London to Amsterdam overnight with Stena Line

[@keystonedriving8180]

Back in the day there was a through boat train from Hoek van Holland to Amsterdam connecting with the overnight sailing. It even had a small buffet so you could get your breakfast on the train, which was one of the 4 car Hondkopf (Dog Head) long distance units. The office I worked in at Victoria Station used to have a weekend trip to Amsterdam a couple of times a year. I had a trip on the Prinses Beatrix when it was newly introduced on the route. I was in the bar as we left HvH and the barman was finishing up washing his glasses, they were all on the counter top waiting to be put away. As we left the estuary and took the first sea (it was something like a force 7) the ship rolled and I have never before or since heard the sound of breaking glass lasting that long. That was followed by 'tinkle, tinkle, tinkle' sounds as he swept up the mess! On another occasion I managed to get a trip on the Twickenham Ferry from Harwich Navy Yard to Zeebrugge. It had a passenger certificate for 12, with 8 double cabins, mainly used by lorry drivers though they did take passengers. It was an interesting experience watching the tide in my cup of coffee as the class 08 shuffled the freight wagons off and on to the ferry. To complete the set I had a trip to Paris (as a freebie educational), going on the night ferry in Wagon Lits via Dover Western Docks to Dunkerque. The return trip was on an autorail to Boulogne Tintelleries, connecting with the Aeroglisseur (Hovercraft) to Dover. It was all so much more civilised than travel today, though somewhat slower.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@keystonedriving8180 whoa! What great memories! I have to say though that whilst less romantic, i think the FLIRT to Harwich and the general ambience of the ferry are still pretty neat. Mind you, it would be nice if NS got the mop and bucket out on their trains once in a while... Thanks so much for watching and sharing those wonderful memories ❤️

[@AllianceB95]

Cant go wrong with Stena Line i always say. I always get excited seeing both the Hollandica and the Brittanica arrive/depart and hearing the thumping MAN Diesels. Reliable service, great maintenance and excellent crewmembers too. Foood can be better buuut it's a ferry so take it as it is.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@AllianceB95 Yes i agree with all of that! And thanks too for watching 👍

[@Fan652w]

Thank you Johnny for an absolutely fantastic video. Above all, it was so heartening to see a ferry which still makes proper provision for foot passengers. There should be legislation compelling all ferries using British ports to make proper provision for foot passengers.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@Fan652w Yes the foot bridge makes it a lot nicer. Can't agree though with compelling companies to provide the same elsewhere. Some ferries use old infrastructure and do not run with high profits. So I'd hate something like that to cause the death of a route!

[@davefields3020]

Great video, Johnny! This trip has been on my bucket list for years now - look forward to making it soon!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@davefields3020 well i would strongly recommend it. It is a great way to enter mainland Europe. Best wishes to you and thanks so much for watching 👍

[@marcotaplin4239]

Ah, i remember the boat train from Liverpool St to Parkeston Quay, a short walk on to the Dutch steamer, 1st class cabin overnight and at Hoek v Holland just past passport control were platforms with through trains to destinations such as København or Berlin. Today's experience involves much more walking (not so good with heavy luggage).

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@marcotaplin4239 ah yes. It is certainly a more modern experience. And whilst the metro at Hoek Haven is excellent, the presence of the old station cannot help but remind us of those past days when trains departed for all over Europe! Thanks so much for watching and for sharing your memories 👍

[@clivelangham435]

Good morning. Enjoyed this a lot. Thank you very much.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@clivelangham435 you are very welcome. I'm so pleased you enjoyed it! 👍

[@HonarySpock]

Fantastic Video Jonny. Another one for my bucket list, and for testing their passenger assistance

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@HonarySpock excellent! It did look like their assistance was in the ball at both ends, and the passenger facilities are all step free on the ship itself.

