As a seasoned family travel blogger, I've long wanted to experience the DFDS mini cruise to Newcastle—perfect for introducing kids to sea travel. Last weekend, we made it happen, creating unforgettable memories. We're grateful for opportunities like this 3-day DFDS voyage, thanks to you, our loyal readers. Thank you! I hope you enjoy this detailed firsthand account of our family trip.
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DFDS offers flexible mini cruises to Newcastle: choose 3 or 4 days. We opted for 3 days, but based on our experience, I recommend the 4-day option. It allows more time to explore Newcastle fully and helps avoid that lingering sea-legs feeling on your return home. 😜
Here's the itinerary in brief: After school, rush to IJmuiden for check-in (my husband stresses about timing!). Enjoy dinner, sleep, and breakfast onboard, then disembark in Newcastle for a city taste. Catch the transfer bus back, dine, sleep, breakfast, and arrive home in the Netherlands.
Short and sweet? Yes, but our detailed experience shows you can pack in much more during this 3-day DFDS mini cruise to Newcastle!
Upon arrival at IJmuiden, my husband's stress melted away—we were early. Check-in and customs were swift. Kids were awestruck walking through the massive car deck to the luxury ferry, a far cry from our Tenerife catamaran. Inside, they eagerly explored, testing cabin beds immediately. Pure joy! 😊
The DFDS IJmuiden-Newcastle ferry offers ample onboard activities for a 3-day mini cruise. After dropping bags and taking free seasickness pills (essential—I learned the hard way), Lotte and I felt great. Reception provides them gratis.
Multiple bars await: We started with wine for me, beer for him, sodas and snacks for kids. The main bar is prime for evening shows. We laughed at a group of Dutch men in kilts—sparking fun kid questions!
Deck 10 features a coffee bar and kids' club—ideal for younger ones. Ours found plenty else to love.
The arcade thrilled older kids; massage chairs were a hit with Luc and Lotte. Don't miss the exclusive Orca Wildlife Center on DFDS Kings ferries: Learn North Sea life, join crafts, view recent sightings on interactive maps. Spot wildlife yourself (best March-September with officers). We joined a morning deckwatch at 8 AM—no mammals, just birds and wind. Summer trips maximize sightings and deck relaxation at the top Mermaid Bar (Deck 12).
Evening entertainment shines: Dance shows, bingo, quizzes (Frank and Luc shone!), casino, and cinema. We tapped out early twice. 😊
Included dinner and breakfast buffets impressed. Vast choices—no need for other restaurants. Buffets aren't my favorite, but these were exceptional. Luc ate less due to motion (no pills for him), but overall, fantastic. Breakfast: Full English to yogurt, fruits, more.
Budget tip: Reserve dinner tables early.
The wheelhouse view (from outside 😊), but truly, the ship's power. Loading vehicles, then feeling engines roar as we depart IJmuiden—or arrive. Deck time during your 3-day DFDS mini cruise is magical, per the kids!
Newcastle adventures next—stay tuned. Our next trip: France weekend. Worth it for families? Soon!
Read also: Dierenbos holiday park is also great for a weekend away!
Our next trip is to France by the way, for a weekend 😊. What do you think, is it worth going to France for a weekend with your family? You'll hear from me in a few weeks!
