ferries hull to amsterdam mini cruise

P&O Ferries Amsterdam mini cruise from £99pp

Enjoy a short break to Amsterdam sailing with P&O Ferries from Hull.

Let your hair down on a two-night mini cruise break to Amsterdam with P&O Ferries. You'll get to spend the day exploring the wonderful city of Amsterdam in The Netherlands at your own leisure.

👍 Hear about the deals first - click here and follow my Mini Cruise Addict page on Facebook (opens in new window).

At 8.30pm your modern ferry will leave the Port of Hull and sail overnight to Europoort on the outskirts of Rotterdam. Enjoy the entertainment on-board, tuck into a delicious dinner, or enjoy a bit of shopping before heading to bed in your own en-suite cabin. At 8.15am (or 9am on weekends) you'll arrive in Rotterdam where a coach will be waiting to whisk you to Amsterdam. Depending on traffic you'll normally be there by around 11am to 11.30am.

Enjoy touring Amsterdam at your own leisure. Browse museums and galleries, get a taste of the local culture, or hit the shopping streets. Plan your trip carefully before you sail from Hull and you'll be able to cram an awful lot into your mini break. Alternatively relax and unwind in one of the many bars and cafés dotted around the city. At 5pm the last coach departs Amsterdam taking the last load of passengers back to the ferry terminal. At 8.30pm the ship sets sail bound for Hull the following morning.

The dull-but-necessary small print

All deals are subject to availability and can be withdrawn by the operator without prior notice. The lead-in prices (otherwise known as the 'from' prices) are, unless otherwise stated above, based on two adults sharing the cheapest available cabin on the cheapest available date. Typically the best prices are available at the start of any promotion period so the earlier you book the better choice of sailing dates and cabin availability you should have. Mid-week sail dates are likely to be cheaper than weekend sail dates.

6 comments on “ P&O Ferries Amsterdam mini cruise from £99pp ”

How do i book for just one person to go on the Amsterdam mini trip from Hull

Simply book one adult in the booking process. You'll be shown available cabins - generally 2 berth (bed) and 4 bed. You'll be in a room designed for two or four, but as a solo passenger.

Is there any buy one get one free available

Not at the moment, and it may be a while off before it comes back due to the pandemic. If borders open and restrictions ease later this year, the cheaper rates may resurface.

I am interested in this offer but would like info regarding meals i.e. cost and how to pre-book Thank you

Here's my Amsterdam mini cruise review from when I last sailed with P&O.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

🔒 Privacy Once approved, your name and comment will be displayed publicly on this website. Your email address is used to contact you regarding your comment. Full details of how your data is processed can be found in my privacy policy .

Hi, I'm David and I'm a mini cruise addict. I love the ease and simplicity of exploring Europe from the comfort of a cruise ferry or cruise ship almost as much as I love finding great value deals, including the mother of all deals, the famous '2 for 1' deals.

• Staycations
• Work With Me
• Get in touch

Cruises , Europe , Weekends

Amsterdam in a weekend – the mini cruise from hull to amsterdam.

Visiting Amsterdam in a weekend – is the mini cruise worth it?

Can you really squeeze a trip to Amsterdam into just a weekend? With a mini cruise, you might just find you can! When it comes to a last minute weekend break my main priorities are finding something cheap, something that doesn’t use up much (if any) annual leave time, and an exciting destination that’s easy to explore on foot.

I usually start by looking at the cheapest flights on SkyScanner , but I know a few people who have done the overnight ferry trip to Amsterdam from Hull. So, on their recommendation I thought I would give that a go instead!

Weekends and Away uses affiliate links to products. I may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links, however there is no extra charge to you.

What is the Dutch Dash?

Informally referred to as the “Dutch Dash” by the folks over in Hull (aka ‘ull), this quick weekend trip over to Amsterdam is one of a few mini cruise options offered by P&O Ferries from the Hull ferry port.

So how does a weekend mini cruise trip to Amsterdam work?

Mini cruise trips are great if you don’t want to waste time waiting around at the airport, booking hotels , transfers and all the usual travel stresses. Instead you board the ship a couple of hours before departing on Friday evening and spend the night in your cabin. Of course, I would recommend venturing out and enjoying the on-board bars and facilities too.

The next morning the ship arrives at Europort in The Netherlands. This is where you disembark the ferry and get taken by coach to the centre of Amsterdam. The day is then yours to spend as you please. After a full day of sightseeing, eating, drinking and whatever else you may get up to in the Dutch capital, head back to the coach pick up point. There will be a designated time for you to come back here, so be sure to pin the pickup spot on Google maps and set an alarm!. The coach will then return to the ship, where you can unwind in your cabin and arrive back in Hull the next morning. Simple!

