DFDS Mini cruise Newcastle to Amsterdam
Updated: Oct 7
Got a few days to spare?
Fancy a short break abroad which will most likely cost you less than a few nights in a chain hotel - with accommodation and entertainment included!
Well, if you live in the north of England, midlands or southern Scotland I may have just the answer for you - an actual mini cruise!
DFDS operates two cruise ferries on their overnight service from Newcastle to Ijmuiden in The Netherlands and provides a transfer aboard a luxury coach to Amsterdam the next morning where you can spend most of the day ashore shopping & sightseeing before returning on the same ship back to the UK.
If like me you live further afield the convenient late afternoon departure time from Newcastle allows plenty of time to get to Newcastle plus, DFDS also provides a shuttle bus to get you from the city railway station to the ferry terminal so no faffing about getting public transport- how good is that!
I started my journey at the famous London Kings Cross railway station - a civilised morning departure direct to Newcastle.
Not being a fan of train travel I was somewhat dreading the journey but, to be fair it was actually seamless & swift with an on-time departure and arrival further enhancing my good mood as I knew I was off on a well deserved short break.
Now, ashamedly this was my first time visiting Newcastle and I'm sure you know by now my ethos is I do no prior research what-so-ever, making ALL the mistakes so you know what NOT to do.
Well, I certainly 'went round the houses' walking around the streets of Newcastle looking for the shuttle bus pick-up point to the ferry terminal which is located around seven miles away from Newcastle city centre.
Silly me, it's actually located in a side street directly opposite the railway station!
Having done my post travel Miss Marple investigation for this blog, using the DFDS bus is actually more cost effective than say an Uber or taxi and certainly more convenient than using the local metro.
As promised, the DFDS bus rocked up right on schedule.
Presenting my booking confirmation to the driver showing I'd pre-paid at the time of making my ferry booking, I settled in for the short journey to North Shields - the view of the ship towering over the ferry terminal as we approached the port was awe-inspiring and filled me with excitement as this would be my home for the next two nights.
The great thing about travelling with DFDS is they are the ONLY ferry operator using both Newcastle and the Dutch port of Ijmuiden so, you'll find the staff extremely knowledgeable and you'll have dedicated service from all shore side personnel.
WC facilities, vending machines for snacks and plenty of seating is available within the terminal but not for me as foot passenger check-in had already opened and I could board the ship immediately and make myself at home.
This is great as I could get aboard, settle into my cabin and unpack before departure, ensuring I have time to grab a drink from the bar for the sail away.
The UK terminal is single level with a step-free gangway so if you have walking difficulties you shouldn't have an issue.
As you transit its length you can hear the friendly echoes of the crew saying "welcome aboard" to those ahead of me.
First impressions count and sinking into the deep pile carpeting of the ships' cavernous full width foyer with prominent reception desk which is not too dissimilar to a four star urban hotel I knew I was in for a treat.
Now, being a cruise ferry overnight accommodation is compulsory - no roughing it travelling 'deck class' in a sleeping bag like on some Mediterranean ferries I'd been on - yes, I have done this to show my followers what it's actually like.
Don't worry though, cabin accommodation is included in the price of your mini-cruise ticket so there's no hidden surprises.
When I checked-in at the ferry terminal I was surprised to find my boarding card actually doubled as my cabin key card which is great as I was anticipating the inconvenience of queuing up at the ships' reception to get it.
Not on DFDS! I was able to go straight to my cabin and let myself in with no faffing about. Brilliant!
Despite the size of the ship, locating my cabin was easy thanks to great signage and friendly crew who were never too far away.
Making my way to the cabin the ships' cool contemporary décor with nautical memorabilia set the scene for what I could expect elsewhere aboard and certainly made me relax.
Now, inside cabins are allocated for mini cruise passengers as a matter of course but, you can upgrade to an outside cabin just like mine at a small surcharge. Essentially they're exactly the same except one has a window and the other doesn't.
Cabins are fully equipped with a crisp white duvet, plump pillows, vanity table with mirror and private ensuite bathroom with towels and body wash along with European two pin power sockets so, don't forget your adaptor.
Which ever cabin you choose, whether it's an inside or outside, you keep the same one on both your outward and inward journey so, just like being on an actual cruise ship, you unpack once and that's it - no need to lug your belongings around The Netherlands.
~ For complete transparency DFDS knew in advance I was coming aboard to review their mini cruise product owing to my copious amounts of social media posts so they gave me a free upgrade to a window cabin ~
If however you really want to splash out then why not upgrade to their best cabin - Commodore Deluxe.
Positioned on the upper decks, aboard King Seaways you'll enter through a highly attractive private foyer where only those with a special key card can gain access.
These premium cabins will undoubtedly be like a home away from home as they are huge, much bigger than you'd expect aboard a humble ferry.
Commodore Deluxe cabins come complete with dual aspect windows, sumptuous double bed, seating area, large bathroom, flat screen TV, complimentary WIFI, complimentary breakfast and even a steward !
Is this a ferry or cruise ship?!
Another bonus of having a Commodore Deluxe cabin is aboard King Seaways you'll have access to a private lounge located nearby offering panoramic views of the bow of the ship.
Hot and cold beverages and light snacks are available throughout the sailing, even during the night, plus the wall mounted flat screen TV means you can catch up with the days events.
Accessible cabins are available aboard both King Seaways and Princess Seaways for those who require additional space for wheel chairs and, although not appropriate for mini cruise passengers, if you're travelling with your four legged fury friend pet friendly cabins are available if you're using this route for a one way, short break or period return journey.
These pet friendly cabins are located away from other passenger spaces and have direct access to their very own exterior deck. How good is that!
Details on my YouTube video at the end of this blog.
You'll also find four bed and even five bed cabins aboard the DFDS ships so this mini break is perfect for groups of friends and families alike - everyone is catered for!
Having settled in it's time for departure.
Drink in hand - you know me by now - we departed Newcastle slightly ahead of schedule and gracefully cruised down the River Tyne towards the North Sea; residents of the waterfront apartments waving to us as we passed.
Having made it to the North Sea and the ship on course for Holland, it's time for food!
Travelling with DFDS from Newcastle you are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining so, after a piping hot shower and a change of clothes I made a beeline for the dining room.
Aboard King Seaways, there are actually two restaurants and being on a two night mini cruise I was able to sample both.
As I paid for this journey out of my own pocket and I like to save money where I can - I'm tight like that, I actually pre-booked and pre-paid for my meals in advance at the time of making my initial ferry reservation as there was no doubt in my mind I would want to eat whilst aboard and it's a bit cheaper but, if you'd prefer you can pay locally at a slightly higher, though still a reasonable price.
The main informal restaurant is Explorer's Kitchen and offers a vast selection of dishes buffet style enabling you to simply help yourself to what ever takes your fancy and for the sake of this blog I sampled everything - hence the eclectic look of my plates so please don't judge me!
The choice of dishes is truly impressive and far too many to photograph for this blog so check-out my video at the end which will give you a closer look at the offering.
Although an informal setting Explorer's Kitchen does have a touch of class about it owing to the deep pile carpeting, faux tulips on the table, meticulously lined up tables and chairs and superb vistas through the large picture windows.
Beverages are available with your meal and payable locally.
For those who are celebrating or looking for something a little more special, the North Sea Bistro is the place to go where you can choose either a two or three course meal.
Conveniently a menu is located on the North Sea Bistro reception desk just outside the restaurant so, if you haven't pre-paid in advance you can have a sneaky peak before making a decision but don't forget, Just like Explorer's Kitchen it's possible to pre-pay for your meal in advance saving you some money.
