The experience of arriving at France by ship produces an enchanting sensation unlike any other. The sight of the coastline appearing on the horizon marks a genuine start to your holiday through the process of maritime travel which avoids airport delays and tight seating arrangements. The ferry provides the most soothing and practical means to begin your 2025 trip from Ireland to France.
Why Choose the Ferry to France?
Before exploring specific options, let’s consider why taking the ferry might be the perfect choice for your French holiday:
- Your journey becomes part of the holiday experience rather than just transportation
- You can bring your own car with unlimited luggage
- No airport queues or waiting around for connections
- Freedom to explore France at your own pace once you arrive
- A more environmentally friendly option than flying
- Perfect for families who need space to move around during travel
Among the operators serving this route, Irish Ferries stands out with their comprehensive services and passenger-focused approach.
Ready to explore France on your own terms? Check ferry availability for 2025 now!
Planning Ahead for 2025
The booking process for preferred sailings at Irish Ferries for 2025 trips has become straightforward with a flexible deposit system. Travelers must pay only €200 during booking to reserve their desired sailing before they need to settle their full balance sixty days in advance.
The booking method allows early reservation of preferred dates and accommodations while requiring only a €200 initial payment. The booking method works best when travelers need to secure their ideal summer vacation cabins before they become unavailable.
Secure your preferred sailing dates with just €200! Book your 2025 crossing today
The W.B. Yeats Experience
The W.B. Yeats represents the pinnacle of the Irish Ferries fleet which operates France routes. Since its addition to the Irish Ferries fleet in 2019 the ship provides a cruise-style journey that turns travel into an essential element of vacation experiences.
The W.B. Yeats operates direct Dublin routes while its French arrival times were specifically designed to deliver passengers energized for their upcoming travels. Irish Ferries continues its tradition of celebrating Irish literary figures by naming ships after them while the vessel maintains detailed design elements from bow to stern.
Onboard Amenities
Once aboard, passengers discover the W.B. Yeats offers facilities that rival many cruise ships:
- Dining Options: Enjoy a meal at the elegant ‘Lady Gregory Restaurant’ with waiter service or opt for more casual fare at the self-service restaurant
- Entertainment: During the summer season, live entertainment makes the crossing even more enjoyable for the whole family
- Relaxation Spaces: Unwind at the ‘Maud Gonne Bar & Lounge’ with panoramic sea views
- Cinema: Catch a film to pass the time enjoyably
- Luxury Accommodations: Choose from air-conditioned en-suite cabins, or for a truly special experience, book one of the luxury suites with private balconies
- Shopping: Browse the tax-free offerings to pick up some bargains
- Club Class Lounge: For those seeking extra comfort, the dedicated lounge provides a premium experience
- Free WiFi: Stay connected throughout the journey (terms and conditions apply)
Treat yourself to a cruise-like experience! Explore W.B. Yeats cabin options
The Isle of Inisheer Alternative
Irish Ferries offers an additional sailing option to Ireland-France routes through their Isle of Inisheer vessel. The Isle of Inisheer delivers distinct amenities and character despite its different approach from the W.B. Yeats.
- Panoramic views to enjoy the seascape
- Multiple lounges to relax in
- Shopping at The Shop on deck 7, with a convenient ‘Click & Collect’ service
- Dining options including Boylan’s Brasserie and Café Lafayette, serving freshly made-to-order food and snacks
- O’Flaherty’s Bar for a relaxing drink
- Dedicated Freight Driver’s Club
Booking Smart: The Flexi Fare Advantage
When planning your crossing, consider opting for Irish Ferries‘ Flexi Fare. This booking option provides valuable peace of mind, particularly when planning well in advance. With Flexi Fare, passengers enjoy:
- The flexibility to amend bookings as often as needed
- Favorable cancellation terms should plans change
- Added security knowing travel arrangements can evolve with changing needs
In today’s uncertain world, having this flexibility can be worth its weight in gold, preventing potential losses if circumstances change.
Plan with confidence! Add Flexi Fare to your booking
Enhancing Value: Tesco Clubcard Partnership
Irish Ferries uses Tesco Clubcard points as an exceptional value system for their smart traveling customers. Irish Ferries gives Clubcard customers the opportunity to multiply their points value by three times while booking ferry services. French trip payments can be made through these points either fully or partially.
