DFDS

Heading over to Europe doesn’t have to involve the airport queues and cramped seats of a budget airline.

See the continent in style, by cruising over to Amsterdam with the world’s leading ferry operator DFDS.

Today’s shipshape Big Deal ushers you into a comfortable en suite cabin and sets sail for that most liberal and welcoming of continental metropolises – Amsterdam.

This deal from DFDS offers mini-cruises for two or four passengers. There are departure dates available from Newcastle until the end of May 2017, so you can enjoy one of the world’s great cities.

Alternatively, take advantage of the deal on ferry crossings, travel with your car and hit the motorways and autobahns to explore Europe at your leisure, valid until the end of September 2017.

Explore Amsterdam

The Big Deal option one provides an en suite cabin for two for your two night mini-cruise from Newcastle to Amsterdam. Option two is for four passengers sharing.

For travellers looking to explore further afield, option three is for a ferry crossing for two with car, one way. Option four is for a ferry crossing for four passengers, with car, one way.

DFDS was once again named the World and Europe’s Leading Ferry Operator at the World Travel Awards in 2016. Their stylish and comfortable ferries depart from the International Passenger Terminal in North Shields, near Newcastle, with DFDS buses offering passenger connections from Newcastle Central Station.

Mini-cruise passengers depart North Shields at 5pm for an overnight cruise to Amsterdam. After a relaxing rest in an en suite cabin, the ferry arrives at IJmuiden where coaches will transfer you to central Amsterdam.

You will have around five hours to explore Amsterdam. Choose from the culture of the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh collection, the colourful sights of the old city centre, a scenic stroll by the canals, or the chic boutiques and bars of the Jordaan.

There is also an abundance of places to eat and drink, from traditional pubs to trendy bars and thousands of restaurants from all corners of the globe. Sample Amsterdam’s favourite restaurant staple, the traditional Indonesian rijstaffel.

The return coach will take you back to port and your overnight journey back to Newcastle.

Selected dates are available until the end of May. Friday and Saturday departures will be charged a £20 supplement.

Ferry crossings

The Big Deal options three and four offer each way ferry crossings for two or four passengers, with a car. It’s a relaxing way to start a European holiday, offering the chance to explore Holland, Belgium, Germany or France or begin a longer adventure.

With no baggage restrictions, it’s a chance to pack all the home comforts you might need.

Ferry crossings are available until the end of September, with some dates excluded.

Onboard entertainment

For many travellers, the ferry crossing itself is a major part of the fun. DFDS vessels on the Newcastle to Amsterdam crossing offer the chance to settle into a seat and enjoy the latest movies in the intimate cinema, have a flutter in the stylish casino or relax with a drink and enjoy a live music show.

There are four onboard restaurants to choose from, with menus to suit most preferences and budgets. Book in advance for discounts of up to 17 percent.

Shopping opportunities on board include great deals on fashion, perfume, wines, spirits and tobacco products.

Happy travellers

The DFDS Newcastle to Amsterdam service has attracted plenty of enthusiastic reviews on TripAdsvisor, including these recent contributions:

‘Always lovely clean rooms, staff are friendly and helpful, there’s loads to do on board and the entertainment is brilliant, would highly recommend!’

‘Lovely cabin with en suite and very clean. Very reasonably priced cocktails in the bar and snacks in the Lighthouse restaurant.’

‘Nice clean cabins on board, great restaurants and the best destination at the end of the journey.’

Going Dutch

Forgo the budget airlines and enjoy a leisurely cruise to Amsterdam this time.

Today’s Big Deal from DFDS offers a comfortable and convenient way to travel to this memorable city, and you don’t have to worry about how you are going to cram that souvenir bottle of cherry Bols into your hand luggage.

For anyone planning on exploring Europe by car, the ferry connection offers a convenient option for Scottish travellers with a comfortable start to your holiday.