[@andrewclark8630]

Even with the interrail pass, I found it cheaper to buy the combined rail-sail ticket to London than the ferry-only ticket, even with the interrail discount. A very practical way to go because frankly you are not losing time on the ferry if you have a cabin. Appreciate your sacrifice of sleep to do a thorough video! I know the 5.30 start on arrival is a bit harsh.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@andrewclark8630 haha, yes that's certainly true with travel from London. But as I'd come in from Exeter earlier that day, the Interrail pass was definitely my best option for that day. Tbh the 05:30 is uk time, so it should really be thought of as 06:30 as that is the time zone you wake up in! And anyway, they have to be keen getting you up, otherwise imagine the mess if a dozen car drivers have slept in and their vehicles are blocking the exits!! Best wishes to you and thanks so much for watching 👍

[@sandiandgregh]

You’re not alone at all. Ferry departures are exciting and interesting. Stena Line is great. We have our Northlink tickets booked for Sept and are excited already.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@sandiandgregh ah Northlink. Definitely one on my list too. I hope you have a wonderful trip 😀

[@Eurobazz]

From the Steve Marsh videos I've seen, Northlink is a shambles. They don't insist on travellers booking cabins for overnight ferries as Stena does. Consequently, you're stepping over people sleeping in public floor areas. Quite a hazard in the case of an emergency.

[@sandiandgregh]

@@Eurobazz We follow Steve too and actually contacted him before we booked our first trip to Shetland with Northlink. We went to Shetland in 2023 and had great time on the Northlink, going and coming. The return voyage had wild weather but we’re good sailors. No one was sleeping on the floors on either journey. Cabin was great. Good food and friendly staff. We do tend to travel in September. Maybe the issue is in peek times? Hopefully our return to Shetland later this year will be another good time with Northlink.

[@MVMHansOlsson]

Awesome!! Thanks for sharing this wonderful journey with us all💯💯💯👍👍👍

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@MVMHansOlsson you are very welcome. Thank you so much for watching 👍

[@robertsmith8488]

Jolly good video Johnny! Seems like a stress free alternative to the more conventional routes of stepping onto the continent.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@robertsmith8488 Yes, it really is a relaxing way to cross over to the Netherlands. Thanks so much for watching the video 👍

[@lorenzohermoso1085]

Thanks for the movie Johnny. Took this crossing in summer 2019 but with bikes rather than on foot. The station at Hoek van Holland was closed for the conversion to metro. As someone else mentioned there used to be mainline trains to a variety of distant destinations. Harwich used to have a direct cross country train from Glasgow too back in the day.

[@barvdw]

The metro is definitely a downgrade for most ferry passengers on foot, but for the locals, it is much more frequent, well integrated into the Rotterdam public transport system (the metro line continues on to Rotterdam, serving the Blaak station, close to the old cathedral, the new covered market, the cube houses, etc. And if you have the time, I'd definitely check out Schiedam as well, it has a nice little historic town centre.

[@lorenzohermoso1085]

@barvdw Visited the Cube Houses but not Schiedam. Hopefully will go back and see more.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@lorenzohermoso1085 Yes, i recall dinky from the past that boat trains would run from far afield in the UK. I know it isn't as romantic, but a Pendolino to Euston and then the FLIRT from Harwich is still a pretty good quality replacement for Glasgow people. Thanks so much for watching too 👍

[@adamcressy6227]

I am deciding whether to go this way or Eurostar to Amsterdam so very enjoyable video. I prefer trains but this looks fantastic

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@adamcressy6227 ah well... no reason you can't do a comparison by going one way on each of them! In the end it's down to personal preferences and also the ruling prices at the time. Hence why i did not go into much detail on cost as they fluctuate so wildly, especially with Eurostar's demand pricing system. And with Stena you can arguably save a night in a hotel. Anyway, whatever you choose, I'm sure you will have a great time. Thanks so much for watching 👍

[@user-ch9if6px6r]

We did it over and took eurostar back but that was a nightmare. Eurostar was late from Rotterdam to Brussels and we had to get off with luggage and go through security at Brussels. I did not know we had to change trains and do security. We were helped by a nice woman as my ticket would not come up for the Brussels to London ticket. Husband is handicapped so she let us through a shorter line. We got on the train as the door shut. Many missed it that day. Thank you to kind woman in Brussels. The stena ship was great.

