Staffordshire boats 

County advice overview

The closest ferry port to the county of Staffordshire is in Liverpool with services provided by P&O Ferries, Irish Ferries, Stena Line and the Isle of Man Steam Packet.

Other ferry ports, at a further distance, include Holyhead and Pembroke.

Key tips

• It is advisable to book tickets and arrange any required travel assistance in advance. 
• At the time of booking, you may find it useful to enquire about disabled parking at the port and wheelchair access on board the ferry.
• Check your route at the docks is accessible if you have reduced mobility or are travelling with mobility equipment. This will ensure you arrive for your crossing in good time.

Operators

P&O Ferries

The main route is from Liverpool is to Dublin. 

This route is not accessible for wheelchair users.

Stena Line 

Stena Line travel from Liverpool for Belfast.

Irish Ferries

Pembroke (Wales) to Rosslare (Ireland). 

Holyhead (Wales) to Dublin (Ireland).

Help with cost

You can compare ferry services on the AFerry website. You can find prices, times and see results for similar ports like Heysham, Holyhead and Liverpool Birkenhead.

Irish Ferries

In Britain, members of the disability alliance group, Disabled Motoring UK, receive discounts on Irish Sea routes. Contact this group directly and they will make the booking for you.

Special assistance

Stena Line

If you have a disability, reduced mobility or other medical condition and require assistance, you should advise Stena Line at least 48 hours in advance of travel. (At least 7 days via email.)

Contact: 03447 707 070 or assistance@stenaline.com

You may be required to travel with an attendant if it is essential for safety reasons. This includes if you are unable to assist in your own evacuation from the ferry, if you require assistance to be lifted, if you require personal care assistance or are unable to understand safety instructions. There is no additional fee for an attendant.

Irish Ferries

If you require any special assistance, you should inform Irish Ferries at least two days before you travel. 

If you have reduced mobility and have arranged special assistance, the ferry company will try to position your vehicle close to the passenger lift onboard. This will help with the transfer from the car deck to the upper passenger deck. If you are travelling as a wheelchair passenger, you should add “Passenger with Wheelchair” to your booking.

Sunflower lanyard If you have a hidden disability or have a family member with a hidden disability, Irish Ferries can provide assistance in ports or onboard ships. Wearing a sunflower lanyard allows the crew to recognise that you may need extra assistance without you needing to declare it. 

To order your lanyard, to request special assistance, or for any queries regarding onboard facilities, you can email the Disability Officer. 

Contact: disabilityofficer@irishferries.com

P&O Ferries

If you are travelling with a disability, hidden disability or reduced mobility, you should let the port and ferry company know at least two days in advance if you require assistance when travelling. 

Due to the design of the Liverpool to Dublin ships, the route is not accessible for wheelchair users. There is no lift to passenger accommodation or accessible cabins.

Contact: customer.services@poferries.com

Travelling with mobility equipment

Stena Line

Ports & ferries are adapted for disabled and reduced mobility passengers. Some ferries and sailings may have a restriction on the number of wheelchair users and passengers using mobility equipment. 

Irish Ferries

Ports and ships are wheelchair accessible and wheelchairs are available for short-term use. There are dedicated seating areas onboard, specially-adapted cabins on cruise vessels and accessible toilets in ports and on ships. 

The crew can advise and assist throughout the journey, if you contact the reception desk on board to discuss any requirements. You can also ask for a hearing loop at reception on boats and in the ports. 

For further information, including a list of facilities for passengers with reduced mobility and special needs visit the Irish Ferries website.

P&O Ferries

Due to the design of the Liverpool to Dublin ships, the route is not accessible for wheelchair users. There is no lift to passenger accommodation or any accessible cabins. For further information, contact: customer.services@poferries.com

Assistance dogs

If you are travelling with a registered assistance dog, you should notify the operator at the time of booking. Assistance dogs are entitled to free travel and have access to the passenger decks. Assistance dogs must have the necessary paperwork when checking in at the port and must wear the correct harnesses and jackets at all times while travelling.

Routes and timetable links

You can compare times, prices and book tickets via the Direct Ferries website. 

You can also find timetables, route information and plan your journey by visiting the individual operator websites below:

• P&O Ferries
• Stena Line
• Irish Ferries