Once seated you can delve further into the dishes using one of the restaurants tablets which actually has pictures of the meals - paper menus are 'sooo last year' - whilst you sip a chilled beverage of your choice (payable locally) and nibbling some warm rolls.
Unable to sample everything I ashamedly chose my favourite dishes as opposed to trying something new so, I had juicy tiger prawns with the crunch of sesame seeds and tang of dragon sauce , tender sirloin steak with piping hot chips, pepper sauce and side vegetables with mouth watering mango cheese cake for desert.
For this three course meal I paid £44.50
Was it worth it?
Yes.
For the standard of the meal and the exceptional service provided by the staff I had no objection paying this amount.
My only wish is I wanted the 'wow factor'.
The décor of the North Sea Bistro is very unoffensive - lots of 'safe' colours such as off white, beige and brown. I would've preferred splashes of vivid colour to give this facility it's own identity; something to make it stand out as you are paying a premium to dine in this restaurant which looks too similar to the Explorer's Kitchen which is cheaper.
However, the dishes really were superb and having them brought to your table by attentive personnel makes you feel special.
To round off the evening there are several venues on-board to explore.
For a chilled night head to the Navigators Pub where you can sit in a smart contemporary setting, perhaps in one of the window lined seats sipping a glass of wine chatting to fellow passengers and making new friends as the sun goes down.
On my journey I was treated to a very good solo artist performing a range of music genres creating a great atmosphere.
But, if you're looking for something more lively head up to the Columbus Club which benefits from a stage and dance floor.
Over sized sofas and tub chairs decorated in slate grey fabric, chrome fixtures and fittings plus localized neon lighting creates a nightclub vibe and with a large gaming area next door, what's not to like?
DFDS occasionally invites guest acts to perform so check their website to see if anything is planned for your sailing.
Within the same vicinity, aboard King Seaways is a Karaoke bar where you can truly have a fun night singing along with fellow passengers but be warned, you'll have to compete with the truly brilliant bar staff who want to get in on the action and show off their singing talent; they're legends and happy to keep the bar open until the early hours of the morning if demand warrants it.
Exposed pipes, dark coloured furnishings and localised florescent lighting creates a very industrial décor which I adore.
Children aren't left out either.
Aboard King Seaways you'll find a large nursery located next to the Coffee Shop where parents and guardians can indulge with some cake and caffeine whilst watching their children safely playing through the full height glass walls.
Alternatively, why not head on up stairs and see what's being shown in one of the TWO on board cinemas.
Cinema One Cinema two
Lastly, if you're looking for a more quiet affair then I have a treat in store for you.
Perhaps the North Sea's best kept secret, at the forward end of King Seaways hidden amongst the cabins you'll find the Observation Lounge where comfy seats and a pretty much silent interior makes this the ideal place to curl up and read a good book.
It's position allows the most fantastic views where you may be able to spot some sea life and read all about the species on the wall mounted information boards.
And for those of you who are more interested in the nautical side of things like me, you can plot the ships' course on the Admiralty Charts.
Despite a truly brilliant night's sleep - and I'm not just saying that - it's my tradition to get up early and watch the sunrise after all, I am on a mini cruise.
With other passengers sleeping and nothing as far as the eye could see I felt as if I was the only person in the world - other than the DFDS crew hosing down the exterior decks.
On this voyage I was blessed with calm seas, clear sky and a slight warmth in the air enabling me to stretch my legs and breath in the fresh sea air at silly o'clock in the morning.
Both Princess Seaways and King Seaways have an extensive amount of exterior deck space but, on the later you'll find a forward facing exterior deck positioned between the bridge and bow and is THE place to be.
A fun packed day awaits so it's time to delve into the breakfast buffet to get my energy levels up and set me up for the day ahead after all, time ashore is limited so I want to spend it exploring Amsterdam and not sitting in a pavement café.
Again, pre-paying for meals represents a good cost saving but, in my opinion, even just rocking up and paying locally the cost is very reasonable as the array of items available was truly impressive.
