There is something magical about traveling by ferry. It may be that the sea air brushes the face properly, or it is low, which is relaxed by the engine under the legs. If you are something like me, the back has a slightly indifferent romance to see the shrinkage of the beach, while your adventure is slowly opening on the water. Now I've been to a few ferry services in my day-something dear, some ... let's just say "character building".
But let me tell you, Premium ferry trip? It is a separate animal. The snack bar has lukewarm coffee and desperate hunting days for a plastic chair. These days, more than going into a premium boat lounge, it seems to check in a boutique hotel than riding on a boat.
Ferries used to be the overlooked cousin in the world of European travel—functional, a bit no-frills, great if you wanted to take your car. But times have changed, and ferry services companies have clearly been listening to travelers who want comfort, quiet, and a little touch of indulgence.
Today’s premium ferry services are stepping up in ways that might just surprise you. Picture this: exclusive lounges with sweeping sea views, proper espresso (not that sad vending machine stuff), chilled wine on tap, and enough space to actually stretch out. It’s like flying business class—only with a sea breeze and no turbulence.
Before we get stuck in champagne and marine scenes, rewind for a second. If you are not on a boat in a while, do you have to think: what ferry services today - premium or otherwise?
Here is a quick overview of what you usually find on a standard boat route from the UK to Europe:
Comfortable seating (some areas quieter than others)
Onboard cafes, restaurants, and snack bars
Duty-free shopping (dangerous if you’re weak-willed around Toblerones)
Outdoor decks for fresh air and selfies with seagulls
Cabins for overnight or longer crossings
Kids' play zones and family-friendly spaces
Pet-friendly options—yes, your furry friends can come too!
So yeah, even “standard” these days isn’t too shabby. But if you’re up for something a little more elevated, premium takes the whole experience to another level.
Let me paint a picture. You arrive at the harbor, and instead of standing with a hundred others a little fried passengers, you go on a private check -in disk. Within minutes, drink alcohol in a cool lounge, through safety, while the rest of the ships are in line. There are fresh pastries. The lighting is soft. Someone just offered you a cappuccino. And for a moment, you actually forget you're on a ferry.
That’s the magic of premium.
Here are a few of the most-loved premium ferry services perks travelers rave about:
Priority boarding and disembarkation – Especially golden if you're traveling with kids or just hate crowds.
Exclusive lounges – Think calm, quiet, and cozy. A sanctuary from the usual travel chaos.
Complimentary food and drinks – And not just a dry sandwich. We’re talking charcuterie boards, warm meals, wine, and even afternoon tea.
Private cabins – For longer trips, having your own little space with a bed and shower? Bliss.
High-speed Wi-Fi and power outlets – A lifesaver for digital nomads or anyone who doesn’t want to fall off the grid mid-Channel.
Honestly, you don’t have to take my word for it. Premium ferry services reviews from fellow travelers speak volumes.
One friend told me her premium lounge experience was “better than most airport lounges I’ve paid for.” Another solo traveler said it made her feel “safe, seen, and just really well cared for”—something you can’t always say about public transport.
Parents mention how premium service makes traveling with kids way more manageable—thanks to early boarding, comfy seating, and enough snacks to keep tantrums at bay. And business travelers? They swear by the peace and Wi-Fi.
It’s not just about the perks—it’s about how the whole experience feels. Like someone actually thought about what would make travel less stressful, and then built that into the journey.
Now, let’s get real—premium doesn’t always come cheap. But that doesn’t mean it’s out of reach. If you’re smart about it (and a little flexible), you can score some pretty sweet deals.
Here are a few tips that’ve worked wonders for me:
Book early – Seriously, just like flights, early birds get the best rates—even for premium perks.
Bundle it up – Some routes offer packages that include lounge access, meals, and cabins for way less than buying à la carte.
Travel off-peak – Midweek, or in the shoulder seasons (hello, dreamy September), fares drop significantly.
Sign up for loyalty programs – If you travel often, these can lead to lounge access or upgrades.
Watch for flash sales – Ferry companies often run quick promotions. If you’ve got some wiggle room in your schedule, you can grab premium for a fraction of the price.
Even if you can’t splurge every time, treating yourself on a special trip can completely transform the way you experience travel.
Short answer? Pretty much anyone who wants to make the journey part of the joy—not just the getting-there bit.
Whether you’re a solo traveler craving a quiet space to read, a couple on a romantic getaway, a family needing a calm buffer zone before the toddler meltdown hits, or a business traveler trying to get stuff done in peace—premium ferry travel fits.
It’s about slowing down a little, treating yourself a bit, and making memories before you even reach your destination. And in today’s go-go-go world, that feels kind of revolutionary.
If this all sounds like your kind of travel, there’s a name worth remembering: P&O Ferries. They’ve really taken the premium experience seriously, offering Club Lounges with floor-to-ceiling windows, complimentary champagne, and a calm, curated atmosphere that makes you forget you’re on a ferry altogether.
Their routes connect the UK to France, the Netherlands, and more—and they’ve got that sweet spot of service and comfort that hits just right. Whether you're off on a road trip through northern France or hopping over to mainland Europe for a longer escape, this is one upgrade that genuinely adds something special to your trip.
So the next time you’re staring at flight options and dreading the airport drama, pause for a second. Consider the scenic route. Consider comfort. And if you’re feeling a little fancy? Treat yourself.
1. What ferry services do Ghats offer?
Standard Ghats offers seating, food, shopping, toilet and sometimes entertainment or cottage. Premium ferry services provide access to salon, prioritized boarding, food and drink allocation, private cabins and advanced Wi-Fi.
2. How to save money on ferry services?
During the book early, travel the Midweck or the Off-Pick season, look for the packaging upgrade and keep up with loyal reimbursements or flash sales. It's all about planning ahead and staying flexible.
