Portsmouth Ferry Port

[Pilgrim]

Only used the tunnel as cheap with tesco vouchers so quite familiar with it.
However my next trip we decided to use the overnight ferry Portsmouth to Le Harve, got a cabin so hope to get a reasonable sleep then a long journey towards Bordeaux.
Not sure what to expect using Portsmouth, checking in etc.
Aim to have dinner before getting on the ferry, we have about a 3 hour journey getting there so unsure whether to stop on route or arrive very early at the port, it you arrive 3 hours before bording can you go through ticket control and passport to wait?
Is there a departure shopping/food area although we will cook something ourselves.
Idealy we would like to get there early, check in and do passport then wait for the ferry at the departure area like we do for the tunnel.
Would like to while waiting, cook dinner so need to be through a few hours before departure.
If you cannot get through early enough will have to stop in a layby on route and arrive 2 hours before sailing.
Once on the boat will get our room, go and have a drink as we leave, then off to sleep.
Any good tips on using the overnight ferry as I said its our first time on an overnight ferry.

 

[DBK]

We are using Portsmouth for the first time in a couple of weeks on a 22:00 sailing but plan to eat before approaching the port. This is based on my experience of Plymouth where you can never be sure when lanes are going to be called forward.

 

[Nigel Tate]

They won’t let you through ticket/passport control until they are ready. I doubt you will get through 3 hours before your sailing

 

[Jenben]

dealy we would like to get there early, check in and do passport then wait for the ferry at the departure area like we do for the tunnel.
Would like to while waiting, cook dinner so need to be through a few hours before departure.
If you cannot get through early enough will have to stop in a layby on route and arrive 2 hours before sailing.
Once on the boat will get our room, go and have a drink as we leave, then off to sleep.
Any good tips on using the overnight ferry as I said its our first time on an overnight ferry.

You can’t check in early , they have an area where you may be able to park if you get there very early if there is space as the ferries tend to not be in port very long.

The check in process is basically hanging around to get through the passport control area and then you move into a holding area before going onto the ferry.

We like the Portsmouth route. If you want to ask specific questions let me know.

 

[Spriddler]

You only have to look on their website. It's all there under 'Facilities' and 'Parking' and other tabs.
Here's the 'Facilities' page. Other pages are available........

Terminal and port facilities

www.portsmouth-port.co.uk

Loads more in the FAQ's e.g.
Can we arrive the night before an early crossing and camp out at the Port?
The Port does allow passengers to stay overnight if they wish to board an early-morning ferry. However, overnight camping/sleeping in the terminal building is not permitted. The terminal building is closed to the public from 2330 to 0600. Passengers wishing to stay with their vehicle overnight are required to arrive after 2200 hrs and must park in one of the far lanes of the Passenger Car Waiting Area.

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[kelv]

You can arrive early see the security guys they have parked me along the railings to your left as you enter the port there are a couple of pubs within a ten min walk where you can get food from memory one is a fair and square joined to the travel lodge hotel.
We sometimes stop at the Tesco in port Solent if we are early to stock up on any last min food items there is also a kfc McDonald’s etc if you want some fast food before going to the port.