Operated by Brittany Ferries on the Caen Portsmouth & Cherbourg Portsmouth routes
Normandie Express is a high-speed catamaran capable of carrying passengers, vehicles and freight at a maximum speed of 42 Knots (about 48 miles 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.
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.
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.
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 facilities include an open sun deck, slot machines, baby changing room, tourist information and a Bureau de Change.
The Normandie Express features a children's play area.
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.
99% of our customers recommended this ship
"Fast crossing and good service"
Excellent service with one issue. The directions to the ferry terminal In Portsmouth cannot be opened from the booking website. That needs to be corrected urgently
Reviewed by Yves who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express
"Cherbourg to Portsmouth"
Couldn't fault staff or facilities. Unfortunately a rough trip due to weather conditions and a lot of sick people on board, particularly children. Staff went over and above to help people out. Would do it again.
Reviewed by Anton who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express
"NORMANDIE EXPRESS"
We really enjoy the crossings on this vessel.We find them comfortable quick and facilities more than adequate.We will continue using it in the future.
Reviewed by Michael & Ann from SOUTHAMPTON who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express
"All good but prepare to use your sea sick bag"
Ir it wasn’t for the sea sickness half way through it would have been a perfect crossing
Reviewed by Filipe who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express
"Always a great start to our holiday"
We have travelled with Brittany ferries for many years and book through Dire t Ferries. It’s simple! This year we took our dog for the first time. Again simple and smooth.
Reviewed by Paul who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express
"Smooth and efficient crossing."
Superb crossing, super quick loading and we left 15 mins early! Unloading equally as efficient, I was off and on the road 10mins before the scheduled docking time, so can’t ask for better than that! Crew helpful and friendly and food reasonably priced.
Reviewed by Martin who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express
"Holiday ferry"
My trip on the catermaran was very choppy going out and the staff were very helpful to passengers feeling the worse for ware. The trip back was smooth and the crossing is quick so if you are not a good traveller it’s over with very wuickly
Reviewed by William who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express
"Ferry from st Malo to portsmouth"
A fantastic end to our holiday. Amazing entertainment including a pantomime for the kids and we arrive an hour early! Can’t fault it.
Reviewed by Louise who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express
"Travel "
Speedy and clean !,
Reviewed by Norman who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express
"Fast and efficient "
Great service, crossing was fast and very organised in terms of getting vehicles on and off both sides. Would recommend .
Reviewed by Adam who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express
"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.
Reviewed by Malcolm who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express
"Excellent way to cross the channel"
Great service for crossing the channel
Reviewed by Lorraine who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express
"Crossing "
A very good trip friendly staff and plenty of space. Parking deck staff a little off handed.
Reviewed by John who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express
"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!
Reviewed by Robin who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express
"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!
Reviewed by Catherine who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express
"Portsmouth - Cherbourg "
Very relaxing trip. Could be a bit cheaper, but overall very good.
Reviewed by Keith who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express
"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!
Reviewed by David who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express
"Fast yourney"
Fast check in and helpfull personnel.
Reviewed by Anonymous who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express
"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.
Reviewed by Anthony Ferrige who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express
"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.
Reviewed by John who travelled with Brittany Ferries on Normandie Express