Looking for a complete getaway without the hassle? The minicruise to Newcastle is just what you're looking for. Two nights at sea, a day of shopping and exploring a charming English city, and before you know it, you'll be back home, relaxed, recharged, and with a bag full of British goodies.
I've taken this minicruise to Newcastle six times in three years. Every time, I think: we're going again. It's that perfect combination of truly getting away , without the hassle. The holiday begins the moment you step aboard. Phone off, drink in hand, gaze out over the sea. Done.
Read this article to learn how a mini cruise works and my tips for getting the most out of it. There's currently a Black Friday offer with 50% off this mini cruise . Order now and book your weekend getaway sometime before April 1st—a great prospect!
Why I keep going to Newcastle with DFDS
Honestly? I go for many different reasons. Sometimes just for a weekend getaway. But also for Marks & Spencer , the perfect breakfast by the church, the cider, the old-fashioned market hall, and just the people. The English are just plain friendly. The ferry staff too, by the way.
What I love about this trip: you hardly have to arrange anything. You book, you board, and the rest is taken care of. No checking flight times, no booking taxis, no hassle. The boat departs from IJmuiden, you sleep on board, and the next morning you disembark in Newcastle, leaving your belongings in the cabin—convenient! You have about five hours in the city, and then you sail back in the afternoon. It couldn't be simpler.
I love to visit the UK for packaging design and fun food.
Practical: this is how the mini cruise works
The times on board are in Dutch time, but in Newcastle is an hour earlier. This is what your journey will look like:
- Day 1 : Check-in from 1:00 PM in IJmuiden. Boarding starts at 2:00 PM, and the boat departs at 5:30 PM. 💡 Tip : Make sure you're checked in 45 minutes before departure. If you book dinner after 7:00 PM, you can stand outside as you leave the harbor (with brass band music, no joke).
- Day 2 : At 8:00 AM, you'll be woken by the intercom. Around 9:15 AM, you'll arrive in South Shields, where buses will be waiting to take you to the city center. You'll arrive in Newcastle at 10:00 AM. The last bus back leaves at 3:30 PM, so you have a little over five hours.
- Day 3 : Wake up again at 8:00 am and arrive back in IJmuiden around 9:45 am.
The DFDS ships
There are two ships sailing: the King Seaways and the Princess Seaways. Both were renovated in 2024, and it doesn't really matter which one you're on. The cheapest option is a double interior cabin with a bunk bed. No window, often on deck 8, but a full bathroom. Small? Yes. But everything is there, it's clean, and the bed is comfortable. Honestly, you'll be spending most of your time on deck or in the bar anyway.
On both ships, you'll find the Sea Shop where you can shop duty-free. Souvenirs, designer clothes, Lego, perfume, cosmetics (Benefit!), snacks, and drinks—you're sure to find something!
💡 Secret tip: Are you sailing on the King Seaways? Then there's a fun bonus that almost no one knows about: the Orca Lounge right at the front of deck 7. When I sailed back with my sister in February, we stumbled upon it. We spotted loads of dolphins together on a beautifully colored horizon. It's truly one of those unexpected moments that stays with you.
In the evening on board: bingo, pub quiz, live music and old-fashioned disco
The evening on board is an experience in itself. The Columbus Club features live music and often hosts bingo or a pub quiz – the schedule varies. Perfect if you're in the mood for a bit of (old-fashioned, uncomplicated) fun. Feel like dancing? If you're lucky, you'll be surrounded by a diverse group, just like we saw earlier this year. Young, old, line dancers, dancing queens, and everyone in between. The evening turned into one big disco party!
💡 Tip: If you're not a beer fan, try Bulmers berry cider. You get a large bottle and a glass full of ice—it's delicious!
The Navigator Bar is a bit more relaxed, where you can enjoy the sunset with a cocktail while listening to live guitar.
Is all that entertainment not necessarily your thing? That's perfectly fine. Grab a delicious Starbucks coffee, enjoy some people-watching from a corner, or play a game of UNO in your cabin. There's no cell service on board, so you'll definitely be offline for a bit, which is actually quite nice. That alone creates a more pleasant atmosphere on board, with fewer people on their phones.
