amsterdam mini cruise september

Amsterdam mini cruise: what happens and is it worth it? our review

An Amsterdam mini cruise is a really popular way to see the European city from the UK and have a break from the norm without sacrificing too much holiday time from work.

Amsterdam is a wonderful city to spend some time in but are mini cruises a good way to explore? And what happens on a mini cruise? I’m aiming to answer all your questions here!

Before we sailed on a Newcastle to Amsterdam mini cruise we had no idea about what it would be like and we struggled to find any information or reviews about the trip.

We travelled with our kids, who were young teens at the time but many people do the trip with younger kids, as a couple or even solo!

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Our Top Pick

Best mini cruise to Amsterdam – DFDS

This is the mini cruise that we went on and can recommend. It’s a really great way to see Amsterdam as a short day trip from the UK!

Who runs mini cruises to Amsterdam? There are currently two options if you fancy a mini cruise: DFDS – Sails from Newcastle to Amsterdam (this is the one we did) P&O Ferries – Sails from Hull to Rotterdam

What is a mini cruise?

• A mini cruise is basically a 2 night ‘cruise’ where you sail late on the first day, sleeping overnight on the boat and arriving at your destination in the morning.
• You then get transferred to the city in the morning (Amsterdam in this case) for a day trip before returning to the ship and having a night on the boat returning.
• You arrive back on the third day in the morning.

DFDS do a couple of different mini cruises – you can do one like we did from Newcastle to Amsterdam (and vice versa) or there’s also one that goes from Denmark to Norway (one to try at another date when we’re travelling around Europe again!). They also used to do one from the UK to Norway but I don’t think that one is currently running.

P&O Ferries also do a very similar crossing but it’s from Hull to Rotterdam . They still transfer you to Amsterdam and that’s the destination for the cruise.

How long is an Amsterdam mini cruise?

Typically the cruise lasts 3 days and 2 nights. You spend the first evening on board the ship, arrive at your destination in the morning to spend the day and then sail back on the 2nd evening.

Is a mini cruise expensive?

Cruising as a term tends to conjure up images and feelings of an expensive trip. So is the mini cruise to Amsterdam expensive?

Currently, in 2022, the headline fares are around £40 per person for P&O and £75 per person for DFDS. Your final price is going to depend on what cabin you choose.

There are often deals to be had when booking the mini cruise with DFDS (and I imagine P&O). We managed to find a 2 for 1 offer which made our whole trip with the most basic cabin come in at around £120 for 4 people.

This gave us a super basic cabin (more on that below) for two nights and coach transfers for us all to Amsterdam. You can upgrade to better cabins should you want and if you can I would definitely recommend it.

On board, as probably expected, it’s a little more expensive than your average restaurant or shop. As is also probably expected, we were way too tight to be spending our cash on board so I can’t unfortunately comment on the quality of the restaurants – we took food with us!

I did see that breakfast was around €15 per adult so if you want to eat on board and not bring food with you make sure to budget accordingly.

What’s it like on board?

As I said before, we didn’t eat in the restaurant and we also didn’t partake in any bar entertainment either. (Although I’d say this wasn’t the best idea – as I mention below, it’s a cruise, don’t hole yourself up in your cabin with rubbish food. Go enjoy yourself!)

There was a cinema on board which was about €8 each, so not too dissimilar to on land and we did consider that if the film we wanted was showing on the way back but unfortunately it wasn’t so we didn’t. So if you see a showing you like, watch it, it might not be on the return journey!

The cabin that we had was very basic but did have everything you needed with a small en suite shower and toilet. You also get towels too so no need to bring those either.

The cabins are a little bit small with four people in them, especially when the upper bunks are down, but it wasn’t too bad really. Of course our kids were nearly grown so it was like having 4 adults in there.

One issue that we had with the cabins were that they were incredibly hot. We did wonder at one point whether they maybe didn’t want you too comfy in the cabins and wanted you to be out spending in the bars! It was like that both ways and just spoiled what would have been a quite enjoyable time otherwise.

Tip – make sure you have plenty of drinks with you. It’ll make the hot cabins a bit better.

Can you leave your belongings on the ferry?

One thing we wondered about and were a little worried about was whether we could leave our belongings on the ship while on the day trip – if you’re also worried, don’t be.  

You keep the same cabin on the outward and inward legs so you can leave whatever you need to on board.

(This was correct when we did the trip – might be worth confirming with the ferry company if it’s a concern for you)

How long do you get in Amsterdam on the mini cruise?

Ok, this is quite a big and common question – how long do you get there? It might vary due to the company and any traffic but in general:

You get about 4 and a half hours in the city of Amsterdam on the mini cruise.

What to do in Amsterdam on a mini cruise?

Your time is going to be limited so bear that in mind when choosing what to do. Here are some ideas of places to go that can be done in the time you have. Unfortunately trips to tulip field and windmills like Kinderdijk will have to wait – you won’t have time.