[@andywillis2650]

Great video & journey Johnny :) looking forward to the upcoming video's too !

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@andywillis2650 thanks! And thanks for watching along 👍

[@htt232101]

Well...despite living in Leeds my whole life my entire family are from Harwich....I know that area like the back of my hand even today. I loved long 6 week breaks down at my Grandparents who lived on Parkeston Road just up from the Quay. I miss the area so much. Lovely to see you passing through 😊

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@htt232101 it was a pleasure to pass through. I'm pleased to have brought back some great memories 👍

[@htt232101]

@JohnnyHooverTravels if you ever get the chance, the line from Manningtree all the way down to Harwich Town is worth a check. There are some lovely walks around the Wrabness Nature Reserve.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@ thanks for that. I had not thought of that, as i was so fixated on it just being a route to the ferry. As you say, worth going back in the daylight! 👍

[@ianpotter5840]

I still get excited at the ferry port too even though I’m now (just) retired. Heading across the Solent this afternoon to the Isle of Wight so your video was the perfect watch before it’s my turn to get excited! Many thanks

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@ianpotter5840 great to hear there's more people that get excited as the ship pulls away 😀 Hope you had a good trip too 👍

[@PeteG143]

Thank you for a great trip. I’m starting to get past my phobia of ferry travel. Might try this one day.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@PeteG143 Yes, it would be a good one to do if ships/ferries make you nervous, as these modern ones are very stable. Thanks so much for watching 👍

[@PeteG143]

@ victim of a couple rough channel crossings in the past - I was told it was a force 8 gale and 20 foot swells. 😳

[@trailwayt9HG]

Your videos are absolutely very beautiful and very enjoyful. Excellent.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@trailwayt9HG thank you. As always, you are very kind 👍

[@davidwood4892]

Thanks for the heads up regarding the ferry from harwich which I'm planning to do this year.❤

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@davidwood4892 you are very welcome. It is an excellent service. You should have a great trip! And thanks too for watching the video 👍

[@MF-fg3cg]

The kinder transport kids were held at a holiday camp in Harwich. That later was the same camp that was used to film hidihi. Until a few years ago there were specific through express boat trains that linked to the ship and we're very busy with often extra trains run

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@MF-fg3cg thanks for the extra info. I suppose the trains leaving Liv St at around that time are good replacements for those ex-London boat trains. But yes, i remember they used to go from farther afield too!

[@wemailbill2]

What a delightful video. Just came to your channel. Very good! I have subscribed.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@wemailbill2 thank you! There's around 170 videos for you to catch up on 😉 Thanks for finding me and watching this one 👍

[@wemailbill2]

@ I’ve started flipping through those 170 this quiet Saturday. Very nice work good sir! Looking forward to more to come.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@ oh ! Thanks for that too 👍

[@Sim0nTrains]

Bacon 🤤 enjoyable video Johnny and they are big ferries. Room looks lovely as well

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@Sim0nTrains Yes it's a great service! Not a bacon eater myself, but I've heard people like it! Best wishes to you. 👍

[@Diana-andre2018]

Johnny, thank you so much again for another enjoyable video. It was so poignant to see “Kindertransport, The Arrival, and then seeing the children again looking out to sea from the coast of the Netherlands. Stena Britannica looked an excellent ferry. Your cabin appeared nice and good idea of yours to treat yourself to the Stena Plus Lounge, why not? All in all a very seamless experience.😊

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@Diana-andre2018 Yes. It was good to see the children on both sides and, i think, worth the 30 min delay. All-in-all an excellent service. Long may it continue!

