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Mini cruise to Amsterdam

Book your newcastle-amsterdam mini cruise now & enjoy 50% off.

Hop aboard the adventure now!

Spring into action and book your mini cruise to vibrant Amsterdam with 50% off !

Relax in our newly refurbished cabins and elevate your travel experience to new heights. Book before the 18 April to secure this fabulous springtime deal.

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!

Terms & Conditions

Booking period: 7 March to 18 April 2024. 

Travel period: 7 March 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.

Onboard Experience

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.

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Mini Cruise to Amsterdam    

DFDS June 22, 2022

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With DFDS a mini cruise to Holland’s vibrant capital, Amsterdam, is the perfect way to experience a lot in just a few days. If you’re looking for a short break, this is the perfect way to travel.  

Here we will tell you what makes our mini cruise so popular and why it’s the ideal short break to make unforgettable memories, regardless of age, your travel buddy or budget.  

But what exactly is a mini cruise?    

On a mini cruise, your holiday starts as soon as you step on board. You can enjoy; comfortable en suite cabins, great food, a choice of bars, fantastic entertainment and transportation to Amsterdam and back, making the trip as relaxing or as adventurous as you desire!  

Your mini cruise itinerary    

Day 1-  Your cruise starts with check in from 14:30 until 16:15 at the North Shields Terminal. Once on board you can stow your luggage in your cabin and get exploring – the earlier you check in, the earlier you can start your holiday.  

Now it’s time to discover our facilities on board. You have a choice of different bars, restaurants and live entertainment across different floors. For a special taste experience, we recommend our à la carte restaurant, North Sea Bistro. If you prefer a wide selection of different dishes, our buffet restaurant, Explorers Kitchen, is where you will find this with a large selection of dishes for every taste and diet.  

Fancy a bit of shopping? Another special feature on board is our duty free shop where you can buy a wide variety of duty free products from well known brands.  

With all of these options, you will be sure to have an enjoyable afternoon and evening on board. Find out more about our facilities below.  

Day 2 – When you wake up the ferry is already in European waters and you can see the coastal landscape on the horizon. We have an extensive breakfast buffet available in the Explorers Kitchen which will ensure you start the day right before arriving at the port in IJmuiden at 10:00am where a shuttle bus will be waiting to take you to the vibrant capital.  

You will reach the centre of Amsterdam next to the railway station, from there you can easily reach the city centre. Now it’s time to discover the world-famous 17th century capital of the Netherlands and enjoy the historic buildings, the beautiful museums and the pleasant Dutch ambience. Take a boat trip on the canals, rent a bike to see as much as possible of this beautiful city, stroll through the Vondelpark and go shopping in the city centre. 

After your city exploration and an exciting day in Amsterdam, you can return to the ferry at the DFDS stop at 15:30.   

Day 3 – Now the last hours on the ferry begin. Enjoy the last moments of the maritime feeling on the sea and treat yourself to breakfast in the Explorers Kitchen whilst enjoying the last hours with a view of the sea.  

Now it’s time to prepare for departure. Around 10:00 am the ferry arrives at the port in North Shields and you have the option of taking the bus to Newcastle City Centre to return home. 

We hope this has helped you to plan your mini cruise according to your wishes and we look forward to welcoming you on board.  

Top tip: Popular departure days are Friday and Saturday, so please book these days in advance. If you want to travel cheaply, choose a departure day between Sunday and Wednesday to get the best price.  

About our facilities on board    

Cabins onboard    

You can choose from a variety of cabin types to suit your needs.  Whether you’re looking for luxury in a spacious suite with a double bed, want to bring your four-legged friend on board, or are looking for a budget option, there’s a cabin waiting for you. Find out more about our cabins here . 

Restaurants and Bars onboard  

During your mini cruise, you can enjoy all the amenities and facilities on board. From our award-winning gourmet restaurant, North Sea Bistro, to a Sky Bar on the top deck with live entertainment and a cinema, there’s plenty on board to get your holiday going. There’s even a Kid’s Club to keep the little ones entertained while you set sail.  

Here’s an overview:  

• North Sea Bistro   
• Explorers Kitchen  
• Coffee Crew Café  
• Navigators Pub + Live Entertainment  
• Columbus Club + Live Entertainment  
• Compass Bar  
• Sky Bar 

Entertainment and shopping onboard   

Entertainment is also provided during the crossing so that you can start your holiday in the best way possible.  

