Wildlife Mini Cruise
ORCA MINI CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM
From April, ORCA wildlife charity offers guided programmes led by ocean conservationists - where you have the chance to spot playful dolphins, elegant whales, and adorable porpoises.
As you embark on this journey, consider making a difference by donating £5-£10 to ORCA when booking – supporting ORCA’s invaluable conservation work.
Follow our social pages for more updates and get ready to dive into a world of wonders by booking your ORCA Mini Cruise now!
Wildlife watch times on the outside deck are weather dependent and exact times will be announced via loudspeaker.
Available time ashore in Amsterdam may vary depending on local border control procedures. We recommend planning your visit flexibly to ensure a relaxed experience.
Mini cruise incl transfers to Amsterdam
Wildlife watch experience with ORCA
Overnight sailings on King Seaways
Activities for both children and adults
Restaurants, Bars and Duty-Free-Shop onboard, where you can save up to 50% vs the high street
Educational morning and evening deck watches – important, weather and resource dependent!
Wildlife presentation on North Sea wildlife with fun activities for kids
Trip at a Glance
Day 1
14.30
Check-in opens
16.15
Check-in closes
17.00
Depart North Shields for Amsterdam
17.30
ORCA on deck
18.30
Day 2
07.00
Wildlife Watching
10.15
Coach departs for Amsterdam City Centre
17.30
Ship departs IJmuiden
17.30
ORCA on deck
18.30
Day 3
07.00
07.30
Breakfast available onboard
09.15
Arrive in North Shields
Experience a Wildlife Cruise to Amsterdam
During your sailing you will meet our Ocean Conservationists Alex or Eilidh for a chat about marine life, sustainability and conservation, along with a tour of our Wildlife Lounge.
Join dedicated wildlife watches out on the Observation Deck in the mornings and evenings to glimpse some of the exciting species that can be found between Newcastle and Amsterdam. On the Dutch coast, sightings of harbour porpoises are very common, so watch out for these as the ship approaches the port in IJmuiden!
Our coach will also take you to the centre of Amsterdam and back to the port, so you can enjoy an unforgettable trip to the Dutch capital.
ORCA will be expecting you on your return journey, and it is possible that a pod of playful bottlenose dolphins will welcome you back when the ship reaches the UK coast again. With luck, a shy minke whale might also make an appearance!
I-Spy at sea with ORCA
ORCA have now made their data collection app OceanWatchers available to everyone! Explore the app's I-Spy at sea function, learn about the wildlife across our DFDS routes, and record your own sightings while onboard. At the end of your sailing, you might find yourself wanting to become a trained OceanWatcher yourself. Find out more about I-Spy at sea!
Onboard entertainment
Duty Free Shopping at Sea
Join us on a ferry to Holland and enjoy unrivalled shopping facilities with savings of up to 50% against the high street.
Bars
There’s a range of bars on our ferries, each with a different atmosphere.
Live Performances
There’s plenty to keep you entertained on your journey, including live music and DJ sets to keep you dancing all night.
Cinema
Sit back and enjoy the latest Hollywood blockbusters in our onboard cinemas where you’ll find options for all ages.
Games Area
Our games area offers hours of fun for kids and adults alike on the crossing from Newcastle to Amsterdam.
Restaurants Onboard
North Sea Bistro
North Sea Bistro offers an intimate and luxe dining experience, with a seasonal menu and stylish surroundings.
Explorer's Kitchen
Explorer’s Kitchen is our all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant, boasting international cuisine for every taste.
Coffee Crew Café
Head to our café, Coffee Crew, for Starbucks® coffee, tea, bottled drinks and freshly baked sweet treats.
Cabins Onboard
Double Bed Cabins
Our double bed cabins are designed with couples in mind. Sail between Newcastle and Amsterdam in this comfortable, en suite cabin with inside and sea view rooms available.
Sea View Cabins
Sail from Newcastle to Amsterdam with front row seats to the beautiful North Sea from your en suite, sea view cabin. Cabins can sleep up to 5 people in bunk beds.
Economy Cabins
Ideal for the budget-friendly traveller, our comfortable, en suite, economy cabins from Newcastle and Amsterdam sleep 2 – 4 people in bunk beds.
Pet Friendly Cabins
Travel onboard our DFDS ferry in a pet friendly cabin from Newcastle and Amsterdam, which can accommodate up to 4 people and 2 medium sized dogs.
Amsterdam Highlights
Amsterdam offers an abundance of attractions and activities, from fascinating cultural experiences and great shopping, to the iconic bicycles and 17th-century canals.
Explore the world famous museums, including the Van Gogh Museum, the Hermitage and the Rijksmuseum. Take a scenic canal cruise through Amsterdam to see the city in a whole new light.
All DFDS Mini Cruises
Our mini cruise breaks are our most popular breaks, and it’s easy to see why. Not only do you get to spend time in a fantastic city, but you’ll also be treated to 2 nights onboard our modern, comfortable and well-equipped cruise ferries.
Our mini cruises are the perfect combination of a short city break and a cruise experience.
Proudly named the World’s Leading Ferry Operator
We are also proud to announce that we have been nominated as Europe’s Leading Ferry Operator 2026 and this amazing journey continues, first and foremost, thanks to you.
To our loyal passengers who put their trust in us, our valued partners and our hard-working colleagues: this nomination is also yours. You are the heart of DFDS and today, we’d like to say THANK YOU.
Let's continue to create beautiful memories and cross the finish line together.
Prices are subject to availability. Telephone booking fees apply. Terms and conditions apply.