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 afternoon: check-in closes at 16:45 and the ferry sails at 17:30. After the first night in your cabin you arrive in North Shields, Newcastle's ferry port, at 09:15. You spend the day in the city before the ferry sails again at 17:00, and after the second night on board you are back in IJmuiden at 09:45. All times are local, and the UK is one hour behind the Netherlands. The timetable shows the sailings for your date.
What the package includes
DFDS sells the mini cruise as a package with two nights on board and a day in Newcastle. You sleep in your own en-suite cabin on both crossings, and the transfer bus from the North Shields terminal to Newcastle city centre and back is included in the price. 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.
Your day in Newcastle
In the morning all passengers leave the ship, mini cruise passengers included, and go through UK border control. Shortly after the ferry arrives, a transfer bus marked DFDS leaves the terminal for the city centre. It stops on Bewick Street, opposite Newcastle Central station, and leaves from there for the terminal at 14:30 and 15:30. Check-in for the return sailing closes at 16:15. Your booking confirmation is your ticket. There is no luggage limit on board, but on the bus you can only take what you can carry yourself.
There are a good six hours between docking at 09:15 and the 15:30 bus. Disembarkation, border control and the ride into town all come out of that time, so how long you actually get in Newcastle depends mainly on how quickly the morning checks go. Good ways to spend the day include:
- Grey Street in the historic centre, lined with Georgian-style buildings
- Grainger Market, with local crafts and regional food
- Eldon Square for shopping
- Quayside on the banks of the Tyne, where the bridges span the river, with restaurants and cafés
- BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and its exhibitions
- Castle Keep, the old castle that gave the city its name
- St. James' Park stadium, which offers guided tours
A traditional pub rounds off the day before the bus takes you back to the terminal. 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.
Driving to IJmuiden
If you drive, you can leave your car at the car park right at the terminal in IJmuiden for the duration of the mini cruise. It is fenced, covered by CCTV and open to mini cruise passengers as well. Spaces are limited, so you need to reserve one by phone in advance. The car stays for two nights and parking is charged per night; the Prices & fares page gives the price. Without a car, a transfer bus takes you from central Amsterdam to the terminal. How to reserve a space, where the bus leaves from and how to get there by train and local bus are all on the IJmuiden ferry terminal 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.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the mini cruise
How long do I get in Newcastle? +
The ferry docks in North Shields at 09:15 local time, and the transfer bus leaves the city centre for the terminal at 14:30 and 15:30. That gives you a good six hours until the 15:30 bus, minus disembarkation, border control and the ride into town.
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.
Where do I park in IJmuiden? +
There is a fenced car park with CCTV right at the terminal, and mini cruise passengers can use it too. Spaces are limited and are reserved by phone; the IJmuiden ferry terminal page explains how, and Prices & fares gives the price per night.
Fancy two nights on the North Sea?
The departures from IJmuiden for your date are in the timetable.