Harwich to Hook of Holland. The Overnight Ferry with Stena Line, MV Stena Hollandica

Рет қаралды 59,399

Күн бұрын

I think this is a real bargain! When I looked at booking this trip as a foot passenger, it necessitated getting all the way to Harwich which, by train, can mean going into London then back out again. Step forward the 'Dutch Flyer' Stena's Rail and Sail offering in-conjunction with Greater Anglia trains which allows you to buy a combined ticket from any Greater Anglia network station, plus the ferry all the way over to The Netherlands.
So I began my journey from Cromer where I'd been spending the day and it meant I didn't have to go in and out of London. In this video, I'll tell you how to buy and use the ticket, how much it costs and, of course, I'll show you around the ship and we'll have a look at what's on offer, have dinner and take a look at the cabin I got as well.
I'd love to hear your experiences if you've sailed with Stena on this route either on the Dutch Flyer combined ticket or not. Thanks as always guys for watching the video, it really is appreciated and goes a long way in helping me to make more content like this in the future.
Cheers for now.
Mark
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#letsmakeatrip #stenaline #stena #ferry
📖Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
01:00 - About the Dutchflyer Rail/Sail fare
03:28 - Harwich Port
05:52 - Boarding
07:33 - Outside deck space
11:53 - Dinner
14:32 - Interior facilities
19:22 - Departing Harwich
20:28 - Cabin tour
24:18 - Arrival into Hoek van Holland & summary
Route map: OpenStreetMap (annotated)
www.openstreetmap.org/

Пікірлер: 267

@davidwil58 11 ай бұрын

What I like about your videos is they show possible travel ideas that are for anyone. You don’t have to be able to drive, or be part of a couple - and even if you aren’t a seasoned traveller, there’s always enough information to encourage anyone to give it a go if they fancy it!

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

David I really appreciate the comment. This is why I want to do this because anyone should be able to feel confident enough to organise and go on a trip, somewhere. And it doesn’t matter whether it’s a long haul flight in biz or a bus trip along the coast, it’s all travel and should be enjoyable to someone. Thanks mate 😊👍

@steve-marsh 11 ай бұрын

Mate the fact I've just stepped off a pretty agonising ferry crossing and am now watching a 30 minute ferry video on KZfaq is testament to the quality of your work. You are the Captain of these Mark! Really impressed with Stena and their soft drinks which must be lined with gold. Impressed with the chart/camera view on the cabin TV, and sorry to have to say it, but nice to see a ship without kids running about absolutely wild all night! Cheers Cap'n. Already planning my holiday in Mistley.

@William82Roberts 11 ай бұрын

I do this route about 3 or 4 times a year, I advise avoiding it during the school holidays I did a day sailing at Easter the rest of the year absolute bliss.

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Haha, no you are mate! Honestly 👍 That Coke was unbelievable, well I dunno, someone will accuse me of moaning if I go on about it too much 😂 Overall, I liked the ship, I liked the deck space BUT in the scheme of things, it didn’t have the character or charm of some of the classics I’ve been on (like MV Bretagne for example). Mistley well, I think even your good self would struggle to make a video about that place! PS, I haven’t gotten around to booking the Smyril ferry yet but I will do! Cheers, Steve

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

I’m avoiding most stuff during the school holidays tbh 😂

@hcjkruse 11 ай бұрын

I did this for 2.5 years (2017-2019)every 3 weeks, but from the Netherlands working for Banks and Brexit. Also used the waiting area in the Harwich terminal to get work done. Much better than flying. On overnight crossings get yourself lounge access. It is free if you collect enough points. Might be cheaper than buying several 4 pounds drinks. Had several interesting conversations there with interesting people. Booking a dinner in the posh restaurant used to be a good deal at €32. Not sure if it still is with the current price and what I read from recent reviews. I think I know the friendly guy at the station. Met him several times. I have a very detailed review on this crossing if you are interested.

@hcjkruse 11 ай бұрын

The skimpy on the towels seems an error. did you check the top bunk?

@markcarson8 11 ай бұрын

I’m tucked up in bed watching Mark on a ferry 😂 better than television, another great video Mark.

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

For that added sense of realism! Cheers Mark, appreciate the watch 😊👍

@You.are.boring.me.now2024 4 ай бұрын

I always went "rail and sail" to Hoek van Holland, the only civilised way to travel to the Netherlands. Board , shower, have a drink, have dinner in the Metro Restaurant followed by another beer , sleep , wake up to the most annoying song ever , shower, breakfast, disembark and jump on a train to Amsterdam via Rotterdam or Schiedam Centraal. Worth every penny.

