If you’re looking for a family-friendly, affordable, and unique way to experience Amsterdam, the Amsterdam Mini Cruise by DFDS might just be the perfect adventure. Setting sail from Newcastle’s Port of Tyne in North Shields, this short cruise offers the excitement of overnight ferry travel paired with the charm of exploring Amsterdam. This guide will walk you through the entire journey, from boarding to exploring Amsterdam’s highlights in a limited timeframe, offering tips to make your trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
The Amsterdam Mini Cruise
For those who want a taste of Amsterdam without the commitment of a longer stay, or if you don’t want to fly, this mini cruise is an ideal choice. The itinerary allows you to experience overnight travel on board, a scenic entry into the Netherlands, and a short day in Amsterdam’s vibrant city centre, all at an unbeatable price. We managed to secure an exceptional deal at just £71 for a return journey for myself and my two children, Matthew and Holly. This included our cabin accommodations, breakfast on the first morning, and return transfers from the ferry terminal at Ijmuiden to Amsterdam, making it an attractive and affordable option for families.
Getting Ready for Departure
Our journey began with an easy check-in process at Newcastle’s Port of Tyne ferry terminal at North Shields at 2 pm. DFDS’s boarding system is well-organized, ensuring that even with kids, the process is smooth and straightforward. We were issues with our boarding cards which would also double as our room keys. Once on board, we made our way to our cozy cabin on the second floor, equipped with bunk beds and en-suite facilities. The room was compact but well-planned, and the children were excited about the novelty of sleeping in bunk beds on a ship. A number of different room types are available, as we went for the lowest cost option we were inside without a window, but that was ok as we would be travelling through the night so they would not be much to see anyway.
After stowing our bags, we spent some time exploring the ship. We watched from the deck as the ferry departed the port at 5 pm, offering picturesque views of the Tyne River as we sailed toward the open sea. We spotting a number of landmarks along the way including the Collingwood Monument and the Tynemouth Priory and Castle, it was a relaxing start to our journey. The ship itself offers a range of dining options, but instead of the buffet dinner at £25 per person (if pre-booked), we opted for a simple picnic in our room to keep the experience both budget-friendly and casual.
What’s On board the Newcastle to Amsterdam Ferry
The journey on the DFDS Mini Cruise is not just about spending time in your room or on deck waiting to arrive in Amsterdam, on the contrary the ship has so much to keep you entertained during your journey including two cinema’s. a buffet restaurant, an ala carte restaurant, coffee shop, a large duty free shop, wildlife observation area at the bow of the ship (although as it was dark during our crossing we could not see anything), a bar and also a nightclub.
A Night at Sea
Settling in for the night on the ferry was a new experience for Matthew and Holly. We prepared our bunks, shared a few snacks, and enjoyed the gentle sway of the ship before drifting off to sleep. However, the night turned a bit more challenging as we encountered some rough seas early in the morning. Both Holly and I felt a bit seasick, but thankfully we had some motion-sickness remedies on hand that helped ease the symptoms.
We had pre-booked a 7 am slot for breakfast to avoid the morning rush, and the selection was impressive, with both hot and continental options. Despite the generous spread, my appetite was affected by the lingering seasickness, so I didn’t eat much. After breakfast, we returned to our cabin to rest before our arrival into the Netherlands, allowing Holly and me a bit more time to recover from the morning’s choppy conditions.
Arrival in the Netherlands and Transfer to Amsterdam
At last, we arrived in Ijmuiden, where we boarded our transfer bus for Amsterdam. The journey from the ferry port to the city center takes about 50 minutes, giving us a glimpse of the Dutch countryside. For travellers taking this mini cruise, the bus transfer is a convenient addition, saving time and energy upon arrival.
With only a five hours in Amsterdam, we planned our itinerary to maximize every moment. Our first stop was grabbing a classic Dutch snack – crispy fries served in a cone, usually this is drizzled with mayonnaise, but we opted for ketchup instead. This snack break was the perfect start to our day and fuelled us for a quick walk to our first attraction, the Rijksmuseum.
Exploring Amsterdam: Rijksmuseum and Beyond
The Rijksmuseum was a priority on our list, as back in 2022 during our last visit to Amsterdam we could not get in as we had not pre-booked our tickets and there was none available on the day. We were more prepared this time, so we pre-booked tickets through Get Your Guide, ensuring a smooth entry without the long lines. Inside, we admired Dutch masterpieces, including famous works by Rembrandt. The museum is vast, and although we didn’t have time to explore every corner, we enjoyed the larger-than-life paintings and the intricate details of each artwork.
After our museum visit, we strolled along one of Amsterdam’s iconic canal-lined streets, making our way to the Cheese Museum. Though more of a cheese shop with a small basement exhibit, it was still a hit as we enjoyed sampling a few cheese varieties and learning about the cheese-making process.
Our next stop was the Royal Palace, another attraction we’d pre-booked through Get Your Guide. While we didn’t have time to linger, the palace’s grand architecture and opulent rooms left a lasting impression. This quick visit gave us a taste of Amsterdam’s rich history and architectural heritage.
Lunch and Preparing for Departure
With our sightseeing complete, we had just enough time for lunch at an Italian restaurant conveniently located near the Royal Palace in Dam Square. The relaxed atmosphere allowed us to recharge before heading back to our pickup point. Holly devoured a plate of spaghetti bolognese, while Matthew and I shared a pizza.
We made our way to the bus pickup point just behind Amsterdam Central Station, and the transfer took us back to Ijmuiden in time for boarding. This time, the sea was calm, and our return journey was far more relaxing. After a day in the city, we all slept soundly, the gentle sway of the ship helping us drift into a peaceful sleep.
Final Thoughts: Is the Amsterdam Mini Cruise Right for You?
Our family chose this mini cruise for the experience of overnight ferry travel and the chance to briefly explore Amsterdam. This trip is perfect for families or those looking for a quick getaway without a deep dive into the city’s attractions. The limited time in Amsterdam is manageable if you’re content with a high-level overview, but if you’re looking to explore the city in-depth, you may want to consider flying into Schiphol and spending a few days.
The Amsterdam Mini Cruise offers an affordable, enjoyable way to experience a different country with minimal planning and expense. For anyone seeking a brief but memorable travel adventure, especially with kids, this cruise is a wonderful option, providing just the right balance of excitement, relaxation, and discovery.
*Thumbnail image courtesy of DFDS.