I highly recommend getting tickets in advance if you can – Amsterdam can be busy!

• Canal cruise
• Van Gogh Museum
• Ann Frank Museum or walking tour
• Heineken Experience
• Rijksmuseum
• Madame Tussauds

What happens on the day trip?

You arrive in the Netherlands at about 9am at a place called IJmuiden which is around a 45 minute drive from the centre of Amsterdam.

After waiting for the car passengers to depart it’s the foot passengers turn to go through passport control. It was fine and fairly quick on the Amsterdam side but returning to Newcastle took forever so something to think about if you’re doing the opposite journey.

The coaches are waiting to take you in to the city and once full they head off, dropping you outside a hotel just opposite the train station so perfect for seeing the old town or getting on a canal cruise.

We probably arrived in Amsterdam at around 10.30am – 11am ish which gave us about 4 and a half hours before we got picked up.

It definitely didn’t seem enough to enjoy all there is in Amsterdam, but for us, as it was our first trip to the city it was nice enough to get a feel for it and wander round.

I really wanted to do some of the museums in Amsterdam and it’s really not enough time for doing that and exploring – but perhaps next time we’ll be able to stay longer!  There are some really great kids museums in the Netherlands so definitely one to return for!

We were lucky and had a dry day to wander around – it would have been a different story if it was raining, but if you’re worried about that make sure you have some activities planned to keep you dry.

Is a mini cruise worth it?

So the main question would be, is it worth it overall?

We all really enjoyed our time away and for what we paid I think it was definitely worth it.

My tips to make the most of the mini cruise to Europe

If I was to do the cruise again here would be my tips to make the most of the day:

• if possible, upgrade the cabin so you’re feeling fresh and so that the cruise section of the trip is part of the experience
• I’d enjoy the restaurants on board more and the entertainment – honestly we used to be on such a budget we’d scrimp everywhere which isn’t always advisable. I’d say that while you can do that, since the mini cruise is the bulk of your time try to enjoy it!
• I’d consider getting some skip the line tickets for the museums I was interested in.
• I’d probably book in advance a trip on the canals .
• I’d definitely get a guide book or check in advance what we should do and where we should eat – we weren’t really prepared and so just wandered round soaking up the city. We were lucky the day was dry!

Useful links: DFDS – for Newcastle to Amsterdam cruise P&O Ferries – for Hull to Rotterdam (and then on to Amsterdam) cruise Get Your Guide – book boat trips and skip the line tickets Lonely Planet Amsterdam guide book

Kirsty Bartholomew

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Art and architecture in Amsterdam

On this four-night cruise from Portsmouth, you won’t just be docking in Amsterdam and exploring its canals, botanical gardens, and museums – you’ll also be overnighting in port. That means getting a taste of the city’s famous (or infamous) nightlife. Even if that only means bouncing around a few coffee shops and savoring some late-night treats, Amsterdam after dark is an experience like no other.

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Soak up the Dutch atmosphere during a romantic canal tour. The world-famous museums of the city invite you to join a cultural tour of discovery. Pay a visit to one of the many street markets and immerse yourself in the culinary variety. As well as fresh fruit and vegetables, you will also find colourful flowers and other goods typical for the country at the markets. Those who find the hustle and bustle of the city too much can enjoy a relaxing walk through the idyllic Vondelpark.

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City trips to amsterdam by ship.

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AMSTERDAM´S CANALS

Amsterdam is a city with an abundance of water. With around 200 canals, moats, locks and other similar bodies of water, this European city welcomes you on a reflective tour of the canals. Lean back and take in the diversity of the capital city whilst the boat floats gently through the canals. The main canals Singel, Herengracht, Keizergracht and Prinsengracht flow through the city centre. You can book canal tours quickly and easily in the city, for example in the central station.

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ANNE FRANK HOUSE

The Anne Frank House is situated directly on the Prinsengracht canal. It offers an insight into the life of Anne Frank, the Jewish girl whose diary – written during the Second World War – later became world-famous. The young girl hid from the Nazi regime in what is today known as the Anne Frank House. The small flat in which the family lived can be reached via a secret door. Tragically, the hiding place was discovered and Anne Frank died in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Visitors can take a look at the hiding place in the building as well as an exhibition on the persecution of Jews and on fascism.

The 48-hectare Vondelpark was created as the first public park in Amsterdam in 1877 and named after Renaissance poet Joost van den Vondel. There is also an impressive monument of him in the park. Wealthy citizens joined forces to create a ‘green lung’ in their new, exclusive neighbourhood south of the Canal Ring. Today, Café Vertigo, with one of the most beautiful and lively terraces, the Melkhuis restaurant and the Blauwe Teehuis provide outstanding refreshments.

The Oude Kerk – Old Church in English – towers above Amsterdam’s red light district. The historical building is one of the oldest remaining buildings in the Dutch capital. The church has retained its Gothic architecture. In 1951, the building was closed, as it was in danger of collapsing, and restored over the following two years. The high windows and extraordinary architecture give the church a charming character. The monument can be visited every day. Climb the tower and look out over the rooftops of Amsterdam.

