Play Hard

Dreaming about winter city breaks? Snap up these DFDS deals…

Hop onboard the Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry and discover Christmas on the continent – now with up to 30% discount.

Written by Becky Hardy

Published 17.12.2022

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There’s something so festive about winter city breaks.

The Christmas markets, with their twinkling fairy lights, oompah bands and Christmas carols; the scent of hot chocolate mingling with fresh bratwurst and all the spices that combine to get that mulled wine just right; the frost in the air and the crackling of log fires inside; the majestic silhouettes of a city skyline reaching up into the stars.

It’s a magical time. But we know that for many of us right now, winter is also an expensive time.

Which is why we wanted you guys to be the first to know about the incredible deals DFDS have right now – deals that could see you sail off into the winter sunset on European city breaks that Christmas dreams are made of…

WHY AMSTERDAM OFFERS ONE OF THE BEST WINTER CITY BREAKS

Amsterdam is one of those cities you never tire of visiting.

Whether it’s tiptoeing through the tulips in springtime or crunching through the fallen leaves on the cobbles in autumn, the Dutch capital evolves with the seasons – meaning each time you visit, you’re guaranteed to discover something new.

And, in our humble opinion, winter in the city can’t be beaten.

Aside from being the cheapest time to visit, the winter months see Amsterdam transform into an enchanting winter wonderland, with snow-lined avenues flanking its canals, a wealth of cosy cafés, pubs and the famous Amsterdam ice bar (which are all far easier to hole up inside now peak tourism season has ended), open-air ice skating rinks, light festivals, rooftop raves and a giant Ferris wheel with unbeatable views.

Plus, if you ever run out of inspo, we can give 44 things to do in Amsterdam right here.

DFDS NEWCASTLE TO AMSTERDAM DEALS

Overnight, the DFDS ferry can get you to your Amsterdam city break directly from Newcastle in comfort and style.

Better yet, unlike other vehicles, travelling by DFDS ferries Newcastle to Amsterdam means your European city break can start from the minute you step on board. So, you can sit back and relax as you literally sail away from any seasonal stress.

Need any last-minute Christmas shopping? Consider it sorted in DFDS’ expansive duty-free shop, which has every gift you could ever dream of. With the potential of saving up to 50% on prices compared to the high street, you’ll find deals on spirits, wine, beer, fragrances, Lego, confectionary, and cosmetics – more than enough to fill your boot (or Santa’s sack!).

So, whether it’s sophisticated dining or hitting up the rooftop bar, indulging in a little shopping, enjoying some live music or catching the latest blockbuster on the silver screen, you’ll find it all and more on the DFDS ferry.

What else to do now but fill you in on DFDS’ Winter Wonders deals – which, right now, have up to 30% discount and trips starting from as little as £57…

Mini Cruise to Amsterdam

Price: from £57pp

Hop aboard the DFDS Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry this winter and enjoy a whistle-stop tour of ‘the Venice of the North’ – soaking up all those festive vibes in the city while shaking off any seasonal stress with some relaxation onboard.

Departing at 5pm on your first day, you’ll sail through the night – during which you can wine and dine in swanky restaurants, grab a drink in any of the bars, hit the dancefloor, catch some live music or sit back and watch the latest Hollywood blockbusters, before nodding off in your private cabin.

While you’ll feel a festive atmosphere as soon as you step onboard, it won’t be until you arrive in the Netherlands the following morning that the Christmas magic will really start.

With a bus transfer waiting from the ferry terminal to take you directly into the city centre, you can dive headfirst into the Amsterdam Christmas market, snuggle into any of the cosy cafés, skate your heart out on the open-air rinks or wrap up very warm and imbibe in that ice bar Amsterdam has become so famous for.

However you decide to make the most of your winter city break, you best play hard and fast, as the ferry will set off for home at 5.30pm that evening.

Talk about a wanderlust-filled winter weekend!

Your ticket includes:

Return ferry crossings
2 nights onboard in a private ensuite cabin
Coach transfers to and from the ferry

Booking period: until 31^st December, 2022

Travel period: until 31^st January, 2023

FIND OUT MORE

Winter City Break in Amsterdam

Are you dreaming of winter city breaks that don’t end quite so quickly? We hear you.

With DFDS’ Winter City Break in Amsterdam deal, you can still enjoy a round trip on the Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry and all the onboard festivities that includes, while extending your stay to two days in Amsterdam.

With a variety of packages to choose from – all currently enjoying 20% discounts – DFDS’ offers on winter city breaks to Amsterdam are unlikely to be beaten.

You’ll be able to make your home from home in one of DFDS’ handpicked partner hotels, located right in the heart of the city centre, too, so you couldn’t be better positioned to soak up all the Christmas magic of one of Europe’s most beloved cities.

Your ticket includes:

Return ferry crossings
2 nights onboard in a private ensuite cabin
2 nights accommodation in Amsterdam
Coach transfers to and from the ferry

Booking period: until 31^st December, 2022

Travel period: until 31^st January, 2023

FIND OUT MORE

New Year’s Eve Mini Cruise

Price: from £256pp

One of the jewels in winter’s crown is, of course, New Year and the dazzling celebrations we so often see around the world as we herald in a fresh trip around the sun.

But let us ask you this: have you ever spent New Year’s Eve exploring all the festivities in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, before dolling yourself up and

partying onboard a luxury ferry with singing, dancing, a gourmet gala and free-flowing fizz?

Well, this could be your chance.

DFDS’ two-night New Year’s Eve Mini Cruise from Newcastle to Amsterdam offers all the enchantment of a winter city break in Amsterdam combined with a magnificent party package.

Your ticket includes:

Return ferry crossings
3 dinners
2 breakfasts
All-inclusive drinks on New Year’s Eve
Live entertainment
2 nights onboard in a private ensuite cabin
A short break in Amsterdam

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Winter Short Break in Europe

Price: from £85pp

It’s the holiday season, after all, so you’d be forgiven for wanting the best European city breaks you can get your hands on – which may well be even longer and more luxurious than two nights. Which is why DFDS’ Winter Short Break in Europe deal could be the cream of the crop for you.

Pack up your car, plan a five-day short trip with DFDS and experience Christmas around the continent as you visit classic winter destinations – including Amsterdam, Brussels and Cologne – with some breath-taking seasonal scenery to take in, too.

Not only does this offer include return ferry travel from Newcastle to Amsterdam, but also includes space for your car with unlimited luggage, which is perfect for bringing home all those extra Christmas presents.

Your ticket includes: