Brittany Ferries announces changes to ferry routes and sailings from autumn 2026

Update – October 2026: Brittany Ferries has confirmed further changes to its autumn schedule. The Poole to Cherbourg service will end earlier than originally planned, with Barfleur moving to the Rosslare to Cherbourg route from 12 October 2026. The Portsmouth to Le Havre service has also closed earlier than planned following a technical issue affecting Commodore Clipper.

Brittany Ferries has announced a series of changes to its ferry network that will take effect from autumn 2026, affecting selected routes between the UK, France and Ireland.

The updates include changes to several ferry services, vessel deployments and sailing schedules. While the vast majority of Brittany Ferries crossings will continue to operate as normal, passengers travelling on affected routes should check the latest schedules before booking.

At a glance: what's changing?

The key changes announced by Brittany Ferries include:

• Poole to Cherbourg will end earlier than originally planned, with Barfleur moving to the Rosslare to Cherbourg route from 12 October 2026.
• Daily Portsmouth to Cherbourg sailings will continue, providing an alternative route to Cherbourg.
• Portsmouth to Le Havre has closed earlier than planned following a technical issue affecting Commodore Clipper.
• Cherbourg to Rosslare will continue to operate, with Barfleur serving the route from 12 October 2026.
• Cotentin will leave the Brittany Ferries fleet.

Route updates

Poole to Cherbourg

The Poole to Cherbourg service will end earlier than originally planned in October 2026.

The vessel currently operating the route, Barfleur, will move to the Rosslare to Cherbourg service, with its first sailing from Rosslare taking place on 12 October 2026.

Passengers affected by the earlier end of the Poole to Cherbourg service will be offered alternative travel on routes from Portsmouth or can choose a refund.

Passengers travelling to Cherbourg will still be able to choose from daily Portsmouth to Cherbourg sailings, providing a convenient direct alternative once the Poole service ends.

Portsmouth to Le Havre

The Portsmouth to Le Havre service has closed earlier than planned following a gearbox failure affecting Commodore Clipper.

The technical issue required the vessel to be withdrawn from service for remedial work.

Cherbourg to Rosslare

The Cherbourg to Rosslare route will continue to operate. However, the vessel Cotentin, which currently serves the route, will leave the fleet.

Barfleur will move to the Rosslare to Cherbourg service, with its first sailing from Rosslare taking place on 12 October 2026.

Continuing to invest in the Brittany Ferries network

Although Cotentin will leave the fleet, Brittany Ferries continues to invest in modernising its network and ships. Between 2019 and 2025, the operator introduced five new vessels, completing the largest fleet renewal programme in its history.

The newest additions include the LNG-electric hybrid ships Saint-Malo and Guillaume de Normandie, both introduced in 2025. These investments support Brittany Ferries' long-term commitment to providing a more modern and efficient fleet while maintaining an extensive network of ferry crossings.

What passengers need to know

Passengers affected by the earlier end of the Poole to Cherbourg service will be offered alternative travel on routes from Portsmouth or can choose a refund.

If you're planning to travel from autumn 2026 onwards, it's worth checking the latest sailing schedules when booking, particularly if you're travelling on routes to Cherbourg, Le Havre or Rosslare. Most Brittany Ferries services will continue to operate as normal, with the changes affecting a relatively small number of routes across the network.

Compare Brittany Ferries ferry crossings with AFerry

While these changes affect a small number of routes from autumn 2026, the majority of Brittany Ferries services will continue to operate as normal.

If you're planning a future journey, you can compare the latest Brittany Ferries routes, sailing times and fares with AFerry to find the ferry crossing that best suits your travel plans.