The Ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam can be done as a 'Mini Cruise', but is it worth the long trip?

[@kenbriooo2005]

What I really like about your videos Steve is the fact that you and the videos are so normal. It gives the average person the opportunity to see what they could do and then go and do it themselves. So many vloggers lose sight of their audience and start going first class etc. Keep, keeping it real 👍🏻

[@andrewclark8630]

He comes across as so likable I actually feel happy when I see him travel in some comfort.

[@SAmusicUncut]

Couldn't agree more! Steve always makes my wife and I believe we can afford to make these same trips!

[@steve-marsh]

Thank you so much, this means so much to me

[@kenbriooo2005]

@@steve-marsh hope my comment came across the right way. As a busy family man with not the greatest amount of spare time or cash, your adventures inspire me to go on my own or with the kids. Aiming to do virgin premium economy next year for mine and my wife's 40th and 15 year wedding anniversary. Not sure an over night to Amsterdam will quite cut that one.

[@RJH1971]

Totally agree!

[@DurhamGooner]

Anyone else find Steve's videos comforting? Hard to describe!

[@steve-marsh]

I really appreciate that

[@scaffmadd]

I’ve just had a really emotional evening with my terminaly Ill mother.. just found his channel tonight I’m on my 2nd video now So totally agree with you

[@sunnybeachwalks4k2022]

That great accent

[@tedcrilly46]

good fall-back content. easy watching/listening.

[@AlanODuffy]

Love your work … an Everyman viewpoint of your imaginative travels … splendid indeed.

[@allandodds5320]

Hi Steve As a wagon driver, one of two of us who handled all of DFDS's part load Denmark freight when this service used to run to Bergen, Norway (using the same ferry you were aboard, then named King of Scandinavia) I used those ships weekly and completely concur with everything you noted about both Port of Tyne and DFDS staff, and the onboard facilities. In fact I almost got banned from the Port (in their South Shields terminal) for parking a trailer to be loaded on the wrong side of a non existent line in a gravel trailer park which I'd never visited before! But DFDS staff have always been incredible. The crew as you'll have noted are largely Asian and European and they live aboard the ship for 6-9 months before they get home leave but are invariably just as you experienced. In fact one of the old bar cabaret acts from the Bergen days, a husband & wife Blues Brothers tribute act now own a sandwich shop about 3 miles from North Shields and we recognised each other "from the ferry" one day! The service and facilities aboard are truly excellent as you found out with quality food.. The only thing which P&O does and DFDS doesn't if soft boiled eggs at brekkie! Not sure how they keep em soft but they're lovely. Come back and I'll stand you a coffee or pint, I live on a boat in the marina just behind your ferry berth.

[@tsr207]

These videos are an abject lesson in how to deliver high standard, professional content. There are very few broadcast networks that could compose a video to this level. Steve's easy going style and remarkable camerawork ensures that the viewer experiences a feeling of "being there"- while his commentary never fails to impart easily understood information that the traveller needs. Excellent !

[@steve-marsh]

John, wow - thank you so much!!!

[@briannorbury5444]

@@steve-marsh let’s hope he means “object lesson”….😊

[@jasongb5666]

He supports Rangers, 😅but I still like him

[@davidcalverley4255]

Friendly note: check *abject* in the dictionary, think you mean “object lesson”.😉

[@Mary-mr4jr]

Absolutely correct about abject and object!

[@marinusdejager2361]

It's such a pleasure watching your movies! I am getting hooked! In this movie you played the Dutch Anthem: Wilhelmus van Nassau, on arrival of IJmuiden. It touched me, since I am from the Netherlands, but now live in Ontario Canada. Thanks again.

[@angietyner888]

We watch your videos since I found them during my recuperation from cataract surgery. Now, we watch them all the time. You do a marvelous job editing, and the captions are perfect.

[@PeterWallington]

Seeing North Shields port gave me an involuntary shudder! Back in 1995 I did a return ferry with Color Line from North Shields to Norway (out to Stavanger, back from Bergen). The return journey was so rough I never made it down to my cabin all night as needed to be on deck for 🤢 reasons about every 10 minutes. Longest night of my life, the horizon would disappear with the swell & it was like a 20 odd hour rollercoaster. Never been so pleased to see the port of North Shields 😁 Love the videos 👍🏼

[@linmorell1813]

I think we were on the same trip. It was horrendous! Even the Coca Cola went for a walk 😂

[@Sine-gl9ly]

LoL More years ago than I care to remember (maybe 1972?) I did Fred Olsen Lines Bergen - Newcastle (I think the ship was called the Black Prince) on my 'way back' from working in Austria for a couple of years. I got a lovely cabin with buffet dinner and breakfast included. I had a nice dinner then went to bed and slept like a log all night. When I woke in the morning I felt great, so I had a shower and got dressed, all the while noticing quite a bit of movement and the bathroom got quite wet. When I made my way to the buffet for breakfast, at about 8am, there was hardly anyone there, and not many staff either - many of whom looked a bit unwell; they looked even more unwell when I wanted scrambled aggs and one of them asked me if I'd slept through the storm ... What storm? I asked. Seriously, on arrival there were ambulances waiting for some people - and I'd known nothing of any of it!

