The Port of Poole has many ferry departures to Cherbourg and The Channel Islands. Brittany Ferries run two ferries 'mv Barfleur' and 'Normandie Vitesse'. The website describes the route:
visit link
'Poole to Cherbourg Route Details
Our shortest crossing. You have the choice of a high speed service taking just over 2 hours, or a leisurely crossing by cruise ferry. From Cherbourg, the N13 motorway leads you to a network of major roads which will take you swiftly into Brittany, the Loire and the South.
Getting to Poole
Poole ferry terminal is easily accessed with good road links from the M3/M27, A31 and A35.
Poole to Cherbourg Route Summary* until 17 March 2009
Average sailing duration Classic Cruise: 4 ½ hours (day); 6 ½ hours (overnight); High Speed: 2 ¼ hours
No. of sailings from Poole - Up to two per day (three sailings until 28 Sept)
Example departure times from Poole Classic Cruise: AM 08:30 PM 12:30, 14:15 or 16:00 Overnight 23:15 or 23:45 ; High Speed: 07:30 (until 28 Sept)
No. of sailings from Cherbourg Up to two per day (three sailings until 28 Sept)
Example departure times from Cherbourg Classic Cruise: AM 08:00; 09:00, 09:30 or 11:30 PM 18:00, 18:30 or 19:00 Overnight 23:00 or 23:45 ; High Speed: 11:30 (until 28 Sept)'
The 'mv Barfleur' is outlined below:
'mv Barfleur' Overview
'mv Barfleur Capacity Overview
Passengers 1,212
Cars 590
Cabins 72
Reclining Seats 295
Download mv Barfleur ship guide (423 Kb)
To view the guide you will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.
Launched in 1992, the Barfleur is smaller than the rest of the fleet, but still offers fantastic onboard facilities including excellent dining, shopping and entertainment.
Operating on a daily service between Poole and Cherbourg throughout the year, she is named after a picturesque, small fishing village in Normandy, only 25 kilometres from Cherbourg.
Onboard entertainment & facilities
Children's Entertainment Programme
Games room & Slot machines
Sundeck
Baby Changing Room
Disabled Toilets
Baggage Room
Tourist Information & Bureau de Change
Accommodation on mv Barfleur
Four Berth cabins (with or without porthole)
Reclining Seats
Cots
All cabins are en suite with air-conditioning
Food Outlets & Bars
Main restaurant (Les Dunes)
Self service restaurant (Turquoise)
Coffee shop (Arc en Ciel)
Bar (Les Alizés)'
The Normandie Vitesse Overview
'Normandie Vitesse Capacity Summary
Passengers 718
Cars 185
Commodore Club Seats 50
Reclining Seats 100
Standard Seats 568
Download mv Normandie Vitesse ship guide (291 Kb)
To view the guide you will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.
Launched in 1998, the High Speed Normandie Vitesse provides the fastest ferry crossing to Cherbourg from the UK.
It operates a daily service from Poole to Cherbourg between mid-May and late September leaving Poole at 07:30 and returning from Cherbourg at 11:30.
Onboard facilities
Shop
Café
Open sun deck
Club-class lounge
Deluxe seating lounge
Children's play area
Slot machines
Baby Changing Room
Disabled Toilets
Tourist Information & Bureau de Change
Seating
Club-class seating
Deluxe seating
Standard seating
Food Outlets & Bars
Café
Self-service style restaurant
Bar'
The Ferry Terminal is described:
'About Poole Ferry Port
If you're planning a trip to Cherbourg from the UK, Poole is an excellent option. The port is easily accessible with a choice of routes into town. Excellent trunk road access allows you to arrive from anywhere in the UK with ease.
This route was started in June 1973. The ferry terminal is located in Hamworthy, which is accessed across a lifting bridge over the mouth of Holes Bay and Poole Harbour.
Poole Terminal Facilities
Baby changing room: There are baby-changing facilities within the terminal building and in the toilet block in the vehicle check-in lanes.
Showers: Shower facilities are available in the modern toilet block near the car check-in lanes.
Shuttle Bus: There is a shuttle bus, which runs between the passenger terminal and the ship for foot passengers.
Telephones: There are coin payphones in the car lanes and in the terminal building.
Cafeteria: There is a snack bar/buffet that opens during ship arrivals and departures (summer season only).
Snack Bar/ shop: There is a snack bar that also sells continental motoring accessories, near the car check-in lanes, which is open all year-round.
Bureau de change: The bureau de change is open for all ferry departures and during normal office hours.
Services for the Disabled: The terminal is a single storey ground floor building that can be accessed via a gentle ramp. Disabled toilets can be found within the terminal building and in the toilet block in the vehicle check-in lanes.
Left Luggage: There is a left luggage facility. There is a small daily charge.
Parking at Poole Terminal: At the present time there is a parking facility opposite the terminal. The charges are listed below. Caravans cannot be left in the car park but can be parked 'overnight' in the car lanes for a £5.00 fee. Please call 01202 440220 for details.'
Also Condor Ferries operate from the terminal with a fast catarmaran service: visit link
'Condor Ferries Poole Terminal is easily accessible and offers a range of facilities. Services operate between Poole and Guernsey, Jersey and St. Malo, Brittany. Take a look at the Poole Destination Guide and Poole Ferry Times.'