@Helen-12 11 ай бұрын

Hi Mark I'm sorry to say I have watched your videos and not one to comment usually, but I'd like to say the information you provide is first class and as I'm not a traveller abroad just UK (due to health) I do enjoy watching you explore about all different places and seeing new places I can't go to. Thank you for all the videos look forward to the next one!

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Hi Helen, well many thanks for commenting on this one but please, don't be shy! Great to here from everyone (apart from the trolls!) and I really do appreciate it when people say they watch me vicariously because it somehow feels more valuable to me that I'm doing it. Difficult to explain really but it's massively motivating and I do hope you can continue to enjoy the comment. Much love :-)

@richardleigh2788 11 ай бұрын

Well done haircut!!. Another informative video. I want to go to Holland by boat next year ans so this was a great learning episode. Keep up the good work!!!!

@timalcock2653 11 ай бұрын

Hi Mark. Long time watcher, first time commenter. Your videos are great. Well explained, great detail and made like most of us would like to travel! All the best on future trips. Look forward to watching your adventures onwards 👍

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Hi Tim, thanks for the support and the debut comment! Please post as much as you like, always welcome and appreciated. And yes, the point of the channel (most of the time anyway) is to say that anyone can get out there and do something. It doesn’t matter if it’s an international business class flight or a local bus trip, it’s all about travelling and discovering not just the places but the ways and means to doing it. Cheers for the post 😊👍

@princessleia7274 11 ай бұрын

My husband and brother-in-law made this very trip last week, on route to Denmark (doing the return crossing tomorrow). I’ve been begging him to share some insights of the voyage with me but he’s refused, so this video is very timely! I also love the way you put these together!

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Hi thanks Princess Leia, glad I could help with this and I appreciate the support. Cheers 😊

@hulme187 11 ай бұрын

I've been watching a lot of your vids this week. Great stuff.

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Thanks mate, really appreciate this and cheers for taking the time to comment 😊

@Cal1gula666 11 ай бұрын

Thanks for postponing your dinner to show us around. What a trooper!

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Haha, cheers 😊

@garyanderson9644 11 ай бұрын

Great trip Mark , I'm feeling nostalgic as I done this journey many times (BC) before COVID , I have a soft spot for the Netherlands. Many thanks and I look forward to your next adventure.

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Hi Gary, cheers mate. I think it's quite a well-trodden route this one (so to speak). I'd done it myself a couple of times with an old T4 Westfalia which tbh was a total money pit! It is great to reach continental Europe wherever I end up. Plenty more adventures to come.

@simonwhitlock9189 11 ай бұрын

Very thorough and informative great work as usual,cheers and stay safe.

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Cheers Simon, appreciate the watch and comment as usual. 😊👍

@alexmcwhirter6611 11 ай бұрын

Thanks Mark for a great video which is so different from those of other vloggers. I made several trips on this route many decades ago when the ferries were much smaller ! And of course back then it was one ferry with Sealink and the other with its Dutch counterpart. It's an historic route which has operated for very many years.

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Thanks Alex, I’m not sure whether being different is a good thing or not! 😂 Maybe it is, I don’t know tbh, trying my best and all that! And for me the Sealink name just evokes so many great memories, the ferries, the routes, even the trains when you think back to somewhere like a Weymouth and the quayside - probably 33’s if I recall correctly meeting the boat off to Jersey. Good days. Cheers 😊👍

@selbino 11 ай бұрын

Quality viewing as always. Cheers Mark have a great weekend 🍻

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Hi, thanks very much. Have a great weekend yourself.

@johnrobertskinner7283 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for the video we should have travelled to Holland last week but we had to cancel due to flu, never been on this route so this is very helpful to us. Joan and Bob Skinner

@briocheoleary5043 11 ай бұрын

Loving the chill atmosphere of this trip… feel a bit envious of your past June self, before the current monsoon descended on the British isles! I normally love the videos where you suffer on long overnite buses the most 😅. But I found this one soooo relaxing.. best wishes

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Haha, cheers yes it’s difficult to believe we had such a nice May/June! I’m sure I can suffer another overnight coach trip at some point too.