ROYAL PALACE OF AMSTERDAM

The Royal Palace – or Koninklijk Paleis in Dutch – is right in the city centre. There’s always hustle and bustle in the Dam Square in front of the palace. The Madame Tussauds wax museum also borders the square. When first built, the royal palace initially served as the city hall. At the time, the decorative building reflected the wealth of the Netherlands. It was only after the French Revolution that Napoleon used the building as a palace where he made his brother king, who then resided there. Today, you can visit the rooms of the royal palace as part of exciting tours.

Albert Cuypmarkt

The Albert Cuypmarkt, named after a renowned landscape painter, is the largest daily market in Amsterdam. The market took place for the first time in 1904. At the time it was a Saturday market made up of handcarts and street vendors. Just eight years later, the Saturday market turned into a market that took place six times a week – exactly how it is today, still on Albert Cuypstraat in the district of De Pijp. Countless market stalls offer typical Dutch specialities such as flowers and cheese. Fruit, vegetables, textiles and other products are also on offer.

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The red-light district in Amsterdam is also a small tourist attraction. Exciting tours offer visitors authentic insights into the red-light district of this Dutch city. As well as the prominent neon signs, speciality shops and striking house façades, you will also find a few museums. Soak up the unique character of this district of Amsterdam. As a contrast, you could pay a visit to the Oude Kerk, a church which can be found in the middle of the red-light district.

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Enjoy a mini break to Europe by travelling on one of our two European cruise routes between Newcastle and Amsterdam and Copenhagen and Oslo . These short cruises are great ways to discover Europe and Scandinavia. A mini cruise is also a cost-effective alternative to a flight and expensive hotels.

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Cruiseschip Disney legt in september niet aan in Amsterdam na acties Extinction Rebellion

Cruiseschip Disney Dream annuleert de reis naar Amsterdam die gepland stond voor september. Vermoedelijk heeft het te maken met acties van Extinction Rebellion (XR) bij de zeesluis in IJmuiden.

Het bedrijf achter de cruises noemt ‘problemen met toegang tot de haven’ als officiële reden. Disney Dream zou op 6 september aanmeren bij de Passenger Terminal Amsterdam aan het IJ, maar dat gaat dus niet door. Het bedrijf reageert niet op vragen van Het Parool over de redenen voor dit besluit. In plaats van Amsterdam meert het schip op 7 september aan in het Belgische Zeebrugge.

Activisten van XR demonstreerden zaterdag opnieuw op de sluizen van het Noordzeekanaal in IJmuiden . Ze hadden zich vastgeketend en -gelijmd aan de sluis, waarmee zij de doorvaart belemmerden. Burgemeester Frank Dales van de gemeente Velsen gaf de politie opdracht de demonstratie te ontbinden, waarna die om 18.00 uur werd beëindigd.

De Disney Dream is een cruiseschip met plaats voor 4000 passagiers en ruim 1450 personeelsleden. Het schip telt zestien verdiepingen met 1250 accommodaties.

Zeer vervuilende industrie

XR vroeg met de actie aandacht voor de ‘catastrofale vervuiling die wordt veroorzaakt door de cruisevaart’. Een woordvoerder zegt ‘apetrots’ te zijn dat de Disney Dream Amsterdam nu overslaat. “De cruise-industrie is een van de vervuilendste binnen de toerismesector. Deze schepen doen te weinig om te vergroenen, terwijl reizen per cruiseschip zeer slecht is voor het klimaat,” aldus Puk (wil niet met achternaam in de krant) van XR. Hij wijst daarbij op alternatieven voor reizen per schip, zoals de trein.

De actie van zaterdag was de vierde keer binnen een maand dat activisten van XR demonstreerden op de sluizen in IJmuiden en daarmee de scheepvaart belemmerden. Zo strandden er op 10 augustus 2300 cruiseschippassagiers door een blokkade van de zeesluis. Zij werden vervolgens met bussen naar Amsterdam Centraal en Schiphol gebracht.

Grondrecht in geding

Vanwege de acties van XR had burgemeester Dales van Velsen een demonstratieverbod afgekondigd voor de specifieke locatie. Dat ingrijpen schoot in het verkeerde keelgat bij Willem Jebbink, advocaat van de XR-demonstranten. Volgens hem is het besluit van de burgemeester ‘volstrekt illegaal’, zo zei hij in de IJmuider Courant . “Een burgemeester mag op grond van de Wet openbare manifestaties (Wom) niet een gebied permanent aanwijzen als verboden om te demonstreren.”

De advocaat wijst erop dat demonstreren een grondrecht is waaraan burgemeesters niet zomaar mogen tornen. “Dat zou wat zijn: dan kunnen alle burgemeesters in samenspraak het demonstratierecht in Nederland in één klap lamleggen.”

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