What’s the cabin like on a mini cruise?

I won’t sugarcoat it, the standard cabin on the Hull to Amsterdam mini cruise ( I travelled on the Pride of Hull ) is pretty basic! If you are looking for something a little more luxurious than bunk beds and a small shower room, you may want to consider an upgrade. For the sake of a couple of nights, however, I think your money could be better spent elsewhere! Aside from the cabin being a little cramped everything was clean and comfortable.

What you need to know before you go on a mini cruise

There are a few things worth noting before you travel on your mini cruise to avoid getting caught out like I was. Firstly, there was only one plug socket in our cabin and it was a European fitting. Make sure to pack a travel adapter and maybe an extension lead to avoid running out of battery before you even get to Amsterdam. I really like this USB travel adaptor , as most of my devised have USB charge and it nice and compact to pack. I don’t know about you but I can barely function without Google Maps, so this was a big deal for me!

Secondly, there isn’t a kettle in the cabin either (true British problems right there!). If you like a tea or coffee in the morning and don’t want to pay the on-board prices, pack a travel kettle .

Finally, you aren’t allowed to bring alcohol on board. Save yourself the heartbreak of having it taken away from you at the ferry terminal and leave it at home! There are a few bars on board anyway and the drinks are quite reasonably priced.

How to spend a weekend in Amsterdam

If you haven’t already been to Amsterdam, it’s likely you’ve at least heard about of seen the dreamy photos of this quirky, canal filled city. Home to history, culture, art, food and fashion, there is something here for everyone to enjoy besides the infamous cafes of course.

Planning your day in Amsterdam

As you only get to spend one day in the city on a mini cruise, it’s best to have an idea of what you want to see beforehand. You’ll especially want to have this figured out if this is your first visit.

Amsterdam is home to some world-class museums and art galleries including the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum as well as historically significant sights like the Anne Frank House . If you plan to visit any of these, book your tickets in advance online . These museums are very popular and it would be a waste spending a large chunk of your day in a queue.

If you are planning on a more relaxed day of strolling along the canals and trying out the local food (there is plenty to try), you can be much more flexible with your time.

Here are a few more activities you can enjoy in Amsterdam on your mini cruise getaway:

Outside the Amsterdam tourist hotspots

As I visited the museums the last time I was in Amsterdam a couple of years ago, I wanted to spend this trip exploring the city at a much more relaxed pace. Our trip started with food (obviously) before heading over to one of the markets. I really enjoyed fawning over at pretty pieces of art and hand crafted jewellery. The brightly coloured fruit, vegetables, flowers and produce are a photographers dream too.

Explore the Amsterdam waterways with a canal cruise

After a morning of strolling we decided to do one of the many canal boat tours of the city. Lovers offer 1 hour tours leaving several times a day, for €13 it’s a great way to get introduced to the city and some of its history as you cruise through the many bridges and waterways.

If you find yourself hungry after a few hours of walking, or if you’ve got a sweet tooth, don’t pass up on an opportunity to visit The Pancake Bakery . This place has pancakes on a scale beyond your imagination, from boozy cherry toppings to pancakes themed on different nations, you will definitely leave happier and a few kilos heavier!

So, is a weekend mini cruise to Amsterdam worth it?

Whilst I had a great time on my mini weekend cruise to Amsterdam, there are definitely some pros and cons to consider before booking.

Pros of a mini cruise

The mini cruise is really good value, with travel, accommodation and transfers into Amsterdam for as little as £80 per person on selected dates.

You can ditch the cabin sized bag (although I do love my Aerolite) and pack as many clothes as you want, although I doubt you would need much for this short break!

Travel overnight in the comfort of a bed, instead of cramped on an economy flight.

Avoid expensive city centre accommodation prices.

This is a great way to try our cruising before booking a longer trip if you’re not sure if you’ll like it.

Cons of a mini cruise

You only get one day in Amsterdam, so your sightseeing time is limited. P&O Cruises do offer 3 or 4 day mini breaks too though that would give you more time to explore.

The entertainment on board the mini cruise probably won’t be to everyone’s taste, but there are other options such as the on-board cinema, if singing and dancing aren’t your thing.

Any delays on the outbound leg of your journey or during disembarkation could have a knock on effect, leaving you with even fewer precious hours to explore the city.