You must keep in mind that each booking can accept only one Clubcard token because using a token for deposit payment prevents additional tokens from offsetting the remaining balance. The point exchange system through this partnership offers an excellent opportunity to cut down your vacation expenses by utilizing existing points.
Maximize your Clubcard points! Learn how to use Tesco vouchers with Irish Ferries
Beyond the Crossing: Holiday Packages
Irish Ferries doesn’t just get travelers to France—they can arrange entire holidays. Their fully bonded package holidays include a wide range of accommodation options throughout France:
Disneyland® Paris Packages
For families, Disneyland® Paris remains a top destination. Irish Ferries offers comprehensive packages that include:
- Return ferry travel with your car
- Hotel accommodation (typically 3 nights)
- Park passes (2 Day/2 Park passes for 2 adults and 2 children under 11)
Accommodation options vary in price and style:
- Novotel Marne La Vallee Noisy: An ideal base for exploring both Disney and Paris attractions (from €1,619 from Dublin/Cherbourg)
- Grand Magic Hotel Marne La Vallée: Offering an immersive experience for visitors of all ages (from €1,712 from Dublin/Cherbourg)
- Disney’s Davy Crockett Ranch: Located just a 15-minute drive from the parks with a friendly atmosphere and cabin accommodation (from €1,999 from Dublin/Cherbourg)
Make magical memories! Explore Disneyland Paris packages
Parc Asterix Packages
For something different, consider Parc Asterix, which offers a French alternative to Disney with attractions based on the beloved Asterix comics. Packages include:
- Return ferry travel with your car
- 1 night’s hotel accommodation
- 2-day pass for 2 adults and 2 children
Accommodation options include:
- Les Trois Hiboux: A charming 3-star option with a woodland theme
- La Cité Suspendue: Another 3-star option set in a “forgotten city” concept
- Les Quais De Lutèce: A 4-star option designed around the history of the Seine, offering an authentic Roman living experience
Experience French fun at Parc Asterix! View available packages
Special Events: Wine Tasting Onboard
For those interested in French wine culture, Irish Ferries occasionally hosts special wine tasting events onboard. Their Spring Wine Tasting Event dates for 2025 have been announced:
- Thursday 20th March
- Thursday 10th April
- Thursday 15th May
These events provide an excellent introduction to French wines and can be a delightful addition to your crossing. Early bookers can secure special rates starting from €349 return for a car, two passengers, and an inner cabin when booking before certain dates.
Enjoy wine while you sail! Book a wine tasting crossing
Practical Tips for Your Crossing
Before You Travel
- Book early: Especially if traveling during school holidays or summer months
- Consider cabin location: Mid-ship cabins experience less movement if you’re concerned about sea sickness
- Pack essentials in a separate overnight bag: This saves rummaging through all your luggage for the crossing
- Check documentation: Ensure you have valid passports and any necessary documentation for your vehicle
- Plan your first night: Consider booking accommodation near your arrival port if you’ll be reaching France late
During the Crossing
- Explore the ship: Take time on boarding to familiarize yourself with the layout
- Book dining in advance: If you plan to eat at the waiter-service restaurant, booking ahead is advisable
- Set an alarm: If arriving early, make sure you don’t oversleep your arrival
- Stay hydrated: The air conditioning on board can be dehydrating
- Take sea sickness precautions: If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider medication or acupressure bands
The Journey Ahead
People should experience different sea travel experiences according to Irish Ferries‘ corporate message. Holiday arrival experiences differ significantly between passengers who reach their destination after tense flight travels versus those who reach after peaceful maritime journeys. Your vehicle contains all items arranged to your satisfaction while you slept peacefully in a cabin before enjoying breakfast during the approach toward France as you start your journey.
Your vacation starts perfectly when you begin with Irish Ferries since the company offers access to Brittany’s beaches and Loire Valley châteaux and Provence’s lavender fields and French Alps peaks.
So as you plan your 2025 French escape, consider making the journey part of the adventure. With just a €200 deposit, you can secure your place on the sailing of your choice and look forward to a holiday that begins the moment you step on board.
Start your French adventure today! Book your ferry crossing with just €200 deposit
