Overnight Ferry from Amsterdam to Newcastle

Just close your eyes for a moment and wake up over the pond in the United Kingdom! With DFDS Seaways, I got to experience a taste of cruising and spend a night on board.

So I turned my back on 'The Continent' to literally travel overnight to 'Great Britain', all while comfortably and somewhat environmentally friendly, as I could just take my own car along!

Okay, the ship was a bit dated and the cabins weren't particularly inviting, but that doesn't really matter since everyone seems to be aware of this on board. They try to make the stay as pleasant as possible for passengers by providing several restaurants, bars with live music, a duty-free shop, and activities like bingo.

The real cruise feeling comes especially with the food prices! A buffet dinner costs about €35 per person, a pizza around €17 - Quite steep! However, those willing to pay more can expect better quality: The à la carte restaurant serves a multi-course menu in an elegant atmosphere, while another restaurant grills juicy steaks.

Although the prices for that are also hefty, the satisfied faces leaving the restaurant confirm that the steaks are truly worth the money.

For those really traveling on a budget, it's advisable to skip the onboard offers and fill up beforehand to get through the crossing with snacks, etc.

What you really should do: save €5 for the farewell beer and toast on the top deck as the ferry departs the safe harbor at sunset and heads out to the open sea! This is where the magic happens! I find this feeling priceless and it defines a 'cruise' for me!

If, like me, you don't shy away from interacting with strangers, you should definitely take a seat at the ship's bar! Fun-loving Dutch flower vendors make it their weekly ritual to entertain the entire bar after several beers while travelers share stories from their trips. Exciting conversations are guaranteed!

Once you arrive, everything happens quickly! Just show your valid passport at immigration, and voilà - the United Kingdom welcomes you! Jump in the car and head to the next destination! Many use the ferry to go to Scotland, which is about 90 km away!

However, even those traveling without a car have no issues getting from A to B. Shuttle buses are ready to take the ferry passengers to Newcastle's main train station in under half an hour, from where train connections start throughout the UK.

DFDS Seaways offers mini cruises not only to England but also to Norway and the Baltic States. All info here.

Unfortunately, I had a bit of bad luck. Both the Princess Seaways and the King Seaways are aging ferries. However, on other routes (e.g., Oslo - Copenhagen), newer ships are in service. It's advisable to inform yourself well in advance to avoid any unpleasant surprises!

A crossing for two people including transfer to Newcastle, but without breakfast or dinner starts at €98. Prices vary depending on travel period, vehicle transportation, and cabin choice. On the website, you can easily configure the trip to determine the exact price.

By the way: Pets are also allowed, but they must remain in the vehicle during the crossing or be accommodated in special pet cabins.

Barely arrived, we started our short trip in Newcastle. Many begin their road trip here, either through Scotland or England.

The highlights of Newcastle in a nutshell:

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Thanks to DFDS Seaways for the cabins. I personally paid for my travel to Amsterdam, meals and drinks on board, and accommodations in Newcastle and Amsterdam.