Our
experiences have mainly been with the DFDS, Stenaline
and Smyril line ferries that operate out of Harwich,
Fishguard and Scrabster. We have also used some of the
ferries that link between Denmark, Sweden and Norway,
and have found that they are all very similar in the
way they work.
When you book your ferry you must state that you have a cycle, even if there is no charge for cycles as the cycles may need a boarding card. I know this may seem funny but at Esbjerg we got slightly delayed because our tickets only showed one cycle and we had two, it was easily sorted at the main terminal check-in desk but it was a bit of a pain.
The cycles board with the vehicles
generally, so you must report to the vehicle check-ins
(the only exception to this seems to be at Fishguard
where you board through the passenger check-in and are
then escorted by a circuitous route to the vehicle ramp).
You are then directed by the ship's crew to the areas
of the car deck where there are usually ropes to lash
your bikes to railings or to the deck sides. It is worth
spending a bit of time making a good job of this, as
if it is a rough crossing you don't want your bike moving
about.
 As
far as being secure, the first time we used a ferry
we removed all our panniers and took them to our cabin,
but it was a right hassle and really there is no need
as the car decks are closed 15 mins after departure
and only re-opened 15mins before arrival. (We now only
take with us our bar bags which contain our valuables
and a front pannier which contains clothes and a wash
kit). We have had no problems with security or damage,
but remember that most ferry companies have a limited
liability for damage (check the details on your ticket)
so you may wish to make sure that your bike and luggage
are insured as part of your holiday or house contents
insurance before you leave for your trip.
As far as charges are concerned, it
depends on the company and the destination. For example
the Stena line Harwich to the Hoek of Holland has a
charge of £5 per bike and with the DFDS routes
to Esbjerg & Hamburg there was no charge, (please
check with the ferry companies for up to date charges).
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