Mini Cruise to Amsterdam   

June 22, 2022

With DFDS a mini cruise to Holland’s vibrant capital, Amsterdam, is the perfect way to experience a lot in just a few days. If you’re looking for a short break, this is the perfect way to travel.  

Here we will tell you what makes our mini cruise so popular and why it’s the ideal short break to make unforgettable memories, regardless of age, your travel buddy or budget.  

But what exactly is a mini cruise?   

On a mini cruise, your holiday starts as soon as you step on board. You can enjoy; comfortable en suite cabins, great food, a choice of bars, fantastic entertainment and transportation to Amsterdam and back, making the trip as relaxing or as adventurous as you desire!  

Your mini cruise itinerary   

Day 1-  Your cruise starts with check in from 14:30 until 16:15 at the North Shields Terminal. Once on board you can stow your luggage in your cabin and get exploring – the earlier you check in, the earlier you can start your holiday.  

Now it’s time to discover our facilities on board. You have a choice of different bars, restaurants and live entertainment across different floors. For a special taste experience, we recommend our à la carte restaurant, North Sea Bistro. If you prefer a wide selection of different dishes, our buffet restaurant, Explorers Kitchen, is where you will find this with a large selection of dishes for every taste and diet.  

Fancy a bit of shopping? Another special feature on board is our duty free shop where you can buy a wide variety of duty free products from well known brands.  

With all of these options, you will be sure to have an enjoyable afternoon and evening on board. Find out more about our facilities below.  

Day 2 – When you wake up the ferry is already in European waters and you can see the coastal landscape on the horizon. We have an extensive breakfast buffet available in the Explorers Kitchen which will ensure you start the day right before arriving at the port in IJmuiden at 10:00am where a shuttle bus will be waiting to take you to the vibrant capital.  

You will reach the centre of Amsterdam next to the railway station, from there you can easily reach the city centre. Now it’s time to discover the world-famous 17th century capital of the Netherlands and enjoy the historic buildings, the beautiful museums and the pleasant Dutch ambience. Take a boat trip on the canals, rent a bike to see as much as possible of this beautiful city, stroll through the Vondelpark and go shopping in the city centre. 

After your city exploration and an exciting day in Amsterdam, you can return to the ferry at the DFDS stop at 15:30.   

Day 3 – Now the last hours on the ferry begin. Enjoy the last moments of the maritime feeling on the sea and treat yourself to breakfast in the Explorers Kitchen whilst enjoying the last hours with a view of the sea.  

Now it’s time to prepare for departure. Around 10:00 am the ferry arrives at the port in North Shields and you have the option of taking the bus to Newcastle City Centre to return home. 

We hope this has helped you to plan your mini cruise according to your wishes and we look forward to welcoming you on board.  

Top tip: Popular departure days are Friday and Saturday, so please book these days in advance. If you want to travel cheaply, choose a departure day between Sunday and Wednesday to get the best price.  

About our facilities on board   

Cabins onboard   

You can choose from a variety of cabin types to suit your needs.  Whether you’re looking for luxury in a spacious suite with a double bed, want to bring your four-legged friend on board, or are looking for a budget option, there’s a cabin waiting for you. Find out more about our cabins here

Restaurants and Bars onboard 

During your mini cruise, you can enjoy all the amenities and facilities on board. From our award-winning gourmet restaurant, North Sea Bistro, to a Sky Bar on the top deck with live entertainment and a cinema, there’s plenty on board to get your holiday going. There’s even a Kid’s Club to keep the little ones entertained while you set sail.  

Here’s an overview:  

  • North Sea Bistro   
  • Explorers Kitchen  
  • Coffee Crew Café  
  • Navigators Pub + Live Entertainment  
  • Columbus Club + Live Entertainment  
  • Compass Bar  
  • Sky Bar 

Entertainment and shopping onboard  

Entertainment is also provided during the crossing so that you can start your holiday in the best way possible.  

Have you forgotten to pack something? You’re sure to find what you’re looking for in the duty-free shop.  

Visit our cinema with the latest feature films or pass the time playing air hockey. If you are travelling with children, there are play areas for them to have fun.  

Here is an overview:  

  • 100m² Duty Free Store  
  • ORCA Wildlife Watch (only on KING Seaways)  
  • Cinema + Snacks & Popcorn  
  • Jack’s Treasure Hunt for kids  
  • Kids’ Club  
  • Games area with air hockey, racing games and more  
  • Massage Chairs 

https://www.dfds.com/en-gb/passenger-ferries/mini-cruises/holland/mini-cruise-to-amsterdam/from-boutique-to-buzz

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