@timcharles6837 11 ай бұрын

Brilliant as always - I’m doing this trip (the other way round) next week so was looking for a good video on the trip and what to expect & if by magic yours pops up a few days before I leave. 😊

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Excellent Tim, glad I could help (a bit). Cheers for the comment 😊👍

@cryzcryz2345 11 ай бұрын

Thank you for another great video!

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Cheers, thanks for the support 😊👍

@kirstenvanveen4066 11 ай бұрын

Great video. My last trip to the UK and back to the Netherlands with Stena line was last December. My next one will be in 2024 and am already looking forward to it.

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Thanks Kirsten, yes I’ll definitely do this one again myself - maybe the day crossing next time. Also, the Hull - Rotterdam/Zeebrugge route and Newcastle - Amsterdam. Plenty of choice with these 👍

@michaelshaw1662 11 ай бұрын

Great video thanks for posting

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Thanks Michael, glad you enjoyed it 😊👍

@calebmumby5803 11 ай бұрын

Brilliant video mate

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Cheers Caleb, glad you enjoyed it.

@enricomonti156 11 ай бұрын

Great video Mark. It has been a few years since I slept overnight on a ferry (last time I did I ended up sleeping on a deckchair. Its always good and pleasant to get value for money for a travel experience. Tonight I am returning to Malta via Sicily (thank goodness the whole fire emergency over there has been solved) and will take the Virtù Ferries catamaran. I hope this time they'll have a better food choice (last time I travelled with them they ordered some pizzas from a local restaurant in Pozzallo and even charged you to get them warmed up).

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Cheers Enrico. I hope you had a good trip and I bet it’s warmer over there than here (not too much though of course). I need to do more ferries around that part of the world tbh - maybe next year there will be more opportunities 😊👍

@michaelstaley2241 10 ай бұрын

Very good lovely weather as you have stated restaurant food fairly expensive. I feel it offered good value.

@peterdnreynolds777 11 ай бұрын

Great video!! Less expensive to travel across to Holland than it is to travel axross the Irish sea. Hope all is well and hope you have a great weekend, take care

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Thanks Peter, glad you enjoyed it 😊👍

@PhilipWalker-no1jb 11 ай бұрын

Love the videos Stay safe 👍

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Thanks Philip 😊👍

@leemansell8201 10 ай бұрын

Nice video Mark. I use this crossing a lot (other half lives in NL). I always take a car but didn’t know about Rail-Sail so may look into that in the future. As others have said, pre-buying a food/drink voucher makes the restaurant costs a fair bit more bearable. Also, if you join their loyalty scheme the points actually add up quite quickly and you soon get free lounge access whereupon drinks and light snacks are free.

@LetsMakeaTrip 10 ай бұрын

Cheers Lee, I am in the loyalty scheme but tbh, I just don’t travel with Stena often enough (and they wiped the few points I did have at the end of last year). I’ve done another rail/sail recently with Stena and that seemed a little different wrt food and drink. Watch this space! 😊👍

@neilcoram3495 Ай бұрын

Another great video Mark. I did the day crossing many years ago with the fast cat only 5 hours. I do enjoy a ferry crossing myself my favourite was 2022 Aberdeen to Shetland islands. Great restaurant on the North link ferry. Haddock and chips with a pint of tennets. 13.98. And the portion was huge.

@markcrane9661 Ай бұрын

miss the fast Cat

@Didderly 11 ай бұрын

Ahhhh what is was like to be younger, 40 bloody years younger m8. Great video, did it in Feb this year in memorie of my dear, now departed brother who used to be my wingman on many of these Harwich to where ever back in the day. On my trip I went on to Amsterdam then jumped on the Eurostar premium (free beer) back to London, was a good day out. It's a shame the NL side for trains is still not part of the deal, it makes it a great week end away.

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Cheers mate, yes one of the things with ferries (for me anyway) is as soon as you're on board, out on deck, the trip/holiday has started. Leaving port - nothing quite like it. The experience there on in depends on the ship/company but generally speaking it's a great way to travel. Glad this brought back some good memories. All the best, Mark

@richardbutler4488 11 ай бұрын

Well with a HSS out of Harwich and a Eurostar back, yes a true day trip would have been possible with some sightseeing back in the day 😅 Even an very quick HSS turnaround in the Hook day trip for the less adventurous 😊

@TravelSignal 11 ай бұрын

Great as usual mate. It's been a while since I took this route, even longer overnight! Even before brexit I recall queueing for ages (1h easily) for immigration control in Hoek - loads of people, despite there only being 6 passengers with SailRail tickets (I saw the passenger list at checkin in Harwich). The other ferry may well have been used on a freight only crossing, there are other roro ferries for trucks (Harwich - Zebrugge for example) that the public can't use..