If you aren’t travelling from a reasonable distance from Hull you will need to factor in extra travel time to and from the terminal, as well as parking. In some cases your local airport may be the cheaper and less stressful option.

A weekend in Amsterdam by mini cruise - The verdict

For a cheap and cheerful getaway, I would definitely recommend a weekend in Amsterdam via mini cruise. Whilst it might not be the best option for visiting a new destination, it’s a great way to enjoy an old favourite and takes the hard work out of planning and travelling.

You can find out more about P&O mini cruises and book here.

Have you been on a weekend cruise break before? Did you enjoy it? Let me know in the comments!

Interested in longer cruise trips?

Read about my trip to the Caribbean on Harmony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean cruise – on board Harmony of the Seas

Rather spend longer in amsterdam find accommodation here:, pin this post.

More from my travels

The Alan – The stylish hotel in Manchester with a restaurant worth staying for

Guide to Camden: Top things to see and do on a budget

Europe Staycations UK Weekends

Vanbrugh House Hotel review – Boutique rooms and boating in Oxford

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Hull to Amsterdam Mini Cruise

A mini cruise offers a wonderful opportunity to discover a new environment and enjoy a ferry journey. Amsterdam is a favored destination for such a mini cruise, especially the well-loved route from Hull to Amsterdam , departing from Kingston Upon Hull.

Your journey commences with an evening check-in at the Port of Hull . During the evening, you can relish the cozy ambiance on board, complete with entertainment. The next morning, you wake up to a stunning sea view, and then you are transferred by bus to Amsterdam to explore the city.

• If you want to explore Rotterdam, there’s also a Hull to Rotterdam Mini Cruise .

Hull Mini Cruise Amsterdam

A mini cruise offers an affordable and convenient way to travel. You wake up refreshed in Europoort (Rotterdam), almost unaware of the journey. From there, you’ll be transported by bus to Amsterdam.

• 12 hours of sailing time
• From £59,- pp

Schedule: How long does a mini cruise typically last?

The Hull to Amsterdam mini cruise spans three days. On the initial day, you board and check-in, enjoying evening entertainment and a range of dining options. You overnight in your cabin. The following day, you dock at the Rotterdam port (Europoort) and take a bus to the city center of Amsterdam for a day of exploration. The return voyage to Kingston Upon Hull commences at 9:00 PM

Timetable - Mini cruise Hull to Amsterdam

• 3:00 PM – Check-in at Passenger Terminal 1 (Port of Hull)
• 4:00 PM – Passengers board on foot
• 7:00 PM – Check-in closes
• 8:30 PM – Ship departs for overnight cruises to Europoort
• 8:30 AM – Arrival at Europoort (9:00 AM on Saturdays/Sundays). You are then transported by bus to the center of Amsterdam.
• 5:00 PM – Last bus departs from Amsterdam back to Europoort.
• 7:30 PM – Check-in closes (7:00 PM on Saturdays/Sundays)
• 9:00 PM – The ship departs back to Hull (8:30 PM on Saturdays/Sundays)
• 8:00 AM – Arrival in Hull (7:39 AM on Sunday and Monday)

What can you do on board?

The mini cruise from Hull to Amsterdam is operated by P&O Ferries, where you’ll stay on one of the ships, namely the Pride of Rotterdam and the Pride of Hull. These ships provide various amenities to make your time on board enjoyable, including live entertainment and dining options.

Entertainment

Once on board the Pride of Rotterdam or Pride of Hull, you can enjoy duty-free shopping at the World Duty Free Shop.

Accommodation - Various cabins and their prices

When booking a mini cruise, you’ll spend the night on one of the ferries. By default, a Standard cabin is assigned, but you have the option to upgrade for added comfort, which comes with an additional cost. Additionally, you can choose whether you prefer a cabin with single beds, bunk beds, or a double bed. In the table below, you’ll find the various cabin types and their respective supplementary charges.

* Please note that these are the starting prices, and there are additional options available, such as an upgrade to a double bed or a room with a sea view..

The distinctions among the cabins primarily revolve around the degree of luxury they offer. For instance, a Premier cabin provides a higher level of comfort compared to a Standard cabin and includes amenities like tea and coffee facilities. A Club cabin, on the other hand, offers an even more luxurious experience, with added space, a television, hot beverage facilities, a minibar, and premium toiletries.

Furthermore, there are dedicated pet-friendly cabins available , providing you the option to bring your pet with you. Additionally, there are cabins with connecting doors, allowing you to join two cabins and stay close to your family members. It’s worth noting that each cabin is equipped with a private bathroom , featuring a shower, toilet, towels, and bed linens.

