DFDS Seaways runs a daily ferry from Newcastle to Ijmuiden (near Amsterdam). DFDS is one of the largest and most successful shipping and passenger ferry companies in Europe.

The daily Newcastle to Ijmuiden crossing leaves Newcastle at 17:00 and arrives in Ijmuiden at 09:30, making the whole passage around 16 hours, 30 minutes. There are two classes of cabin to choose from, as it is a night crossing. These are the standard class (Seaways Class) and the higher class (Commodore Class). Seaways Class includes a basic cabin with en-suite bathroom and toilet, which the Commodore Class also has, but with a television, refreshments, breakfast and steward service.

The Newcastle to Ijmuiden route is operated by two ferries; the King of Scandinavia and the Princess of Norway, both of which can accommodate over 1,000 passengers and were renovated extensively in 2006, making them extremely modern and up to date.

Everything that you may need while on the ferry is provided. There are enough cabins for all passengers, public toilets and baby changing facilities, disabled access, ATM machines, Bureau de Change, shops selling necessities such as toiletries, and various places to eat, including two a la carte restaurants, a buffet restaurant and cafés.

For the less necessary side of things, there is a lot of entertainment onboard the ferry between Newcastle and Ijmuiden. For entertainment during the day, there is the ‘Kidz’ Club’, a cinema showing the latest big releases, and shops, including shops selling perfumes and cosmetics, clothes, wines and spirits, confectionary and tobacco (all duty-free).

For evening and night time entertainment, there is the sports bar, the informal Navigators Bar, and the Neptune Sky Bar. For a livelier atmosphere, there is the Columbus Club, which has live music and a great atmosphere. If you are feeling lucky, why not try out the Bingo Hall or spend some time in the onboard casino?.

Tags: Columbus Club, Europe, Ijmuiden, Neptune Sky Bar, Newcastle, Scandinavia