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Cheers mate, yes I’m sure you’re right about the other ferry, maybe more capacity is needed atm over on your side of the country. Don’t know if anyone else was on the SailRail, I’m sure there were but I bet I was the only one from Cromer! 😊👍

@baseballfan99 11 ай бұрын

Living up North I have not used this route since 1994 AND 1996 when the older ferries ran, on route to family holidays in The Black Forest. I remember the food not being great then and I think we had bought our own sandwiches probably M&S. We stayed in a loverly family run B&B in Wrabnes, before taking the day ferry. which you would have passed through on the train close to Harwich. Great review of the Ferry which looked very nice and the first time I have seen a tv in a basic cabin. Such a shame the ferries to Denmark and Germany no longer operate from here as they would be very useful.

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Three ferries I miss, the Esjberg one, the Smyril Line calling in at Lerwick on its way to Iceland and the Swansea - Cork ferry. All great routes and I would’ve done them all. Only ever managed the Swansea - Cork one though sadly. I will do the Smyril Line I just need to get all the way to Hirtshals now! Cheers mate 😊👍

@baseballfan99 11 ай бұрын

@@LetsMakeaTrip yep I would love to do Denmark Iceland.

@nigelhudson1948 11 ай бұрын

I took day sailings on these ships several times a few years ago. I was able to book the restaurant at a discount when buying the ticket and found it good value compared with paying on the day. Also I found the quiet lounge area was the best place to sit for the rest of the crossing. You could read or work without too much disturbance but without paying an upgrade.

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Cheers Nigel. I’m sure this is a lovely trip in the day - might try it myself actually. I would like to try the restaurant but on this occasion, it was eating into my budget too much! If I’m doing ok on this KZfaq thing, I promise I’ll try it next time 😊👍

@KPeake-wk2te 3 ай бұрын

That looks rlly cool

@kevinmcanulty2593 11 ай бұрын

very informative great adventure

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Cheers Kevin, glad you enjoyed it 😊👍

@harry2969 11 ай бұрын

Hi Mark hope you're well, having a catch up on your videos. Keep up the good work!

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Cheers Harry and thanks very much for the support - much appreciated mate 😊👍

@joshua6244 4 ай бұрын

In about 1972 I went on a ferry from Immingham to Amsterdam just before Christmas. (The ferry went on to Sweden from there.) If you didn't have a cabin, there were dormitories with one prickly prison blanket for each bed. No sheets or pillow cases. Coming back, the North sea was very rough. You could not have included that journey in a video, albeit this was long before KZfaq. Everywhere you could hear people throwing up. As the ship lurched about, the corridors ran with vomit. I went in the gents' toilets and found all the basins full of you know what. A woman was trying to unblock one with a fork. She said the women's toilets were worse. I wasn't sea sick, but it was the worst trip I have ever been on.

@shanjones4869 10 ай бұрын

Did the same trip last week complete with car and dog ! Good way to travel and rest at the same time !

@LetsMakeaTrip 10 ай бұрын

Yep and a room for the night for a decent price (apart from the coke 😂). Cheers Shan 😊👍

@derekpresland4029 11 ай бұрын

Used that ferry many many times. Always with a car. Perfect for what it is. I never had a eat on the ship, the food in the cafeteria is OK but I felt it was never worth the money. Same with breakfast. I always made sure I had eaten before I went on board. On the night ferry, couple of beers and get your head down. On the Dutch side there is a great little fish shop that serves excellent fish and chips. Early lunch there on the way back and a sandwich in the bag all you need. The pub on the roundabout in Harwich does a decent meal, always tried to get dinner there before boarding for the night crossing. Perfect way to get from A to B but don't expect to party.

@LetsMakeaTrip 10 ай бұрын

Pretty sure I’ve been to that pub in Harwich before when I had an old VW camper we took this route and ate there. I don’t remember eating on the ship either so yep, if I wasn’t filming everything I think I’d have done the same. Cheers Derek 😊👍

@derekpresland4029 10 ай бұрын

@@LetsMakeaTrip I transported cars and had a camper on the back of my pick up truck wher I slept. They were good in that pub. I liked the day ferry. When I got to Harwich I would have my evening meal there and they let me stay overnight in the car park. I travelled from Sweden. The beat route was the Göteborg to Kiel ferry and the Hook to Harwich. The Gbg to kiel ferry is great. Far better than the slog down to Helsingborg and then putgarten. Altogether the spaghetti on the putgarten ferry is good. Very rarely used the bridge. Cpg to Helsingborg time wise is about the same but it is shorter and you get time for a coffee on the ferry. A couple of ideas for you. If you study the map carefully there is a ferry crossing the river well east of hamburg avoiding getting through hamburg. Very nice drive and a very interesting ferry ride It is slow compared to the autobahn but a nice drive.