Our money-saving tip!

Save 10% on your meals: You can reserve your meals in advance and check which restaurants are available."

Alternative Mini Cruises to Amsterdam and Rotterdam

Hull (Port of Hull) serves as a popular departure point for mini cruises. The beauty of this journey is that you board in the evening, allowing you to enjoy your night onboard with entertainment and more. When you wake up in the morning, you’ll find yourself in the port of Rotterdam (Europoort). This mode of travel has the advantage of a seamless transition, making it easy to embark on a city trip feeling refreshed, as if you never left the comfort of your home.

The Hull to Amsterdam mini cruise is the most popular choice , but there are also alternative options. You can embark on a mini cruise from Hull to Rotterdam or journey from Newcastle to Ijmuiden (Amsterdam). Additionally, there are special themed parties where the voyage revolves around a current theme, such as Halloween, Christmas, or an ’80s-themed celebration.

Hull ⇆ Rotterdam

From £59 per person

A visit to Rotterdam is worthwhile for its modern architecture, vibrant culture, and active port city vibe.

Newcastle ⇆ Amsterdam

From £79 per person

A trip to Amsterdam is a great choice for its picturesque canals, and cultural richness.

Themed Mini Cruises

From £89 per person

A mini cruise to Amsterdam or Rotterdam, where the entire journey is centered around a specific theme

Suggested Things to Do in Amsterdam

Although a mini cruise spans over three days, you’ll have only the second day to explore Amsterdam. Keep in mind that you’ll need to travel from Europoort to Amsterdam, and the return bus to the port in Rotterdam departs at 5:00 PM. It’s wise to plan your activities in advance.

We’ve visited Amsterdam many times, so we would recommend the following things to do:

• Rijksmuseum : If you’re interested in art, the Rijksmuseum is a great choice. It houses a vast collection of Dutch art, including the most famous and impressive work, Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch.”
• Canal Cruise: Amsterdam is renowned for its canals, making it highly recommended taking a canal cruise. This relaxed boat tour allows you to admire the beautiful canal houses of Amsterdam.
• Dam Square: Located near Amsterdam Centraal, Dam Square is a central hub with plenty to see and do. You can admire the Royal Palace of Amsterdam from the outside, visit Madame Tussaud’s, and explore various shops.
• Van Gogh Museum: Discover the life and artworks of Vincent van Gogh at this museum dedicated to the famous artist.
• Heineken Experience: Experience the history and brewing process of one of the world’s most iconic beer brands, Heineken, in this interactive brewery tour.

Parking at Hull Port

A mini cruise to Amsterdam is intended for foot passengers only; you cannot take this trip with your car. For that, you would need to book a regular ticket with a car reservation. However, you can park your car at the Port of Hull. You can navigate to the King George Dock & Ferries and Terminal 1 for parking. Please be aware that there is a charge of £10 per 24 hours.

Directions to the Port of Hull by car

For those traveling from the North and West, you can take either the M62 or A1079 to reach the A63 , leading to Hull City Centre. Follow the signage towards King George Dock and Ferries . If you’re approaching from the South, you can cross the Humber Bridge via the A15 and then head east along the A63 towards Hull City Centre. Follow the signs directing you to King George Dock and Ferries .

Do you come by public transport (bus or rail)?

If you’re coming to the Port of Hull by public transport, you have the option of using the bus or train:

• Train: The nearest train station to the Port of Hull is Hull Paragon railway station . From this station, you can catch a bus to the terminal at King George Dock.
• Bus: There is also the option of traveling by bus only. At The Interchange, next to St Stephen’s Shopping Centre , you can catch a bus heading towards King George Dock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can certainly travel as a foot passenger from Hull to Amsterdam. A mini cruise is a great option for this purpose, as it is not only more cost-effective than a regular ticket but also doesn’t incur additional charges for a vehicle. Additionally, with a mini cruise, you’ll be transported from the Rotterdam (Europoort) port to the city centre and back, providing added convenience.

The check-in opens at 15:00 and closes 90 minutes before departure. Foot passengers can board from 16:00, and check-in closes at 19:00, with the boat departing at 20:30.

The ferry journey from Hull to Rotterdam (Europoort) is generally smooth, but it can become rough in unfavorable weather conditions. If you are prone to seasickness or have concerns, it’s advisable to check the current sea conditions with the ferry operator before your trip.

