“How would you like your steak, Madame?” Now that is not a question you might expect to be asked on a ferry. But on a recent return trip from Dover to Calais with My Ferry Link I discovered that the French connection goes further than the flag flying proudly from the ship’s stern.

‘My Ferry Link’ French flag
I was visiting northern France with a group of bloggers in search of WWI poet Wilfred Owen. The last time I had been across the English Channel was in 1983, when we took the car and filled it up with decent wine, cheese and other foodie treats from a massive supermarket outside Calais. All I remember about the ship was overcooked food in the canteen and sticky carpets. I was pleasantly surprised by the standard of comfort and excellent facilities today and, because this ships is owned by a French company, an extra je ne sais quoi to the experience. Here are 3 great reasons to travel by ferry based on my experience aboard My Ferry Link’s ship ‘Berlioz‘.
1. Excellent food and drink

Steak, frites et vin rouge
That steak was only one choice from a very generous menu in ‘Le Relais’ restaurant. The standard of cooking and variety of dishes aboard ‘Berlioz’ meant that all tastes can be satisfied. In our group we had vegetarians, carnivore and gourmands and everyone was happy. As you’d expect there are plenty of good wines to choose from, as well as local beers from Nord-Pas de Calais region and, of course, really decent coffee. There are other places to eat and drink including ‘Le Pub’ and ‘La Brasserie’ so even when the ship is full you can find a place for a meal.

Vin rouge
Then there’s the desserts. Oh mon dieu! Fancy a delicate fruit tart or a maybe a large slice of walnut cake? Perhaps a pot of chocolate mousse or pretty apple pie?

French desserts
I opted for the tart and it was divine; crisp pastry, a rich crème anglais, delicious fruit and a light glaze – as good as you’d get in a Parisienne patisserie. You can also get genuine crusty French bread – ideal with some cheese for a snack when you arrive.
2. Quality shopping in La Boutique

WWI window display
The ‘window’ display outside the ship’s gift shop was dressed in honour of the close ties between Britain and France in two World Wars. As you can imagine, there are a great many people going on memorial trips as we remember a hundred years since the start of World War I and 70 years since D-Day. Being used to the vast, big-brand, garish Duty Free halls of our airport departure lounges it was a pleasure to wander round ‘La Boutique’ which has a very good range of French produce as well as British souvenirs. (Apart from the fridge magnets, which were even more naff than usual, and they didn’t have any pins, which disappointed me as I collect them from everywhere I travel.)

WWI biscuit tins
The wines were very tempting as were the perfumes and cosmetics but I resisted and bought a box of toffees for my son, some beers for a friend, a selection of tasty treats from ‘Maxim’s’ and a WWI biscuit tin for me. (Those buttery biscuits were scrumptious!)
3. Fresh air and space to move about

My Ferry Link Dover – Calais
One of the real pluses of the ferry compared with plane or rail travel is being able to go outside for fresh air and enjoy the views. On our departure from Dover there was a heavy sea mist which shrouded the famous white cliffs and castle, but by the time we got half way across the Channel (or La Manche as the French say) it had cleared. Being one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes there’s plenty to see. It’s also much more fun standing on deck than being stuck in a railway carriage or cramped plane seat. There’s plenty of space inside with various seating areas including ‘ Le Pub’ which serves drinks and a wide selection of sandwiches and snacks including French specialities such as the croque-monsieur.

On board ‘My Ferry Link’
With bright, contemporary decor throughout the ship and big windows to watch the world go by, it feels more like a modern cruise liner than a busy working ferry. Children are well-catered for with a dedicated Play Zone with cartoons, games and child-friendly furniture. Apparently there’s also a nursery area with baby-changing facilities. You don’t get that on the EuroStar …

‘Berlioz’ myferrylink.com
There are of course, other reasons to travel by ferry. Check-in is relatively painless and you can take as many bottle of water (or other liquids!) and as much luggage as you can cram in the vehicle. With a crossing time of about 90 minutes it is enough time to relax, have a meal and be well-refreshed before arrival. As you can see from our faces when we arrived back in Dover, our group of bloggers was very relaxed and happy!

‘My Ferry Link’ bloggers
Many thanks to Ellie Macdonald and everyone from My Ferry Link for a really memorable weekend in France and a very enjoyable time aboard the good ship ‘Berlioz’.
Living in the north of England I hadn’t thought of using the ferry to get to France in recent years. But it’s actually very straightforward. I went by train and joined the group and cars in Dover – easily done in one day – got a ferry at about 6pm. Also possible to drive down in one day. By stopping off overnight on the way down (or better still in Dover to visit the Castle)it would be quite easy to drive down and then you have the car on mainland Europe and off you go!
Very informative article about the pleasant journey across the English Channel on My Ferry Link’s luxurious vessel.
I have to agree with you Zoe, I was surprised by the high standard of gourmet food. The vibrant and ultra comfy furnishings made it easy to relax and take in the ocean views.
I reckon going by ferry is the best way to get to France, rather than flying. You can skip the hassle of waiting in an airport and onerous security checks and stress. One of the real benefits is taking your own car. My husband and I haven’t taken our car on the Euro tunnel but I prefer being on top of the water rather than under it anyway! And the ferry journey is so affordable and quick…especially when you are spoilt with fine food and a spot of shopping thrown it!
Thanks for your comment Diane. As you say, the ferry is an excellent way to travel travel to France especially when taking the car and giving that flexibility to then travel around in your own vehicle.
I always travel by ferry when coming back to the UK from France – Dover to Calais if I am heading to the London and Caen to Portsmouth if I am heading West. I have always had excellent service with friendly helpful staff. I am not a steak eater but younger son is and he has always been asked how he would like it prepared! Saignant being his reply!
A good recommendation Rosie. I was talking to someone yesterday who is planning a summer holiday to the Dordogne and he hadn’t even consdiered the ferry as an option. Hopefully converted him. OUr vegetarian friends were very impressed with the vegetarian options aboard My Ferry Link. (I can’t speak for any other lines that cross the Channel as never used them.)
Wow, that ferry food does look a nice surprise. Being able to walk around and go outside is really a plus. Filing this one away for future reference!
Highly recommend it Lesley 🙂
It has been a while, but we loved the hydrofoil (sp?) we took from Dover!
Hydrofoils are so so quick aren’t they, though maybe not quite so comfortable as the modern ferry 🙂