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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DFDS Amsterdam mini cruise from £74pp
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Top Ferry Mini Cruises
- Newcastle to Amsterdam
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What is a mini cruise?
Sailing into St Peter Port in Guernsey on a P&O Cruises ship
A mini cruise is a great way to explore Europe without the need to step aboard a plane. An even better way to see places like Amsterdam, Denmark or Bruges is on a 2 for 1 mini cruise offer. Several ferry operators - and even some cruise lines - offer mini-cruises and occasionally they run a two for the price of one offer . These are always extremely popular.
Mini cruises are a great way to see Europe in style. If you have a fear of flying or can't be bothered with waiting in an airport for three hours before a flight, a no-fly mini cruise is a much better option for you. Relax from the moment you step aboard your ferry. No hassle, no fuss and no waiting - the holiday starts the moment you jump aboard. Find out more about why mini cruises are fantastic little holidays here .
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Hi, I'm David and I'm a mini cruise addict. I love the ease and simplicity of exploring Europe from the comfort of a cruise ferry or cruise ship almost as much as I love finding great value deals, including the mother of all deals, the famous '2 for 1' deals.
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If you're looking to escape for a few days, or want the perfect all-round venue to celebrate that special occasion, why not try a mini cruise.
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Orange crush: Boats packed with revelers tour Amsterdam canals to celebrate the king’s birthday
Thousands of people took to the canals of Amsterdam on Saturday to celebrate the Dutch king’s 57th birthday. Dressed in orange - the national color - they packed small boats and sailed down the historic waterways of the capital. (AP video by Ahmad Seir)
People dance on a boat during King’s Day celebrations in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
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An orange-clad man applauds for a girl playing violin as his orange-clad dog, bottom right corner, runs off during King’s Day celebrations in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
Two girls sell orange pastries during King’s Day celebrations in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
Mud, a rain soaked blanket and wet items are being sold during King’s Day celebrations in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
An orange-clad man and his orange-clad dog listen to a girl playing violin during King’s Day celebrations in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
An egg explodes on impact as a reveller takes part in a game during King’s Day celebrations in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
AMSTERDAM (AP) — Decked in the national orange color, dancing to music, and eating orange-glazed pastries, many in the Netherlands Saturday are marking King’s Day , celebrating the birthday of their monarch who is enjoying a very slight rise in popularity as per a national poll.
As King Willem-Alexander celebrated his 57th birthday with his family in the northeastern city of Emmen, people across the country engaged in the traditional “free markets” held on that day, selling second-hand toys, books and other items. Others toured through the historic canals of the capital, Amsterdam as orange smoke from flares held aloft one boat drifted over vessels of all shapes and sizes jostling for space on a busy canal.
“Celebrating your birthday with your own family is the most beautiful thing you can experience. I’m very happy everybody is back,” Willem-Alexander told Dutch broadcaster NOS during a walkabout in Emmen, 190 kilometers (120 miles) northeast of the Dutch capital.
An annual poll published by the NOS for King’s Day showed Willem-Alexander’s popularity edging up very slightly since last year to 6.6 out of 10. His Argentine-born wife, Queen Maxima, scored 7.1 out of 10 in the poll of 1,015 people, conducted earlier this month.
The royals’ popularity took a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic after Willem-Alexander and his family went on vacation in Greece during a partial lockdown. The royals cut short their break amid national uproar and Willem-Alexander took the unusual step of issuing a video message to express his regret and contrition for the trip.
The king’s three daughters, Amalia, Alexia and Ariane have all spent time out of the country recently — Ariane has been studying in Italy while Alexia has taken a gap year to travel. The eldest and heir to the Dutch throne, Amalia, also returned ahead of the king’s birthday after being forced to leave her student accommodation in Amsterdam and move to Madrid following threats from the criminal underworld.
Amalia, 20, who is studying politics, psychology, law and economics at Amsterdam University, told NOS she was “extremely grateful to everybody who made it possible” for her to live in Spain, where she said she was able to enjoy more freedom than in the Netherlands.
But, she added: “I’m glad to be back.”
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Mini cruise to Amsterdam
Book your newcastle-amsterdam mini cruise now & enjoy 50% off.
Ready for an unforgettable adventure this spring? In honour of King's Day 2024, enjoy a special discount on your next mini cruise to Amsterdam!