Have you forgotten to pack something? You’re sure to find what you’re looking for in the duty-free shop.  

Visit our cinema with the latest feature films or pass the time playing air hockey. If you are travelling with children, there are play areas for them to have fun.  

Here is an overview:  

• 100m² Duty Free Store  
• ORCA Wildlife Watch (only on KING Seaways)  
• Cinema + Snacks & Popcorn  
• Jack’s Treasure Hunt for kids  
• Kids’ Club  
• Games area with air hockey, racing games and more  
• Massage Chairs 

https://www.dfds.com/en-gb/passenger-ferries/mini-cruises/holland/mini-cruise-to-amsterdam/from-boutique-to-buzz

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Top Christmas Markets mini cruises

Get into the festive mood with these traditional Christmas Markets mini cruises from DFDS.

Each year I grab any opportunity I can to visit authentic Christmas Markets across Europe.

These bustling markets are a pleasure to visit and would even warm the heart of Mr Scrooge.

👍 Hear about the deals first - click here and follow my Mini Cruise Addict page on Facebook (opens in new window).

Quaint wooden huts decorated in festive attire sell traditional gifts and seasonal food and drink. European Christmas Markets can be romantic, charming, fun and exciting all-in-one. It's easy to get lost in the festive cheer.

Each year DFDS runs a series of mini cruises to the most popular Christmas Markets in Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands. Having sailed on a couple I can wholeheartedly recommend them as a great winter short break holiday. Here is why.

Cologne Christmas Markets Mini Cruise

Cologne is a really beautiful city and it becomes even more special at Christmas. When I visited there were eight separate Christmas markets on offer.

Two nights in the very comfortable 4* Marriott Cologne hotel on Johannisstrasse offers plenty of time to see the sights and explore many of the Christmas Markets although you do need to plan your trip carefully if you want to visit all the different markets on offer.

4* Marriott Cologne hotel on Johannisstrasse

The Cologne Cathedral Christmas market is by far the biggest and most popular - but with that comes vast crowds. We visited the market a couple of times and on both occasions we felt more like sheep being herded rather than being able to meander at a leisurely pace. The crowds knew where they wanted to go and we had no choice but to follow, making a loop of the markets with great difficulty reaching any of the stalls.

This is the biggest market in Cologne and is free to look around so attracts flocks of locals as well as tourists to what is a relatively small footprint. Pick your times wisely and you should be able to move through this market at a leisurely pace. Alternatively merge into the crowd and experience one of the most authentic German Christmas Markets you will ever find.

Christmas Market at the Cologne Cathedral (Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom)

The Neumarkt Christmas market is ideally positioned next to Schildergasse, one of the main shopping streets in Cologne. This was a little quieter than the markets at the Cathedral but was still busy. My favourite markets were at Heumarkt and Altstadt. These two separate markets seemed to merge into one and featured a range of stalls selling local crafts such as candles through to those that were piled high with bars of tasty fudge, chocolates and more. These markets offered everything the Cathedral markets offered but in a significantly calmer manner. Here we could meander a lot more and browse at our own pace. There was also an ice rink which was popular with families and something none of the other markets we visited offered.

Ice Rink at Heumarkt

Make sure you visit the key attractions in Cologne besides the Christmas Markets. The very solemn Cologne Cathedral is definitely worth a visit. Leave the hustle and bustle of the outside world behind as you step into this quiet, cavernous cathedral. Head to Hohe Straße and Schildergasse for some retail therapy. Hohenzollernbrücke Bridge is an iconic bridge that features in many tourist photos (mine included!).

Hohenzollernbrücke Bridge with Cologne Cathedral in the background

When we walked across the bridge we couldn't help but notice the 'Love Lock' padlocks plastered across the fencing. This tradition of placing a padlock on the fence to symbolise a couple's love for each other has created a unique space. Some call it vandalism, others call it art.

Love locks on Hohenzollernbrücke Bridge

KölnTriangle Observation Deck is arguably one of the best kept secret vantage points Cologne has to offer. It offers fantastic views over the city and the Rhine river.

The view over Cologne and the River Rhine from the KölnTriangle Observation Deck

Lastly, due to the location of your hotel you are likely to walk through the Köln Hauptbahnhof railway station a number of times. This is more like an indoor shopping centre than a train station, with shops and restaurants lining the corridors, and so is a destination in its own right.

Prices start from just £259 per person for a four-night Cologne Christmas Markets mini cruise with DFDS Seaways ° . This includes two nights in an en-suite accommodation on-board, two nights bed and breakfast in the 4* Marriott Cologne hotel, coach transfers to and from Amsterdam and live on-board entertainment

Brussels Christmas Markets Mini Cruise

Brussels is home to my favourite Christmas Market. This is spread across a generous stretch of the city and encompasses lots of different aspects. Dozens of stalls can be found a few steps from the hotel at Place St Catherine (Winter Wonderland) along with an ice rink and a 60 metre-tall big wheel.

The bustling Winter Wonderland at Saint Catherine

The festivities continue along the streets to Grand Place where an amazing light and sound show is held each year. The memorising displays attract large crowds each night.

The light and sound show with projections onto the buildings at Grand Place

Make a beeline for the food trucks and food stalls that serve delicious food. They are incredibly popular and so food is always hot, fresh and perfect on a cold winter's night. Hot dogs cooked on a massive open fire, authentic Belgian frites and Belgian waffles can all make a filling meal on-the-go.

Besides the Christmas markets Brussels has quite a few attractions to check out. It also has an abundance of chocolate shops although be warned not all of them sell great tasting chocolate. If you want something authentic then avoid the shops with tall piles of 'cheap' boxes (they are priced relatively highly but would attract value pricing in a supermarket) and head to the small artisan producers that are tucked away around the city. These alone are reason to visit the city - the chocolate is THAT good!

The short break with DFDS Seaways includes a couple of nights in the 3* Ibis Brussels Centre St Catherine hotel. A few years ago they used the Novotel Centre Tour Noire which was one of the best hotels we have ever stayed in. It was spacious, very comfortable and the breakfast buffet was expansive. The Ibis alternative is just behind the Novotel hotel and when we last stayed there we found the hotel to be small, tired and somewhat lacking, although it is perfectly fine for a couple of nights. It does, however, sit a few steps away from the action so you really cannot fault the location.

Our tiny room at Ibis St Catherine which had barely enough space for the bed!

Prices start from just £219 per person for a four-night Brussels Christmas Markets mini cruise with DFDS Seaways ° . This includes two nights in an en-suite accommodation on-board, two  nights bed and breakfast in the 3* Ibis Brussels Centre St Catherine hotel, coach transfers to and from Amsterdam and live on-board entertainment.

Bruges Christmas Markets Mini Cruise

Bruges is a magical, historical city and worth a visit at any time of the year. But at Christmas it becomes even more special thanks to the Christmas Market that sets up shop at Grote Markt. This traditional market features wooden huts lined with gifts and tasty treats. The ice rink is loved by families and looks pretty set amongst the Medieval buildings typical of Bruges.

Plenty of delicious treats in The Chocolate Line in Bruges

Bruges, like Brussels, offers plenty of fantastic chocolate shops making it a great place to stock up on some tasty Christmas gifts. I would wholeheartedly recommend visiting Dominique Persoone's The Chocolate Line which offers both traditional, safe chocolate truffles as well as some more unique flavours . Bruges also boasts many top-rated restaurants and a number of museums too.

Prices start from just £239 per person for a four-night Bruges Christmas Markets mini cruise with DFDS Seaways ° . This includes two nights in an en-suite accommodation on-board, two  nights bed and breakfast in the 3* Novotel Brugge Centrum hotel, coach transfers to and from Amsterdam and live on-board entertainment

Amsterdam Christmas Markets Mini Cruise

Amsterdam isn't as famous for its Christmas Markets as it is Christmas shopping. While there are small Christmas markets dotted around the city they aren't anywhere near the scale of Brussels or Cologne. You can find market stalls on Leidseplein and Koningsplein. You'll even find an ice-rink too.

What the city lacks in its Christmas Markets it more than makes up for with its retail offerings. If you are after a great deal on your Christmas gift shopping then heading to Amsterdam is a great idea. The Dutch capital is famous for its excellent shopping, with everything you could possibly want from huge department stores to trendy and unique boutiques.

Meandering canals form the backbone of vibrant Amsterdam

At Christmas time, the city is illuminated with festive decorations along the cobbled streets and canal ways, transforming this city into a winter wonderland.

