Happy 20th Birthday Newcastle-Amsterdam with DFDS Seaways

On 18th May, DFDS Seaways celebrated 20 years of their Newcastle-Amsterdam route. We helped them celebrate in style with a special day sailing on board KING Seaways. Our family travelled with Princess Seaways during our Easter trip to Amsterdam Zoo so it was lovely for us to enjoy some time aboard her sister ship.

Port of the Tyne Terminal
Heidi waiting to board

Kids club at DFDS Seaways
A warm welcome to families as we boarded KING Seaways

We started the celebrations up on top deck where we we enjoyed panoramic views of North Shields Fish Quay and Tynemouth as we left port. The sun was shining and we enjoyed a nice cold drink and ice creams. The views as the ship sails through the mouth of the Tyne really are spectacular and not to be missed.



Roof bar on the top deck - DFDS Seaways

As soon as we were at sea, our tummies started rumbling and we headed down to the 7 Seas restaurant where we were to be treated to a special celebration afternoon tea.

7 Seas restaurant DFDS Seaways




We all enjoyed our scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream and the homemade chocolate truffles. We were a little disappointed not to be asked if we would like a drink (and we could never catch any staff to ask), especially after such a positive experience in 7 Sea's during our previous trip. Trying to eat sandwiches and scones without a drink is not ideal and I ended up stealing some of my son's juice. I don't really think the afternoon tea showcased the best food that DFDS Seaways had to offer however it filled us up and was quick and hassle free which is what we wanted. 

Next, we headed over to the Wildlife Centre which is unique to King Seaways. I was very impressed with this room which supports the dolphin charity ORCA. There were lots of facts to learn, games to play and wildlife crafts to try.

Wildlife centre DFDS King Seaways

Wildlife centre DFDS King Seaways

Wildlife centre DFDS King Seaways

We met with the on board wildlife expert who went through with us the 20 animals we were most likely to see from the ship including a variety of dolphins and seabirds.

Meeting a wildlife officer on board DFDS Seaways

The wildlife officer kindly pointed out the free on-board binoculars that you are welcome to borrow. We grabbed a couple of pairs and headed out to deck with our spotters sheet.

Searching for dolphins in the North Sea aboard DFDS Seaways

Searching for dolphins in the North Sea aboard DFDS Seaways

Searching for dolphins in the North Sea aboard DFDS Seaways
Jack is certain he spotted a Hump Back Whale (which has been known)

There was lots of entertainment on board ranging from a Michael Jackson tribute act, birthday cake, Captain's speeches, balloon modelling and face painting.  We prefer the simple life though and our favourite thing to do was to sit on deck spotting local North East landmarks.

Tynemouth Priory view from DFDS Seaways

We had a little time to quickly catch up with a few friends......

Gemma - founding member of Northumberland Mumpreneurs



.....but before we knew, it was time to head home. We had a really lovely day on board King Seaways - day sailings are a wonderful way to spend some time with family and friends whilst enjoying some fantastic facilities and a spot of sightseeing. Our children were very excited to be spending the day on a ship too! 

We made a short 60 second video below which I think sums up our day perfectly.




As part of their 20th Birthday Celebrations, DFDS Seaways are asking you to share your favourite DFDS Seaways memory for your chance to re-live your trip. Click here to upload your photograph.

The next day sailing trips will be for the Sunderland airshow on 25th and 26th July. Find out more information here and enter our competition for your chance to win a Sunderland airshow day sailing ticket for your family.


Country Kids from Coombe Mill Family Farm Holidays Cornwall
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11 comments

  1. I was so impressed with the days sailing, I'd definitely do another one! Those views on the outside decks were fantastic!

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    1. Yes you can't beat the views - it's definitely one of the highlights I think x

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  2. I love the idea of going out for just a day, Looby however refuses to go on boats because of the Titanic (yes, really)

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  3. i love shields its my most loved beach of the whole of the north east and your so lucky to have been able to enjoy it from such a beautiful view x

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  4. I would love to do the wildlife spotting, it looks fascinating. Looks like you had a great day out

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  5. It looks like they really go the extra mile to ensure it is a memorable family trip. I love the idea of the wildlife spotting and binoculars too. You really make it sound like an event in it's own right and not just a way to travel. Thank you for sharing with me on Country Kids.

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  6. Aww looks like a lovely trip! I havent really done boats before but would love to do something like this for a day out! #countrykids

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  7. What an excellent idea, the wildlife room. My son would totally love that, and I'd imagine it wows adults too. Top marks there.

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