[@2Dylandog]

It's the informality and spontaneity of your videos that make them special. How you realise you can take an extra pillow from the bunk above; how you honestly point out that you failed initially to find the best point of view from beneath the bridge, etc. etc. You manage your camera professionally and your editing is beyond reproach. I like how you included the Dutch Anthem as the DFDS ferry approached the terminal for Amsterdam.

[@joshhancill7273]

i’m 19 and i’m going away by myself for the first time on this mini cruise. I want to start solo travelling so i thought this would be a good starter for me just to ease me in. Thank you for the video, at least now I know what to expect on my travels.

[@jerryoshea3116]

Very good,it w/b a education that u will never acquire in a class Room..And I would advise& encourage u to look for Job opportunities ( even just for a few months) So just be friendly & approachable ( but switched on) ,choose ur company carefully,don't drink to much& u will be fine.

[@PietMeijer_DE-III]

Hello Steve, I am a Dutch citizen and discovered your trips to your destinations. Keep up this good work! The free ferries you pointed out near Amsterdam station are not crossing a river but the Noordzeekanaal. This is a canal digged out from Amsterdam to IJmuiden (you pronounced it very good!). This canal connects our former Zuiderzee to the Noordzee. The Zuiderzee is nowadays called the IJsselmeer because we made some land out of the water with our latest provence Flevoland. Hope you go on with your trips! 😀

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers for the info and thanks for watching :)

[@Lat265]

No in English we call that a wide river......

[@zephyrus339]

@@Lat265 But we're in the Netherlands and here we call any waterway that has been artificially created a canal. Regardless of width.

[@frankmurray1549]

@@Lat265 Any waterway that is dug out by man is a canal. Rivers occur naturally.

[@clioflano421]

*dug out (Past tense).

[@Scott757300]

We did the mini cruise last year, we upgraded to the outer cabin to get a window view and ate at both restaurants. It was a fantastic trip, really well organised and they had it down to a fine art. The food was excellent. We were also very lucky that we had a cabin just along from the main door, so we were able to get off first just by chance! I can honestly say the bed was so comfy and, with the aid of the gentle rocking of the ship, it was a fantastic nights sleep! We did the trip in May and they actually had some marine biologists onboard studying the whales and dolphins and they did a short presentation and chatted to people about them and what they were doing, really interesting. Sadly didn’t see any either! Would 100% recommend this to anyone, it’s a brilliant trip.

[@steve-marsh]

Wow you got lucky with both trips eh! So glad you enjoyed the experience too :)

[@diannebalemi6334]

I really enjoy your videos as i am crippled from a stroke, so all my travelling happens from my couch, I adore Scotland where my ancestors came from [I am born and bred New Zealand],and I love seeing the diverse countries accessable from your home. I wish you could spend more than a few hours in each place,I suppose its too expensive to stay longer and you must have other committments.Thank you for my vicarious life,I am grateful for your videos.

[@wanderer7755]

That’s a lovely comment Dianna I hope Steve sees it

[@gholzem]

i am also disabled and really cannot travel anymore. i live in Hillsboro Oregon. I love the travel videos of trains and ferries all over the world. Steves are great he does a great job.

[@danieldravot341]

@@diannebalemi6334, I’m not disabled but I am geographically challenged so getting to see these short trips on a normal person’s budget is really informative AND entertaining.

[@user-mn1vz5ew7o]

Just found your channel my fellow Scotsman 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿. Love your adventures mate. Much appreciation from Dundee. 👍

[@kenwynn3871]

Fab video, I moved to Amsterdam from the North East 6 years ago and I use this service regularly to visit family back home as it makes it feel like more of a little holiday compared to the 40 minute flight and airport stress

[@buzzukfiftythree]

Great video Steve, as always. The port staff at Newcastle need to be sent down to Southampton cruise terminals for customer service training. The staff there are incredible! Please do write to the port's senior management about the rudeness you encountered. They may not be aware of it and it needs to be sorted.

[@SirPrancelot1]

Good point. At least one other comment saying they had the same treatment, and they weren't even filming.

[@steve-marsh]

Good idea! And thanks, I really should drop them a line, I'd actually hate for anyone else to have to start their journey with such rudeness.

[@wanderer7755]

The fish rots from the head, if it happens consistently it’ll be the management/culture causing the aggression from staff

[@thatfenderbloke]

As regular viewers of your channel it's a treat to see you covering a trip we've done a few times. It's an amazing trip in summer seeing our home North East coast. Shame about the numptys in the port . I would recommend this trip . Great video Steve

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much Tom! I'd love to do this trip in summer :)

[@mstrdiver]

Even with all of your pre-trip preparation, it's obvious that the word wasn't passed around. I would still follow-up after the fact as there has to some sort of badging process they can issue to you in situations like this. Still a pretty fair trip and I watched it all the way through.

[@MySkyranger]

Lucky man with the weather. I have been on that ferry when dozens of people have been sea sick before we left the tyne, I’m not joking.

[@gwendolynfish2102]

Steve I love your enthusiasm about everything! You bring out the child in me! Thank you! This is one of my favorite episodes!

[@Andy-sj2dv]

The Dutch National Anthem when entering Ijmuiden was a nice touch Steve. Thanks for the interesting trip.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Andy!

[@annetivendale8616]

Wow! That sunset when you left Newcastle! Just stunning.💙

[@steve-marsh]

Loved watching it Anne!

[@christoguichard4311]

Great video Steve. One of the most enjoyable travel channels on KZbin! 👍

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much, really appreciate it!

[@LornaCroucher]

I am hooked on all your trips , you are wonderful ❤

[@pete_bluscorp7718]

Congrats on the 50k subscribers Marshy, well deserved mate, loved the “tablecloth” comment, true Scotsman with a great sense of humour

[@steve-marsh]

Haha cheers Pete! :D

[@Thirza.]

Wow what a difference a year makes. Over 200k now.

[@PlanesTrainsEverything]

A great video and CONGRATULATIONS on reaching 50k subs!!! I've worked airside airports and sporting venues. The rule about filming tends to be it's tolerated if it's not for commercial reasons. That aside, your treatment suggests some staff skipped part of their training. Some security staff get twitchy when they see a camera because of a fear of "hostile reconnaissance". I was once barked at when at Euston Station. My argument was it was bleedingly obvious I was filming as a hobby, and with the whole of Euston station's interior available to view on Google Streetview, if I wanted to 'case the joint', I could have done it in the comfort of my own home. I also get strange looks when entering Schengen these days. I have a few Russian visas, and occasionally get cross-examined as to why I've made so many trips there! Superb video, and can't wait to see what you're up to in Amsterdam.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Scott, my point exactly re Google Streetview! And of course you could just put your phone camera on an pretend you're on a call while filming it all! Cheers mate, you'll be flying past my figures very soon!

[@ianker7143]

Added to which, just about everyone has a video camera in their mobile phone so how do they know whether those folks are filming. If you were filming for nefarious purposes, surely you wouldn't be so obvious about it. When terrorist hysteria was at tis height, I used to carry a 'business card' that said: "I'm a photographer not a terrorist".

[@alexmcwhirter6611]

Thanks Steve for another honest travel video. I hadn't realised such a route / service existed ! It would make a great jumping off point for rail fans wanting to go deeper into mainland Europe. I mean it saves having to trek south for a ferry alternative or to London for Eurostar which, as you may know, is quite expensive nowadays.

[@kudzumoose3861]

@@Eurobazz ??

[@steve-marsh]

Such a good point, maybe I can start an epic rail journey from there one day!

[@tonyshield5368]

If you interail it as I did last year - day one of interail pass Edinburgh - London is included, Reservation fee Eurostar London --Amsterdam £30 - similar for return on last day of pass. 4 day pass for over 60 in 2023 currently discounted to GBP 153. so Edinburgh to Amsterdam = 153/4 + 30 = 38+30=£68.

[@Snowshowslow]

I looked into that (the other way around) but they are not really keen on you using one way of their return concept. That doesn't mean it's impossible of course :) But for example don't try and book the route where you intend to just use the return part - they don't allow you on halfway.

[@martenkats6915]

I'm from The Netherlands and live in Scotland. I've taken this ferry a fair few times now, I actually will be on board this time next week for a trip over to family. I'll take my car on the ferry, which I've done before. When I'm over there, I want to visit friends/family across the border in Belgium and in a relatively remote part of The Netherlands. Having my own car with me makes it much easier. I enjoy taking the ferry as it's for me just an extension to my holiday. I enjoy the on-board experience and it's much more relaxed then flying. Not much waiting around, and when I am waiting, it's just in my own car! I always aim to be there before boarding for car passengers starts, at 2.30pm, so I've got plenty of time to just relax on board and enjoy my trip.

[@janettesinclair6279]

That was an amazing bargain, and thank you for taking us along. DFDS have certainly got the transport to and from the ship well organised, so there is nothing to worry about. Beautiful sunset and sunrise! Looking forward to your film of Amsterdam.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much Janette! Only a short time in Amsterdam but I hope the next wee video is okay :)

[@grantmitton6346]

Steve, Northern British Columbia Canada Here. I just want to say "Thank You' so much, for taking us along on so many wonderful trips. We, my wife and I, are looking forward to joing you on many other trips in the Future. Good luck, and stay well.

[@brianmorrison9168]

I laughed when you got a warning for filming at the station. I made a few films on the Newcastle Metro system and during one of my earlier ones, the driver changed at the metro depot in Gosforth and said I couldn't film .. why I asked, I've seen plenty of folk taking pictures of filming. Anyway I got out at the next station and heard over the tannoy 'FILMING IS NOT ALLOLWED ON THE METRO SYSTEM' i returned the the previous mstation, walked 20m to the Metro HQ and asked for a permit to film. Within 5 minutes I was kindly given one by a very understanding and helpful customer services member. I got the next rtrain and finished my film. I always got a permit to film for my next journeys, but was never asked for it ... obviously one jobsworth driver. Great trip to the Netherlands. I live in Whitley Bay just about 5 miles from the mouth of the Tyneand have seen that ferry leave several times, as I like to video the ships. One more thing ... pity the bus to the port on the UK side was a normal double decker bus, but you had a luxury coach on the other side.

[@steve-marsh]

Haha so true, I remember thinking that when I saw the coach tuen up at the Dutch side :) And thanks so much for sharing your experiences, I find it all so unnecessary, especially the rudeness!

[@jannydegraaf267]

We made this trip from Amsterdam to New Castle. The food on board is very good. Just loved it ❤

[@sonnylatchstring]

I enjoy watching your videos. The energy you radiate is amazing. I myself am not the person to undertake such trips. I see too much hassle, waiting, dragging and fatigue showing up. But looking at it and still experiencing an adventure and being able to see beautiful places is a true feast. Your enthusiasm is uplifting.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much! Yeah, you’re right, sometimes the full directors cut is nowhere near as fun :)

[@Trond_travels]

I did this trip in 2018. First KLM flight from Bergen to Amsterdam, then DFDS to Newcastle. Amazing journey. I do recommend travelling with Fjord Line from Bergen to Hirtshals.

[@steve-marsh]

Oh would LOVE to do that one!!!

[@cindyd8646]

Wow Steve! Another terrific video! They just get better and better. Yay sunrises and sunsets at sea! Yay lighthouses! Yay calm winter crossings! It did really seem like a mini cruise, especially the buffets. Well done you! Boo to the Port people. They have a job to do, agreed; but as in any case, there is no reason they cannot be at least be polite about it, until it appears that more stern action is needed. I have learned here in US that once someone has been given a badge, devil take the hindmost on how one is treated. End of rant. Your sea journeys are the best! Thank you so much for them. Fair winds and following seas!

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks for your rant Cindy, but you're right, the world would be a better place without all the unnecessary rudeness! Thanks for coming along :)

[@858493]

Ive had a badge and locked up many, all l will say is an old Copper once said to me when l was new, Treat everyone as if it was you on the other end, in other words treat everyone how you would expect to be treated and you cant go wrong. thanks for the journey loved it regards Doc from Down Under

[@delboyfly1139]

I love the enthusiasm you two have for everything you experience. You should have your own travel show 🥰

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much! :)

[@Hinklish]

Used that ferry a lot when it was the Val De Loire between Ireland and France. Grand ferry.

[@lookoutleo]

When DFDS announced they were starting to allow passengers on container ship from grangemouth across, I email them to ask if I could get on , they said yes but when I suggested taking my folding bike even in a suitcase they said they would kick me off the boat, , charming. 112£ is a bargain , I would love to do it that way , it looks great . I've been on Eurostar few times but means going via London which is hectic. I live in western Highlands so not to difficult for edinb and on to Newcastle

[@johnclauder615]

This "no filming" business is crazy; anyone with a phone can film anything anyway without being detected. Put a coloured jacket or a badge on someone and they can't control themselves with all that "power" ... and for what ! Enjoyed your videos, image quality is outstanding and the commentary always straight to the point and in simple language.

[@steve-marsh]

You are SO RIGHT!!!!

[@Gus0898uk]

@@steve-marsh I think it is legal film on Railway Platforms, as long as you don't use flash which can distract drivers. After all Steve, you are being filmed all the while you are on Railway property.

[@LauraMcLaughlin.]

Your videos are simply the BEST STEVE. Others try to- but not a chance.

[@barrywood2806]

You really are so good at this. Many vloggers overdo the personality thing, but you are so natural. This video reminded me of a similar trip I did with office colleagues from Harwich to Hamburg. It was a Friday/Saturday trip, and I missed my football team winning 9-3! I also used DFDS several times many years ago (mid-late 60s) to go from Tilbury to Gothenburg. It cost 8 pounds back then, rising to 11. It took 36 hours and one trip was especially rough. And you're trapped. You can't get off. All you can do is lay in your cabin losing the will to live. You've had a similar experience or two, but not for 36 hours!

[@steve-marsh]

Oh I've had that experience of feeling trapped too, so glad I had calm seas this time :) And thanks so much for your kind comments, really appreciate it!

[@peterdnreynolds777]

Great vlog as always Steve. Hoping that DFDS bring back some of the other ferry routes that they used to do from Newcastle to Norway and Denmark. Hope all is well, take care and have a great weekend

[@steve-marsh]

Totally agree mate!

[@doriskovalcik442]

Always interesting traveling with you. These Saturday morning trips with you show me places I never dreamed of seeing. Thanks.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks Doris! Always a pleasure :)

[@aston-martin-internationalist]

I sailed on this ship when she ran for Brittany Ferries as the 'Val de Loire', really comfortable ferry and quite well appointed.

[@steve-marsh]

No way! That's so cool!

[@henkdeblouw4169]

I've traveled many times with DFDS, the King Seaways and her sistership, the Princess Seaways. And it's always a treat. Thank you for this fantastic video with lots of 'aha'-moments. What touches me every time, is the music played at the PA when the mooring ropes are removed from the bollards: 'Anchors away'

[@amazer747]

And for those wanting to see the views from the bow like Steve did here, travel on the King Seaways and the sister ferry, Princess Seaways does not have the forward facing observation deck.

[@steve-marsh]

good info!

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks Henk!

[@cannyexplorer5357]

In the 1990’s we used to take their mini cruises from Harwich. Our best was to Esbjerg, a town although smelt of fish but had the friendliness inhabitants who showed us the best parts of their town.

[@howardscott1556]

I remember taking the DFDS mini cruises from Harwich to Hamburg and Cuxhaven about 20 years ago. The ships were good then but they look even better now.

[@MHG1023]

@@Eurobazz Still operating ??? I thought that route was discontinued ...

[@MHG1023]

@@Eurobazz I just looked it up and - yes - it´s alive and well ... ... and prices especially during high season are way lower than on the DFDS route (checked 2 pax incl car rtn). So, even considering the longer route with DFDS I feel they´re overpriced. I am happy for the Stena route because I´d prefer arriving in the UK north of the Thames avoiding the M25 + tunnel charge etc. when going to Milton Keynes. (Newcastle would be way to far north for that)

[@MHG1023]

@@Eurobazz I know but even Stena offers overnight crossings by extending the crossing time (cruising at a lower speed I suppose). Ijmuiden-Newcastle is about 500kms Hoek van Holland-Harwich is about 200 kms only. Still, DFDS asks 1350€ rtn and Stena only ~500€ rtn in high season ... But I recognize that DFDS offers a higher comfort level than Stena.

[@steve-marsh]

Really impressed with the onboard experience

[@discharge29]

my new favourite block watch while i'm off ill from work - love all these vids so far

[@thomaswislocki2804]

Before covid I used to go from Hull to Zeebrugge on a very regular basis, either with my wife on holiday or 1 day shopping expeditions, or when I took groups of friends on 5 day tours of the battlefields of the Western front. The day Brexit started my ferry sailed off into the sunset and is now sailing from mainland Italy to Scicily, I still have the Hull - Rotterdam one available to me but it has added a 2 hour drive to get to Belgium and France. It was so handy I live 35 mins from the ferry terminal, teatime at home and breakfast at Pascchendaele....all gone Steve, I must count myself lucky I had that service available to me but feel sorry for the following generation that won' t have what we did. Your video reminded me of the best of times mate....

[@steve-marsh]

Ach that's so sad isn't it! Sounds like you had a great little trip in place there, and now it's been replaced with complications or just nothing at all :(

[@flitsertheo]

@@steve-marsh Over the years I have witnessed a decline in services and means of crossing offered. I managed to do the Ostend to Dover crossing by Jetfoil (that is truly amazing) but missed the last Hovercrafts. Then there were no more crossings from Ostend, now the Zeebrugge-Hull crossing is also gone. Even the seagoing DUKW excursions at the Belgian coast are gone. For once the good old days were better.

[@petergoddard1960]

It was really great to see this particular ferry experience as it's fairly local to me (Durham) and I've thought about a weekend over there many times. I was really impressed by the standards on board. It looked like you had a smooth crossing, sods law would dictate that I'd be crossing in rough seas and enduring far worse. Its basically this that has stayed my hand so far.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Peter! So glad to get calm seas!!!

[@philgray1023]

They weren't putting this on for Steve. The staff are excellent. We had one rough crossing but the ship is so well stabilised you wouldn't know it. Get a cabin with a pothole if you are worried. Also the showers are excellent too. When we went over they had a scotch whisky tasting night with over 50 different whiskies to sample. I only managed 7.

[@petergoddard1960]

@@philgray1023 Thanks, Phil. That’s really helpful. I will do it, I swear.

[@steveparkinson8887]

This is why you've achieved 50,000 subscribers. Simple, gud entertainment, great vids. Many congrats.

[@steve-marsh]

Really appreciate it Steve!

[@Glenfiner]

Such a great vlog yet again Steve and a massive congratulations on your 50k subs! Well deserved.

[@steve-marsh]

Really appreciate it Glenn! Thank you!

[@MsCroatianCanuck]

Not only are you humorous but a walking encyclopedia (remember those?) I so want to go on this ferry and indulge in the buffet. Great job man ☕

[@kevinbarrett2653]

Another superb VLOG. I am in the unfortunate position of being very ill at the moment. My travelling days are over. These videos are exactly what I used to do 30 years ago. It brings it all back. Thank you so much Steve. It makes an old man very happy. Can we see more of Alicya please?

[@dave300m7]

Another great video Steve, very handy as I was looking at the crossing for later in the year. The “no filming here” policy is daft, it sounds like regulation for regulations sake. If the Port is offering a public service, they should have no issue with being filmed provided you are being reasonable. You can bet that all the public areas are well covered with CCTV, so they are quite happy to film you!

[@roderickjoyce6716]

I have been told off by PoT staff when meeting travel groups as a guide at the Cruise Terminal (haha) and the Ferry Terminal next door - apparently arriving on a bicycle is grounds for suspecting me of planning to nick one of their boats. On one occasion there were no free berths, and the cruise ship had to berth next to Howden Sewage Treatment Works.

[@steve-marsh]

That's such a good point! :D

[@holylochlad.4119]

Another cracking video sir, you make places so interesting, and you explain things in a simple and calm manner, keep them coming Steve.

[@pixelfascination]

What a bargain!. I'd have paid that just to see the sunrise over the North Sea. Steve, you're not the only one to have had a bad experience at that port. Just before covid, a couple of friends of mine did that exact same route to go and see an old Uni friend who lives in Groningen now. They were both a bit giddy and hyper (not drunk) just 2 50 year old big kids and they said the port staff treated them like naughty children and were rude, condescending and humourless. Maybe the staff need training in people skills. Edit - Oh and congrats on the 50k subs mate.

[@SirPrancelot1]

Yes, but it's a shame they can't just hire people that aren't jerks.

[@narabdela]

I've done this trip several times and you've just got to accept that the Port of Tyne staff are the downside. The check-in staff are fine, but the others are downright awful. The rest of the trip is worth it though.

[@pixelfascination]

@@narabdela Exactly. That's what my friends said. They had such a bad experience there, they actually considered flying home, rather than have to go through the Port of Tyne again on the homeward trip.