Indeed, P&O Ferries still operates the route from Hull to Rotterdam. Unfortunately, the route to Zeebrugge has been discontinued. If you are considering alternative ferry operators, DFDS offers a route from Newcastle to IJmuiden (Amsterdam).

Amsterdam mini cruise: what happens and is it worth it? our review

An Amsterdam mini cruise is a really popular way to see the European city from the UK and have a break from the norm without sacrificing too much holiday time from work.

Amsterdam is a wonderful city to spend some time in but are mini cruises a good way to explore? And what happens on a mini cruise? I’m aiming to answer all your questions here!

Before we sailed on a Newcastle to Amsterdam mini cruise we had no idea about what it would be like and we struggled to find any information or reviews about the trip.

We travelled with our kids, who were young teens at the time but many people do the trip with younger kids, as a couple or even solo!

This article probably contains affiliate links. This means that if you buy or book after clicking, I may get a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

Our Top Pick

Best mini cruise to Amsterdam – DFDS

This is the mini cruise that we went on and can recommend. It’s a really great way to see Amsterdam as a short day trip from the UK!

Who runs mini cruises to Amsterdam? There are currently two options if you fancy a mini cruise: DFDS – Sails from Newcastle to Amsterdam (this is the one we did) P&O Ferries – Sails from Hull to Rotterdam

What is a mini cruise?

• A mini cruise is basically a 2 night ‘cruise’ where you sail late on the first day, sleeping overnight on the boat and arriving at your destination in the morning.
• You then get transferred to the city in the morning (Amsterdam in this case) for a day trip before returning to the ship and having a night on the boat returning.
• You arrive back on the third day in the morning.

DFDS do a couple of different mini cruises – you can do one like we did from Newcastle to Amsterdam (and vice versa) or there’s also one that goes from Denmark to Norway (one to try at another date when we’re travelling around Europe again!). They also used to do one from the UK to Norway but I don’t think that one is currently running.

P&O Ferries also do a very similar crossing but it’s from Hull to Rotterdam . They still transfer you to Amsterdam and that’s the destination for the cruise.

How long is an Amsterdam mini cruise?

Typically the cruise lasts 3 days and 2 nights. You spend the first evening on board the ship, arrive at your destination in the morning to spend the day and then sail back on the 2nd evening.

Is a mini cruise expensive?

Cruising as a term tends to conjure up images and feelings of an expensive trip. So is the mini cruise to Amsterdam expensive?

Currently, in 2022, the headline fares are around £40 per person for P&O and £75 per person for DFDS. Your final price is going to depend on what cabin you choose.

There are often deals to be had when booking the mini cruise with DFDS (and I imagine P&O). We managed to find a 2 for 1 offer which made our whole trip with the most basic cabin come in at around £120 for 4 people.

This gave us a super basic cabin (more on that below) for two nights and coach transfers for us all to Amsterdam. You can upgrade to better cabins should you want and if you can I would definitely recommend it.

On board, as probably expected, it’s a little more expensive than your average restaurant or shop. As is also probably expected, we were way too tight to be spending our cash on board so I can’t unfortunately comment on the quality of the restaurants – we took food with us!

I did see that breakfast was around €15 per adult so if you want to eat on board and not bring food with you make sure to budget accordingly.

What’s it like on board?

As I said before, we didn’t eat in the restaurant and we also didn’t partake in any bar entertainment either. (Although I’d say this wasn’t the best idea – as I mention below, it’s a cruise, don’t hole yourself up in your cabin with rubbish food. Go enjoy yourself!)

There was a cinema on board which was about €8 each, so not too dissimilar to on land and we did consider that if the film we wanted was showing on the way back but unfortunately it wasn’t so we didn’t. So if you see a showing you like, watch it, it might not be on the return journey!

The cabin that we had was very basic but did have everything you needed with a small en suite shower and toilet. You also get towels too so no need to bring those either.

The cabins are a little bit small with four people in them, especially when the upper bunks are down, but it wasn’t too bad really. Of course our kids were nearly grown so it was like having 4 adults in there.

One issue that we had with the cabins were that they were incredibly hot. We did wonder at one point whether they maybe didn’t want you too comfy in the cabins and wanted you to be out spending in the bars! It was like that both ways and just spoiled what would have been a quite enjoyable time otherwise.

Tip – make sure you have plenty of drinks with you. It’ll make the hot cabins a bit better.

Can you leave your belongings on the ferry?

One thing we wondered about and were a little worried about was whether we could leave our belongings on the ship while on the day trip – if you’re also worried, don’t be.  

