We’ve all been there: the 3:00 AM alarm at the airport, the frantic packing of liquids at security, and the cramped middle seat. But as we get closer to 2026, a new trend in travel is starting to take hold. It’s called “Slow Travel,” and it’s about making the trip as memorable as the place you’re going.
Brittany Ferries is changing the way we get to France and Spain if you want to trade long lines at the airport for views of the ocean. This is why you should start your next trip to Europe at the port instead of the terminal.
1. New ships, greener skies
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword in 2026; it’s a must. The Saint-Malo and Guillaume de Normandie are two of Brittany Ferries’ newest hybrid-LNG ships.
These aren’t just ferries; they’re engineering wonders that use a mix of LNG and battery power to cut down on emissions and silently glide into ports. Travelling by sea is now one of the most eco-friendly ways to see the continent. You can lower your carbon footprint without giving up comfort.
2. Your vacation starts in Portsmouth, Poole, or Plymouth!
The best thing about Brittany Ferries is that you can choose. There is a route for you, whether you’re going to the rocky coasts of Brittany or the sunny plazas of Spain:
The Fast Track: It takes only three hours to get from Portsmouth to Cherbourg.
The Overnight Classic: Portsmouth to St. Malo. When you wake up, you’ll see the historic walled city.
The Spanish Cruise: You can sail from Portsmouth or Plymouth to either Santander or Bilbao. You could call it a “mini-cruise” because it has fine dining, movies and boutique shopping on board.
3. No limits on how much luggage you can bring (yes, really!)
What is one of the best things about taking a ferry? The automobile. Your car is your suitcase when you sail with Brittany Ferries. You can bring the golf clubs, camping gear, and that extra crate of wine back without having to pay for “excess baggage” or worry about weight limits. Also, if you have your own car, you can go at your own pace to see hidden gems like Mont Saint-Michel or the Picos de Europa.
4. A Paws-itive Experience: Travelling with Pets
We don’t leave family members behind in 2026, and that includes the pets. Brittany Ferries has changed the way pets travel with:
Cabins that are pet-friendly: You and your pet can stay together in a cabin with laminate floors that are easy to clean.
Onboard kennels: high-quality facilities with places for your dog to run around and stretch their legs.
Peace of Mind: No scary plane stops. Your pet is only a few decks away.
5. Real Flavours at Sea
No more soggy sandwiches. Dining on board Brittany Ferries is a tribute to French and Spanish food. You can taste the flavours of your destination before you even dock at the Le Jardin restaurants, which use seasonal, local ingredients, and at the Camembert and Spanish tapas bars.
Are you ready to sail?
The “Flight-Free Boom” is here to stay. Brittany Ferries is a smooth, stylish, and stress-free way to get to Normandy or the Basque Country, whether you’re going with your family or on a romantic getaway.
Book your 2026 trip with Brittany Ferries now and remember how much fun the open sea can be.