P&O ferries offers some superb, value for money mini-cruises to the continent. This review specifically looks at the Hull to Amsterdam excursion.
It's very easy to come to the conclusion that cruises are for the posh and wealthy. P&O have made cruises available to everyone now, and without cutting the quality of service. Each year the company offers "2 for 1" deals, which enable 2 people to travel for the price of 1. There are no catches, and no hidden costs.
Whats onboard:
The cruise itself is hardly a round the world trip, but it does offer you the chance to do most of the travelling overnight, whilst still having 2 great evenings outbound and inbound onboard. Booking for travel can be made up to 4 months in advance, and payment is taken online via credit or debit card. The only thing you then need to take to the check-in desk, is your confirmation number and passport. Check-in from
Hull starts from about 17:00, and the latest check-in time is 19:30. As soon as you on onboard you can start exploring the ship, get settled into the cabin. The ship sets sail at 21:00.
The cabin itself, although small, is actually pleasingly furnished. If you want to travel economically, and opt for the standard cabin, you will be allocated a bunk bed style arrangement, so bear this in mind if you are not agile etc.
You can email them to be offered 2 single normal beds. This is usually done charge free, but is done on a first come-first served basis.
There are also upgrades, so you can have extra beds in the room if you have children, and also if you would like more on offer, like fresh fruit, telvision, coffee maker in the room, and also if you would like a room with a view.
None the less the standard accomadation does include an ensuite shower room, which is very clean and very light and refreshing. Free soap, shower gel, shampoo and shower cap are provided, along with fresh towels. Bed linen is soft, and the heating in the rooms is at a comfortable level.
The sleeping is fine if the sea is calm; obviously in rougher waters it can be somewhat difficult to sleep. One other problem I found was that the entertainment in the decks above continued beyond midnight. This will clearly depend which part of the ship you have to be located, but it was not easy trying to nod off while bingo numbers were being called out!
Both breakfast and evening meals are served on board. The evening meal was quite tasty, but there is a limited menu, and even more so for vegetarians. It is also a touch pricey, but nonetheless is still reasonably good. A range of food, including continental style breakfast is available in the morning, and is usually very good and appetising.
There is of corse a variety of shops onboard, offering a wide range of wines and spirits, perfume, and also standard items such as chocolate and confectionary, and things you may need as a tourist such as cameras, batteries, plus momentos of your trip on the ferry. A commision free bureau de change is also on board.
There is varying entertainment on board, so you can choose from a host of things. There is a cinema, and also life performances, bingo, and a more relaxed bar if you want a more peaceful and calm trip. Food and entertainment, including cinema are not included in the original booking fee. The boat as a whole has pleasant and welcoming environment. It is fully carpeted and spotlessly clean, and the staff are friendly and extremely helpful. My only annoyance was the onboard announcement system. Each room has a speaker, which can be quite alarming in the morning as it is not particulary quiet! But is does serve the purpose to alert you of when breakfast is being served, and when it is ok to de-board the boat. For most of the 3-day mini-cruises you will be able to leave any belonging in the cabin whilst you explore Amsterdam. This is indicated by a suitcase symbol on your door key.
One disappointment for those with children, might be that there is little for them to do onboard. Bear this isn mind, as you may need to take some aditional things to keep them occupied There is a childrens play area, but is really designed for under eights.
For those not wishing to take a car, the cheapest price per person is £34 return, but this depends on what day you try and book. Weekend travel will unfortunately increase the price. You can also opt to take your car this averages at about £10 more expensive.
After docking:
Upon docking at the port in Holland, there are free bus transfers to Amsterdam city centre. The journey was much longer than expected - about 90 minutes, although you do get to Amsterdam by approximately 10:00. The dropping off point is Amsterdam central train station, which is within easy walking distance of the main city centre. The coaches return to the station at 17:30, so this really is a day trip, however Amsterdam is a small city, and this does give you plenty of time to explore a large part of it. The ship departs the port at 21:00. arriving at Hull at 09:00 the following morning.
For those who wish to spend a little more time, there is the option to book a night in an Amsterdam hotel (at ones own expense), and come back by ferry a day later.
Overall this is a very cheap way to explore a part of Europe in good accomadation and an a pleasant environment. Always trying searching a variety of dates on the online booking system, as costs can vary quite substantially.
Bon voyager!
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Ohh dear bingo numbers in your sleep.... lol... oh well it sounds like a good service but not really a sea legged person -lynsey
drawcabia 11.03.2007 22:50
Really well written and informative, although it would be more useful in a minicruise category, I think you can contact Ciao somehow to get it changed if you want
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Advantages: Relaxing travel, good price, If you want a cruising taster a good option Disadvantages: Expensive onboard food, innacurate cabin, transfer bus confusion.
likka75 22.08.2008 (22.08.2008)
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