You keep the same cabin on the outward and inward legs so you can leave whatever you need to on board.

(This was correct when we did the trip – might be worth confirming with the ferry company if it’s a concern for you)

How long do you get in Amsterdam on the mini cruise?

Ok, this is quite a big and common question – how long do you get there? It might vary due to the company and any traffic but in general:

You get about 4 and a half hours in the city of Amsterdam on the mini cruise.

What to do in Amsterdam on a mini cruise?

Your time is going to be limited so bear that in mind when choosing what to do. Here are some ideas of places to go that can be done in the time you have. Unfortunately trips to tulip field and windmills like Kinderdijk will have to wait – you won’t have time.

I highly recommend getting tickets in advance if you can – Amsterdam can be busy!

• Canal cruise
• Van Gogh Museum
• Ann Frank Museum or walking tour
• Heineken Experience
• Rijksmuseum
• Madame Tussauds

What happens on the day trip?

You arrive in the Netherlands at about 9am at a place called IJmuiden which is around a 45 minute drive from the centre of Amsterdam.

After waiting for the car passengers to depart it’s the foot passengers turn to go through passport control. It was fine and fairly quick on the Amsterdam side but returning to Newcastle took forever so something to think about if you’re doing the opposite journey.

The coaches are waiting to take you in to the city and once full they head off, dropping you outside a hotel just opposite the train station so perfect for seeing the old town or getting on a canal cruise.

We probably arrived in Amsterdam at around 10.30am – 11am ish which gave us about 4 and a half hours before we got picked up.

It definitely didn’t seem enough to enjoy all there is in Amsterdam, but for us, as it was our first trip to the city it was nice enough to get a feel for it and wander round.

I really wanted to do some of the museums in Amsterdam and it’s really not enough time for doing that and exploring – but perhaps next time we’ll be able to stay longer!  There are some really great kids museums in the Netherlands so definitely one to return for!

We were lucky and had a dry day to wander around – it would have been a different story if it was raining, but if you’re worried about that make sure you have some activities planned to keep you dry.

Is a mini cruise worth it?

So the main question would be, is it worth it overall?

We all really enjoyed our time away and for what we paid I think it was definitely worth it.

My tips to make the most of the mini cruise to Europe

If I was to do the cruise again here would be my tips to make the most of the day:

• if possible, upgrade the cabin so you’re feeling fresh and so that the cruise section of the trip is part of the experience
• I’d enjoy the restaurants on board more and the entertainment – honestly we used to be on such a budget we’d scrimp everywhere which isn’t always advisable. I’d say that while you can do that, since the mini cruise is the bulk of your time try to enjoy it!
• I’d consider getting some skip the line tickets for the museums I was interested in.
• I’d probably book in advance a trip on the canals .
• I’d definitely get a guide book or check in advance what we should do and where we should eat – we weren’t really prepared and so just wandered round soaking up the city. We were lucky the day was dry!

Useful links: DFDS – for Newcastle to Amsterdam cruise P&O Ferries – for Hull to Rotterdam (and then on to Amsterdam) cruise Get Your Guide – book boat trips and skip the line tickets Lonely Planet Amsterdam guide book

Kirsty Bartholomew

Leave a comment Cancel reply

• Kingston-upon-Hull
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Holiday Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travellers' Choice
• Help Centre

Amsterdam Mini Cruise - P&O North Sea Ferries - Hull to Rotterdam

• Europe    
• United Kingdom (UK)    
• England    
• Yorkshire    
• East Riding of Yorkshire    
• Kingston-upon-Hull    
• Kingston-upon-Hull - Things to Do    
• P&O North Sea Ferries - Hull to Rotterdam

Overall a really good experience with only a few minor details that need fixing to make it a 5 for... read more

We hadn't been on a cruise before so we thought a P & O Mini Cruise (Hull to Rotterdam) would be an... read more

Amsterdam Mini Cruise

We are just back from the Mini cruise to Amsterdam. We loved it. Parking at Hull does cost £20 for the Mini cruise if you are going by car. The machines take card and are by the reception outside if you parked outside. The port is very easy to find. Check in was very fast, only a few people in the queue. We upgraded out cabin for more space so had a Club Class 5 berth for the 3 of us. Plenty of space, TV, Mini fridge with drinks and kettle with tea and coffee supplied too. Double bed and bunk beds for 3 kids. We all found the beds comfy and slept well. Cabin was in a quieter area of the ship so we didn't get disturbed by noise . We had a cabin picnic for dinner on the way out and paid for the breakfast in the morning and dinner on the way back. Plenty of variety for us all for both breakfast and dinner. Transfer is by coach to Amsterdam , takes about 1 hour 20 mins, drops at the side of Amsterdam Centraal Station in allocated bus drop off point and picks up same area . Overall we had an amazing time , the boat has music and kids entertainment and is very clean. The staff are all very polite and friendly. We will definitely do it again and have an overnight in Amsterdam next time. One downside is the very early wake up calls, however it is necessary to get people up and awake for disembarking.