Fruit, pastries and yoghurts were in plentiful supply but for me I was more than happy with a plate (or three) of the full English with several cups of freshly brewed piping hot coffee which was actually served to my table by one of the attentive members of staff.
Don't forget for those of you who have upgraded to one of the Commodore cabins breakfast is included within the dedicated Blue Riband Restaurant.
Alternatively, if like me you're up early to watch the sun rise you'll find a light breakfast consisting of delicate pastries, juice, fruit, tea and coffee within the Commodore Lounge.
With a full tummy and the Netherlands clearly in view it's time to grab my ticket, money and passport from the cabin and head down to the gangway as the coaches will be waiting on the quayside to take us to Amsterdam - I can't wait!
I was blessed by having perhaps the best coach driver I've ever had in all the years I've been touring Europe as he spoke so passionately about his home city and whilst enroute he pointed out places of interest.
In fact, the driver was so friendly and chatty he gave me the heads up on what time he would be departing the city bound for the ferry terminal later that day so I could pick his brains even more (there are several busses transferring passengers to/from the city).
The coaches will drop you off on the waterfront very close to Amsterdam Central Station.
Of course, I did no prior research so had no idea where to go or what to do....
....but here's a couple of tips I've picked up for you.
If you're looking for shops, restaurants and architecture on a waterfront setting then head to the main thoroughfare.
Once you've disembarked the bus walk towards the Central Station. Once there, with the waterfront behind you, cross the road and walk away from the water. Amsterdam city centre is in front of you.
What about if you're looking for [what I imagined in my minds eye] to be 'traditional Amsterdam'; canals, brightly coloured bicycles covered in flowers, treelined cobbled streets and bridges?
Well, after disembarking the coach walk along the waterfront towards the Central Station. Continue walking keeping the Central Station on your left and waterfront on your right then, once at the end of the station turn left. With the waterfront behind you walk straight ahead.
You'll arrive at 'picture postcard' Amsterdam.
Pink Flower covered bicycle Quaint canal bridge in Amsterdam purple flower covered bicycle in Amsterdam Canal in Amsterdam Historic sail boat in Amsterdam barge navigating Amsterdam canal
Both the main city and 'traditional Amsterdam' can be reached on foot within about 30 minutes from leaving the coach. Don't worry, my video at the end of this blog shows you how to get there in more detail.
The amount of time I had ashore was adequate as I was able to visit both parts of Amsterdam and get a taster of the city justifying a return trip, just like being on an actual cruise.
After several hours ashore and a leisurely drive back to Ijmuiden I was back aboard for a cooling pint of beer at the Sky Bar to watch the sail-away beneath a beautiful sunset bound for the UK.
It was soon time to freshen up for another sumptuous evening meal in the restaurant but top tip, allow time to grab some last minute purchases from the mammoth on-board shopping centre as the following morning you'll be in UK waters and may not be able to get the best savings.
To be fair shopping centre doesn't give this facility justice; it's more like a department store!
You can leisurely peruse the vast range of products from fragrances to designer clothing to tobacco and spirits which offer excellent cost savings to UK high street prices - just don't forget to check the quantities you're permitted to bring back into the UK.
On the morning of day three we gently cruise into North Shields; the ship ties up and passengers are called down to the gangway for disembarkation - all very civilised and just like a few days earlier, the DFDS busses are lined up to take foot passengers back to the city centre.
In short the DFDS Newcastle to Amsterdam mini cruise is truly excellent and I would recommend it.
All cabin categories are very comfortable, the quality of food in the restaurants is excellent and the length of time ashore is just enough.
My journey was midweek during the 'off season' meaning the ship was relatively quiet but, for a more lively atmosphere aboard travel on a Friday or Saturday night from Newcastle.
Like what you've read?
Why not virtually come aboard - here's my vlog with loads of handy hints & tips
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