In response to the UK government’s announcement that it will remove quarantine restrictions for travellers from 10 July, ferry operator DFDS has today confirmed that its Newcastle-Amsterdam route will reopen on 15 July 2020 with a sailing from Amsterdam.

The route had been suspended since the UK lockdown was announced back in March, but with Holland on the list of countries included in the new travel arrangements, the company is now taking bookings for the summer and beyond. The first sailing from Newcastle will depart at 17.00 on Thursday 16 July.

Kasper Moos, head of short routes and passenger for DFDS, said: “We welcome the government’s announcement that travel restrictions will be removed and that holidaymakers will be able to explore Continental destinations this summer. Our teams have been working hard to prepare our ships to restart sailings and we’re really looking forward to welcoming passengers back onboard our services next week.”

In anticipation of today’s announcement, DFDS has prepared its cruise ferries for the new world of socially distanced travel. Passenger capacity on the route will be reduced to maximise the space available onboard and ensure that travellers can comply with government guidance. Additionally, early and staggered boarding and disembarkation procedures will be in place, crew will wear protective equipment and passengers are advised to wear face coverings for embarkation and disembarkation. Further information about the new arrangements is available at https://www.dfds.com/en-gb/passenger-ferries/rediscover-freedom/safety-measures.

The dining experience will also look and feel different when sailings restart, with passengers provided the opportunity to dine together, a little further apart. All meals required during the overnight crossings (which offer dinner and breakfast options) must be pre-booked

before the date of travel during the online booking process at https://www.dfds.com/en/passenger-ferries/onboard/amsterdam-newcastle/restaurants. Passengers will need to reserve a table for dinner to ensure that the number of people dining can be managed. All meals will be served by the ships’ crew and à-la-carte dining options will not be available – passengers will not be permitted to bring their own food or drinks onboard. A special menu offering a choice of four starters, seven main courses and three desserts will be available.

DFDS’ routes across the English Channel from Dover to Dunkirk and Calais, and its Newhaven to Dieppe services will be open for holidaymakers from 10 July 2020. The company continued to operate these services during lockdown to carry freight bringing vital goods into the UK and to enable essential travel for passengers. Holidaymakers booking crossings on the Dover routes can enjoy a complimentary meal onboard during their sailing.

With France, the Netherlands and other European destinations, such as Germany, re-opening to tourists, a host of fabulous destinations are now within easy reach by car for those seeking a post-lockdown summer getaway. For more information or to book visit www.dfds.com.

It is advised to read and monitor the travel guidance from local authorities and the destination country. Information from the UK Government is available here: https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control. Information from the Dutch Government can be found here https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19.