[@roderickjoyce6716]

@@SirPrancelot1 The management seem to have a problem with passenger traffic as the PoT is 90% commercial freight. The DFDS ferry is the only regular passenger service, and there are several cruise ship visits every year. The cruise ship passengers are welcomed ashore by a couple of officials in a wee tent with a pot plant, a big notice saying "Welcome to Britain's Number One Port" (haha), and then wander off across a windswept area by the former railway customs shed (the railway and the BR ferries to Norway, Germany, and Denmark are long gone) to get on the tour buses. The DFDS buses stop outside the ferry terminal which at least offers a bit of shelter in bad weather. It's a real shame, because most Tynesiders are genuinely open and friendly and it shouldn't be hard to find decent staff.

[@SirPrancelot1]

@@roderickjoyce6716 Agreed. There are plenty of Geordies who could do a good job as well as having a good attitude with customers.

[@AbbiBrads-tu3gs]

You seem like such a lovely, respectful and down to earth guy. We’re going on a family trip on the ferry with a 1 and 3 year old, so this was really helpful in letting them get a glimpse of what to expect :) thank you.

[@steve-marsh]

Have a wonderful time! There is a children's play area (which I didn't film for obvious reasons!) Thank you

[@BillCameronWC]

We did that return crossing last September, overall very good. We were driving, down from Nairn via Broughty Ferry, & spent about 10 days in Netherlands, a week with my brother & his Dutch wife in a small village down in the very south of the country near Maastricht. On the way back, 2 nights in a very “posh” hotel in Utrecht, a city neither of us had visited before, enjoyed the whole trip a lot. I thought DFDS was pretty good, decent food in the buffet, and a small but comfortable outside cabin both ways. We also spent a couple of nights near Alnwick on the way back. PS/ Check-in & customs in both directions was smooth & trouble-free, although the additional space at the port in Newcastle made it particularly smooth, whereas the more restricted port space in Ijmuiden made it a bit more of a hassle, but overall not too bad. Obviously all this is from the perspective of car passengers.

[@steve-marsh]

What a great trip that sounds and would also love to do Utrecht sometime. Oh, and happy memories from Maastricht area, I remember a lot of trees/forest walks!

[@xxzusxx]

Done this Ferry in 2003 when I was in the Army based Germany 🇩🇪 brings back memories

[@coopa2002]

Hi Steve, for future reference, if you buy a Metro daysaver you can access that small ferry you were on about inclusive in the ticket, also maybe a good idea to kill some time? Check out North Shields, get the ferry across to South Shields and go for some amazing fish and chips (Colmans) and then hop on the metro back to Central Station in Newcastle.

[@berniemccafferty8642]

Hey coopa from Eagle Point Australian we will be in Newcastle in late May thanks for tip on the metro card & the fish & chip sop 😎👍

[@roderickjoyce6716]

Best ticket is the Tyne & Wear Day Rover valid throughout Newcastle, Gateshead, North Shields, South Shields, and Sunderland. £7.80 for unlimited travel on the Metro, the local trains between Blaydon, Newcastle, and Sunderland, the Shields Ferry, and all the local buses.

[@roderickjoyce6716]

@@berniemccafferty8642 Colmans have two establishments - one is in Ocean Road that runs from the town centre towards the beach, and the Seafood Temple in Sea Road by the beach. The Temple is probably the poshest chippie in the world :)

[@steve-marsh]

Oh thanks so much for this, noted! :)

[@alanfirth4676]

Been enjoying your vlogs for several months (? years,time flies) and just wish to thank you for them, always enjoyable

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much Alan!

[@raymartin7172]

We live about three miles from North Shields ferry terminal, and have used this service dozens of times. It might be worth pointing out that getting the ferry to Amsterdam and flying from Schipol can save a lot of money, as Passenger flight taxes from the UK are higher than in the EU. Particularly long-haul. Plus, you get to cross the North Sea and wake up in the Netherlands. Ironically, I have spent probably two months of my life in Amsterdam, and maybe three nights in London. I know which city I prefer.

[@jimmymorrison8314]

Love the sound bite of Alicja playing piano.

[@RJH1971]

Brilliant video as always Steve, always wondered what that crossing was like, done Harwich to the Hook and Hull to Rotterdam but never the Rosyth or Newcastle crossings (as an Edinburgh man I hope Rosyth returns). Fascinating and entertaining and that breakfast buffet did look worth getting up for 👍 Thank you for creating and sharing, keep up the amazingly good work!!!

[@davethatcher4954]

DFDS are a great Ferry service. The Wife and I (she's a Dane) used the Ferry from Harwich to Esbjerg in Denmark almost every year to visit her family. Sadly they discontinued that route some years ago. My first trip was in the early 80s at Christmas, the buffet was out of this world. Some years later, the food choice was reduced somewhat, but still good value and quality. Had some real rollercoaster trips across the North Sea, and was only sea-sick once, and that was after a real rough crossing where I survived the night with no problem. In fact i was enjoying the ups, downs and sideways the ship was doing.....until the morning when I got out of the bunk, and seasickness hit me like freight train in an instant. Spent the next few hours into Harwich being violently sick😂

[@michaelsaayman2802]

Great video Steve cant wait for the next one. If I was you I wouldn't worry about those rude port officials as there is nothing of interest or value to film, they all the same all over the world lol. Thanks Steve

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Michael! It really knocked my confidence :D

[@artweldon]

We live in Amsterdam. Have taken the ferry in the opposite direction for our trip to Scotland. We took our car loaded with camping gear and our dog. There is a section of cabins for people traveling with dogs. I agree, the service food and cabin were all worth the money.

