I just love culturally diverse cities, and Amsterdam, the capital city of Holland, certainly doesn’t disappoint. Once you arrive here, there’s lots and lots to see and do. From the world-famous galleries and museums such as the Van Gogh Museum to the high street and boutique shopping, picturesque canals, and beautiful architecture, there is so much to absorb. There are even novelty attractions you can visit, such as Madame Tussauds, or if you enjoy the outdoors, then why not visit one of the many parks, such as Vondelpark, which is an enormous park in the south of the city.
Getting to Amsterdam is very straightforward, and there are many mini-cruise break options from the UK to Holland. I have chosen a selection of short cruises with a few various options; some of them can be taken regularly throughout the year, offering flexibility to the traveler, whilst others I have selected are more luxurious mini-cruises that restrict the traveler to a certain date. With plenty of options from the really cheap travel bargain to an expensive luxury cruise, the choice really is yours!
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1. DFDS Mini Cruise To Amsterdam
DFDS are Europe’s Leading Ferry Operator 2012 to 2019 & the World’s Leading Ferry Operator 2011 to 2018! Their Newcastle to Amsterdam mini cruises depart daily from Newcastle and are perfect for weekend getaways and short city breaks, combining the leisure of ferry travel with the excitement of Holland’s cosmopolitan capital. The mini-cruise package is an amazing deal that includes the crossing itself, ensuite accommodation on board as well, as coach transfers from IJmuiden port to the city of Amsterdam, where you’ll have ample time to take in some local sights and attractions.
Two nights are spent on board one of the DFDS cruise ferries before exploring Amsterdam, Holland’s stunning capital. There’s lots on offer onboard, including two restaurants to dine in – the gourmet a la carte North Sea Bistro and the Explorers Kitchen Buffet, providing all-you-can-eat international cuisine. If you fancy a pre-dinner drink, then the Sky Bar is the place to go where you can enjoy a drink outdoors with panoramic sea views – you may even spot some local marine life! You can also take in a movie at the onboard cinema if you fancy or make a few purchases in the shop. If you are traveling with children, there is even a ‘kidz club’ with a ball pool, Lego and cartoons, a free children’s entertainer, and a games room for teenagers.
2. DFDS Mini Cruise To Amsterdam with 1 – 3 nights in a Hotel
If you are wanting a longer stay in Amsterdam, then the DFDS Amsterdam Mini Cruise with a hotel break is just perfect. Sailing from Newcastle to the Netherlands overnight, you will enjoy a night on board the ferry and have the option to stay one, two, or three nights in Amsterdam at a carefully selected hotel (including breakfast) before sailing back overnight. You can choose from six hotels across Amsterdam, and there are several accommodation options ranging from budget to 4-star luxury hotels.
The main benefit of this break is that it gives you more time to explore Amsterdam, as well as the opportunity to enjoy the vibrant nightlife. Around Leidseplein, you will find many cultural and music centers, lots of cafes, some smaller theatres, restaurants, cinemas and a casino, whilst another bustling area of clubs, cafes and cinemas is Rembrandtplein where the square is surrounded by clubs and cafes. Again this cruise option is a great deal, especially for small groups, as the cost per person works out to be quite cheap and provides excellent value for money.
3. P&O Cruises Overnight in Amsterdam from Southampton
Offering a range of short cruises including to Holland and Belgium, the P&O overnight cruise to Amsterdam from Southampton is a leisurely mini cruise that includes an overnight port stay. The P&O Cruises family-friendly ferry sails from Southampton and arrives in Amsterdam the following day, allowing you to spend some time exploring this vibrant city. After a night docked in Amsterdam, you set sail again for a relaxing day at sea before arriving back in Southampton the following morning – in total, a four-night stay.
4. DFDS Mini Cruise To Amsterdam’s Dutch Bulb Fields
The Netherlands is world-renowned for its Dutch Bulb Fields. Therefore Springtime in Amsterdam is unquestionably the best time to see the famous tulips spring into bloom. Via its Newcastle-Amsterdam route, DFDS has created a mini cruise package to discover the natural beauty of the famous Dutch bulb fields and the seasonal flower displays in central Amsterdam. Set in 32 hectares of flowers, Keukenhof is one of the world’s largest flower gardens boasting more than seven million bulbs of 800 varieties of tulips. With their gorgeous flower shows, unique gardens, and themed events, Keukenhof has something for everyone – whether it be a guided tour or activities to keep the children amused, such as the treasure hunt, maze, and petting farm.
