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2 night Marine Wildlife Mini Cruise to Amsterdam 

Enjoy our wildlife watching cruise as you sail overnight to Amsterdam from Newcastle. Learn about our oceans ecosystem and spot an array of animals that live in the North Sea. Fun for all the family - adults and children alike.

What's Included:

• 2 nights in an en suite cabin

• Deck watch as you depart Newcastle (weather dependant)

• Activities for kids, information for adults, latest sightings and news

• Short presentation in the Sports Bar / ORCA centre

• Coach transfers to and from Amsterdam

• Approx. 5 hours in Amsterdam

• Common wildlife en route: minke whale, dolphin, harbour porpoise, gannet, great skua, kittiwake and many more!

Departing from the International Passenger Terminal in North Shields you can either leave you car in the ports secure car park or take the DFDS Seaways bus from the centre of Newcastle (additional charges apply).

Once onboard the ferry our leading wildlife experts from the wildlife charity ORCA will teach you about the delicate balance of our oceans ecosystem, and the wildlife that lives within it, and provide you the opportunity to spot some of the fascinating creatures talked about as you go on deck as you depart Newcastle.

While sailing to your final destination, Amsterdam, you will enjoy a number of animated talks and presentations from ORCA members, about local ocean wildlife, including birds, whales, dolphins etc. and get the opportunity to touch a range of  ‘sea specimens' such as bones, whale baleen, shells and seaweeds.

Your relaxing break doesn't stop there. With a range of great restaurants onboard you can enjoy a scrumptious meal, before heading to the Columbus Club to watch our new live entertainment.

On arrival in Amsterdam the following morning you will be transferred by coach to the city centre.

With so much to do and see in Amsterdam you will be spoilt for choice. With great attractions from Madame Tussauds to Anne Frank's House the hardest decision you will have to make will be where to head first.

No trip to Amsterdam is complete without a trip down Amsterdam's famous canals. Enjoy a unique and wonderful view of the city, before heading back the ship to continue your wildlife watching cruise as you sail back to Newcastle.

Amsterdam Travel Guide
Book 60+ days in advance and receive a 30% discount. Departures from April until September 2013.

What do ORCA do?

Background

ORCA logo

ORCA - Organisation Cetacea (cetacea is the term for all whales, dolphins and porpoises) promotes the conservation of the marine environment through research, partnership and education; providing a forum for the enjoyment of whales, dolphins, seabirds and other marine life. ORCA is a charity that works very closely with the general public to raise awareness of the importance of conserving marine wildlife and habitats.

DFDS Seaways, in association with ORCA, are eager to invite you onboard to take part in a number of educational activities provided by the ORCA Wildlife Officer onboard. These include: a presentation, children’s story telling, wildlife watching (we advise you to bring your own binoculars; however, there are some available from the ORCA Wildlife Officer), and a hands-on-experience!

Read the Orca Wildlife Officer's Blog here:

http://orcaweb.wordpress.com

Find more information on how DFDS Seaways limit their impact on the environment

DFDS Seaways environment policy

Explore Amsterdam - Something for everyone!

Things to do in Amsterdam

Your time in the wonderful city of Amsterdam is perfect whether you travel with your partner, family or friends. With so much to see and do, the Dutch capital city offers something to suit all tastes.

For couples

Take a romantic canal trip and enjoy the beauty of Amsterdam with your loved one. Or why not visit the ‘nine streets’ area which is full of quirky stores. The floating flower market is also a must-see. For a spot of culture visit the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum, which can be reached on foot or by trams 2, 5, 6, 7, 10 & 12. Visit a ‘brown cafe’: pubs with walls darkened by ages, the oldest date from the 17th century.

For families

Amsterdam Zoo provides for a fun day out for all the family, meet many species including lions and monkeys. Alternatively, start with a canal boat tour or rent canal bikes and explore the canal paths. NEMO, Holland’s biggest science centre, brings science to life in a fun and entertaining way. Vondelpark is a great place for walking, playing and eating ice creams! Madame Tussauds and Amsterdam Dungeon are always popular, or visit ‘Our Lord in the Attic’ – a church hidden in an attic!

For friends

Find out what it’s like to be a bottle of beer at the Heineken Experience in the old Heineken brewery. No visit to Amsterdam is complete without a wander around the infamous red-light district. Enjoy a drink and a meal in the Leidsplein area while watching the buskers and street performers. Head for Haarlemmerstraat and its continuation, Haarlemmerdijk, for wonderful unique and quirky shops. If bars are the main reason behind your mini cruise, then why not visit some of the the most popular bars in Amsterdam, making sure you carry on the party from the night before.

Amsterdam Travel Guide

Your time onboard the ferry to Amsterdam

Children in ball pool

As soon as you step onboard you can go straight to your cabin but with all our cruise ferries have to offer you won't be there for long. Before sitting down to dinner you could treat yourself to some retail therapy - everything from clothes, perfumes and jewellery to wines, spirits and tobacco. There's even a variety of toys and games for children.

Relax with a drink

We have a number of bars on board our ferries to Amsterdam, each offering something a little different. Enjoy the intimate atmosphere of the Navigator's or Compass Bar. But if you desire something with a little more sparkle the Columbus Club with its mix of live music and entertainment is certain to please.

Entertainment all night

Try your luck at the casino and enjoy the thrill of the roulette wheel or a game of blackjack all with cash prizes. Or take a trip to the movies and choose from a selection of the latest blockbuster films in our cinema.

Enjoy a delicious meal

Savour the choice of our cuisine and satisfy your appetite in one of our fantastic restaurants. We pride ourselves on the quality and range of our dishes, all prepared fresh on board by our experienced chefs. Feast on our all you can eat international buffet with its huge selection of hot and cold dishes and scrumptious desserts and cheeses. There are also meals for children who eat half price.

You may prefer to dine à la carte and can enjoy a top quality meal in intimate surroundings or treat yourself to a mouth watering tender steak cooked perfectly to your taste. Alternatively simply select a sandwich, snack or pastry from the cafe.

Our onboard facilities

Your Trip at a Glance:

Day 1
14:30 Check-in opens.
16:30 Check-in closes.
17:00 Depart North Shields for Amsterdam.

Day 2
09:30 Arrive in Holland.
09:45 First coach departs IJmuiden ferry terminal for Amsterdam.
10:15 Coaches arrive in Amsterdam.

Day at leisure

15:00 Coaches begin departing Amsterdam for the terminal at IJmuiden.
16:00 Last coach departs from Amsterdam.
17:30 Depart Holland for North Shields.

Day 3
09:00 Arrive in North Shields.


Disclaimer: Prices are subject to availability. Credit card & telephone booking fees apply. Terms & Conditions apply. Offers can be withdrawn at any time

Telephone 0871 522 9955
Got a question?

When can you go?

Cheapest dates are in orange.
Other available dates in bold.