Prices start from just £129 per person for a three-night Amsterdam Christmas Markets mini cruise with DFDS Seaways ° . This includes two nights in an en-suite accommodation on-board, one night in an Amsterdam hotel (which can be extended if you wish), coach transfers to and from Amsterdam and live on-board entertainment

Bonus: New Year's Eve Mini Cruise

Following Christmas there's one more major mini cruise event in the calender before the year is over - the traditional New Year's Eve mini cruise . This is a seriously popular cruise each year and one that fills up very quickly.

This mini cruise departs Newcastle in the early evening on 30 December where you can enjoy live entertainment and music on your overnight crossing. You will arrive in Ijmuiden the next morning and a short coach transfer will take you into Amsterdam city centre where you will have up to 5 hours to spend at will. Catch the coach back to the ship before getting getting ready for the New Year's Eve celebrations.

The ship will take a leisurely cruise down the North Sea Canal towards Amsterdam and en-route you can feast on either a lavish gala buffet dinner or a delicious 3 course à la carte meal depending upon the package you book.

Enjoy all-inclusive drinks that night before toasting the arrival of the new year with your fellow passengers and crew. Head out on deck to see the famous Amsterdam fireworks display light up the sky as the new year begins. The atmosphere on-board will be electric.

The next morning you can enjoy a lazy breakfast on-board before exploring Amsterdam city again. After spending the first day of the year in this wonderful city you'll head back to the ship and then back to Newcastle, arriving early the next morning.

Prices start from just £189 per person for a three-night Amsterdam New Year's Eve mini cruise with DFDS Seaways ° . This includes three nights in an en-suite accommodation on-board, live bands and international acts, a gala buffet on New Year’s Eve, an all-inclusive bar on New Year’s Eve with sparkling wine at midnight, a hot and cold buffet breakfast on New Year’s Day morning, and coach transfers to / from Amsterdam. The open decks on the ship are also a great place to view the the Amsterdam fireworks on New Year's Eve. Prices start from £219 per person for all of this with an upgrade to a 3 course à la carte menu on New Year’s Eve instead of the buffet.

Top tips for all Christmas short breaks

• Book early to secure a good price and a place. The Christmas short breaks fill up quickly, particularly the New Year's Eve cruise.
• Plan your time wisely to get the most out of the trips. If you simply want to meander around the Christmas markets then there's plenty of time to do that but if you want to cram in some sightseeing too then you'll need to use your time wisely.
• Pack light and make sure you have room for souvenirs. You will undoubtedly find treat that would be perfect as Christmas gifts while you are on holiday.
• To that end, take a few extra Euros in case you stumble across gifts and souvenirs that you simply must buy.

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King Seaways ferry

Former names: nils holgersson, val de loire, king of scandinavia.

Cruise line DFDS SEAWAYS (Ferries)

King Seaways ferry current position

King Seaways ferry current location is at North Sea (coordinates 53.15060 N / 3.18495 E) cruising at speed of 17.2 kn (32 km/h | 20 mph) en route to NLIJM-GBNSH-NLIJM. The AIS position was reported 11 minutes ago.

Specifications of King Seaways ferry

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King Seaways ferry Review

Review of king seaways ferry.

MS King Seaways ferry is a Ro-Ro passenger vessel operated by the Denmark-based company DFDS SEAWAYS . The ship has a max capacity of 2140 passengers and 580 cars and 75 trucks (trailers). The vessel was launched in 1987 and currently operates on the England-Holland ferry route Newcastle - IJmuiden (crossing time 15,5 hours).

As cruise ferry, King Seaways has a total of 522 cabins with 1686 berths. All staterooms are air-conditioned and with en-suite bathrooms. The ferry company provides bed linens, towels, and toiletries. All cabins offer as complimentary amenities bedding, bathroom (WC, shower, washbasin, towels), large mirror, LCD TV (except standard and economy cabins), writing desk with chair, clothes storage (hooks and hangers), European plug points (220V 2-pin sockets).

• COMMODORE-class are premium outside cabins in categories Commodore and Commodore De Luxe. All Commodore-class cabins are fitted with mini-bar (complimentary drinks), mirrored vanity / writing table with chair, LCD TV, hairdryer, double bed (non-convertible to twins), bedside table-cabinets, reading lamps, wardrobe, seating area (1 round table with 2 armchairs), 2 porthole windows (square-shaped, non-opening). Bonus COMMODORE-class amenities include room service and complimentary hot buffet breakfast.
• Commodore De Luxe cabins additionally receive exclusive access to COMMODORE DELUXE LOUNGE. The lounge is open 24-hour (boarding card access). There are offered unlimited snacks and beverages (pastries, cakes, cookies, fruits, wine and beer by the glass, tea-coffee, soft drinks, juices, bottled mineral water), complimentary use of Wi-Fi Internet, newspapers, magazines.
• DOUBLE BED cabins (a total of 39 inside staterooms) have non-convertible double beds.
• STANDARD cabins are with 2-4 bunk beds (1 lower + 1 upper, or 2 lower + 2 upper), but also can be booked as singles, doubles, and triples.
• SEAVIEW cabins are outside staterooms for 1 to 5 passengers, with available 2-4-bed rooms and 5-bed (family cabins with 3+2 bunks).
• ECONOMY cabins are 4-bed inside staterooms located on lower decks, each equipped with 4 bunk beds (2 lower plus 2 uppers).
• STANDARD and ECONOMY cabins are also with en-suite bathrooms.
• ACCESSIBLE cabins are with linoleum flooring, 2 fixed twin beds (lower), 2 small desks with drawers and chairs, mirror, larger bathroom (raised toilet seat, seated shower, rails).

Some staterooms are wheelchair-accessible (adapted for disabled passengers). DFDS Seaways ferries also have the so-called "Pet Cabins", which are outside (with porthole), with vinyl flooring and bookable only via phone.

• For passengers with disabilities are available 4x outside and 2x inside cabins.
• Onboard lifts are suitable for wheelchairs and connect all decks (except Deck 5). Elevators are sized 107x 143 cm, with entrance door width 85 cm. Disabled toilets are available in all handicap cabins and also on deck 9 (public WC with entrance door width 93 cm).
• Travelers with pets must book a whole cabin (quad occupancy). The animals must be transported in pet cages. Dogs (even service dogs) must be leashed and muzzled. Access to dog toilet area is provided. Dogs are not allowed in any public areas (indoor and outdoor), except registered assistance dogs.

The boat additionally offers a spacious Reserved Seating Lounge with reclining seats (aircraft-type seats) available for pre-booking.

All passengers must vacate their staterooms 30 min prior to homeport arrival. Passenger registration ends 1-hour prior ferry departure.

Shipboard facilities, dining, and entertainment

As facilities, the King Seaways ship offers:

• (Deck 1) two Cinemas
• (Deck 5) Kennels
• (Deck 7) Observation Lounge; Information Desk / Reception / Guest Service Centre - Lobby area with Reception Desk and Bureau de Change (purser, ATM cash machine); 7 Seas Buffet Restaurant (offers hot dishes, cold appetizers, desserts, soft drinks)
• (Deck 8) Explorer's Restaurant (steakhouse) offers all-you-can-eat Explorers Kitchen buffet with an array of international dishes; Blue Riband Restaurant (a la carte); Lounge Bar; Latitude Cafe serves beverages, cocktails, coffee drinks, light snacks, gourmet sweets, fresh fruits and juices, premium ice-cream; Children's Play Room "Kidz Club" is an indoor playground supervised by dedicated staff and fitted with ball pool, large HDTV (for watching cartoons), kids art tables (for drawing). There is also a free kids' entertainer, as well as a games room for teenagers.
• (Deck 9) Sports Bar is fitted with large HDTVs (satellite reception) for watching live sporting and musical programs; Amusement Games; Casino (blackjack, roulette); Columbus Night Club / Disco Bar Lounge; Smoking Areas
• (Deck 7, Deck 9) Tax Free Sea Shops are duty-free priced boutiques / convenience store selling special occasion gifts and souvenirs, alcohol (brand spirits, wines), tobaccos, luxury-brand perfumes and cosmetics, jewelry, watches, sunglasses, leather goods, confectionery, fashion clothing and accessories, toys, electronics and gadgets, gourmet sweets, handmade teas and spices. Special offers (shopping promotions) are offered on each ferry crossing. Payments can be made in cash or via bank cards (VISA, MasterCard, EuroCard). Among the premium brands represented onboard are Versace, Elizabeth Arden, Tommy Hilfiger, Moschino, Paco Rabanne, Carolina Herrera, Hugo Boss, Gucci, L'Oreal, DKNY, Givenchy, Dolce-Gabbana, Face Inc.
• (Deck 10) Sky Bar with outdoor terrace seating and sundeck area; (Deck 10) Commodore Deluxe Lounge (exclusive bar lounge for Commodore-Clas passengers only) is the spot for travelers looking for extra privacy where they can enjoy complimentary coffees, teas, cold drinks, snacks, newspapers.
• (Deck 12) Mermaid Bar (Outside Deck Bar)
• Wildlife Watching Experience (led by ORCA/wildlife charity) allows passengers to learn about the wildlife in the North Sea.
• Reserved Seating Lounge is fitted with comfortable Pullman seats (fully-reclining leather armchairs) and large HDTVs.

(Deck 12) The ship's top-deck is a Heli Deck with a helipad (helicopter landing area used in cases of emergency).

All onboard emergency instructions are displayed at the ship's assembly stations (aka muster stations). Life jackets are issued at the assembly stations. In case of emergency, the use of elevators/passenger lifts is forbidden.

DFDS offers 2-night mini-cruise ferry deals (from both Newcastle and Amsterdam ) with different packages inclusive of stateroom, onboard dining, and entertainment, bus transfers (from homeport). As package extensions can be added hotel stay and travel to local sights and attractions. Seasonal mini-cruises additionally include themed onboard activities and events (parties, games, live entertainment).

Garage decks can accommodate trucks (trailers), cars, caravans, motorhomes, motorcycles, and bicycles - all without baggage restrictions. Follows a list of car decks related safety procedures:

• Disabled passengers or those requiring specific assistance should visit the ship's Information Desk (open 24-hours).
• Apply handbrake and place the vehicle in park or 1st gear position. Switch off the ignition, alarm, electrical equipment, headlights. Gas cylinders, if any, must be switched off. Lock the vehicle.
• From your vehicle take only valuables and essential hand baggage.
• Make a note of your vehicle's location and garage deck number/stairway before leaving the car deck.
• Access to the ship's vehicle (cargo) decks during the voyage is prohibited.
• Smoking on vehicle decks, as well as in cabins and passenger lounges is forbidden.
• Wait for the onboard announcement before returning to your vehicle.
• In order to avoid air pollution, don't start the engine until instructed.

The shipowner DFDS Seaways ( fleet , 1866-founded, headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark ) is a Danish shipping company that operates passenger and freight ferry services in Northern Europe.

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King Seaways ferry ship related cruise news

DFDS Seaways resumes ferry services from the UK

Nearly 4 months after it was suspended because of travel restrictions related to the spread of COVID, the Baltic ferry service resumed just in time...

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Other DFDS SEAWAYS cruise ships

• Athena Seaways ferry
• Aura Seaways ferry
• Calais Seaways ferry
• Cote D'Albatre ferry
• Cote d'Opale ferry
• Cote des Dunes ferry
• Cote des Flandres ferry
• Crown Seaways ferry
• Delft Seaways ferry
• Dover Seaways ferry
• Dunkerque Seaways ferry
• Luna Seaways ferry
• Optima Seaways ferry
• Patria Seaways ferry
• Pearl Seaways ferry
• Princess Seaways ferry
• Regina Seaways ferry
• Seven Sisters ferry
• Victoria Seaways ferry

King Seaways ferry Wiki

Previously, the vessel was operated under the names Nils Holgersson (1987-1993), Val de Loire (1993-2006), King of Scandinavia (2006-2011 by BRITTANY FERRIES ) and King Seaways (since 2011 by DFDS). From the same Peter Pan-Class are the ferries Princess Seaways , GNV Cristal , GNV Atlas , Cotentin .

The ship was launched on August 16, 1986, acquired (by Wallenius Safe Felicia AB) on February 20, 1987, and entered service on June 26 (inaugural cruise). Originally, the vessel (Nils Holgersson) was ordered by Swecarrier (TT LINE's parent company), but during the construction, it was sold to the privately-owned Wallenius Lines. Upon delivery (February 1987) it was bareboat-chartered to Swecarrier and deployed on the Sweden-Germany route Trelleborg - Travemunde . In February 1992, the vessel was sold to SweFerry AB but kept the same service.

In January 1993, the cruise ship was sold to Brittany Ferries, renamed "Val de Loire" and drydock-rebuilt in La Spezia (at the INMA shipyard / Industrie Navali Meccaniche Affini SpA). During the 5-month refit (February-June) were changed the forward superstructure and bow door, all interiors were completely refurbished. In June 1993, Val de Loire started operations on the UK-Spain route Plymouth-Santander, alternated with UK-France service ( Plymouth - Roscoff ) and Ireland-France ( Cork -Roscoff) services. In 2004, the ship started the UK-France regular service Portsmouth - St Malo and Portsmouth- Cherbourg . The vessel was sold to DFDS in November 2005 and delivered in February 2006.

King of Scandinavia, together with the fleet mates Queen of Scandinavia (now Moby Dada ) started in May 2007 the Newcastle-IJmuiden service. In January 2011, "King of Scandinavia" was renamed to "King Seaways".

The ship is powered by four MAK-Caterpillar marine diesel engines (model Krupp 8M552) with combined power output 19,9 MW.

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Judging by what I found the restrictions will be restricted to only a part of the river right next to Luzhniki stadium, only on days when there are games there and only for a few hours a day.

> The radisson flotilla is not offering any over the period

Maybe it's just too early. The details of the restrictions have been announced a few days ago, maybe they were waiting for that and hopefully will come up with an updated schedule shortly.

Thanks for the information. Hopefully someone is still running at least partial river tours, would be a shame to miss out on this part of the moscow experience.

There are so many companies!! tickets are sold at the day of the trip

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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St. Petersburg to Moscow on Zosima Shaskov with Gate 1

By mermaid lady , August 17, 2014 in River Cruising

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mermaid lady

Will be leaving on a river cruise 9/5 - 9/16/14 from STP to Moscow on MS Zosima Shaskov, totally unfamiliar with boat and area, any info will help. I've been warned about what to do and not to do as far as food and water, which has already frightened me. We are a group of 12.

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Dear egocentric, welcome to Cruise Critic! You would get more responses if you had put the voyage in the header.

I believe the ship is similar to the Lev Tolstoy, which we cruised on last September. There is nothing to worry about if you keep common sense.

Please read our trip story on our website http://www.stevekathytravels.com. Our e-mail addresses are also on the website.

Also, if you go to this website, http://riverfleet.com/cruises/view?id=38, it gives a day by day breakdown of your cruise.

I hope you have gotten your Russian Visas by now. You can get rubles from any ATM in Moscow or STP. The exchange rate is about 36 to 1.

We are always happy to answer any questions.

Go and enjoy your trip, relax.:)

Dear egocentric, welcome to Cruise Critic! You would get more responses if you had put the voyage in the header. I believe the ship is similar to the Lev Tolstoy, which we cruised on last September. There is nothing to worry about if you keep common sense. Please read our trip story on our website http://www.stevekathytravels.com. Our e-mail addresses are also on the website. Also, if you go to this website, http://riverfleet.com/cruises/view?id=38, it gives a day by day breakdown of your cruise. I hope you have gotten your Russian Visas by now. You can get rubles from any ATM in Moscow or STP. The exchange rate is about 36 to 1. We are always happy to answer any questions.

You were very kind to post all those links to the OP.

His first post to CC and only two weeks before a big trip to a foreign land, he was lucky to have your valuable info and insight.

Lets hope some of the others in his group of 12 have done some homework! Travelling to Russia definitely needs some prior planning!

You were very kind to post all those links to the OP.   His first post to CC and only two weeks before a big trip to a foreign land, he was lucky to have your valuable info and insight.   Lets hope some of the others in his group of 12 have done some homework! Travelling to Russia definitely needs some prior planning!

Thank you for your kind words. We enjoy sharing our experiences with others to help them out.

You might get some response if you post in the River Cruising section. There are often posts about Volga River cruises.

You could try the appropriate Roll Call board, but with only 150 passengers (approx) on river boats, it's unlikely that you will get many, or any responses from people cruising on the same date.

We did a similar cruise with another company six years ago. Russia is a magnificent destination and the river was fascinating.

Unfortunately the cruise boat excursions are in large groups and offer frustratingly brief glimpses of Moscow and St Petersburg. Best thing we did was to stay extra days in the centre of both cities to explore independently at our own pace.

Beware of pickpockets, they are excellent at what they do! Keep wallets etc. in inside, zippered pockets.

You might get some response if you post in the River Cruising section. There are often posts about Volga River cruises.   You could try the appropriate Roll Call board, but with only 150 passengers (approx) on river boats, it's unlikely that you will get many, or any responses from people cruising on the same date.   We did a similar cruise with another company six years ago. Russia is a magnificent destination and the river was fascinating. Unfortunately the cruise boat excursions are in large groups and offer frustratingly brief glimpses of Moscow and St Petersburg. Best thing we did was to stay extra days in the centre of both cities to explore independently at our own pace. Beware of pickpockets, they are excellent at what they do! Keep wallets etc. in inside, zippered pockets.