[@John-qq8he]

I used to do this trip with Sealink every week in the 1980s. Things have changed a little!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@John-qq8he great memories i guess. But yes, things are nicer now!

[@robinpayne125]

In December I travelled across from Hoek to Harwich in a force 8/9 severe gale and the shipping forecast said the sea state was rough to very rough. The ship departed and arrived on time, and was pretty much rock solid, no more motion than on a fair weather crossing. The ships on that route are very dependable.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@robinpayne125 Yes, I've certainly learned that this is one of the most dependable routes. Thanks so much for watching 👍

[@ReeseofEastAnglia]

There's actually quite a bit to see at Hoek Van Holland! Hoek Van Holland is right at the Southwestern corner of the Holland region of the Netherlands, and the dutch word for corner is Hoek, hence the name. The train line to Hoek Van Holland used to be a heavy rail line, but was converted to a metro, which was then extended to the beach, with dining and walking among the sand dunes As someone with East Anglia in their channel name, I'm quite proud about the Stena Britannica/Hollandica service, as it's the only long distance ferry route out of the region, I think I remember Stena claiming somewhere that the ships on these route were the largest passenger ferries in the world, and while I'm not entirely sure that's true now, or by what metric they used to get that conclusion, it's definitely true that these ships aren't small.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

They are excellent ships and to provide a top notch service. When i was last going from NL to UK on the route i had a look at the Strand at the end of the metro. An interesting place to go to contemplate the sea and watch the movements. Not a bad beach either! Thanks so much for watching and sharing your thoughts 👍

[@dougoliver444]

Ha, just made that drip, by car. Same boat, same sailing. A great way to travel. This time of year lovely and empty 😊

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@dougoliver444 Yes. Such a pleasure! Thanks so much for watching and (literally!) coming along 👍

[@andrewhutchinson36]

Back in the day, there was also an option to travel from London Victoria to Amsterdam using the Dover Ostend ferry. Train from Ostend via Antwerp to Roosendaal, a Dutch city on the Belgium Border. Finally a Dutch train to Amsterdam. Roosendaal is an interesting station where Dutch and Belgium rails meet. SNCB are left hand running while Dutch railways run on the right! For me, Victoria Dover Ostend Amsterdam was always the best route. Shame its no longer available.

[@tonys1636]

Back in British Railways/BR days there was a Dover to the Hook ferry for trucks and unaccompanied trailers, not that well used except by tight haulage companies that wanted to keep mileage and costs down for their trucks without paying for drivers overnight accommodation in France or Belgium, a basic ferry old and not Ro-RO with twin bunked cabins for driver and mate or second driver, only one a day at night in each direction. Harwich to the Hook was the popular route unless a Southern collection and having to fight London or Dartford traffic to get to Harwich. British companies did not like sending their rail wagons to Europe as although could run on their tracks unlike many European ones that were too large for British Railways loading gauge they would often get lost in a freight yard once unloaded. The European Port freight yard and back empty or reloaded in the port with imports was often used. Harwich and Folkestone had rail carrying ferries. Folkestone mainly for the Golden Arrow and Night Ferry from Victoria and the Paris - London Victoria service of the Orient Express. Only the carriages built to the British Loading gauge and locked in passengers travelled, customs done at Victoria and Gare du Nord, the steam locomotives didn't cross. The old customs hall at Victoria platform 1 - 2 now a coffee shop, HM Customs still carved in the stonework.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@andrewhutchinson36 ah yes. There were so many routes until they were consolidated at big ports with big ships ( and of course the tunnel killed a few too) I remember passing through Roosendahl on a previous trip to NL. I was changing trains for Vlissingen. Discovering Zeeland's quirky ferry | Den Haag to Breskens kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaTMc6WgfJpsbsU

[@peterdnreynolds777]

Brilliant video as always!! Nope, I'm the same, love watching the departure away from the dock on a ferry and get more excited too. Are there direct trains from London Liverpool street to Harwich or do you always have to change somewhere for a connecting service? Hope all is well, take care

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@peterdnreynolds777 thanks Peter. Judging from the comments, I'm not alone! There are some direct services to/from Harwich to London, but that change at Manningtree is fairly easy. Oh, and comments on another video said it is worth stopping at Manningtree in the morning to enjoy a fantastic breakfast at the station cafe!

