| Experience a mini cruise to Holland plus an excursion to the world famous Keukenhof Flower Gardens - with DFDS Seaways - See the tulips! |
It was a pleasure to take a mini cruise break to the Dutch Bulbfields with DFDS Seaways. Our ship, The Princess of Norway, sailed overnight from Newcastle to Amsterdam (Ijmuiden). We took a day ‘shore’ excursion to the Keukenhof Flower Gardens and returned the following night back to Newcastle.
The ship sailed at 5p.m. so we spent a little time beforehand enjoying the nearby North Tyneside coastal resorts of Whitley Bay, Cullercoats and Tynemouth. We allowed enough time to drive to the Tyne port and we parked the car close to the ferry terminal. It was only a short walk to the ferry check-in area where we collected our tickets and then boarded the ship at 3.30 p.m.
We settled into our standard cabin with sea view, moved our watches forward one hour (continental time) and proceeded to take a look around the ship and the many onboard facilities. These facilities include restaurants, cafes, shops, casino and cinema.
The weather was favourable so we went out on the deck whilst the ship departed from Newcastle. We were afforded good views as we passed the Collingwood Monument and Tynemouth Priory and Castle on the north side of the River Tyne and South Shields to the south.
We had pre-booked our evening meal in the 7 Seas Restaurant (you can save 25% if you pre-purchase your dinner and breakfast). The buffet was ‘all you can eat’ and there was a huge selection of dishes to choose from.
After dinner we headed for the Columbus Club where we were entertained until the wee small hours by the excellent resident show band and also the ships troupe of singers and dancers with an ABBA tribute show. It was an excellent evening of entertainment and full marks to the entertainers!
Up early for breakfast (hot and cold buffet) in the 7 Seas Restaurant before disembarking and joining the coach to Keukenhof Flower Gardens. It took around 45 minutes to reach the coach park at the gardens. DFDS Seaways supplied our park tickets on the coach so our entry to the Keukenhof was very quick.
The Keukenhof Flowers Gardens are a stunning visual treat and very impressive. They offer spectacular floral displays planted in endless varieties plus around the park are beautiful works of art. Keukenhof is totally unique, world famous and is one of the most popular destinations in Europe.
We obtained a map and headed in an anti-clockwise direction around the park. We marvelled at some excellent formal gardens, filled with a mixture of plants, including Hyacinths and Tulips. You must visit the Windmill to the east of the park. You can climb inside the Windmill and enjoy lovely views over the Dutch bulbfields from a platform.
Around the park are a number of indoor exhibits, each with a different theme. The Dutch bulb producers showcase their products amazingly well and offer a wonderful variety of flowers. Probably the best area to see them is at the centre of the park in the Willem Alexander pavilion.
The Beatrix pavilion has wonderful orchid displays, all immaculately presented. A number of local artists were painting some of the floral exhibits and these were on sale.
Our favourite area of the park was the woodland section. You can wander around a maze of walks, each with eye catching flower borders. This area is brilliant for photos – there is no wonder that Keukenhof is one of the most photographed places in the world. The lake in the park adds to your visual treat and many photo opportunities.
We returned to the Hoofdentree entrance area and relaxed before we boarded the coach back to the ferry. Everyone was out on deck enjoying the sunshine as the ship left Ijmuiden for Newcastle. Again we enjoyed ship facilities and had a superb evening meal.
Don’t forget your camera and make sure you get a map of the park. Take note of the coach entrance and allow enough time to return to your coach. There are plenty of rest opportunities in the numerous cafes throughout the park.
If you want the chance to experience Keukenhof Flower Gardens and the Dutch Bulbfields you can take this mini-cruise with DFDS Seaways from Newcastle.
DFDS Seaways have a number of superb mini-cruises from Newcastle to Amsterdam - More info.......!