Cote d'Opale ferry

MS Cote d'Opale is a Ro-Pax passenger ferry vessel (currently under construction in China) to be operated by the Denmark-based company DFDS SEAWAYS. The ship has a maximum capacity of 930 passengers and a freight capacity of 120 cars plus 160 trucks (trailers). The vessel was launched in May 2020 and, as of June 2021, is scheduled to operate on the England-France ferry route Dover-Calais, with an English Channel crossing time of approximately 1.5 hours.

Cabins

MS Cote d'Opale is not classified as a "cruise ferry" as it does not have passenger cabins, meaning overnight stays onboard are not available. All other sisterships in the Stena E-Flexer series are equipped with staterooms for passengers.

Passengers can book Reserved Seating (Lounge), which includes airline-style fully reclining leather armchairs, complimentary hot and cold beverages (including branded coffees and teas, soft drinks, and wine by the glass), snacks, newspapers, and magazines.

Shipboard dining and entertainment options

Onboard amenities aboard the Cote d'Opale include:

• A La Carte Restaurant (formal dining with gourmet meals, fine wines by the glass, specialty cocktails, and children's menus)
• Buffet Restaurant (self-service with hot and cold meals, and kids' options)
• Barista Coffee Bar (offering sandwiches, cakes, pastries, fruit salads, yogurt, ice cream, hot and cold beverages, and freshly squeezed juices)
• Wine Bar and Sundeck Bar (open weather-permitting)
• Sky Bar Lounge (panoramic views)
• 2x Reserved Seating Lounges (with reclining chairs)
• Truckers Lounge (exclusive bar and restaurant for truck drivers)
• 2x Children's Rooms (indoor play areas with large TVs, toys, games, and supervised activities)
• Arcade Video Games Room (with arcade machines)
• Shopping Center (offers gifts, souvenirs, spirits, wines, tobacco, branded perfumes and cosmetics, skincare, leather goods, toys, confectionery, fashion apparel and accessories, electronics, designer watches, sunglasses, jewelry, travel essentials). Promotions with discounts on premium brands are frequently available.
• Internet Room, News Lounge, Bureau de Change (currency exchange desk)
• Media Room (conference/meeting room)
• Casino (gaming lounge with table games and slot machines)
• 2x Cinemas / Movie Lounges (tickets available at the Reception / Guest Services Desk)
• Sun Deck (wooden deck with sunbathing and relaxation area served by the Sundeck Bar)
• Designated Smoking Area on the Sundeck, onboard kennels, and a pet-walking zone
• Free Wi-Fi service and ATM/cash machine (located next to the Information Desk / Reception)

A helipad (helicopter landing platform) is located midship on the Helideck (top deck) for emergency use.

All bars and lounges are equipped with large TVs and comfortable seating. All emergency instructions are displayed in public areas and at muster (assembly) stations. Life jackets are stored at the assembly stations. In emergencies, the use of elevators is strictly prohibited.

Pets on the ship

Pets (dogs, cats, and ferrets) are allowed on the DFDS Cote d'Opale ferry, subject to specific regulations for the France-England route.

Dogs must be leashed and muzzled at all times and may not be left unattended. Guide dogs travel free and are permitted on all passenger decks but must wear a harness or identifying jacket.

A valid EU pet passport is required, containing details about the pet’s identity and vaccinations. Pets must also have an approved microchip (or tattoo) and valid rabies vaccination administered by an authorized veterinarian. Passengers traveling with pets must arrive at the port at least one hour before departure.

All pets must comply with the UK Pet Travel Scheme rules and be at least 15 weeks old. Microchips and EU pet passports are mandatory. Car passengers may ferry up to five pets per vehicle. These vehicles are marked with a colored hanger placed on the rear-view mirror until customs clearance. Pets in vehicles must remain inside at all times. Foot passengers may also bring up to five pets, but pre-booking of onboard kennels is required. Children traveling with a pet must be at least 16 years old. For groups traveling with six or more animals, each pet must be at least six months old.

The ferry is equipped with 25 onboard kennels, including 7 large-sized (100x97x94 cm), 2 medium-sized (100x64x108 cm), and 16 small-sized (100x65x50 cm) units. Pet visits during the voyage are encouraged.

Car decks

Car deck safety procedures include the following:

• Disabled passengers or those needing assistance should contact the ship’s Information Desk (open 24 hours).
• Engage the handbrake and place the vehicle in park or 1st gear. Turn off the ignition, alarms, all electrical systems, and headlights. Gas cylinders must be turned off. Lock the vehicle.
• Take only valuables and essential hand luggage from the vehicle.
• Note your vehicle’s location, garage deck number, and nearest stairway before leaving the car deck.
• Access to the car decks is prohibited during the voyage.
• Smoking is forbidden on vehicle decks, in cabins, and in all passenger lounges.
• Wait for the official onboard announcement before returning to your vehicle.
• Do not start your vehicle’s engine until instructed to do so to prevent unnecessary air pollution.

The ship operator DFDS Seaways (fleet, founded in 1866 and headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark) is a Danish shipping company providing passenger and freight ferry services across Northern Europe.