Tips for taking the Ferry

coleen

Hi,
I am getting the ferry from Rosslare to Pembroke shortly it is the 8.45 sailing.
What time do I need to be there? What documents do I need to have at hand ?
I have not taken the ferry before. It is a four hour sailing if it is not smooth should I take something before travel.
Is there plenty seating so I can bring my book or any activity that would pass the time.
Can any regular traveler give my a few helpful tips that would make the journey easier
Thanks

Lex Luthor

not sure on the Ross-Pem but have done the Dub-Hol recently

Plenty seats on the boat, you can book the exec lounge which is more exclusive and you will have extra comfort

I always take a travel tab before ferries just in case

Its a really relaxed way of getting to UK

If you are driving on, about 45min before would be ok but I usually try to get there earlier and be first on as first off

As a walk on, 30min should be ok but I'd check your booking and allow yourself a bit more in case of any unforeseen circumstances

Ponster

As Lex said as long as the weather isn't crazy then you probably wonm't feel a thing on the crossing. The Ross-Peb route generally uses ships with stabilisers which help with rough seas.

Once you're there 30 minutes before sailing you'll be fine but if first time then 45 just for the piece of mind. You'll turn up at the terminal, someone will check your tickets and just follow the instructions of the people who work for the ferry company to know where to drive to.

Make sure that you know how to disable your car alarm as the motion can set it off and remember where you parked, which deck and space, before going to the upper decks.

No a lot in terms of activities. Typically I'd stay on the top deck when leaving to take some photos, go down for breakfast, take a wonder around the ship, read a book or something and then go back up to watch the arrival into Wales. I've not seen the advantage really of the exec lounge for such a short crossing.

munchkin_utd

for an early ferry I tend to book a cabin now as it'd be a 2 or 3 hour drive to Dublin or Rosslare beforehand depending on where we are coming from and then an hour buffer before departure, meaning a 4 or 5 am start - so if youre the same you may want to do the same.
Cabins on the short crossings are normally fairly cheap and the bit of kip and a shower sets you up for a day of driving afterwards.
I am presuming you're driving as thats what the majority of passengers on ferries are doing. Most people travelling without a car would just get a ryanair flight rather than the more scenic sedate sail-rail option.

coleen

Thanks for the tips . It is helpful to know especially as I am a solo traveler but yes with my car.

geecee

I used to travel on the ferry frequently for booze cruises and to football matches

I suffered from some awful sea sickness, but in the end I found that it is best to sit in the middle of the ship (between starboard/port and bow/stern) facing forward.
It also helps if you avoid the booze and don't move around