[@peterdnreynolds777]

@JohnnyHooverTravels thank you for the tip. I'm keen to try this from London to Amsterdam then either take the ferry service from Holland to either Hull or Newcastle

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@peterdnreynolds777 that sounds like an excellent circuit 😀

[@seeitsayitdoggo]

A fun little bit about Harwich International is that the CRS station code is still to this day "HPQ", for Harwich Parkeston Quay! Love the ferry ride, saves on hotel costs too, usually I only need to get a hotel for 1-2 nights rather than 3-4 for the same amount of activity.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@seeitsayitdoggo love the HPQ throwback! And yes, you are right it does save on hotels. When i did NL to UK last time, there was a Dutch mother and daughter doing a shopping trip to London which was just two nights crossing with the all day in London sandwiched in the middle. Very doable. Thanks so much for watching 👍

[@roboftherock]

I also got that frisson of excitement / trepidation when any vessel I was sailing in left the quayside. Just the knowledge that I was no longer on 'home soil' triggered it. 30 minute intervals seems to be the norm for all the main rail services in The Netherlands although that metro doesn't act like a metro. These are usually much shorter intervals being 4 or 6 or even 8 services / hour. A good video on a seamless journey which might be the start of travel further afield.

[@barvdw]

It does get more frequent from Steendijkpolder, and on weekdays. It's every 20' from Hoek van Holland during the week, 10' from Steendijkpolder, every 30' on Saturdays and Sundays from Hoek, every 15' from Steendijkpolder. So it's not that bad.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@barvdw thanks for that. I was going to say that I arrived on a Saturday morning and i thought the metro would be more frequent during weekdays. Anyway, you had to be a quick walker, but that 3 min connection was, as i showed, quite doable.

[@roboftherock]

@ As JHT says - thnks for filling in on the service frequency. It still seems a little sparse for a metro service. Most I've come across are usually 10 or 12 minute intervals over the whole route, hence my comment.

[@barvdw]

@@roboftherock I'm not saying you're wrong, I just glanced at the timetable on RET's website, I might have missed peak hour increases. Other lines might be busier as well, this is line B, which peters out at either end, but the core has at least a 15' frequency.

[@phronsiekeys]

I was supposed to take the Stena across on the day that turned into the St Jude's storm back in 2013 when I was on vacation from the US. The next day the Stena was running, but the trains were not. I wound up having a great time hopping on and off local buses to get to Harwich, as the major highway was backed up with traffic and we were instructed it would be better to look for local buses! On the last leg from Colchester I wound up meeting some very nice people who had me over for tea and then drove me to the ferry terminal. I've always wanted to come back to do more local bus adventures (and I will, some day). I agree that the ferry is a pleasant way to get over to NL, and I thought very good value. I could do without the wakeup music, though!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@phronsiekeys that sounds like a great story, and so pleased some locals sorted you out with a lift to the ferry in the end. Don't worry about the wake up music. It is only at a time when you would be setting your own alarm anyway. It leaves you 90mins to shower and dress and pack and of course get some breakfast. It goes off again 30 mins later if you fancy a half hour snooze. And although it "feels" like 05:30 (cos that's what it is in the UK) it is really 06:30 in NL. And if you ain't a KZbinr trying to get departure shots as you leave Harwich, you can be tucked up in bed long before 11pm!

