DFDS Seaways launches Festive Breaks brochure

This winter period soak up the atmosphere, get into the festive spirit and sail away on an ultimate New Year experience or explore stunning European cities and Christmas Markets with DFDS Seaways’ range of festive cruise breaks.

Celebrate the start of 2010 in style on a fabulous all inclusive New Year gala mini cruise to Amsterdam, while a break to the world famous and magical Christmas markets of Northern Europe give you the perfect opportunity to get unusual gifts for loved ones. Alternatively relax and escape it all on a festive river cruise through Belgium.

Travelling with DFDS Seaways from Newcastle to Amsterdam in Holland, or Harwich to Esbjerg in Denmark, your festive cruise break begins the moment you step onboard. Check in to your cabin and check out the restaurants, bars, nightclub, live entertainment, cinemas (on selected cruise ferries) and shops. If you are travelling with children you can even keep your little pirates occupied with the onboard Kids’ Club and play area.

Amsterdam New Year Gala Mini Cruise – all inclusive from £239pp
The ever popular unforgettable New Year gala mini cruise is back with a variety of all inclusive deals. Cruise into 2010 in style with a fantastic festive atmosphere, special entertainment and delicious food. Departing Newcastle on 30th December you arrive in Amsterdam on New Year’s Eve for a day of exploring the vibrant capital of Holland.

That evening sail back to Newcastle in style as the New Year’s Eve gala begins, with champagne, wines, a lavish meal and live entertainment. All meals are included as well as branded drinks including house wine, Grolsch, Absolut Vodka, Bombay Sapphire Gin, selected cocktails, soft drinks and many more.

All packages include:
• two nights onboard ship
• return coach transfers to Amsterdam
• free bar
• buffet dinner and coffee on outward crossing
• breakfast on both crossings
• champagne and almond cake at Midnight on the return journey
• live entertainment
• approximately five hours in Amsterdam

Each package then includes additional elements:

Standard Package from £239pp
• accommodation in a 2-berth inside ensuite cabin
• Gala buffet on New Year’s Eve

Superior Package from £269pp
• accommodation in a 2-berth sea view ensuite cabin
• champagne reception before New Year’s Eve dinner
• 4 course à la carte gala dinner on New Year’s Eve

Deluxe Package from £329pp
• accommodation in a 2-berth Commodore cabin
• champagne reception before New Year’s Eve dinner
• 4 course à la carte gala dinner on New Year’s Eve


Amsterdam Christmas Shopping Break –prices from £92pp for 3 nights
Departing every day throughout November and December, this three night break isn’t just about retail therapy, it’s a voyage of discovery. Find those hidden gems and unusual presents for your loved ones from Amsterdam’s fantastic range of shops. Visit department stores, boutiques, fashion shops as well as contemporary Dutch design emporiums.

Staying in a city centre hotel you will have two days to explore the delights of the vibrant city, as well as maybe trying out your ice skating skills on the outdoor rink on Leidesplein during December!

Prices are from £92pp which includes two nights onboard ship, one night bed and breakfast at the Gerstekorrel Hotel, return coach transfers to Amsterdam, and live entertainment onboard. Other hotels are available for a supplement.

Amsterdam Mini Cruise - from £69pp for 2 nights
For a brief shopping trip to the Dutch capital, spending around five hours in the city, opt for the two night mini cruise. Departing daily from Newcastle. Prices from £69pp and includes two nights onboard, live entertainment and return transfers to Amsterdam.

Christmas Markets

Embrace that festive feeling and enjoy a relaxing and magical trip to some of Europe’s best Christmas markets. These four night trips include two nights in a city centre hotel so you are just minutes away from the action. All breaks give you plenty of time to explore, shop and soak up that yuletide atmosphere.

Hamelin – from £219pp for 4 nights
The ever popular Hamelin city cruise break is back for 2009. The legendary medieval town transforms into an enchanting market with decorated wooden stalls and delicious mulled wine. Departing Newcastle on the 28th November, 2nd and 9th December, with prices from £219pp including two nights onboard, two nights bed and breakfast at the 4-star Mercure Hotel Hamelin and coach transfers to and from your hotel in Hamelin.

Cologne – from £239pp for 4 nights
With six markets to explore, the historic city of Cologne comes alive with festive spirit. Browse the stalls, enjoy a warming Glühwein, or enjoy the Christmas concerts and nativity scenes. For the young at heart, put on your boots and head to the huge ice rink outside the city’s imposing cathedral. Departures from Newcastle on 29th November, 5th and 12th December. Prices from £239pp include two nights onboard, two nights bed and breakfast at the 3-star Marriott Cologne and coach transfers to and from Cologne.

Bruges – from £209pp for 4 nights
The town’s charm and character is unmistakable. Wander along cobbled streets, alongside canals, sit back and relax in a horse drawn carriage and immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere. The main square hosts a Christmas market as well as an open air ice rink. Visit a traditional city centre chocolate shop and see them handmaking the tasty bites! Departures from Newcastle on 29th November, 6th and 14th December. Prices from £209pp include two nights onboard, two nights bed and breakfast at the 3-star Novotel Brugge Centrum, walking tour plus visit to chocolate shop with demonstration, transfers to and from Bruges.

Brussels – from £199pp for 4 nights
This beautiful and vibrant city comes alive with 240 wooden market stalls in the stunning Place St Catherine. Departing Newcastle 5th and 9th December. Prices from £199pp include two nights onboard, two nights bed and breakfast at the 3-star Novotel Brussels Centre Tour Noire, coach transfers to and from the city centre.

Copenhagen Christmas Market – prices from £278pp for 4 nights
The world famous Tivoli Gardens are at their most magical during the festive period with an outdoor ice rink and a yuletide paradise is all around, perfect for romantic breaks as well as fun breaks for all the family. Children will love Santa’s sleigh on the open air stage! Departures from Harwich on 25th November and 2nd December. Prices from £278pp and include two nights onboard ship, two nights bed and breakfast at the 4-star Square Hotel, entrance to Tivoli Gardens Christmas market, and coach transfers to and from the hotel.

Esbjerg Mini Cruise – prices from £75pp for two nights
Denmark is particularly lovely in winter and the maritime city of Esbjerg comes alive with traditional Danish festivities including an outdoor ice rink. Departures three times a week from Harwich. Prices from £75pp include two nights onboard and approximately 4 ½ hours in Esbjerg.

River Cruise

Brussels & Antwerp River Cruise – from £499pp for 5 nights
For a relaxing visit to Belgium’s most historic cities, enjoy a festive river cruise to Brussels and Antwerp. Sailing from Newcastle to Amsterdam you join the river cruiser in Brussels for three nights, exploring the two cities’ Christmas markets, relaxing onboard and enjoying the delicious gastronomic creations of the onboard chefs. This meal inclusive trip is the perfect warm-up to the festive season. Departing from Newcastle on the 12th December. Prices from £499pp include all meals onboard the DFDS Seaways cruise ferry and the river cruiser, two nights onboard DFDS Seaways ship, coach transfers to and from the river cruiser, three nights on the river cruiser m.s. Botticelli, guided tours of Brussels and Antwerp Cathedral.

For more information about DFDS Seaways’ festive breaks or to make a booking go to dfds.co.uk/festive.