Merseyside boats

Overview

Liverpool Port provides ferry services to Dublin and Belfast and the Isle of Man. The port of Heysham within Lancashire also provides regular services to and from the Isle of Man.

Comparing ferry services can help you find ­the best price at the best time for you. 

You can compare sailings from ports such as Heysham, Holyhead and Liverpool, and book tickets, by visiting the AFerry website.

Key tips

Always allow yourself plenty of time to plan your journey. It may be worth considering:

• If you will need help to access the ferry and will you be travelling with mobility equipment. Consider whether it is easier to take equipment with you or hire it at your destination, from an outlet such as ShopMobility.
• What local transport do you need once you arrive at your destination? Will you need to pre-book an accessible taxi?
• Will you be making this journey more than once a year? If so, it may be worth researching concessionary travel schemes.

Remember that your local Hubs Mobility Advice Service can signpost you to the correct travel operator and mobility organisations.

Operators

P&O Ferries  

https://www.poferries.com/en/routes/liverpool-to-dublin

Stena Line 

www.stenaline.co.uk

The Isle of Man Steam Packet

www.steam-packet.com

Help with cost

Merseytravel offers free travel on all buses, trains and Mersey Ferries river crossings for anyone aged 60 or over who lives in Merseyside, and for anyone with certain disabilities who lives in Merseyside.

• Merseytravel – Over 60s Concessions
• Merseytravel – People with Disabilities

Special assistance

Stena Line

If you have a disability, reduced mobility or other impairment and require assistance, you should call Stena Line at least 48 hours in advance of travel. (7 days in advance if contacting by email.)

Contact: 03447 707 070 or assistance@stenaline.com

Stena Line may require that you travel with an attendant for safety reasons in certain circumstances; for instance, if you are unable to assist in your own evacuation from the ferry or if you need assistance to be lifted. There is no additional fee for the attendant.

P&O Ferries

Passengers requiring special assistance due to disability or restricted mobility should highlight any requirements during the booking process. This will ensure P&O Ferries can accommodate your needs ahead of your journey.

If you or someone you are travelling with has a hidden disability, the Sunflower Lanyard is a discreet way to signal that additional support or assistance may be required. To request a lanyard before travel, email travelassistance@poferries.com at least a week before travel. Additionally, collect a lanyard on your day of travel, at check-in or the onboard reception desk.  

Further information regarding accessible travel with P&O Ferries can be found on their website.

Isle of Man Steam Packet

If you are booking through a travel agent or tour operator, you should advise them of any assistance requirements at the time of booking. You can also contact the ferry operator’s reservation team on 01624 661661. 

Further information regarding assistance on boats and accessibility at ports used by the Isle of Man Steam Packet can be found via their website.

Travelling with mobility equipment

Stena Line

Almost all Stena Line ports and ferries are adapted to suit the needs of passengers with disability or reduced mobility. Some ferries and sailings may have a restriction on the number of passengers in wheelchairs or other mobility devices. 

Assistance dogs are entitled to free travel and have full access to the passenger decks on all Stena Line routes and vessels. They must have the necessary paperwork when checking in at the port and wear the correct harnesses and jackets while travelling.

You should notify Stena Line at the time of booking if you are travelling with an assistance dog.

P&O Ferries

Due to the design of the ships on the Liverpool to Dublin route, they are not accessible to wheelchair users. There is no lift to the passenger accommodation or accessible cabins on board. For further information, email customer.services@poferries.com

All assistance dogs are permitted to travel within the passenger areas on board. If you are travelling with a registered assistance dog, notify P&O Ferries at the time of booking.

Isle of Man Steam Packet

The use of collapsible wheelchairs is advised. For safety reason, the number of wheelchair users may be restricted on a particular sailing, so it is always recommended to check in advance.

Routes and timetable Links

P&O Ferries

The main route from Liverpool is to Dublin. 

Stena Line 

Services run between Liverpool and Belfast.

Isle of Man Steam Packet

Services operate from Heysham and Liverpool to Douglas, the Isle of Man.

You can compare prices and times for ports such as Heysham, Holyhead and Liverpool, and book tickets by visiting the AFerry website.