Thank you so much for your help, I am completely new to this. I don't even know how to post properly on this site. I do appreciate the information.

Host Jazzbeau

I am not a HE, and the name used was because it was the only name I could come up with as so many names were turned down. I really don't have an attitude I just came across this website by accident trying to get some information. But I would like to thank you for responding. Have a nice evening.

You might want to start over with a new name. Cruise Critic is a wonderful resource for all cruises, but as in a Greek tragedy our greatest strength is also our fatal flaw: the most prolific posters tend to have definite likes and dislikes based on their lengthy cruise history (often with one favorite cruise line). If your CC name seems to dis- them, your posts often will not get a fair hearing. Just human nature. ;)

tassietravellers

Hi egocentric

you might want to post on the River Cruise Roll Call page, here is the link to it, if you use your cruise company, cruise title and travel date you might find other passengers and get more info relative to you.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=685

I hope you have a great trip, we've done a couple of river cruises and I'd love to go on one cruise in Russia...its on the bucket list! :-)

We have gained so much useful information from so many very helpful people here on CC, I hope you do too.

I´ve just returned from Russia a week ago. I´ve been on the Ivan Bunin which is a sister ship to the Zosima Shashkov. The Ivan Bunin has been renovated in 2011 and the combined 2 cabins to one (not all of them but quite a few). The regular (old) cabins are really tiny (not to mention the bathroom). We were able to see a few cabins. You can see some cabin photos here . 326 is one of the "doubled" cabins (and we´ve been in that one) which has a larger bathroom.

The itinerary is really spectecular and I took more than 2,100 photo :D. So make sure you have enough data storage with you! But we also had gorgeous weather with upper 80ies and bright sunshine (a real heat wave for August). My review with lots of photos will be online soon but it´s in German. We did the St. Petersburg - Moskow itinerary.

Although the Russian are not allowed to accept foreign currency you were able to pay in Euro (and Dollar in some place) in most of the touristy spots (especially souvenir booths).

Food was simple but good. We had bottled water for all excursions. There are supermarkets up the street in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Not too far to walk. Water is pretty cheap.

Dear Jazzbeau,

The lady is a first time poster and had difficulty getting a screen name that was acceptable.

Please post instructions on how she can change her screen name to one that will not raise any hackles.

Dear Jazzbeau, The lady is a first time poster and had difficulty getting a screen name that was acceptable. Please post instructions on how she can change her screen name to one that will not raise any hackles. Thank you

Cruise Critic has a FAQ:D http://boards.cruisecritic.com/faq.php?faq=guidelines#faq_names

Copied from that FAQ link:

User Names & Signatures

You are allowed one Cruise Critic user name per person.

Although we are often amused and awed by the creativity of our members when in comes to the selection of a USER NAME for use in the community, Cruise Critic reserves the right to change and/or delete any USER NAME in our sole discretion. Please do not create names that are vulgar, inflammatory or are intended to be promotional in nature.

If you would like to change your user name, please send four or five choices for a new name along with the reason for the change to: [email protected] .

In addition, we may, at our discretion, change or remove inappropriate graphics or text from online signatures and profiles without notice. This may include vulgarity, nudity, political statements, and or any other content we feel inappropriate for our cruise community.

I hope your cruise is an exciting rewarding experience.

Thank you so much, hoyaheel.

I spoke to the lady today and she was successful in changing her screen name.

Found that OP had started another thread in another forum. Now that name is changed and threads are merged, let's help her out!

PS - thanks to Talisker92 for posting info on how to change names. I didn't have time to look this up before the problem was solved!

I spent a half hour on the phone with the nice lady and allayed a lot of her fears. We discussed currency, size of cabins, food and water,time differences, weather etc. Also suggested the not to miss sites.

I was glad I was able to help her.

My review is online now but it´s in German - anyway there are a lot of photos to look at so you can see what to expect.

We did change 150 Euros (actually we used the ATM at St. Petersburg airport). Most of the money went into the tips and a coffee break at Moscow airport. We are no big shoppers. We bought some magnets and some pieces of lace (as my Mom is a lace maker). There´s a lot of nice stuff to buy but nothing I really need. You can still change money onboard or pay with Dollars / Euro and receive Rubel as change.

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