brittany_ferries_normandie_express

Normandie Express

148 Reviews

Operated by Brittany Ferries on the Portsmouth Caen & Portsmouth Cherbourg routes

Normandie Express is a high-speed catamaran capable of carrying passengers, vehicles and freight at a maximum speed of 42 Knots (about 78 kilometres per hour). On board you have space to relax and freedom to walk around this High Speed Ferry. For the short channel crossing you'll find comfortable seating, bars, café and a boutique making it an enjoyable experience.

Onboard Cabins / Reserved Seating

There are no cabins or reserved seats on this ship. Complimentary reclining seats are however included in your ticket offering a comfortable and relaxing environment with each seat having a fold-up tray.

Onboard Food and Drink

On board the Normandie Express you will find two bars and a café, serving sandwiches, salads, pastries, snacks, cold drinks, teas and coffees. There is comfortable seating and tables in an area dedicated to the café. The bars serve a range of drinks from fine French wines to continental lagers and cocktails.

The bars and café offer ample seating with great views, and are the perfect place in which to relax and enjoy time with your friends and fellow passengers as you speed across the channel.

Onboard Shopping

Perfect for gifts, souvenirs, or just a treat for yourself, the shop offers a range of spirits, wine, tobacco, perfumes and cosmetics, leather goods, confectionery, toys, fashion, decoration, souvenirs, newspapers, games, cameras, sunglasses, jewellery and much more! All are at great prices, and certainly worth a browse.

Purchases made on board may be paid for in Euros or Sterling. Payment can be made in cash, by credit or debit card, or by cheque. Prices are shown in both currencies and you can combine different payment methods.

Additional Onboard Facilities

Additional facilities include an open sun deck, slot machines, baby changing room, tourist information and a Bureau de Change.

Travelling with Children

The Normandie Express features a children's play area.

Accessibility

Passengers with limited mobility will find the facilities and access more challenging to negotiate because of the size and design of this vessel.

Please Note: Whilst we have taken great care in making our Normandie Express guide as accurate as possible, onboard facilities, services and entertainment may vary depending on the date and time of year that you travel, facilities mentioned may change without notification and ferry companies reserve the right to operate vessels other than those mentioned at time of booking without prior notification.

Read More Read Less

Onboard Normandie Express

brittany_ferries_normandie_express_bar brittany_ferries_normandie_express_bar_area brittany_ferries_normandie_express_cakes brittany_ferries_normandie_express_drinks_in_front_of_the_bar brittany_ferries_normandie_express_large_seating-area brittany_ferries_normandie_express_lounge brittany_ferries_normandie_express_reclining_seats brittany_ferries_normandie_express_seating_area brittany_ferries_normandie_express_shop brittany_ferries_normandie_express_shop_2

Normandie Express Reviews

4.1
out of 5

99% of our customers recommended this ship

  • General:4.0
  • Staff:4.3
  • Catering:3.5
  • Punctuality:4.5
  • Cleanliness:4.3

  • "Plain sailing"

    It was a fast ship which arrived in good time at our destination. There were a lot of people on board. So I suppose it is to be expected that there will be limited space for a hot breakfast despite the early start. However the distribution of what food there was - croissants and sandwiches - was very haphazard between the different food stations. Consequently ours was continuously running out. Not a big thing but kept us waiting unnecessarily. Otherwise an excellent experience.

    • Overall Rating:
    • General:
    • Catering:
    • Cleanliness:
    • Staff:
    • Punctuality:
    • Recommended?
      Yes

    Reviewed 24 September 2016 by Malcolm who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express

    Read More Read Less

  • "Excellent way to cross the channel"

    Great service for crossing the channel

    • Overall Rating:
    • General:
    • Catering:
    • Cleanliness:
    • Staff:
    • Punctuality:
    • Recommended?
      Yes

    Reviewed 18 September 2016 by Lorraine who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express

    Read More Read Less

  • "Crossing "

    A very good trip friendly staff and plenty of space. Parking deck staff a little off handed.

