Yes, you are generally allowed to take your own food and non-alcoholic drinks onto a DFDS ferry (such as the routes from Dover to Calais or Newcastle to Amsterdam). Many 2026 travelers choose to bring a picnic or snacks to avoid the higher prices of the onboard restaurants. You can eat your own food in the general lounge areas, though it is considered polite to avoid doing so within the dedicated waiter-service restaurants. However, there is a very strict policy regarding alcohol. While you can bring your own alcohol on board, you are not permitted to consume it in public areas; it must remain unopened in your luggage or vehicle. If you wish to drink alcohol, you must purchase it from the ship’s bars or restaurants. In 2026, security staff on the Newcastle-Amsterdam overnight route are particularly vigilant about this to ensure a calm environment for all passengers. For the 2026 ferry traveler, bringing a "stash" of water and sandwiches is a great way to save money, but save the "tax-free" booze you buy in the onboard shop for when you reach your destination.