@wiveyguides2257 11 ай бұрын

The duty free shop will have opened and the gaming machines switched on once the boat had left the port. Something to do with licensing laws and tax free shopping. Great video, that looks like a fun trip.

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Hi thanks for the info. I was tucked up in bed by that point unfortunately but yes I agree, seems to be something to do with international waters too. Cheers 😊👍

@john07973 11 ай бұрын

Looked pretty good thanks. Last month I went past the ferry berth on the RET Metro line B going to the "beach" ! (final stop) and the station is exposed to the elements a walk away from the ferry terminal, old NS station is still there looking forlorn hard up against the terminal

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Yes I noticed the old station looking very dilapidated. Lots of work seemed to be going on in he vicinity 👍

@timdiggle5090 11 ай бұрын

I have used this route every month this summer! I used to cross on Eurostar but post-BREXIT extra border controls make it a slower journey so I either have to get an expensive early train (from North Yorks) or stay overnight in Paris on my way to the Basque Country on the Spanish border in far SW France. Instead I now get a cheap afternoon ticket to Kings X, go 4 stops on the Metropolitain Line to Liverpool Street and catch the 18:45 to Harwich International. This arrives at 20:23 and boarding seems to be synchronised with the arrival of this train - I have never waited more than about 10 minutes. Yes, facilities on board are limited and catering basic, compared to Brittany Ferries, but this is not a "cruise ferry" - just look at the size of the Lorry Drivers' lounge to see the target market. But you are asleep most of the time and from arrival in the morning it is an easy metro ride to Rotterdam Centraal for the 09:58 Thalys to Paris then a transfer to Montparnasse for the TGV to Hendaye arriving late afternoon. Ideal timings and cheaper than Eurostar, though I still do the reverse trip via St Pancras in view of the extra hour gained.

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Cheers Tim, interesting route you’re taking there but I can see why. I had one pint plus dinner and that coke and tbh, if I wasn’t doing things for the purposes of this video, I’d have eaten before boarding and gone straight to the cabin for a decent nights sleep. Still prefer Brittany Ferries personally but yep, you pays your money and all that…..

@HoratioBlogs 11 ай бұрын

A Ten years ago I used to commute on a weekly basis on that ferry crossing. 👍 A pity you didn’t record the cheery whistling wake up call. Disembarking at Harwich on the return trip was really very early!

@LetsMakeaTrip 10 ай бұрын

I’m not even sure I remember that wake up call tbh - must’ve had a decent nights sleep I guess.

@pacmanseven2544 11 ай бұрын

@2:39 did you know that the number 720 on the yellow wheelchair ramp in the background is the class of trains that the ramp will secure to. Most station will have several wheelchair ramps for all classes of trains that frequently service that station.

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

I didn’t, but I do now! I’ll look out for that next time I’m at a station. Cheers 😊👍

@William82Roberts 11 ай бұрын

This video I have waited for. From experience I have seen foot passengers use the premium lounge you can pay for the upgrade on the Stena website or service desk, but personally if you have a cabin and maybe pay a little more for a window cabin then you don't need the lounge, on day sailings the cabins prices are reasonably cheap some with a free mini-bar. I have never seen the casino open and I agree the drinks are expensive, the coffee is disgusting my only negatives and the hike from the ship to passport control in Hoek terminal! The crossing is an experience standing on deck 11 looking out towards the North Sea ship spotting ha ha. I really enjoyed this video if you do it in reverse Hoek to Harwich go for a pint in the Harwich pub in Hoek. (That is a tongue twister) I was interested to see the military guys in uniform, wonder where they where going.... Just to note I read Stena swap the ships schedule around in December....so I look forward to seeing you on Britannica next... 👍😃 but bring your bring drinks ha ha

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Cheers mate and thanks for the tips! Yep, I'll try bringing a 2L bottle of coke next time! I do quite fancy the day crossing but then again, plenty more ferry routes (and companies) to try yet so it may be a while. I didn't try the coffee, glad I didn't by the sounds of it. I didn't eat breakfast until Schiedam but had a lovely wander around there - recommended.