    • Overall Rating:
    • General:
    • Catering:
    • Cleanliness:
    • Staff:
    • Punctuality:
    • Recommended?
      Yes

    Reviewed 13 September 2016 by John who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express

    Read More Read Less

  • "a very good crossing"

    The new fast crossing - Portsmouth to Cherbourg in three hours - is really efficient. The ship is clean and comfortable, the catering is good and the staff are friendly. We will travel this way again next year most probably. Le Bateau Grande Vitesse!

    • Overall Rating:
    • General:
    • Catering:
    • Cleanliness:
    • Staff:
    • Punctuality:
    • Recommended?
      Yes

    Reviewed 10 September 2016 by Robin who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express

    Read More Read Less

  • "First trip to Cherbourg travelling alone as a foot passenger"

    I thought the whole experience was very efficient and easy, especially the luggage loading and unloading. My only criticism is that I had a moment of panic when getting on the boat as it said 'Normandy Ferry to Caen' on the outside. There was no-one to ask but another passenger reassured it was just meant to confuse novices like me!

    • Overall Rating:
    • General:
    • Catering:
    • Cleanliness:
    • Staff:
    • Punctuality:
    • Recommended?
      Yes

    Reviewed 09 September 2016 by Catherine who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express

    Read More Read Less

  • "Portsmouth - Cherbourg "

    Very relaxing trip. Could be a bit cheaper, but overall very good.

    • Overall Rating:
    • General:
    • Catering:
    • Cleanliness:
    • Staff:
    • Punctuality:
    • Recommended?
      Yes

    Reviewed 08 September 2016 by Keith who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express

    Read More Read Less

  • "Excellent experience"

    Our first ferry crossing with a car and we were very impressed! Embarking and disembarking at both ports was punctual, quick and efficient - we were amazed at how speedily the guys got all the cars loaded on! Once on-board the facilities and staff were top notch. All round a great experience!

    • Overall Rating:
    • General:
    • Catering:
    • Cleanliness:
    • Staff:
    • Punctuality:
    • Recommended?
      Yes

    Reviewed 03 September 2016 by David who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express

    Read More Read Less

  • "Fast yourney"

    Fast check in and helpfull personnel.

    • Overall Rating:
    • General:
    • Catering:
    • Cleanliness:
    • Staff:
    • Punctuality:
    • Recommended?
      Yes

    Reviewed 28 August 2016 by Anonymous who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express

    Read More Read Less

  • "My Experience of the Service"

    I was pleased. My booking was handled well and the vessel itself was modern, clean and departed on time from both Portsmouth and Cherbourg, completing the journeys very accurately in the times predicted. Due to a mechanical failure with my car I was forced to postpone my return journey twice, because the repair took longer than initially thought. The booking changes were expensive, but I was given a concessionary rate for the second postponement because of the nature of the reason for the change, for which I was very grateful. i would have no hesitation in using the service again as the need arises.

    • Overall Rating:
    • General:
    • Catering:
    • Cleanliness:
    • Staff:
    • Punctuality:
    • Recommended?
      Yes

    Reviewed 25 August 2016 by Anthony Ferrige who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express

    Read More Read Less

  • "good service"

    Good experience. Punctual outward & inward crossings. Cars packed very tight but generally acceptable arrangements. Rather limited choice of snacks & sandwiches though reasonably priced.

    • Overall Rating:
    • General:
    • Catering:
    • Cleanliness:
    • Staff:
    • Punctuality:
    • Recommended?
      Yes

    Reviewed 19 August 2016 by John who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express

    Read More Read Less

  • "Just as it says it is!"

    I was travelling for the first time with my young son in an unfamiliar place and have to say that the ferry crossing was the least stressful part of the whole trip. The service was exactly as it sells itself to be; uncomplicated and efficient. I would definitely travel this crossing and this provider in preference to others now.