[@paulgibsonphotography]

Great Video Johnny

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@paulgibsonphotography thanks Paul 👍

[@christinehodge3608]

Good video 😊

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@christinehodge3608 thank you 👍

[@RailandBusJourneysAroundtheUK]

Great video Johnny. The prices of the Dutch Flyer Rail Sail deal have risen considerably over recent years. The prices are now £70.70 from any Greater Anglia station to Hook Van Holland only, plus the cheapest single cabin is £50. As a comparison though the prices back in 2010 when I did the trip then, were £35 from any National Express East Anglia(as it was then) station to ANY DUTCH station, and the cheapest single cabin was £24. So it was a much better deal back in 2010 compared to now. I've been over to the Netherlands many times since 2010, though using the other methods of flying, Eurostar(only when the prices are good and affordable though!) and daytime and overnight coaches. But in October 2024, even though the Dutch Flyer Rail Sail prices have gone up a fair bit, I decided to treat myself and do it that way again to get over to the Netherlands for a short break. I caught the direct 1936 London Liverpool Street-Harwich International service. Though I shall tell you in a separate posting why getting that service that didn't go according to plan and was a stressful experience for travelling to Harwich International!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@RailandBusJourneysAroundtheUK Yes it is a shame there's no through ticketing on the Dutch side. Judging by my journey the metro and train would add about €23 to the price of going through to Amsterdam. 🤷‍♂️ Thanks for all that history of the pricing. I thought of putting in more about the pricing options in the video, but it would by nature be soon out of date and it also would have made the voiceover a bit clunky. Thanks again for watching and for the extra info 👍

[@steveparkinson8887]

Great vid,

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@steveparkinson8887 thanks! And thanks too for watching 👍

[@stevenmc4446]

i have been thinking of a trip on that route for years might get around to it this year

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@stevenmc4446 hopefully you will. It is excellent. Thanks too for watching the video 👍

[@terryosullivan2620]

Thank you Johnny Another great video. I was looking at the Harwick trip to visit my daughter in M K eynes and then making my way to see my son in emmen north east netherlands rather than fly ftom luton ,sorry but luton can be a rather dreary airport. Thanks again So i will hopefully do the ferry route.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@terryosullivan2620 Yes the ferry is very easy, so would highly recommend it!

[@Trond_travels]

I like overnight ferries. The favorite is probably Newcastle-Amsterdam, but Bergen-Hirtshals is nice enough. I have never traveled with Stena Line, but Stena's ferries look very large and nice.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@Trond_travels I've always had good experiences with Stena, so would recommend them. Shall make a note of those other routes for my list! Best wishes and thanks for watching 👍

[@Harekiet]

I'll need to try this night boaty trip someday.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@Harekiet Yes you will. It's a lot of fun. And thanks too for watching the video 👍

[@MervynPartin]

That was very interesting. It looks a very impressive vessel. I have only made that particular Harwich-Hoek ferry crossing once on a rail tour to The Rhein and Moselle valleys in Germany (with a sea-sick return), but that was back in the 1960s. My wife and I usually catch a KLM from Norwich to Schipol, which of course is a much shorter journey, with less changes- very important due to mobility problems. Amsterdam is a great choice of City break, particularly for the museums and markets. To be honest, I am surprised that the East coast ports of England like Harwich don't get more use instead of the congestion and unreliability of the Dover/Folkestone routes.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@MervynPartin Yes, i cannot fault you for taking a flight if it helps with your mobility needs. This is a great ship. Very stable and well run. It was a quiet day in January when i travelled, but it (happily) is a busy service much of the time! Coming down from Norwich, i think you would definitely have to change at Manningtree... Thanks so much for watching and sharing your experiences 👍

[@218colin1]

Worth waiting for Johnny very informative the metro you caught does that carry on to Rotterdam?

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@218colin1 Yes it is part of the greater Rotterdam metro. You can use it to get to all parts of the city/region. I pause on the metro map just as i enter the station in the video. Best wishes to you, pleased it was worth the wait 👍

[@samcadwallader2899]

Slow travel is real luxury. I arrive far more relaxed when I use Stena than I do when flying. P&O to Hull is a different matter, costs more, scabby cabins and crack pipe duty free pricing.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@samcadwallader2899 Yes. This route has always been a pleasure for me... and P&O? No thanks...

