In August 2004 we used Fjord Line's overnight Bergen to Newcastle service. We booked this well in advance because there are only a couple of cabins on deck 4 offering wheelchair accessible facilities. The boarding procedure was much the same as other cross channel routes except we were allowed to board first to position ourselves near the lift, other vehicles were then parked around us so that we had to wait for them to be moved before we could disembark. The cabins are adequate, everything is at the right height. The en-suite bathroom is equipped with a wheel in hand shower and a shower chair. The only draw back we found with the cabin was the battons on the floor of the bathroom round the shower to prevent water from flooding the floor, hindered the approach to the toilet, the wheelchair's front 4 inch caster wheels jamming on them. Another drawback was a wheelchair user has restricted access to the external decks. The ship the MS Jupiter, is over 30 years old and has some very akward sills to over come. Ramps were available to allow access to a portion of the external side of deck 6. All other external areas were very difficult to get to with some areas like the rear external decks being impossible even with help. This ship was replaced in 2006 and is hopefully better.

A few tips:
We have never found it worthwhile phoning a ferry operator in advance but do turn up for the ferry at least an hour before your departure to ensure you can obtain access to the lifts. Once they have started loading you may find lift access is not available. Parking on the vehicle decks is very close with not enough room for a wheelchair to pass between vehicles. Stress at the check in you need wheelchair access to the lift and from which side of the vehicle. The ticket clerk will issue you with a wheelchair symbol to hang in your windscreen and direct you to a special embarkation lane. Repeat your requirements to the loadmaster as well. If the only way you can get out of the vehicle is via ramps or a lift ask for additional clearance space to deploy these. This is the area we have had most difficulty with, boarding is not usually a problem but as the vehicle decks fill up there is less space and when you return to your vehicle you may find entry obstructed by a closely parked vehicle. If this is the case we have no hesitation in holding up proceedings while space is created.

Of course the Chunnel is the easiest way for a wheelchair user to cross the channel because you do not have to get out of your vehicle but it is more expensive.