Everything you have to do , you have to wait minimum an hour , there are massive ans slow queues everywhere. It's just a waste of money and time. I will never repeat this experience anymore.

Hi, Thank you for taking time to leave a rating for us. We're sorry to hear you're left disappointed with the service you have received. We strive to provide the best possible experience for our passengers and would love to hear back from you about your experience. Please reach out to us on [email protected] and our team will look into this situation for you. Thank you

We booked this mini cruise at short notice to celebrate my husbands birthday could not fault this at all. Very clean. Very friendly efficient staff and great entertainment

100 characters does not do this justice Soiled bed sheets on arrival Broke glass Rude staff 2 people sharing single bed.

Hi, I'm sorry to hear that your experience onboard was less than satisfactory. Please email [email protected] so that we can review this for you. Thank you

The outbound trip was better than inbound trip. So going out we had mainly female staff they was pleasant and friendly, we set up a bar tab and paid at the end of the evening, coming back was mainly men who wasn’t helpful and were quite miserable. The first morning we were woken up with tannoys over my head at 6am for breakfast, and if you didn’t wake up the first time you definitely got up when they reminded you for the 10th time, the trip would’ve been better if we got up a bit later. Coming back the same a good old 6am alarm, and we had to wait ages to get of the boat. Bit for the money we can’t complain and would do it again and we would be more prepared for the early shouts.

Just got back from an Amsterdam mini cruise. What a faff do they make when it doesn’t have to be. Boarding took 10 minutes both ways, never simpler. Getting off not so much. They make you sit in the lounge for 90 minutes. It’s also cramped because everyone’s there. And you are constantly badgered out of your room. Breakfast is insanely early when it doesn’t need to be. 6am on the return and couldn’t get off the boat till 9:30. Would be much better if breakfast was 7-9 and you have to be off the boat by 10 or they could call by floor to leave. Want a nap? Don’t bother, the constant tannoy announcements repeating the same thing right above your bed is enough to keep you awake. Brassiere evening meal is definitely worth upgrading to as the kitchen evening meal is poor with not enough options. Breakfast was good though. Pros Room was clean and price reasonable Brassiere evening meal Kitchen breakfast Quick check in Cons Rushed More tired than when we started Got woken up far too early Poor organisation None stop tannoy announcements

Hi, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, we appreciate the feedback. We're sorry to hear you're left disappointed with the service you have received. We strive to provide the best possible experience for our passengers and we apologise that this was not the case on this occasion. We will be sure to log your comments to be reviewed by the management team in order for us to improve in the future. We hope that your experience has not dissuaded you from travelling with us again and we hope to see you again soon. *Ben

Ferries from UK/Ireland

Ferries in Scandinavia

Ferries in the Baltics

Spain & Morocco

MiniCruises

Package Holidays

Onboard our routes

Inspiration

Discover DFDS

Travel Information

Travel Extras

More Information

Wildlife Mini Cruise

Orca mini cruise to amsterdam.

ORCA is making a splash in 2024! Get ready for an exciting wildlife adventure on our mini cruise to Amsterdam , and discover the captivating marine life along the journey.

From April to October, ORCA wildlife charity offers guided programmes led by ocean conservationists - where you have the chance to spot playful dolphins, elegant whales, and adorable porpoises. This year, both our magnificent ships, King Seaways and Princess Seaways, offer an exclusive ORCA experience!

As you embark on this journey, consider making a difference by donating £5-£10 to ORCA when booking – supporting ORCA’s invaluable conservation work.

Wildlife watch times on the outside deck are weather dependent and exact times will be announced via loudspeaker.

Wildlife watch experience with ORCA

Discover vibrant Amsterdam

Activities for both children and adults

Return coach transfers to Amsterdam

Restaurants, Bars and Duty-Free-Shop onboard, where you can save up to 50% vs the high street

Educational morning and evening deck watches – important, weather and resource dependent!

