So, you're looking for a short break to the continent but the thought of the airport rig-moral fills you with dread; endless queues, confined to a seat, waiting for luggage and lengthy transfers - not fun. Plus, this is eating into your valuable leisure time.
A2B via Sea® is going to show you an alternative.
Ferries aren't just a way of getting from A to B - they can be the venue AND floating hotel for a short break to the continent where you can relax from the moment you arrive at the port.
P&O Ferries offer numerous short break packages to the Netherlands from Hull (UK), some of which are 'themed' and include LIVE entertainment. So, when P&O Ferries announced they were offering an 80s themed mini cruise I couldn't resist - I love the 80's!
The twin sisterships Pride of Hull & Pride of Rotterdam offer a myriad of facilities, far more than I had anticipated, and with foot passenger embarkation commencing some four hours prior to departure you can really unwind and make yourself at home before the journey even starts.
Getting to Hull from pretty much anywhere in the UK is so easy!
For me, travelling up from London was simply a case of jumping aboard one of the regular direct trains taking me right into the city centre.
P&O Ferries departs from the riverside berth adjacent to King George Dock some four and a half miles from Hull City Centre.
An Uber would have cost +/- £9 and the dedicated ferry shuttle bus around £3.50, both of which will get you to the ferry terminal in around 15 minutes.
Of course, you could walk and on a nice day the Trans Pennine Trail via the River Humber is very scenic however, it does take considerably longer at around one hour and 45 minutes (believe me - I did it. That's what A2B via Sea® does; I do the hard work so you don't have too).
Either way, upon arrival at the port the view of the towering P&O ferry, my home for the next three days, was a welcoming and impressive sight!
P&O Ferries is the sole operator at Hull therefore, you are assured of an exceptionally warm and friendly welcome plus personalised service from the check-in staff.
Foot passenger check-in opens from 1500hrs and should you arrive early there are vending machines for coffee and confectionary plus WC facilities.
Upon presentation of your travel documents, or simply just your booking reference, you are handed a boarding card and cabin key card.
Top tip, once checked in it is not possible to exit the building as you are funnelled through security and into a waiting room with WC facilities for up to an hour before boarding which commences at 1600hrs. Therefore, if you are waiting for other members of your party or wish to smoke don't check-in straight away.
Don't worry though, the ship doesn't depart until around half past eight so you'll have plenty of time.
An impressive atrium style tower links the ground level terminal to the foot passenger skywalk; numerous stairs and escalators zig-zag their way skyward. However, an elevator is available if you have walking difficulties.
Transiting the gangway, the friendly words 'Welcome Aboard' could be heard from the crew members positioned on the ships' threshold checking boarding cards of embarking foot passengers.
Welcome to your home for the next couple of days!
First impressions count an upon entering the ship you cannot help but be impressed and excited.
You'll enter directly into the ships foyer which offers of a grand curved reception which is open 24/7.
Two stairwells with dual height glazed and mirrored walls flank the central reception.
The first thing you are going to want to do is find your accommodation.
Conveniently, your cabin key card was issued to you upon checking in at the ferry terminal so no need to queue at the ships' reception.
NOTE, your cabin number is not printed on this 'door key' for security reasons - should you loose it but, is shown on other documents.
Don't let the size of the ship put you off - I did no prior research to ascertain where my cabin was located and I found it without any issues; friendly personnel are 'dotted' around the ship to direct you plus, conveniently placed deck plans are on the walls.
Numerous grades of cabins are available aboard the Pride of Hull and Pride of Rotterdam however, thanks to P&O Ferries A2B via Sea® was upgraded to a Club cabin overlooking the ships bow.
This spacious cabin offered a large double bed with plump pillows, thick duvet, a flat screen TV at the foot of the bed plus two single fold down beds conveniently stowed away in the walls.
Even with the additional beds deployed there is still plenty of room for those below.
Club cabins also benefit from having a vanity table/desk with UK / European power sockets & USB port, illuminated mirror, hairdryer and a bedside table.
Within the wardrobe you'll find a plump robe and a fridge with complimentary soft and alcoholic drinks.
Top tip consider bringing your own hanger if you have numerous items to hang up.
Regardless of your accommodation type, all have a private ensuite bathroom with shower and towels.
After a shower and a change of clothes let's go for a pre-dinner drink
Both ships offer no fewer than four bars and on a personal level, for a pre-dinner drink you cannot beat the Sky Lounge up on Deck 12.
Positioned on the highest most deck an elevator within the ships reception gives direct access.
Upon arrival you'll find an oasis of calm; the friendly bar staff chatting to passengers showing a genuine interest in their stories together with the resident singer sitting on a stool in the corner serenading passengers whilst they sit in one of the oversized seats peering through the giant floor to ceiling windows sipping a beverage - all very relaxing and sophisticated!
Having embarked early the ship is still in port therefore, this high vantage point shows to good effect the shire size of the ship; the port is a hive of activity and observing the toy sized vehicles darting around the terminal is mesmerising.
The Sky Lounge offers a range of seating types to suit all passengers, whether you're travelling as a large group, a couple or even a solo traveller like myself, one will find a pleasant and comfortable spot to call their own in one of the giant sofa alcoves or oversized tub chairs mind you, you are bound to make new friends - I certainly did.
Direct access to the exterior decks can be obtained from the Sky Lounge
Time for dinner
There are two dining rooms aboard these ships; The Brasserie and the Kitchen. The later is where I dined throughout my mini break.
