Ferry Travel Tips for First Timers

If you’ve never travelled by ferry before, your first crossing might feel a bit unfamiliar, whether you're travelling to visit friends or enjoy a holiday or short break. Fortunately, ferry travel is really straightforward – once you know what to expect.

Here are our practical tips for your first crossing with Steam Packet, so you can spend less time worrying about the journey and more time looking forward to your destination.

Before you travel: booking and preparation

When you’re booking, you’ll need to decide if you want to travel as a foot passenger or bring your vehicle. If you’re planning to bring a vehicle, you’ll need to provide details about its size, including any roof boxes, bike racks or trailers.

Keep your booking confirmation and reference somewhere easy to find – whether that’s printed out and kept in a wallet, starred in your emails, screenshotted on your phone, or downloaded to your desktop. Double-check your departure time and port, and, if you're travelling somewhere unfamiliar, plan your route to the terminal in advance, allowing extra time for traffic or transport delays.

While we don’t typically check ID when you’re boarding, we do require passengers be able to provide identification if they’re asked, in line with the Aviation and Maritime Security Act 1990.

Finally, if you do bring a vehicle, you might want to pack a small bag to bring with you into the main areas of the ferry. Once your vehicle is on the ship, you won't be able to return to it during the crossing, so a bag with your phone, charger, snacks, a book, a light jacket, medicine and anything children might need close at hand would make your journey much more enjoyable.

Arriving at the terminal: check-in and boarding

Give yourself plenty of time to reach the port and check in. Follow the signs and instructions from terminal staff, who can help if you're unsure where to go. The process depends on whether you're travelling on foot or taking a vehicle, but both options are straightforward when you arrive prepared.

Foot passenger check-in

Head to the passenger terminal and have your booking reference or QR code ready. Follow the signs for check-in, security and boarding, and listen to staff instructions as you make your way onto the ship.

Foot passengers must check in at least 25 minutes before departure. Treat this as the latest check-in deadline, rather than your target arrival time, and leave yourself a comfortable margin.

Car passenger check-in

If you're taking your car, follow the signs to the vehicle check-in booths. Have your booking information ready and follow the team's directions as you drive through the port to the waiting area and onto the vehicle deck.

Once you’ve parked up, apply the handbrake and leave the vehicle. Before doing so, make sure you’ve got your day bag, valuables, medication and travel documents with you. You won't be able to access your car during the crossing.

Drivers and their passengers must check in at least 45 minutes before departure, so you should plan to arrive well before this deadline.

How safe is it to travel by ferry?

Ferry travel is a well-established way to travel, with over 18 million ferry and cruise passengers leaving from UK ports in 2025, and passenger safety is among the highest priorities. All our ferries meet the strict maritime safety requirements, and all our crew members are well-trained to run the vessel and assist passengers.

It's natural to feel nervous if you've never been at sea, and you’ll likely have questions about the journey and the wider experience. You might wonder whether the ship will rock, what happens in rough weather or what to do in an emergency. The simplest thing to do is relax, follow the crew's instructions, and pay attention to safety announcements when you board.

What to expect once onboard

Once you've boarded, find a comfortable place to sit and familiarise yourself with the passenger areas, where you’ll find lounges, toilets, places to eat and drink, and onboard entertainment.

You can read, listen to music, enjoy a snack or watch the coastline as you sail. If outdoor areas are open (and the weather allows), you might like to step outside for some fresh air and to get a better look at your surroundings. We’d advise that you dress for the conditions and take care on deck, particularly in windy or wet weather.

If you're worried about seasickness, you might want to bring some motion sickness medication with you just in case. Sitting near the middle of the ferry, rather than near the front or the back, generally gives you a steadier journey, and you should avoid reading or looking at screens for too long. Drinking water and popping outside for fresh air will help as well.

Top tips for a smooth first crossing

For a more relaxed journey, prepare your documents and day bag the evening before, check your sailing details and allow plenty of time to reach the terminal.

If you’re travelling with children, pack snacks, a few activities and familiar items to help them feel comfortable. Bring an extra layer too, as it can be breezier outside than you might expect.

To manage any seasickness, avoid a heavy meal immediately before travelling and pack some medicine to help settle you. Once onboard, take your time moving around and follow the crew's safety guidance.

Most importantly, if you need anything, just ask one of the crew and they’ll be happy to help.

Book your Steam Packet sailing and look forward to discovering the Isle of Man, from its spectacular coastline and beautiful countryside to its lively events and welcoming towns.