[@Eurobazz]

Goedemiddag meneer stofzuiger. Thanks for pointing out where the statue is at Hoek van Holland. I've looked for it many times but I thought it was closer to the terminal. I'll build in some excess time the next time I'm there to visit it. BTW, did you know that 'Hoek' is Dutch for corner and not hook? The port's location is actually at the corner of one of the two provinces, namely Zuid Holland, that are actually Holland, together with neighbouring Noord Holland. These two provinces and the remaining ten make up the Netherlands. P.S. A hook in Dutch is a haak.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@Eurobazz loving all of that information! Thank you 👍 And of course, thanks so much for watching too 👍

[@roboftherock]

Apparently not many people know that.

[@77smp]

Brings back memories of 2011 when I first used that route although in reverse after having travelled by train from London to Amsterdam. Shame they don't do the Rail/Sail tickets from any Dutch station anymore. The refurbishment looks good, better to have a lounge than the restaurant and the casino was always pointless. If you ever get the chance, I recommend the ferry from Stockholm to Turku. 😊

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@77smp firstly thanks for the ferry tip. I've made a note 👍 And yes, it is a shame there is no through ticket for both sides of the trip like there used to be. Thanks so much for watching 👍

[@timdiggle5090]

The "any Dutch station" option was dropped when NS stopped serving the ferry port and the line was taken over by RET, the Rotterdam public transport operator, as Metro Line B. There is now a gap between Hoek van Holland and Schiedam/Rotterdam with no railway line - a shame as I can still recall getting a direct train from Hoek to Hanover as a child!

[@eastwestdividetrains]

On Dutch rail ticket prices: there's a sort-of-equivalent to an Advance ticket, the PrijsTijd Deal / PriceTime Deal which is worth checking. Basically book in advance for a particular day, but you're not tied to one train, just off-peak.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@eastwestdividetrains oh. Thanks for that. Worth noting. And thanks too for watching 👍

[@tonyowens40]

good alterative to flying

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@tonyowens40 most definitely 👍

[@CarlSheil-c4e]

Greetings from Ireland.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@CarlSheil-c4e thank you! Best wishes back to you from Devon 👍

[@user-ch9if6px6r]

Johnny, Did you know that in Harwich there is another statue of the children? I didn't know about the one in Rotterdam. The one in Harwich is by the RNLI station.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@user-ch9if6px6r i did not know that, so thanks for mentioning it. Next time I'm in the area i must look them up 👍 Best wishes to you and thanks for watching 👍

[@vanderquast]

Nice Vlog 👍😊The uncleanless of NS trains is really to be ashamed of ☹️ Obvious a policy to save money at the cost of the passenders🧐Greetings from 🇳🇱

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@vanderquast thanks. NL trains are generally plentiful and regular in my experience. But almost always dirty inside and out... 🤷‍♂️ Thanks for the kind words and thanks too for watching 👍

[@antoniodimascio5340]

I prefer the train and the ferry and I am glad that you can bring your pets onboard.i love travelling by train and car but I hate the Eurotunnel that's why I always get the ferry from Dover to Calais and I use PO ferries as they have a pet lounge. Irish ferries and DFDS don't allow pets on deck

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@antoniodimascio5340 this is definitely an excellent service of you have pets with you. I would recommend this route for sure. Thanks so much for watching 👍

[@annasutton8078]

So can you use your bank card to tap in and out out on all the dutch train network?

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@annasutton8078 i do not think so. That is just a feature of the Rotterdam metro.