Serving both breakfast and dinner the format is buffet style. Upon entry, as I
pre-booked/paid for my meals to save money, my boarding card was checked before being escorted to a table.
The vast array of dishes are beautifully presented in a 'U-shape' formation around a centralised bulkhead. Far more was offered than I had even dreamed of; a HUGE selection of starters, main courses and deserts were available and the best bit, you can go back for a little more.
Alcoholic beverages can be ordered from the menu and paid for locally.
~ footage of the vast array of meals can be viewed in my vlog at the end of this blog ~
The seating is comfortable, informal and brightly decorated.
Alternatively, if you are celebrating or wish to dine in true style, I would definitely recommend The Brasserie.
Offering a more intimate atmosphere where meals are brought to your table, the overall décor is more stylish and would not look out of place in a top class restaurant in an urban city with its localised deep pile carpeting and seating styles from high backed chairs, tub chairs to oversized sofa booths.
The menu is more a la carte and although additional charges apply, it is certainly worth it!
Tables are beautifully presented with sparkling glasses and polished cutlery together with an ice bucket.
Everyone is catered for!
Having eaten is it wrong to pop to the Wine Bar just next door for a post dinner drink? - of course not!
This windowless facility is intimate with the oversized bar at one end where one can chat with the friendly bar staff whilst they prepares your drink.
With our giant ship now well on its way to the Netherlands and suitably refreshed from our dining experience, it's party time!
The [LIVE] entertainment is focused around the truly impressive split level show lounge.
A facility which would not look out of place aboard a modern cruise ship, the lower level offers terraced seating so everyone has an uninterrupted view of the stage regardless of where they are sitting and those on the upper level have a spotlessly clean glass balustrade allowing views below.
The sound quality and lighting are superb & the dance floor adjacent to stage enables passengers to truly immerse themselves and party the night away - I certainly did!
Guest acts are invited to perform during during themed mini cruises and on my voyage we were fortunate to have Making it Madonna, Picture This - a tribute to Blonde and Wayne J Swifty - truly excellent tribute acts which A2B via Sea® now follows on social media so I can watch them again at other venues - links at the end of this blog.
Within this facility you'll also find a lounge with large screens showing sporting events.
An Irish Bar with its own gaming arcade and a twist to the cruising favourite shuffle board
A casino and second gaming arcade
Plus a bar and social lounge
You'll also find two cinemas showing the latest box office movies - is this really a ferry?!
Partying well into the night, after a very restful sleep in my very well appointed cabin it's time for a bite to eat before heading ashore.
You can either head to The Kitchen for a buffet breakfast which offers cereals, freshly cooked pancakes, a full English breakfast, juices, coffee and tea (footage in my vlog at the end of this blog) or perhaps you'd sooner just have a coffee from the ships' very own Costa outlet.
Cakes, sandwiches, baguettes and cold beverages are available.
It's time to disembark and head off for my day ashore.
Before stepping ashore top tip - check your cabin key card.
If you have a suitcase symbol on it you may leave your luggage in your cabin as you will be occupying the same cabin on your return journey back to Hull. Luggage lockers are available aboard if you have a different cabin.
My mini cruise ticket also included a return coach transfer to either Amsterdam or Rotterdam.
The coaches are lined up directly outside the ferry terminal just like shore excursions on an ocean cruise; each clearly advertising where they're heading.
Choosing Rotterdam as my destination, the coach conveniently drops us off at the Central Station - an easy location for me to find again being unfamiliar with the city.
Rotterdam is a cosmopolitan city filled with restaurants, shops and a spectacular skyline with glass fronted skyscrapers.
~ My vlog at the end shows what Rotterdam has to offer ~
After a fun filled day ashore it's time to head back to the ship.
A nice surprise awaits those of you who are occupying a Club cabin.
Your room will be as good as new with fresh towels, restocked minibar and replenished tea & coffee for your return journey back to Hull - how good is that!
Although both Pride of Hull and Pride of Rotterdam have cruise-class facilities you'll still find the 'ferry essentials' which we've all come to expect, namely shopping.
So, why not take a look before getting ready for your second night of partying.
Both ships offer no fewer than three separate shops over two decks where you'll be able to leisurely wander around picking up a bargain; perhaps some Christmas essentials such as wines and spirits, alternatively some gift ideas such as fragrances, designer sun glasses or children's toys - all representing a huge saving compared to UK prices.
Of course, shopping isn't for everyone - namely the little one's. Don't worry, they'll be perfectly happy in their very own play ground which has a breakout area with terraced seating and a wall mounted flatscreen TV showing cartoons.
After a quick wash, change of outfit and another sumptuous meal in one of the dining rooms it's time for party night number two as we sail northwards back towards the UK .
Don't forget LIVE music is also available up in the Sky Lounge.
If you're looking for a more peaceful evening where you can chat with fellow passengers and exchange stories of your time ashore over a cooling drink as the sun goes down this is the place to be.
Has A2B via Sea® tempted you to make a booking for a P&O Ferries mini cruise?
Checkout my vlogs; you'll be impressed with the mouth watering array of food available onboard and attractions to see in Rotterdam!
Here is my full ship tour
To make a booking contact P&O Ferries on their easy to use website:
Why not follow the truly brilliant guest acts on Instagram who performed during my mini cruise:
Of course, don't forget to follow A2B via Sea® on Instagram!
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