Forget the straight line from A to B. A new wave of travellers is charting a more adventurous course, weaving together multiple destinations in a single trip by sea. The UK's ferry industry body, Discover Ferries, has identified this movement as the emerging trend of 'port hopping'.
Charting Your Own Course with Interactive Tools
In response to growing interest, Discover Ferries has launched an interactive route planning map to make this style of travel easier. The tool allows adventurers to draw from 28 ports across 11 countries and islands, crafting a bespoke itinerary that can be booked instantly. A spokesperson for the group quipped that these 'port hoppers' are ditching linear journeys in order to 'sea more' during their holidays.
Abby Penlington, Director at Discover Ferries, notes the resurging appeal of slower travel. "This trend for so-called 'slower' travel shows no signs of abating," she said. "More Brits are embracing the flexibility ferry travel offers to immerse themselves in local culture, prioritising exploration and prolonging their adventures." Popular routes include sailing from Dover to France to tour northern Europe before returning to the UK from the Netherlands.
The Ultimate Island-Hopping Itinerary
To showcase the possibilities, Discover Ferries has designed 'The Great Island Hop' – an epic three-week journey visiting 28 ports. The itinerary combines local ferries, fast catamarans, and international cruise-style ships.
The voyage begins in Southampton, heading to the Isle of Wight, then to Guernsey and Jersey en route to St Malo in France. Travellers then board a luxury cruise ferry from Cherbourg to Dublin, before heading to Scotland via Northern Ireland. The route continues through the Hebridean islands and across the Firth of Clyde, culminating with a view from Snaefell mountain on the Isle of Man.
For those with less time, Discover Ferries has also developed 'Rail, Sail and Away Itineraries' for shorter trips and day-trippers, all accessible without a car.
Authentic Experiences Top 2026 Travel Wish Lists
Ferry operators report that the desire for authentic travel experiences is ranking highly for 2026. While iconic landmarks remain on the list, the aim has shifted. "It is no longer their aim," says Penlington. "Instead, they want to travel through more countries and collect different experiences."
This could mean stand-up paddleboarding in Holland, wildlife encounters, or sampling iconic dishes. Reflecting this, Discover Ferries has created a continental itinerary covering 935km across five Western European countries in four days, ticking off unique experiences like seeing a Dutch windmill and eating chocolate in Belgium.
The organisation, which represents 12 operators including Brittany Ferries, Irish Ferries, and Stena Line, recorded over 32.5 million passenger journeys in 2024. All suggested itineraries, linked to easy booking, can be found under 'holiday inspiration' at DiscoverFerries.com.