[@Buurtspoor]

Not many people realise that if you don't need the top bunk, you can flip it up for a somewhat less claustrofobic experience

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@Buurtspoor indeed you can. I was fine with it, but it is a good point to mention 👍

[@kevinellis8869]

I'm guessing you need to do the ferry booking separate from Interrail, is it easy to locate the discount when booking on line? Coming from the East Midlands it could be a better option than into London etc.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@kevinellis8869 it is fairly obvious where you add (take off) the IR discount. There's also probably notes on it on the Man in Seat 61 site. The East Midlands mainline goes straight into St Pancras, so no doubt the change for Eurostar would be fine. But switching to Liverpool St is still pretty easy for onward travel to Harwich. I doubt there's a quicker way these days to get to Harwich without going through London 🤷‍♂️ And thanks so much for watching 👍

[@john07973]

Good vid 👍 What's the €10.20 Environmental Charge ? an absolute scam. No Eurostar service to Rotterdam and A'dam till February due to works at Amsterdam Centraal Station

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@john07973 haha i honestly don't know what that charge is and as you imply, why is it not just part of the headline fare? Wrt Eurostar, there are already direct services into Amsterdam running again. They do appear on the Eurostar website to purchase. Best wishes to you and thanks for watching 👍

[@john07973]

@JohnnyHooverTravels you're right look's like they've reopened Amsterdam ahead of schedule

[@grahamnancledra7036]

What happens to baggage such as a large suitcase. I saw other passengers on the train at Manningtree with suitcases.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@grahamnancledra7036 on overnight services everybody has a cabin, so you put your suitcase in your cabin, just as you would with any hotel room. On day sailings, i think that's what the secure luggage room is for, which is next to customer services. Hope that helps explain things better. Thanks so much for watching 👍

[@OllieV__nl]

The windows are indeed a disgrace. Proper cleaning (or the lack of thereof) has been an issue for ages.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@OllieV__nl Yes. Cleanliness was woeful last time i was in NL too. 🤷‍♂️ Anyway, thanks so much for watching 👍

[@daphnelovesL]

I never know there was a statue in Hoek van Holland!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@daphnelovesL well now you know! It is easy to find as it is marked on Google maps, if you ever want to go to have a look yourself. And thanks so much for watching! 👍

[@daphnelovesL]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels And I visit the place so many times!

[@timdiggle5090]

I have used Dutch Flyer extensively since Brexit slowed down the process at St Pancras (though I tend to come back via the tunnel) and always stay on the Metro Line B, changing at Beurs to Line D or E, to go directly to Rotterdam Centraal (for Paris, Germany Belgium, southern Netherlands) or continuing on B to Rotterdam Alexander for northern Netherlands. Refurbishment looks good - both ships were beginning to look a little tired last autumn.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@timdiggle5090 yeah it is def agood option and you don't get stuck in a basement at St Pancras! And yes there's so many route options when you get into NL. Thanks so much for watching too 👍

[@broadsword6650]

"The music started at 5.30am..." What?

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@broadsword6650 haha. There is a wake up call at 05:30 (UK) 06:30 (Europe), which then gives people time to shower and dress and eat before disembarkation. They really do need to chivvy people along because unlike us foot passengers, the car drivers must be in their vehicles to clear the car decks. You wouldn't want half a dozen cars blocking the exits whilst their drivers slumber on into the late morning!

[@broadsword6650]

@ Thanks!

[@Mishima505]

So no direct service London to Harwich International and no direct service Hoek van Holland-Amsterdam. Hardly going to encourage anyone to use the ferry, especially if you have to schlep heavy luggage at Manningtree and Schiedam stations.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@Mishima505 fair point. I failed to mention there are still direct trains at 19:36 and 20:36. Although that later one would really be cutting it a bit fine! They are a little slower than taking the fast train to Manningtree and then changing, but that 19:36 arrives at 20:59, which is roughly when you start boarding. Thanks for querying that, and thanks too for watching 👍

[@robertvaughan9759]

Alcoholics say the same thing

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@robertvaughan9759 ah yes. So I hear... 😉 Thanks so much for watching 👍