The Best Cruise Ferry Routes

Do you want to travel on a ferry with all the luxury of a cruise ship? Get the best of both worlds with a cruise ferry. These hybrid vessels provide an enhanced travel experience by blending efficient transportation with recreational features, such as restaurants, cinemas, spas, and comfortable accommodation. Popular in regions like Europe and Asia, cruise ferries are widely used for medium to long-distance routes, connecting major ports while providing a mini-cruise experience.

Most Popular Cruise Ferry Routes

Cruise ferries operate on various routes across the world, with crossings in Scandinavia, Asia, the Baltics, the Channel, Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. Climb aboard a ferry of your choice and discover the magic of a mini-cruise experience.

Copenhagen to Oslo Ferry

The ferry from Copenhagen to Oslo is available with DFDS Seaways and departs up to 5 times per week. This route takes approximately 17 hours and 48 minutes, offering a luxurious and memorable journey, featuring a wide range of amenities designed to cater to travellers of all ages.

The ferries operating this route provide a variety of comfortable accommodation from standard rooms to luxury suites with sea views. There are also many dining options including a buffet-style eatery, cafes and fine-dining restaurants. If you are looking for entertainment, there are lounges and theatres displaying live shows, along with designated playrooms for children.

Stockholm to Helsinki Ferry

The ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki is one of the most popular routes in the Baltic and for good reason. Available with Viking Line and Tallink Silja, this cruise ferry departs 12 times per week and takes approximately 16 hours and 43 minutes. With a vast array of facilities onboard, you will have no trouble keeping yourself occupied throughout the journey.

Enjoy a range of comfortable accommodation on this ferry, with luxurious suites with private balconies and sea views. There are also family-friendly cabins and pet-friendly cabins with extra space and amenities. If you are hungry, you will find lavish buffets restaurants and elegant à la carte restaurants serving Nordic and international cuisines. As for relaxation and wellness, there are spa facilities offering saunas, massages, and other treatments, along with whirlpool baths overlooking the sea.

Hull to Rotterdam Ferry

The ferry from Hull to Rotterdam is a popular overnight crossing available with P&O Ferries. This route takes approximately 11 hours and 28 minutes and departs up to 8 times per week. There are a variety of onboard amenities to make your journey as relaxing and enjoyable as possible.

When it comes to entertainment, the Hull to Rotterdam ferry has so much to offer including a cinema and lively bars hosting live music, quizzes and performances. You can also do some shopping while onboard with shops selling duty-free goods like fragrances, cosmetics, electronics and souvenirs.

Tomakomai to Oarai Ferry

Japan is renowned for its cruise ferries as they are a comfortable and scenic way of travelling around the country. The ferry from Tomakomai to Oarai is available with MOL Ferry and sets sail up to 9 times per week. This route takes approximately 19 hours and provides stunning views of the Pacific coastline.

Prepare to be amazed by the quality of the facilities onboard the Tomakomai to Oarai ferry, starting with luxury suites that have spacious layouts, TVs, mini-fridges, and exclusive views of the ocean. There are also karaoke rooms available for group entertainment as well as public baths and a cinema. If you are feeling peckish, check out the buffet restaurant, which serves a variety of dishes including Japanese, Western, and local Hokkaido specialties. 

Click here to find out more about travelling on a luxury Japan ferry.

Portsmouth to Santander Ferry

The ferry from Portsmouth to Santander is a popular cruise ferry from England to Spain. This mini-cruise experience is available with Brittany Ferries and departs once a week. It takes approximately 31 hours and 30 minutes to complete this journey. Although it may seem like a long time, there are a huge range of facilities onboard to keep you entertained.

Find everything onboard from a cinema, live music shows, video game arcades and a supervised children’s play area. Alternatively, if you prefer to relax, look no further than the spa facilities which include sun decks and massage rooms. There are also duty-free shops selling discounted goods. As it’s an overnight ferry, you can get some shuteye in a variety of luxury cabins equipped with en-suite bathrooms, comfortable bedding and TVs.

Cadiz to Tenerife Ferry

Travel to the Canary Islands in style on the Cadiz to Tenerife ferry. This ferry route is available with Naviera Armas who provide 1 sailing each week. There are two luxury vessels that operate this crossing including the Ciudad de Valencia and the Volcán de Tinamar, both of which have an impressive array of facilities onboard for passengers of all ages.

As the crossing takes approximately 38 hours, the ferry from Cadiz to Tenerife has modern and stylish accommodation with en-suite bathrooms, TVs, sea views, free Wi-Fi and room service. As for dining options, there are plenty of bars and cafes available that serve a variety of meals, including options for children and dietary accommodations such as gluten-free and vegetarian dishes.

Barcelona to Civitavecchia (Rome) Ferry

Another great option is the Barcelona to Rome ferry. Climb aboard with Grimaldi Lines and arrive in Rome in around 20 hours and 30 minutes. This crossing is available up to 3 times per week and is a luxurious way of travelling from Spain to Italy.

This Mediterranean crossing is operated by a fleet of modern ferries, specifically Cruise Barcelona and Cruise Roma, which are designed with similar features to cruise ships including pools, cinemas, restaurants and spacious pet-friendly cabins. They also have ample space for cars, motorbikes and campervans.

Kiel to Oslo Ferry

Last but not least, the ferry from Kiel to Oslo promises a journey like no other through the Norwegian fjords. This route is available to book with Color Line and departs up to 6 times per week. Climb aboard Color Fantasy or Color Magic -- two luxurious ferries that have all the grandeur of a cruise ship and arrive in the Norwegian capital in 20 hours.

Pick from over 1,000 cabins ranging from standard to luxurious suites with ocean views. All cabins include en-suite bathrooms, TVs and minibars so you relax in comfort. As for entertainment, there are so many incredible options to choose from including a full casino, a golf simulator, a large fitness and wellness centre featuring a spa, whirlpools, and treatments, a duty-free shopping mall and a nightclub.