Sailing from Newcastle between March and May, the cruise includes two nights on board in a private en suite cabin, plus coach transfers to and from the Dutch bulb fields (approx. 45 minutes). Upon arrival at Keukenhof, you don’t even need to worry about queuing to purchase an entrance ticket as these are also included, which frees up your three and a half hours to fully explore the gardens.
5. DFDS Mini Cruise To Amsterdam Zoo
DFDS offers a fantastic mini cruise that is perfect for families. Sailing from Newcastle to Amsterdam their mini-cruise to Amsterdam Zoo. includes two exciting nights at sea & around five hours to explore ‘Artis Zoo’ at your leisure. There is plenty of entertainment and things to do on board for young and old during the sailing, and there is also a choice of cabin grades to suit every budget.
Upon arrival at Ijmuiden, a coach awaits to transfer you to Amsterdam Zoo. Here you can explore the 14 hectares of one of the oldest zoos in Europe, including the aquarium, botanical gardens, zoological museum, geological museum, and planetarium. Your zoo tickets and overseas transfers are all included in the price, making this a really good deal and such a hassle-free trip that families will love.
6. 2 Night Mini Cruise to Amsterdam with P&O Ferries
This is another great value trip. Sailing overnight from Hull at around 10:30 am, this P&O Ferries 2 Night Mini Cruise Amsterdam allows you to spend the day ashore doing as you please in Amsterdam before sailing back again overnight. The cruise includes two nights of cabin accommodation on board the P&O cruise ferry and return city-center coach transfers. As this mini cruise sails between Hull – Rotterdam Europoort crossing, the transfer to Amsterdam itself will take a little longer. However, the plus side is that there is more time to explore Amsterdam when you are there.
7. Cunard Big Band Ball Amsterdam from Southampton
The Queen Elizabeth is the world’s newest ocean liner, boasting en-suite stateroom accommodation, 24-hour room service, high-quality entertainment, and excellent facilities, including a fitness center and bowling green. The Cunard Big Band Ball to Amsterdam from Southampton is a fun-filled four-night round trip featuring live music and dance on board this ship whilst allowing guests to experience two full days exploring Amsterdam on land.
8. Marella Explorer Electric Sunsets 90’s Cruise from Newcastle
This nineties-themed cruise sets sail from Newcastle on the beautiful Marella Explorer and arrives back to Southampton. Passengers will enjoy three nights of non-stop fun on this music-fuelled, all-inclusive trip on the Marella Electric Sunsets 90’s cruise from Newcastle, which offers onboard 10 restaurants and 10 bars, 90’s entertainment with special DJ sets and guest appearances, and free facilities, including swimming pools, hot tubs, gamer zone, cinema, indigo bar, and club and even a mini-golf course. If that weren’t enough, you can step ashore and explore the culture-packed cities of Amsterdam and Bruges.
9. P&O Ferries Hulloween Mini Cruise to Amsterdam
Sailing on Friday, 1st November 2019, this special Halloween mini P&O Ferries Hulloween Mini Cruise to Amsterdam leaves Hull and sails to Rotterdam Europoort. With fancy dress competitions and nightly live music from ‘The Bogus Brothers’ and party band ‘Fright Night’, there is plenty of Halloween entertainment for the whole family. After arriving at the port in Rotterdam, passengers are taken by coach transfer (included in the cost) to Amsterdam, where you can spend the day exploring before making their way back to the ship for the return journey back to Hull.
10. Columbus German Christmas Markets & Amsterdam
This mini-cruise is superbly festive and is called the Cruise & Maritime Voyages Columbus German Christmas Markets & Amsterdam. You will visit Amsterdam dressed in its festive glory, wallow in delightful Antwerp and Belgium’s Christmas Markets and have the opportunity to head into historic Hamburg to experience a traditional German Christmas market full of seasonal crafts, food, and gifts. On this five-night celebration, you will sample the delights that the wonderful Columbus offers; enjoy tasty full board cuisine and first-class entertainment.
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