Celebrate with 50% off your mini cruise in our newly refurbished cabins when you book by 5 May for sailings until 30 June .
Don't miss your chance to explore the Netherlands during one of its most vibrant and beautiful seasons. Your spring getaway awaits!
Discover our renovated cabins
Delicious meals onboard
Duty Free shopping onboard
Spend the day in Amsterdam
Travel period: until the end of June 2024
Excellent choice of restaurants, bars and live entertainment onboard.
Bus transfers to and from Amsterdam included.
Check-in opens
Check-in closes
Depart North Shields for Amsterdam
Arrive in IJmuiden, Holland
Coach departs for Amsterdam city centre
Coach departs Amsterdam for IJmuiden terminal
Ship departs IJmuiden
Breakfast available onboard
Arrive in North Shields
Relax in our newly renovated cabins!
All our cabins onboard the King Seaways and Princess Seaways have received a stunning makeover, and you could be among the very first to enjoy it!
So, what's in store? Picture sparkling new paintwork, fresh carpet underfoot, brand-new chairs and desks, along with new mirrors, bedside tables, and more. We've even included extra USB ports for all your devices, not to mention the updated bathrooms!
Why wait? Come aboard and embark on your springtime adventures with a fresh beginning!
Sail into the season of spring!
A mini cruise is more than just a crossing; it’s an experience you don't want to miss! Relax your way to Amsterdam, as you embrace the fresh sea breeze on deck and discover all the excellent facilities onboard.
Indulge your taste buds with a delicious meal at Explorer's Kitchen or North Sea Bistro and treat yourself to something from the Duty Free shop. End your evening with drinks and live entertainment in our bars and clubs onboard.
After a good night's sleep in your private en suite cabin, it's time to explore the romantic Dutch capital. Stroll through the city and lose yourself in the canal lined streets, or visit the lively markets and browse the hand made trinkets. Be enchanted by the energy of this beautiful city and make memories you will cherish forever!
Terms & Conditions
Booking period: 27 April to 4 May 2024.
Travel period: 28 April to 30 June 2024.
Starting price is based on 2 people in a 2-bed inside cabin. A small supplement applies for other cabins.
ETS charge is calculated in price.
Only valid for new bookings and not in combination with other promotions/discounts.
Offer subject to availability.
Commodore cabins are excluded from this offer.
Bus transfers to and from Amsterdam are part of the total cost of the mini cruise package. You will get your cabin price first and the bus transfer prices will then be shown separately.
General DFDS terms and conditions apply.
Restaurants Onboard
Double Bed Cabins
Our double bed cabins are designed with couples in mind. Sail between Newcastle and Amsterdam in this comfortable, en suite cabin with inside and sea view rooms available.
Sea View Cabins
Sail from Newcastle to Amsterdam with front row seats to the beautiful North Sea from your en suite, sea view cabin. Cabins can sleep up to 5 people in bunk beds.
Economy Cabins
Ideal for the budget-friendly traveller, our comfortable, en suite, economy cabins from Newcastle and Amsterdam sleep 2 – 4 people in bunk beds.
Pet Friendly Cabins
Travel onboard our DFDS ferry in a pet friendly cabin from Newcastle and Amsterdam, which can accommodate up to 4 people and 2 medium sized dogs.
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Duty Free Shopping at Sea
Join us on a ferry to Holland and enjoy unrivalled shopping facilities with savings of up to 50% against the high street.
Food & Dining
Our unique dining experiences onboard include an international buffet and a luxurious à la carte restaurant when you sail between Newcastle and Amsterdam.
Our range of en suite cabins provide accommodation to suit every taste and budget on a ferry between the UK and Holland.
Entertainment
Choose from partying the night away on a short break to Amsterdam, or simply relaxing with a drink in hand.
Family Travel
Sea travel is very exciting for children and our ferries provide a range of entertainment for all ages.
Ship Overview
Discover everything there is to know about King Seaways and Princess Seaways.
Amsterdam Highlights
Amsterdam is a city full of life and energy, especially during the summer. With so much to see and do, a day in Amsterdam can be truly inspiring.