[@walkietalkietraveller2932]

thanks Art. nice piece of information about the cabins for people travelling with canine friends and family :)

[@alancramer1980]

I think the overnight with the food, bed, warmth etc is deffo worth it if you have a drive home afterwards.

[@raymondbradley4227]

Another great video Steve, love how you mix things up, like basics up to the higher end of stuff like seats up to cabins, keep them coming

[@legionnairegonk4425]

£112 for a total end to end service including buses, two nights cabin, plus four main meals ( not snacks )... That is a great deal. Are you watching (rip off) Caledonian Sleeper operators...😉 Oh, and many congratulations Steve on the forthcoming big 50k subs. I know from having been subbed since before 1k how many vids and effort you have put in... Onwards to 100👍.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks SO much!!! I always recognise your name as an early sub :)

[@spangles365]

Great vlog Steve, my wife and i have been on this crossing many times and like you we found it value for money. Next time we go we will take the train instead of driving. We were'nt sure how to get from Newcastle to the Port of Tyne but you vlog cleared that up.thanks.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much for coming along despite having done it so much yourselves :)

[@Butterinthefield]

Good work. That was a blast from the past - I travelled to Spain on this ferry in 1998 when it was named "Val de Loire" with Brittany Ferries. It hit a force 10 storm on the way back, extending the crossing time by 5 hours!

[@steve-marsh]

I'd have loved to film that! :D

[@lawrencemain9436]

I remember Val De Loire, could get red or white wine on draught! That's when it was doing Portsmouth At Malo. Ah the memories😁😁

[@kapkone]

I used to take the DFDS ferry often 15 years ago for work. They have certainly upgraded the furnishings. The cabins are the same but were pine veneer and blue carpet. The restaurant was more limited and the shop was really small. It was always easy and friendly until you passed security. Great to see it's improved,

[@kudzumoose3861]

Steve, always enjoy your trips. I am surprised that places are giving you so much trouble about filming. Everyone has a camera out nowadays. I have a suggestion, just something to complicate your life and editing. For those of us that are non-European, could you show us a map at the beginning to let us see where you are and where you are going? I have no idea where Newcastle is, or where you are starting from, or really how close you are to Holland. I have a map of Scotland, but your travels are expanding beyond that. Loved seeing the restaurants on board.

[@steve-marsh]

Sorry, I meant to pop a map in this one but totally forgot.

[@cazez17]

I used to work at the Port of Tyne & it's illegal to video or take photographs where security operations are. The staff are informed to stop anyone & that can come across as a bit strict.

[@michaelscott2789]

I'm already looking forward to your Amsterdam vlog. Being a Dutch passport holder and having lived here for more than 30 years is always interesting to see how a fellow Scot enjoys the city. Great boat trip though and if you do take the trip to Berlin you can get the train from Amsterdam to Berlin without changing. See you next week then😁🇳🇱🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@markb1971]

Great info regarding the train , thank you 👍

[@steve-marsh]

Oh thanks for the info! Oh I hope the Amsterdam vid isn't a let-down, I was very limited with time :D

[@michaelscott2789]

@@steve-marsh it's a great city with an amazing rich history. The whole place is built on stilts!!!! On the train to Berlin right now. .......very full. Booking a seat is recommended.

[@markb1971]

@Michael Scott it's an amazing city , love the crooked houses where the stilts have moved , lots of underpining going on last time I was there . Coming back again end of this year for a few days. Can't wait . Best way to eee the city is by riverboat in my opinion 👍

[@michaelscott2789]

@@markb1971 you should visit Groningen. You'd see a lot of the same.

[@massivley]

Love the latest trip to Amsterdam cannot get enough of watching your videos

[@paulneave2041]

Cracking vid as ever, Steve. I've always wondered what these DFDS sailings would be like. Also had the same experience at Waverley, just taking an innocent smartphone camera pic being cited as a "security risk" but I could tell from the guys attitude that he was just doing it for his own petty amusement!

[@steve-marsh]

Yeah Paul, you're spot on! We're such nuisance aren't we?! :D

[@AndyLaskey]

I only subscribed to your channel today. After watching this video I'm looking forward to going through your videos. It has been a long time since I've seen content like this. Easy to follow, no hype and great information throughout. I certainly wish you every continued success

[@steve-marsh]

Andy thanks so much! And for the sub, it really does help the channel get more visibility, really appreciated

[@allanmorton6022]

Great mini cruise Steve, all connections worked out just fine, although personally I use a ferry to get to places rather than the main attraction! Plus you got calm weather so that's a bonus. Everywhere looked great in the sun, although Newcastle seemed to have bit of a graffiti problem. Loved the sunrise and all that food on offer. Went to Amsterdam a few years ago (flying from Edinburgh) and it's a great place to spend time in. Also liked the happy staff on the ship but being warned not to film in places on land must be annoying and distressing sometimes for you as you'd want to hide away with the camera. There are actually Network Rail rules which allow people to take pictures in stations without being bothered so not sure why they suddenly didn't like you - maybe a rival KZbinr at heart!

[@steve-marsh]

Haha maybe! But it seriously dents my confidence sometimes. All I'm trying to do is tell a story so to leave out the port bits doesn't help at all :D

[@bisembert]

I stumbled upon your channel Steve when you did the trip to Iceland, the content is right up my street, very informative and extensive views of the scenery and daily activities on those ships, and locations ( Restaurants, Duty free shops etc) Great viewing on my Sunday mornings, Good work Steve.

[@steve-marsh]

Hey really appreciate it, thank you!

[@Carrera-gp9od]

Interested in this one ! We’re booked on this in July , starting our annual Euro trip in Holland this year 👍🏻

[@steve-marsh]

Have an amazing time, hope the ferry is the start of an epic trip!

[@pietkonijn5522]

De eerste keer dat wij van IJmuiden naar New Castle gingen was op een oude Italiaanse passagiersboot. Het had een houten dek en de goedkoopste overnachting was achterop in een soort jeugdherberg achtig gebeuren. Twee bedden boven elkaar en tussen de bedden wat schotjes. Op de terugreis , ik had een flinke kater (hangover) werd ik wakker, stond op en er lag boven mij een prachtige jonge dame, die mij met een schitterende lach begroette. Ik moest drie keer knipperen met mij ogen. Wat een geweldige reis.

[@Timstravels01]

£112 is a bargain alright. The DFDS crew gave a very good account of themselves. Congrats on the 50k subscribers. You’ll hit the 100k mark in no time! Great stuff as always.

[@steve-marsh]

Tim that means so much, thank you mate! :)

[@justinr7542]

Great post as usual Steve, this is another ferry route I'm keen to check out and your video is giving me that extra push to book, Cheers!

[@steve-marsh]

Glad it helped Justin!

[@ulfw]

UK has some of the most CCTV cameras per capita on the planet yet you aren't allowed to film? Funny how that goes.

[@ametrinemoon]

That's what I thought? The same with Edinburgh station. I won't film the trains at Waverley.

[@bernardlandman1]

The UK with its imprisoning of any right wing (anti - immigrant, anti police arrests for the likes of Tommy Robinson) UK has long ceased allowing free-speech.

[@aodhantravels123]

As a travel blogger myself living in the North East. This is an absolutely amazing review and has given me an insight as to what it is like onboard when I travel onboard in July on both ships that operate the route. I look forward to travelling onboard and reviewing both of the ships. I’ve booked a sea view cabin with different room layouts booked on the outward and return voyage

[@michaelpurves5496]

I've also had trouble from the staff at Newcastle. It seems it's almost a requirement of the job to be awkward to the customers. Shame, as if they could only take a leaf out of the books of the staff from other nations, they'd see it costs nothing to be pleasant and helpful.

[@steve-marsh]

So true Michael! They'd also be a lot more successful with their procedures with a bit of politeness!

[@elainehowell2836]

Thanks for another day out and on a train and a ferry trip to Amsterdam and nice sized cabin and enjoying your ferry ride and thanks Steve

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks Elaine! :)

[@D_B_Cooper]

Stanford prison experiment- Give people any sort of ‘power’ and some will get a kick out of trying to ruin your day.

[@thorpe8138]

Just returned from doing this exact trip. Thanks for all your handy tips I learned beforehand, Steve.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Scott, hope you enjoyed it!

[@johannes.f.r.]

Welcome to our side of the pond, even if it was only Amsterdam. Have taken that ferry a few times to visit the Highlands, but found it a depressing place. Had a horrendous storm one time where it threw me up into a seating position every 10 minutes or so for half the night. PS You got really close on pronouncing IJmuiden, only the emphasis is on the second syllable. A weird thing we do over here.

[@steve-marsh]

Ahhhh thank you! I always get pronunciations wrong :D

[@martinputt6421]

Great video as always Steve. You always present these so well.

[@steve-marsh]

Really appreciate it Martin!

[@boilingwateronthestove]

Why did they even give you a warning for?

[@steve-marsh]

Filming an intro to my face, not even filming the station or any people!

[@heidicash4772]

I did that journey twenty years ago .took the ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam for long weekend ,was a great weekend

[@WeAreThePeople1690]

0:55 Probably because they have been caught a few time discriminating against disabled people with electric wheelchairs. Tell them it's a public place and not against the law. Their bylaws and policies don't trump that!

[@anthonydyer3939]

Thanks for the memories. I sailed on her when I was a child every summer and every two Christmases. The ships horn was her way of boasting “I’ve arrived!!” to everyone, and I loved it. Flamboyance in this day and age would probably be frowned upon. Me and my brother loved playing hide and seek, and my dad was always at the diametric opposite end of the ship to the arcade games room. Longest time onboard was during a Violent Storm 11 en route Esbjerg to Harwich. 9 hours late. Loved the smell of breakfast buns served in the morning in the restaurant.

[@steve-marsh]

Sounds like some superb adventures!

[@General_Confusion]

I hear that other countries are worried that if they send a ferry to Edinburgh someone will put it on bricks and pinch the wheels off it.

[@D_B_Cooper]

The Scottish would steal it to replace the quarter built ones

[@johnallan4826]

due to English underfunding and two branch managers

[@gabrieleortiz5041]

I love your sense of wonder & adventure! Sorry you got the rough treatment for filming. 🙁 Loved the journey and the beautiful scenery! Your appreciation for your surroundings is contagious. 😊

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much Gabriele :)

[@martiwilliams4592]

Deligtful-put me in a happy mood. Thanks, Steve!

[@DetriotV8]

This actually does looks like an enjoyable trip to me. Thank you for sharing.