The P&O Pioneer and P&O Liberté are P&O Ferries’ newest ships on Dover to Calais. At 230.5 m long, they were the world’s largest double-ended ferries when they entered service, in June 2023 and March 2024. They’re identical sisters, each carrying up to 1,350 passengers, so this guide covers both.
P&O calls them its “fusion class”. It says the ships were designed around what customers asked for, with the latest emissions-reduction technology. They’re hybrids, and P&O says they cut carbon emissions by 40%. Being double-ended, with a bridge at each end, they sail in and out of port without turning round.
Where the P&O Pioneer and Liberté sail
Both ships sail Dover to Calais, sharing P&O’s sailings with the Spirit of France. P&O runs up to 15 sailings a day around the clock (11 from Dover on Wednesday 7 October 2026), and the crossing takes about 1 hour 35 minutes on P&O’s timetable.
- Check-in closes 90 minutes before departure, with a vehicle, with a pet or on foot.
- Foot passengers are welcome: P&O is the only company on the route that takes them.
- In October 2026 offer fares started at £48 one way for a car and up to 9 people, with Standard fares normally from £110, and £30 on foot.
Times vary from day to day, so check live times for your date. See the P&O Ferries guide for tickets and check-in, and Dover to Calais for the timetable and the other ferry companies.
Check P&O Ferries Dover to Calais fares
Where are the P&O Pioneer and Liberté now?
These live maps show each ship’s latest position and her track over the last 24 hours, from her AIS transmitter via VesselFinder. Tap or click a map to use it, and tap the ship for her speed, course and next port. You’ll usually find them in Dover or Calais, or crossing the Strait of Dover.
P&O Pioneer
Live map from VesselFinder. IMO 9895161.
P&O Liberté
Live map from VesselFinder. IMO 9895173.
Positions can be a few minutes old. For delays, check P&O Ferries’ sailing updates before you travel.
The Club Lounge on the P&O Pioneer and Liberté
The Club Lounge on these ships was designed as a calm, elegant space: a soft colour palette, high-quality materials, soundproofing, comfortable seating and its own outside deck.
- £29 per person, open 24/7.
- All-inclusive: help yourself to hot and cold food and drinks, self-service like an airport lounge.
- Free Wi-Fi, charging points and private toilets.
- Sun loungers on the private deck.
- Add it when you book, or later through your P&O account.
It’s good value on a busy summer sailing, or if you’d otherwise buy a meal and drinks on board.
Food Market, The Kitchen and the coffee shop
- Food Market: laid out like the food halls in railway stations and airports, so you can pick and choose, with something for every taste.
- The Kitchen: a hot-food restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows, which P&O says give the best views of the Channel on board.
- Coffee shop and bars for hot drinks, snacks and something stronger.
Duty-free shopping
The P&O Pioneer and Liberté have P&O’s largest shop: a 588 m² World Duty Free store. P&O says you can save up to 40% on high street prices on a range of products, and up to 50% on alcohol and tobacco. You can pre-order with Reserve and Collect up to 30 days before you sail and pick it up on board. There’s also a bureau de change if you need euros.
Children and entertainment
- A children’s play area, and live entertainment in peak season.
- The Deep Sea Pioneers app, a digital scavenger hunt around the ship.
- A video games room for older children.
- Free Wi-Fi throughout; ask at the information desk for access.
- Outside decks for sea air and views of the White Cliffs.
Pets on the P&O Pioneer and Liberté
On P&O’s Dover to Calais route, your dog can travel with you in the Pet Lounge, from £12 each way for one dog and one adult, with free refreshments and a private outdoor deck. Other pets, including cats and ferrets, stay in your vehicle.
- Book your pet in advance: spaces are limited and you can’t book at the port.
- Up to 5 pets per booking. UK banned breeds aren’t accepted.
- Check-in closes 90 minutes before departure.
- Foot passengers can’t take pets.
See pets on P&O Ferries for paperwork and vets near the ports.
Accessibility on the P&O Pioneer and Liberté
- Five lifts, all wheelchair-friendly.
- Accessible toilets on decks 8 and 9, and a Changing Places toilet on deck 8 next to World Duty Free.
- Wheelchair spaces in every seating area.
- A hearing loop under the floor in front of reception.
- Wheelchair assistance to and from the ship, and crew can meet you on the vehicle deck. If you need to park near a lift, tell P&O before you travel.
- For help at your destination port, email customer.services@poferries.com before you travel.
P&O Pioneer and P&O Liberté specification
| P&O Pioneer | P&O Liberté | |
|---|---|---|
| Entered service | June 2023 | March 2024 |
| Type | Double-ended hybrid ferry | |
| Length | 230.5 m | |
| Gross tonnage | 47,653 | |
| Passengers | Up to 1,350 | |
| Crew | Up to 150 | |
| Passenger decks on P&O’s deck plan | Decks 8 and 9 | |
| Lifts | 5 | |
| Duty-free shop | 588 m² | |
| IMO number | 9895161 | 9895173 |
Both ships were built in China.
Other P&O ships on Dover to Calais: the Spirit of France. See the P&O Ferries guide for everything about sailing with P&O.
Book P&O Ferries Dover to Calais
P&O Pioneer and P&O Liberté Ferry Guide FAQs
What is special about the P&O Pioneer and P&O Liberté?
At 230.5 m long, they were the world's largest double-ended ferries when they entered service. They're hybrids, and P&O says they cut carbon emissions by 40%. They also have P&O's biggest duty-free shop, a Food Market, The Kitchen restaurant and a soundproofed Club Lounge.
What does double-ended mean?
A double-ended ferry has a bridge at each end, so it can sail in and out of port in either direction without turning round.
When did the P&O Pioneer and P&O Liberté enter service?
The P&O Pioneer in June 2023 and the P&O Liberté in March 2024, both on Dover to Calais.
Where are the P&O Pioneer and P&O Liberté now?
You can see each ship's live position, and her track over the last 24 hours, on the maps on this page, which use VesselFinder's AIS data. Their IMO numbers are 9895161 (Pioneer) and 9895173 (Liberté).
Can I choose to sail on the P&O Pioneer or Liberté?
The Pioneer, Liberté and Spirit of France share P&O's Dover to Calais sailings. Check the details for your sailing when you book.
How much is the Club Lounge on the P&O Pioneer and Liberté?
£29 per person on Dover to Calais. It's open 24/7, with a self-service buffet of hot and cold food and drinks included, free Wi-Fi and a private outside deck with sun loungers.
Can I take my dog on the P&O Pioneer or Liberté?
Yes, if you travel with a vehicle. Dogs can come with you in P&O's Pet Lounge, from £12 each way for one dog and one adult, or stay in your vehicle. Foot passengers can't take pets.
How many passengers do the P&O Pioneer and Liberté carry?
Up to 1,350 passengers each, with up to 150 crew.