Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry?

mopezone

I've booked one of these 2 night trips where you sleep two nights on the King of Scandinavia ferry, with a day in Amsterdam in between.

Checking out the DFDS website, the meals seem incredibly costly even if you book in advance - does anybody know if there are any low cost catering options on board, or do they mind you taking your own food and drink?

And how about the bars, what kind of prices do you find there?

Any tips at all about how to make the best of this trip gratefully received!

:beer:

bargainbarmy

A colleague has just come back from the free DFDS cruise for N'cle to Bergen. he said food and rink was really expensive so they recoup the cost of the trip that way. Everybody was seasick as well!! Sorry to disappoint you but I think this is the only way they can fill the boats in winter. Apparently they are more lik ferries than cruise ships.

madduck

The food isn't cheap - but good quality. If you don't want to go for the restaurants, there tend to be snack bar type options (I haven't travelled on the Amsterdam ferry - only the one to Norway). There were also vending type machines where you could get sandwiches from.

You could take food onboard - but it is a fairly long sail - so don't know about anything fresh. That is unless you are staying in one of the premium cabins (were called Commodore Cabins when I was onboard). They have fridges (and complimentary breakfasts!).

The op comment re seasickness is very true. First time I sailed it was during a force 9 gale. I get a major seasickness and at first I though I was doing ok (didn't realise that I was still on the Tyne at that point). When we left the Tyne - well!! Literally had to crawl back to my cabin and spent the rest of the sail throwing up in the cabin. The booking we had made for the restaurant that evening had to be cancelled - strangely enough - I don't think that many people made it to dinner that night!!!

Dumyat

there is a cafeteria type place which is cheaper...but still expensive. have to say we were not sick ...but food was not high on our list of things to do lol

alanrowell

You could always eat before boarding - try Royal Quays (it's a couple of hundred yards from the Ferry port) for snacks or Silverlink (A19/A1058 junction) for pizza type stuff.

ginger

We have travelled this route a few times now, last time with young children. We have always found the food expensive on board - very little choice of snacks.

As you will sail at tea time, I would suggest that you eat a large lunch then take sandwiches/pasties/snacks on board for tea. I would book the breakfasts as this is a good meal and it was nice to sit in the dining area as we sailed into Imjudin. Travelling back from Amsterdam, you can buy the same type of snacks for your meal in the evening. I have never had any trouble with eating own stuff on board but to be fair, we have always done so in the cabin.

L

colmil

Dear Mopezone,

Of course, the North Sea can be rough at this time of year, but please don't let this spoil your trip!

Whilst many will not agree, I think that seasickness is a state of mind, learn to roll with the ship, they all have stabilisers, so I'm sure you will be OK, treat it as an adventure, you'll be fine! I hav found that the gently rolling of the ship when iin my bunk very relaxing.

I have not travelled with DFDS on this route for a few years, regarding meals, whilst, obviously, they have a captive audience, as other posters have said, have a good meal first, and have sandwiches for later..... we often have a 'picnic' in the cabin, cheese, crackers, olives, savoury snacks, bottle of wine, that is before going to the entertainment!

I'm sure, many of us would love to hear how you got on when you return!

bigangus

I have also booked one of these 2 night trips for the 10thDec. does anybody know how long the coach trip is from the port to Amsterdam? also will be driving to Newcastle and parking up is any way round paying the £8 a day parking fee at the port? Cheers

mopezone

Hi Bigangus
Don't know about the coach trip to Amsterdam, but it can't be more than half an hour traffic permitting, knowing where Ijmuiden is in relation to Amsterdam?
In North Shields/Newcastle you could easily park for nothing at Royal Quays, which is a retail park on the approach road to the ferry terminal - about 5-10 mins walk from there.
However, think carefully, as this is home territory for the 'charvas' who will leave your car standing on bricks! If the retail park has security patrols you'll be OK, but I don't know if they do or not, as I live in Newcastle and never really go to a retail park at night (not at all if I can possibly avoid it!!)
Probably best to have a look at the whole situation when you arrive?
Hope this helps?
:beer:

alanrowell

Royal Quays are wise to folk who leave their car there whilst they take the ferry and charge accordingly

mopezone

Thanks Alan - didn't know that - any ideas to help bigangus?
:beer: