Anyone used DFDS Newcastle to Amsterdam?

dawnylou

Hi all,
Just wondered if anyone could answer a question for me please??

The 2 bed commodore is about twice the price of double bed room however it includes brekfast (worth £8.99 and complimentary mini bar)
Is it really worth so much extra? How many drinks do you get in the mini bar?

Really hoping to treat my hubby for his 30th

Thanks!

alba7

Hi Dawnylou

I've been on 3 mini cruises with DFDS (going on a 4th in April) and I have always gone for Commodore De Luxe cabins.

The standard cabins are ok but tiny - barely enough room to turn round. Commodore cabins are more spacious. The mini bar is minimal - we got a few cans of soft drink, beer. Also some rather ancient fruit and a packet of nuts! Breakfast is again ok, but don't book commodore just for the free breakfast.

If it won't cost too much more, and you're able to travel on the King of Scandinavia, I would suggest upgrading to Commodre De Luxe. You get a pretty good cabin in a separate area of deck 10, a separate lounge with free snacks (pastries, crisps), tea, coffee, wine, soft drinks etc, a glass of sparkling wine on arrival, magazines, free internet access. It's great for a special occasion.

Before anyone asks, I don't work for DFDS - I just like mini cruises!

Regards

alba7

dawnylou

Thank you very much for that. There has been a slight change however and there will four of us now. (2 adult couples)
Therefore we cannot do the de luxe cabin as only sleeps 3.

So in your opinion do you think the Commodore Cabin is not worth the extra then really?

Also how do you chose which ship to use?

alba7

Hi dawnylou

I don't think the extras are that impressive in commodore but the extra cabin space is worth it, in my opinion. I'm claustrophobic and could not travel in a regular cabin without danger of freaking out! 4 adults in a regular cabin would be a terrible squeeze.

Since it's 4 adults travelling, are you looking at 2 cabins? How about a commodore for you and your husband, a regular one for the other adults? There are regular and commodore cabins on the same deck (deck 7 or 8, can't remember which) so you may be able to be close to each other.

I honestly think you would be more comfortable in commodore but, as I say, the extras aren't that great - it's really a decision of whether the extra space is worth the extra money.

I checked the DFDS website - if you want a commodore cabin for 4 people, it only seems to be available on the King. The commodore cabins are 2 single beds on the King (plus sofa bed and pullman) and double beds on the Queen.

The King of Scandinavia is, I believe, the newest ship on the Amsterdam run. The Queen of Scandinavia is fine, just a little older. You have to start the booking process to find out which ship runs on a particular day - don't worry, you can always stop the booking at any point before credit card details are put in.

Good luck with your trip.

sjpkgp

Alba7 - can I also ask your advice. Husband and two oldest kids (12 and 13) plus his brother and lad (14yrs) have decided that it would be a good idea to go to amsterdam on the Newcastle ferry - we see it go out all the time (live nearby on the coast). Mine aren't great travellers (sick). When would you recommend to go, and from the sounds of it, we'd need 2 cabins (do they have a loo). Also what happens once you get there ? I have heard that you are bussed into Amsterdam - can you go by train ? (fine on train). I am definitely not going as spent what seems like half my childhood on the roughest of ferries crossing the channel (probably actually only 4 times a year but on the cheapest ferries at the weirdest hours in the roughest seas and there were no fast services/cabins in those days). Also, sorry to sound ridiculous, but is there anything to do on them (for teenage kids). ? thank you, sal xxxx

alba7

Dear sjpkgp

Sorry I didn't get back to you - don't have internet access at work!

I usually travel about Easter and it has always been calm on the ferry crossing. My parents went in May and hit a force 8 gale, so it's hard to be certain about the weather in the North Sea.

2 cabins would definitely be necessary for the number of people you describe. What kind of cabin would they feel more comfortable in? My mother gets a bit seasick and found it helped having a window (porthole, before I get prodded for using the wrong terminology!) With one adult and 1/2 kids the seaways cabins would probably just about be okay.

As far as I know, there is no public transport from Ijmuiden, where the ship docks, to Amsterdam. Maybe taxis but I don't remember seeing any waiting for custom when I've disembarked. DFDS has buses direct to Amsterdam - they stop outside the Victoria Hotel, takes about 40 minutes unless you do the tour.

On the ship, there isn't really much for teenagers to do. There's a kids club for younger children, which runs school holiday times but, apart from 2 small cinemas I can't think of any other entertainment that isn't focussed on the bars. I believe one bar does some form of horse racing game aimed at youngsters, so there may be a few activities like that around that I don't know about.

Did you mean what is there to do in Amsterdam? The next trip I'm taking in April is a trip to the Zoo with my 7 year old nephew. The zoo seems to have a planetarium and gardens as well as the zoo itself, so I'm hoping it'll be child friendly.

Let me know if you have any other questions and I'll try my best to answer them.

Best wishes

alba7

PS Yes, all cabins have an ensuite bathroom - very small but generally adequate.

maddybloomfield

Hi,

Sorry to jump on the thread, I'm needing advice on the cruise too! I booked for my parent's anniversary and then realised mum is having her passport renewed, and the trip is in just over a week. Soo out went that surprise idea so me, my partner and our 2 year old daughter are going to use it instead. I rang up to upgrade (I didn't do enough research prior to booking and so booked a standard cabin) and there aren't any upgrades available, do you know how common it is to be able to upgrade on the day? Also, do you know if they have high chairs and things? This is the most under-prepared I have ever felt about a trip!

Thanks for any help you can give!

Maddy

alba7

Hi Maddy

Sorry to hear your trip for your parents hasn't worked out!

As far as I know, it is possible to upgrade at any time before leaving - if there are cabins available. Possibly the ship is now full, but it's always worth asking at the check-in desk to see if there have been any cancellations.

I'm afraid I have never travelled with a young child, but I believe there may be high chairs available in the Seven Seas buffet restaurant. I have always found the staff on the reception desk on deck 7 very helpful any time I had a query, so they may be able to confirm that for you.

Sorry I can't be of more help, but I do hope you enjoy your trip.

Regards

alba7

dickydonkin

Avoid Friday nights going out of North Shields - the ship usually has its fair share of k***heads onboard - usually attatched to the 'stag night' crowds.

That said, it does represent good value. The Commodore cabins used to provide miniature bottles of spirits although I am unsure if that is still the case - however, whatever is now provided, make sure you take it all prior to disembarking at Ijmuiden to ensure it will be replenished on your return journey.