.
Families
If you’re travelling with children, you’re in luck. Most DFDS routes offer child-friendly entertainment, such as treasure hunts, face-painting and play areas with mascots like Jack the pirate . Plus, children under three travel and dine free of charge, without needing their own seat or bed. Don’t forget to check out the DFDS offers page for regular family-specific discounts.
Pet owners
Your furry friends are also welcome on board DFDS crossings. As a part of the DEFRA Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), travelling abroad with dogs and other pets is made straightforward and stress free.
Groups
Large groups can save with DFDS’s group vehicle saver offer and get 10 per cent off when booking 10 or more cars or bikes on routes such as Newcastle to Amsterdam and Dover to France. Extra benefits include paying a 25 per cent deposit upon booking, with the remaining balance due eight weeks before departure.
How we choose the best DFDS discount codes
The Independent’s crack team of deal hunters is dedicated to finding you the best offers, deals and discounts. From best-selling products that we know our readers love to experiences for the whole family, we’re always searching for new ways to help you save more of your hard-earned cash.
Why you can trust us
Our team uses their years of experience in sourcing bargains to bring you the best possible discounts. By tracking the prices of products throughout the year, we’re able to bring you the best deals from tried-and-tested brands we love and trust.
For even more bargains, check out our dedicated deals section
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