A Mini Cruise Adventure: Newcastle to Amsterdam with DFDS

For those unfamiliar with the concept, a mini cruise is a shorter version of a traditional cruise, typically lasting just a couple of days and offering a taste of life at sea without the commitment of a longer voyage. It combines the best of both worlds: the all in one place convenience of a cruise ship with a quick getaway. We had been planning to go on a full cruise at some point in the future and decided to use this mini cruise as a trial run to see if we enjoyed the experience of being on a boat. Spoiler alert: we absolutely did! This journey was an exciting mix of relaxation, entertainment, and a brief but enjoyable exploration of Amsterdam.

Departure and Check-in

Our ferry set sail from Newcastle at 17:00. While the queue looked long when we arrived, it took us less than 90 minutes from parking the car to being in the boat bar, much quicker than the usual airport experience. The excitement of the upcoming adventure made the wait more than bearable.

Worth knowing if you’re travelling any distance to get there: a 17:00 sailing means an afternoon of driving for most people, and a night in Newcastle first is cheap enough that it’s worth pricing up rather than doing the whole lot in one go.

Onboard Experience

Once on board, we were immediately impressed by the range of entertainment and amenities available. The ferry offered two bars, both featuring live music that created a fun and upbeat atmosphere. For dining, there were two main options: a buffet and a fine dining restaurant. We opted for the latter and were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food, which was delicious and satisfying.

For those travelling with children, the onboard cinema, albeit at an additional cost, seemed like a fantastic option. There was also a mini casino for those feeling lucky, and plenty of seating areas to relax and gaze out at the ocean. Although, given it was winter, our ocean views were limited to what we could see through the window.

Arrival in Amsterdam

The ferry arrived in Amsterdam around 9:45 AM, and we were eager to disembark. Everyone on the ship seemed to be gathered by the stairs waiting to get off, and the confined space combined with the heat made it a bit uncomfortable. Nonetheless, our spirits remained high as we looked forward to exploring Amsterdam.

Exploring Amsterdam

With approximately 5 to 6 hours to spend in Amsterdam, we found it to be perfect for us since we love fast paced travel. We did our best to see as much as possible in the time we had. As tourists who enjoy the quirky and unusual, Amsterdam didn’t disappoint. We visited one of the many sex museums and the Torture Museum, both of which tickled our fancy for the bizarre. These offbeat attractions provided a fascinating glimpse into the city’s more unconventional side.

We also took a brief stroll through the Red Light District during daylight hours, which was a slightly strange but intriguing experience. The district, known for its nightlife, had a different vibe during the day, offering a unique perspective on this part of the city.

In between our explorations, we managed to grab a drink at the famous monkey bar ‘In ‘t Aepjen’. This historic bar, one of the oldest in Amsterdam, added a touch of charm and history to our visit, making our time in the city even more memorable. Legend has it you used to be able to trade monkeys acquired on your travels for beer here.

Five or six hours is genuinely plenty for the daft stuff, and the daft stuff is what we came for. If you’d rather do the Anne Frank House or the Van Gogh properly you are not doing it in that window, so either get a timed slot booked well in advance and build the day around it, or stay over in Amsterdam and come home on a later sailing.

Final thoughts

While the overall experience was fantastic, there were a few downsides. Some staff members seemed a little short with us, especially when we requested tap water, which they informed us they couldn’t provide for free. Additionally, the boat rocked with the waves, which we found amusing, but might cause sea sickness for others. On a positive note, alcoholic drinks were reasonably priced, which added to the enjoyment of our time on board.

Overall, we had a wonderful time on the DFDS mini cruise from Newcastle to Amsterdam. It was an affordable and fun-filled adventure with plenty of entertainment to keep us smiling. Despite a few minor hiccups, we would definitely recommend this experience to others and are looking forward to doing it again. Our rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

DFDS Newcastle to Amsterdam FAQs

How long do you actually get in Amsterdam on a DFDS mini cruise? About 5 to 6 hours. We docked around 09:45 and you’re back on board for the evening sailing. Plenty for a wander and a couple of the smaller museums, nowhere near enough for a proper Anne Frank House and Van Gogh day.

How long does check-in take at the Port of Tyne? Under 90 minutes from parking the car to sitting in the ship’s bar, and the queue looked far worse than it turned out to be. Still quicker than any airport we’ve done.

Is the food on the DFDS King Seaways any good? There’s a buffet and a fine dining restaurant. We did the fine dining and were pleasantly surprised, it was genuinely good. Drinks were reasonably priced too, although they wouldn’t give us tap water for free, which did grate.

Is a mini cruise a good way to try cruising before booking a proper one? It’s exactly what we used it for. It worked, and we went and booked one.

Will you get seasick? The boat rocked with the waves and we found it funny rather than a problem, but if you’re prone to it, that’s the honest answer, you will feel it.

Is the onboard cinema included? No, it’s an extra cost, and it looked like a good shout if you’ve got kids with you.

Should you stay a night in Newcastle before sailing? If you’re driving any distance, price it up. The ferry goes at 17:00, so a night in Newcastle turns a long day of driving into a short one.