    • Overall Rating:
    • General:
    • Catering:
    • Cleanliness:
    • Staff:
    • Punctuality:
    • Recommended?
      Yes

    Reviewed 18 August 2016 by Tanya who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express

    Read More Read Less

  • "Normandie Express review"

    Our crossing was fantastic - great service, great staff, great ferry! If there was anything that could be improved, I would suggest more facilities for younger children as they are often difficult to entertain! I appreciate there is little space on board the ferry so this request might be challenging!

    • Overall Rating:
    • General:
    • Catering:
    • Cleanliness:
    • Staff:
    • Punctuality:
    • Recommended?
      Yes

    Reviewed 18 August 2016 by Victoria Goodman who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express

    Read More Read Less

  • "A pleasant way to start your holiday"

    Highly recommended, very pleasant and smiling staff. One thing I would improve is the internet which I've never actually managed to get on board.

    • Overall Rating:
    • General:
    • Catering:
    • Cleanliness:
    • Staff:
    • Punctuality:
    • Recommended?
      Yes

    Reviewed 17 August 2016 by Timothy who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express

    Read More Read Less

  • "Simple and efficient service "

    Brittany ferries offer a good service out of Portsmouth. Easy to find and quick to get through check-in/loading. Only thing with that is you end up with an hr on the boat before it moves which is only an issue because people tend to grab their seats. Overall the service was ok time the facilities on the boat are okay - for kids they run movies for example. Food is as you would expect. Overall I would recommend and would def use again. Much easier than Calais option etc,

    • Overall Rating:
    • General:
    • Catering:
    • Cleanliness:
    • Staff:
    • Punctuality:
    • Recommended?
      Yes

    Reviewed 14 August 2016 by Margaret who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express

    Read More Read Less

  • "good crossing"

    We normally us the tunnel this was every bit as efficient and much more relaxing

    • Overall Rating:
    • General:
    • Catering:
    • Cleanliness:
    • Staff:
    • Punctuality:
    • Recommended?
      Yes

    Reviewed 12 August 2016 by Martin who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express

    Read More Read Less

  • "Portsmouth to Cherbourg"

    A very good convenient service. A quick enjoyable crossing.

    • Overall Rating:
    • General:
    • Catering:
    • Cleanliness:
    • Staff:
    • Punctuality:
    • Recommended?
      Yes

    Reviewed 07 August 2016 by Derek who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express

    Read More Read Less

  • "Quick Crossing Nice Ferry....."

    I enjoyed a quick jump from Cherbourg to Portsmouth this July. The boarding was quick and simple, the terminal was very quiet and to be honest there isn't much there, but thats not an issue as all you need is a quick coffee if you are early. The fast ferry was great, nice sandwich, film for the kids and only 3 hours.

    • Overall Rating:
    • General:
    • Catering:
    • Cleanliness:
    • Staff:
    • Punctuality:
    • Recommended?
      Yes

    Reviewed 05 August 2016 by Simon who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express

    Read More Read Less

  • "Normandy Trip 2016"

    We sailed on Brittany Ferries Normandie Express crossing from Portsmouth to Cherbourg and had a great experience. All the staff were really helpful, the crossing extremely fast and we would thoroughly recommend.

    • Overall Rating:
    • General:
    • Catering:
    • Cleanliness:
    • Staff:
    • Punctuality:
    • Recommended?
      Yes

    Reviewed 03 August 2016 by Malcolm who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express

    Read More Read Less

  • "Ferry travel"

    We were very happy with the whole process. Non-formal and uncomplicated as always!

    • Overall Rating:
    • General:
    • Catering:
    • Cleanliness:
    • Staff:
    • Punctuality:
    • Recommended?
      Yes

    Reviewed 02 August 2016 by Thomas who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express

    Read More Read Less

  • "Smooth Crossing"

    It was all very easy and efficient. From booking online - to driving off in Cherbourg. Food was OK but I would have preferred a bit more choice. However, we weren't on the ferry very long so it was no big deal.

    • Overall Rating:
    • General:
    • Catering:
    • Cleanliness:
    • Staff:
    • Punctuality:
    • Recommended?
      Yes

    Reviewed 01 August 2016 by Anonymous who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express

    Read More Read Less