Take a stroll through the colourful streets of Jordaan or explore the historical landmarks of the city centre. Rent a bicycle and ride along the scenic canals, stopping at cafes and restaurants for a taste of local cuisine. Immerse yourself in the vibrant art scene by visiting museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum.
And if you're looking for some relaxation, take a picnic to Vondelpark and soak in the sun. Whatever your interests may be, Amsterdam offers endless possibilities for a memorable day!
Duty Free at DFDS
Shop Duty Free onboard our ferries from the UK and save up to 50% vs UK high street.
With huge savings on premium perfumes, cosmetics and alcohol and generous allowances you can stock up on great deals.
For bulk buys our Calais and Dunkerque Duty Free Shops at our ports are ideal with parking right outside. You can even browse Duty Free from the comfort of your own home with our Reserve & Collect service on all three routes from the UK to France . Simply select your chosen products then collect and pay at our shoreside shops.
Championing the Seas!
We're elated to announce that DFDS has once again retained its title as Europe’s Leading Ferry Operator at the 2024 World Travel Awards.
This accolade wouldn’t have been possible without you, our loyal passengers. Thank you for recognising the hard work of our exceptional team members who are dedicated to ensuring each voyage is as exceptional as the next.
Your ongoing support is the anchor to our success.
COMMENTS
Explore one of Europe's great cities with a DFDS Amsterdam mini cruise! Restaurants and entertainment available onboard. Passenger Ferries Freight Ferries and Logistics About. Our Routes ... Day 1. 14.30. Check-in opens . 16.15. Check-in closes. 17.00. Depart North Shields for Amsterdam. Day 2. 09.45. Arrive in IJmuiden, Holland. 10.15.
Amsterdam Mini Cruise. From £99 per person based on 2 sharing a cabin. Available on All ticket types. New: Mini Cruises can now be booked up to September 2024! Choose your destination below and plan your adventure from just £99 per person based on two people sharing a cabin. Our Amsterdam Mini Cruise from UK is a short break with a difference.
Explore one of Europe's great cities with a DFDS Amsterdam mini cruise! Restaurants and entertainment available onboard. Planning a city break to Amsterdam? Explore one of Europe's great cities with a DFDS Amsterdam mini cruise! ... Day 2. 09.45. Arrive in IJmuiden, Holland. 10.15. Coach departs for Amsterdam city centre. 15.30. Coach ...
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.
Sailing on Friday the 8th March 2024, you'll get to rock the boat with 2 nights packed full of incredible entertainment with a chance to experience your favourite The Jam songs live on your sailing to Amsterdam. From just £89pp your Mini Cruise comprises of two nights accommodation in an en-suite cabin, your return ticket - sailing across the ...
Newcastle-Amsterdam Mini Cruise. Visit Amsterdam with a 2-night mini cruise and explore this eclectic metropolis, complete with beautiful architecture, museums, nightlife and more. %50. 50% off cabin price.
MINI CRUISE DEALS TO AMSTERDAM. At DFDS we have a number of great mini cruise and short break offers all year round. Review all our mini cruises to Europe and book your short break today. Our mini cruise includes 2 nights onboard in an en suite cabin, coach transfers to Amsterdam. Our cruise & stay breaks have all the benefits of the mini ...
Many Amsterdam cruises on a Cunard Queen sail directly to Amsterdam on a roundtrip voyage from Southampton. These are generally between four and 10 nights, with the shorter options usually stopping only in Amsterdam or Rotterdam. The longer voyages may include other European ports of call such as La Havre, Bruges, and Hamburg, or possibly even ...
3 Days / 2 Nights. Prices from... £269.00. Description. Excursions. Accommodation. Tour Dates. Experience an Amsterdam Mini Cruise and spend a day in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. With its many tree-lined canals, cobbled streets and fabulous attractions, including Royal Palace & Zoo and world-famous museums there is so much to ...
4 nights, Northern Europe Nov 6, 2025. Overnight stays +1 View all themed voyages. Calling overnight in Amsterdam, this four-night voyage is a perfect city break. Enjoy extended time to explore the many galleries, coffee shops, and canals that are a signature of this vibrant capital.
Sail overnight on a mini cruise between Hull and Rotterdam, with your choice of day trips and weekend getaways to either Amsterdam or Rotterdam included in the price of your ticket. Find out more about our mini cruise breaks by clicking the links below where you can now book directly online, or call our call centre on 01304 44 88 88 between 9-5 ...
