Mini cruise
Board in IJmuiden in the evening, spend the day in Newcastle, and be back in the Netherlands the following morning. This is how the DFDS mini cruise works.
- Two nights on board, a day in Newcastle
- Transfer bus into town included
- Passport and ETA needed for the short trip too
The mini cruise to Newcastle
Table of Contents
How the mini cruise works
The mini cruise uses the regular overnight ferry in both directions: you board in IJmuiden in the late afternoon, spend the first night in your cabin and arrive in North Shields in the morning. You have the day in Newcastle, sail back on the same route in the late afternoon, and after the second night on board you are back in IJmuiden in the morning. DFDS sells this as a package with two nights on board and a day in Newcastle.
You spend your time ashore however you like. How much of it you get also depends on how quickly border control runs in the morning.
What the package includes
The package includes the transfer bus from the North Shields terminal to Newcastle city centre and back. Children under three eat free on board. You choose your cabin when you book, and the price is per person; the Prices & fares page gives the starting price. The cabin categories are on the Cabins page.
Don't forget the entry rules
Even for a day in Newcastle, you are entering the UK. Every traveller needs a valid passport; for most EU citizens a national ID card is not enough. Visitors also need an ETA for every person, including every child, which you apply for online from the UK government in advance. Allow a few days, as the decision can take up to three working days. The Check-in page explains what happens at the terminal.
What is not allowed
Pets are not allowed on the mini cruise. If you want to take your dog to England, book a regular crossing with a pet cabin or kennel; the rules are on the Dogs & pets page.
Your day in Newcastle
The transfer bus included in the package takes you from the North Shields terminal to the city centre and back again in the afternoon, in good time before check-in closes at 16:15. The rest of the day is up to you. If you want to stay longer, book a regular return crossing instead of the mini cruise. The Newcastle ferry terminal page shows the terminal and how to get there.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the mini cruise
How long do I get in Newcastle? +
A day, between arriving in the morning and sailing back in the late afternoon. How much time you have ashore also depends on border control.
Do I need an ETA for the mini cruise? +
Yes. You are entering the UK, so you need a valid passport and every visitor needs an ETA. The Check-in page explains what happens at the terminal.
Can I bring my dog? +
No, pets are not allowed on the mini cruise. If you want to travel with your dog, book a regular crossing; the rules are on the Dogs & pets page.
How much does the mini cruise cost? +
The price is per person and depends on the date and cabin. The Prices & fares page gives the DFDS starting price.
Fancy two nights on the North Sea?
The departures from IJmuiden for your date are in the timetable.