Jane Archer looks at ferry breaks to destinations in Norway, Denmark and Holland. Read part two for ferry destinations in Belgium, Spain and Ireland
Most people think France when planning a holiday by ferry, but there are many more countries served by sea routes from the UK that are worth a visit.
Sailing times may be longer than hopping across the Channel, but passengers can start their holiday as soon as they board, while cutting out a lot of driving by landing close to their final destination.
Norway
Bergen
The old part of Bergen, known as Bryggen, has historic beamed houses and trendy restaurants, and a short walk away there’s a funicular ride to the top of Mount Fløyen – 1,000ft above sea level.
The city is the gateway to the fjords, which is ideal for clients with cars who want to explore. The ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ tour involves driving to Voss, catching a train to Myrdal, then taking the Flåms-banen mountain railway, which descends 2,844ft to Flåm in 50 minutes, getting back on the bus and taking Europe’s steepest road back to Voss.
Ferry services to Bergen: DFDS Seaways’ Queen of Scandinavia, sailing from Newcastle to Stavanger and Bergen three times a week (twice in summer). Crossing time to Bergen is 28.5 hours. Ferries dock right inside Bergen, so passengers can just walk off to see the sights.
On-board facilities: Standard cabins or Commodore accommodation, self-service and steakhouse restaurants, bars, a kids’ club, disco, casino and cinemas.
Sample package: DFDS Seaways has an 11-night West Coast and Fjords tour, starting with two nights in Bergen from £245 per person bed and breakfast, including return ferry travel with a car and cabin in each direction.
Denmark
Esbjerg
Esbjerg is the capital of West Jutland, a laid-back harbour town with a maritime heritage and the longest pedestrian street in Denmark – Kongensgade
– which is home to more than 150 shops, markets, street cafes, restaurants and art galleries.
The town has museums dedicated to amber and the fishing industry, as well as art galleries and church tours. A favourite day trip is to the original Legoland theme park, at Billund, an hour by car.
Other attractions include the medieval town of Ribe, said to be the oldest town in Denmark, and Givskud Zoo and safari park.
Ferry services to Esbjerg: DFDS Seaways’ Dana Sirena, sailing from Harwich to Esbjerg, three to four times a week. Crossing time is 19 hours.
On-board facilities: Standard, Sirena and Commodore class cabins, buffet and a la carte dining, a sing-a-long lounge with live music, two bars and a kids’ club.
Sample package: DFDS Seaways has seven nights at the Seawest Holiday Centre, 45 minutes from Esbjerg, from £195 per person self-catering including return ferry crossing with a car and inside cabin in each direction.
Holland
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is one of the UK’s most popular city break destinations, with canals which can be toured by sightseeing boat or pedalo. Alternatively, hire a bike to get around.
Amsterdam is an art lover’s paradise – Dutch masters include Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Vermeer. NEMO is an interactive science museum that is fun for kids, while dads will love the Heineken Experience, a brewery tour that ends with a tasting session.
Ferry services to Amsterdam: DFDS Seaways’ King of Scandinavia and Princess of Norway, with daily overnight sailings in each direction. Crossing time is 16 hours. DFDS ferries dock at IJmuiden, 30 minutes outside Amsterdam. There is a courtesy bus to and from the city.
On-board facilities: Both ships have standard and Commodore-class cabins, buffet and à la carte dining, plus an Explorers themed restaurant, a range of bars and lounges, casinos, kids’ clubs and cinemas.
Sample product: Cresta has three nights at the Rembrandt Centrum Hotel from £180 per person room-only. A return crossing from Newcastle to Amsterdam costs from £264 for two adults with a car and cabin in each direction travelling May 14-17.
Rotterdam
The centre of Rotterdam is not the most attractive, but it is popular for shopping, with designer outlets and department stores. Art lovers should make a beeline for the Museum Boijmans van Beuningen, which is home to the work of masters including Rembrandt, Monet, Dalí and Van Gogh.
The cube-shaped houses designed by Piet Blom are also intriguing – one is uninhabited, so visitors can see inside.
You can also take the super-fast rocket-like lift 185 metres up the Euromast for a view over the city, or take a chance in the casino.
Ferry services to Rotterdam: P&O Ferries’ Pride of Hull and Pride of Rotterdam, with daily overnight sailings in each direction. Crossing time is 12 hours. Ferries dock at Eurooport, about 24 miles from the centre of Rotterdam. Non-drivers can take the train into town.
On-board facilities: A choice of standard, premier and club cabins, Langan’s Brasserie, family-friendly carvery and buffet, live entertainment in the show lounges, kids’ clubs, casinos and cinemas.
Sample package: Somewhere2stay.com has three nights’ bed and breakfast at the Westin Rotterdam from £343 for two people from May 1-4. A return ferry crossing from Hull to Rotterdam for two people and a car and cabin costs from £198.