Food on board and in Newcastle
On the outward journey, I always book the dinner buffet. For around €29 per person, you get a generous buffet with plenty of choices. Want something a little more fancy? Then you can go to the North Sea Bistro for a two- or three-course dinner.
On the way back? Then I'll skip the buffet. We'll have salads, chips, and sausages from M&S. It's just part of the experience.
Breakfast on board is also possible (and included in a Commodore cabin), but here's my 💡 golden tip : start your day in Newcastle with a real English breakfast at the Cloister Café. This café is located in a beautiful old church and serves a truly good English breakfast, large coffees, and homemade cakes. We love going there every time, and then we always pop into the church to light a candle. The church itself is beautiful, and it's just a lovely way to start your day.
My favourite places in Newcastle
Newcastle is a gritty, working-class city with plenty of pubs, bridges, churches, shops, and history. It's not a slick tourist town, but that's precisely what makes it so enjoyable. The people are friendly, the atmosphere is relaxed, and you can feel the history everywhere. It's a city where you can simply wander around, a little bit like stepping back in time.
The minicruise lasts five hours, so you have to choose a bit. These are the places I'd love to visit again:
- Cloister Café & St. Andrew's Church - Breakfast and a moment of peace. Start here, around the corner from where the shuttle bus drops you off. Super easy, delicious food, and great coffee!
- Grainger Market - A traditional covered market with local produce, vintage items, and tasty snacks. Get a taste of the city here.
- Marks & Spencer - Big, extensive, and exactly what you'd expect. I never leave here empty-handed.
- Eldon Square - The large shopping center if you want to browse a bit more. Also check out Fenwick, especially around the holidays.
- The Geordie Witch - Shop full of mystical and witchy essentials. One of my favorites to browse.
- Zaap Thai - A super fun place where you'll be amazed. It feels like you've stepped straight into Bangkok, and the food is delicious.
What I learned in six trips
- Looking for something a little more luxurious? If you're looking for a more luxurious experience, book a standard cabin and upgrade at the onboard reception. For a great price, you'll have a Commondore cabin with a double bed, sitting area, TV, unlimited Wi-Fi, minibar, and two breakfasts on board. 💡 Note : it's a gamble, as these cabins can be fully booked.
- Parking in IJmuiden : You can often park for free near the terminal, but if you want to be sure, book a space in the secure lot for €10 per night. Call 0255-546666 48 hours in advance. You can also get there by public transport via the DFDS bus transfer or line 382 from Amsterdam Sloterdijk.
- Don't forget your ETA : Since April 2025, you need an Electronic Travel Authorization to enter the UK. Arrange this well in advance. It's quick, but better safe than sorry.
- Phone off : As soon as you're at sea, your phone switches to the maritime network, which is incredibly expensive. Turn off your data immediately upon departure or use airplane mode. You can buy Wi-Fi on board, but honestly? It's really nice to be offline for a bit.
- Visit the Cathedral Church of St. Mary, the church adjacent to the Cloister Café. It's not very large, but it's a beautiful neo-Gothic church where you can light a candle for someone. I always stop to look at the blue snowflake window.
- Bring travel pills . Not that every trip is rough at sea (I like the rocking too), but the sea can easily get to your legs. A motion sickness pill really helps in that case. They only sell ginger capsules at the reception these days, so bring your own just in case.
- Want to enjoy Newcastle a little longer ? Then take the 4-day cruise and book a night in a hotel through DFDS.
- Enter a PIN in your phone for the shuttle bus's boarding and disembarking locations so you can quickly find them again—trust me, it'll save you a lot of stress ;-)
How much does it cost?
The entire trip isn't terribly expensive anyway, but there are regular deals throughout the year. Think of Black Friday deals with 50% off, allowing you to book for just €80 for two people. Weekdays are cheaper than weekends, and you'll find the best prices outside of school holidays.
Get away from it all
The Newcastle minicruise has been the perfect reset for me. No endless planning, no stress, just hop on board and let go of everything. I always come back with that holiday feeling that would otherwise take a week. With a bag full of English snacks and M&S goodies, of course!
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