Wildlife presentation on North Sea wildlife with fun activities for kids

Check-in opens

Check-in closes

Depart North Shields for Amsterdam

ORCA on deck

Wildlife Watching

Coach departs for Amsterdam City Centre

Ship departs IJmuiden

Breakfast available onboard

Arrive in North Shields

Experience a Wildlife Cruise to Amsterdam

During your sailing you will meet our Ocean Conservationists Alex or Eilidh for a chat about marine life, sustainability and conservation, along with a tour of our Wildlife Lounge.

Join dedicated wildlife watches out on the Observation Deck in the mornings and evenings to glimpse some of the exciting species that can be found between Newcastle and Amsterdam. On the Dutch coast, sightings of harbour porpoises are very common, so watch out for these as the ship approaches the port in IJmuiden!

Our coach will also take you to the centre of Amsterdam and back to the port, so you can enjoy an unforgettable day in the Dutch capital.

ORCA will be expecting you on your return journey, and it is possible that a pod of playful bottlenose dolphins will welcome you back when the ship reaches the UK coast again. With luck, a shy minke whale might also make an appearance!

 I-Spy at sea with ORCA

ORCA have now made their data collection app  OceanWatchers  available to everyone! Explore the app's I-Spy at sea function, learn about the wildlife across our DFDS routes, and record your own sightings while onboard. At the end of your sailing, you might find yourself wanting to become a trained OceanWatcher yourself. Find out more about  I-Spy at sea !

Carefree travel with DFDS

Terms & conditions apply. ABTOT provides protection for your booking as set out in section 19 of our booking conditions .

Entertainment onboard

Duty Free Shopping at Sea

Join us on a ferry to Holland and enjoy unrivalled shopping facilities with savings of up to 50% against the high street.

There’s a range of bars on our ferries, each with a different atmosphere.

Live Performances

There’s plenty to keep you entertained on your journey, including live music and DJ sets to keep you dancing all night.

Sit back and enjoy the latest Hollywood blockbusters in our onboard cinemas where you’ll find options for all ages.

Our games area offers hours of fun for kids and adults alike on the crossing from Newcastle to Amsterdam.

Restaurants

North Sea Bistro

North Sea Bistro offers an intimate and luxe dining experience, with a seasonal menu and stylish surroundings.

Explorer's Kitchen

Explorer’s Kitchen is our all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant, boasting international cuisine for every taste.

Coffee Crew Café

Head to our café, Coffee Crew, for Starbucks® coffee, tea, bottled drinks and freshly baked sweet treats.

Double Bed Cabins

Our double bed cabins are designed with couples in mind. Sail between Newcastle and Amsterdam in this comfortable, en suite cabin with inside and sea view rooms available.

Sea View Cabins

Sail from Newcastle to Amsterdam with front row seats to the beautiful North Sea from your en suite, sea view cabin. Cabins can sleep up to 5 people in bunk beds.

Economy Cabins

Ideal for the budget-friendly traveller, our comfortable, en suite, economy cabins from Newcastle and Amsterdam sleep 2 – 4 people in bunk beds.

Pet Friendly Cabins

Travel onboard our DFDS ferry in a pet friendly cabin from Newcastle and Amsterdam, which can accommodate up to 4 people and 2 medium sized dogs.

Amsterdam Highlights

Amsterdam is a city full of life and energy, especially during the summer. With so much to see and do, a day in Amsterdam can be truly inspiring.

Take a stroll through the colourful streets of Jordaan or explore the historical landmarks of the city centre. Rent a bicycle and ride along the scenic canals, stopping at cafes and restaurants for a taste of local cuisine. Immerse yourself in the vibrant art scene by visiting museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum.

And if you're looking for some relaxation, take a picnic to Vondelpark and soak in the sun. Whatever your interests may be, Amsterdam offers endless possibilities for a memorable day!

Your package is protected

DFDS packages are protected by ABTOT so you can book with confidence and plan your holiday with peace of mind .

• ABTOT provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for DFDS A/S in the event of the company’s insolvency.
• ABTOT cover provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled or repatriation if transportation was included in your package booked directly with DFDS A/S.

Read more about ABTOT in section 19 of our booking conditions .

Championing the Seas!  

We're elated to announce that DFDS has once again retained its title as Europe’s Leading Ferry Operator at the 2024 World Travel Awards.

This accolade wouldn’t have been possible without you, our loyal passengers. Thank you for recognising the hard work of our exceptional team members who are dedicated to ensuring each voyage is as exceptional as the next.

Your ongoing support is the anchor to our success.