DFDS offer a mini cruise and hotel option which extends your two-night mini cruise with 1 or 2 nights in a selected Amsterdam hotel. You can choose the best hotel from a small selection that best suits your needs, and can opt to spend a night or two here, allowing you to enjoy the legendary Dutch nightlife. You'll find details of this option ...
Explore hidden gems and wonderful experiences on our short break mini cruise holidays with P&O Cruises. Book now for 2024, 2025 & 2026 adventures. ... Amsterdam in a day By Editorial Team . 7 min 27 May 2022. Destinations . Northern Europe . Short Breaks . Explore Northern Europe's most bikeable cities By Editorial Team .
2 Night Mini Cruise to Amsterdam with DFDS Seaways. ... DFDS Seaways Amsterdam Mini Cruise Itinerary. Day 1 14:30 - 16:30: Check in at passenger terminal in Newcastle 17:00: Ship departs Newcastle for overnight cruise to Amsterdam (port of Ijmuiden) Day 2 09:30: Arrive in Amsterdam
An Amsterdam mini cruise is a perfect way for groups of 10 or more people to get away on a fun break. Enjoy your time onboard our cruise ferry as you sail and spend time in Holland's vibrant capital city too. ... Day 2. 09.45. Arrive in IJmuiden, Holland. 10.15. Coach departs for Amsterdam city centre. 15.30. Coach departs Amsterdam for ...
Enjoy the entertainment on-board, tuck into a delicious dinner, or enjoy a bit of shopping before heading to bed in your own en-suite cabin. At 8.15am (or 9am on weekends) you'll arrive in Rotterdam where a coach will be waiting to whisk you to Amsterdam. Depending on traffic you'll normally be there by around 11am to 11.30am.
Arrive in Europoort (09:00 Sat/Sun). The coach transfer to your destination varies between 45 and 90 minutes. 17:00. Last coach departs from your destination to transfer back to the port (Europoort) 18:30. Check-in and board ship. 20:30. Ship departs from Europoort (21:00 on Sat/Sun) for another entertainment filled overnight cruise back to Hull.
A mini cruise is a great way to explore Europe without the need to step aboard a plane. An even better way to see places like Amsterdam, Denmark or Bruges is on a 2 for 1 mini cruise offer. Several ferry operators - and even some cruise lines - offer mini-cruises and occasionally they run a two for the price of one offer.
from £329 pp. 44. Amsterdam City Break. Ambience. 3 nights. 24 Oct 2024. Premium value, traditional cruise experience at an affordable price. from £439 pp. 45.
Start as you mean to go on with a mini cruise to Amsterdam from just £98 for 2 people. Enjoy excellent eateries, duty free shopping and live entertainment onboard before spending the day exploring the Dutch capital. ... Day 2. 09.45. Arrive in IJmuiden, Holland. 10.15. Coach departs for Amsterdam city centre. 15.30. Coach departs Amsterdam for ...
AMSTERDAM (AP) — Decked in the national orange color, dancing to music, and eating orange-glazed pastries, many in the Netherlands Saturday are marking King's Day, celebrating the birthday of their monarch who is enjoying a very slight rise in popularity as per a national poll.. As King Willem-Alexander celebrated his 57th birthday with his family in the northeastern city of Emmen, people ...
In honour of King's Day 2024, enjoy a special discount on your next mini cruise to Amsterdam! Celebrate with 50% off your mini cruise in our newly refurbished cabins when you book by 5 May for sailings until 30 June. Don't miss your chance to explore the Netherlands during one of its most vibrant and beautiful seasons. Your spring getaway awaits!
After the overnight mini-cruise from Hull, you'll disembark the ship and be hopping onto a coach to take you into the city centre for your day trip! Amsterdam is the perfect destination for your Day Trip. Well known for its extensive list of things to do, you can spend a whole day exploring this amazing city. Enjoy exploring the city by boat ...
Your package will include; two festive nights of live entertainment, return coach transfers to Amsterdam for your day trip and 2 nights' accommodation in one of our standard en-suite cabins, all for just £89 per person on one of the most magically festive P&O themed mini-cruises! Plus, you'll have access to all our onboard facilities ...