@stuartnicholson1478 11 ай бұрын

The Manningtree Station Buffet and pub is a great place to break the journey

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

I'll have to remember that for next time Stuart. Cheers.

@mjt8199 11 ай бұрын

That place is legendary. It's considered rude to not extend one's journey for a swift pint and a bacon sandwich in the station buffet.

@erik_griswold 11 ай бұрын

Long live the Manningtree Station Buffet!

@inthepub 7 ай бұрын

Best part of the trip is a bacon roll and a pint at Manningtree.

@skycloud4802 Ай бұрын

The worst thing about it, is that it actually isn't open when you want it to be. Just when you miss a connection and it's you are waiting on the windy cold platform for forty five minutes late at night.

@Sman-eg1zs 4 ай бұрын

I did this trip back in '91, I remember getting quite pissed and watching a film, may have been Flatliners, and then going to bed in a cabin which had three other people sleeping in it.

@lewisdwyer1536 11 ай бұрын

Fantastic video. I have a beach hut not far from harwich in Walton on the Naze. Shooting star at 19:02, hope you made a wish!

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Lewis, my daughter reckons it’s a seagull 😂 PS, I always wanted a beach hut, I bet it’s great 👍

@richardstreet7518 11 ай бұрын

Excellent- I love this route to Holland... shame it doesn't include the rail in Holland anymore ..cabins are great .. particularly the mattress!! The ramp in Hoek seems to go on for ever

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Yes Richard it did seem to go n for ever! Maybe NS will sign-up to it again but it’s still decent value in my view without. Cheers for the comment. 😊👍

@richardstreet7518 11 ай бұрын

@LetsMakeaTrip saves the cost of an extra overnight stay !!!

@andrewwilson6240 11 ай бұрын

I remember that Great Western and Stena did a rail & sail (maybe they still do) to Ireland. But that was zoned in fares. The first experience i had with split ticketing was to book r&s from Llanelli and the very cheap ticket from Swansea to Llanelli saved £20 ish to not cross the zone.

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Hi Andrew, yes most others zoned as far as I'm aware. There are some interesting routes though you can do relatively cheaply. For example, I came back to Shrewsbury from Belfast recently on a rail/sail via Cairnryan and Glasgow (pretty-much). A long day but for £50.....

@BORED-sb5zh 11 ай бұрын

New subscriber here I must say I like your videos sir 👍

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Hi, well many thanks for the sub I hope you enjoy your time over here. Cheers for the comment too - much appreciated.

@macdodd 4 ай бұрын

I've done that route a few times back in the 70s when I was in the RAF in Germany Only had a seat but it wasn't an overly long journey. The Hull Rotterdam ferry was longer & I travelled by car then with my wife & baby Always got seasick

@gillianmorris747 11 ай бұрын

Enjoyed this informative video. Can you upgrade to cabin with window and 2 lower bunks?. Look forward to viewing some more of your videos

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Thanks Gillian. My cabin was the cheapest you can get so I’m sure you can upgrade subject to availability. Appreciate the comment 😊👍

@chombersSOpA 11 ай бұрын

I have vague memories of doing a trip from Harwich to Esbjer for a mate's stag do. Thirty five years ago. 22 hours out 4 hours in an Esbjerg bar, 22 hours back. Bars a plenty, nightclub and many au pairs making the trip. Great fun I recall but don't think this route is run nowadays.

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Cheers, it’s not run anymore sadly and I never got the chance to do it. Not sure it’ll ever come back now which is a shame as I’d definitely be on that ferry if it did. 😊👍

@justincarrington9829 11 ай бұрын

I'm currently camping in the Netherlands and made that ferry crossing on sunday night.

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

I hope you’re getting better weather than we are!

@seancoleman8528 11 ай бұрын

Nice one mark, i think £106 is a bargain if you are travelling from London thanks again really like your videos

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Cheers Sean, yep a decent price especially when you consider it’s 1 nights accommodation too 👍

@tonys1636 11 ай бұрын

Hope to see a Eurolines bus/sailing video soon unless you've already done one. Maybe London Victoria to Dublin or Cork although I think the Cork service has not returned since Covid.

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

I've done the Eurolines London to Dublin recently. It's about 18th down the list if you look through my content. Cheers Tony.

@Zomerset 11 ай бұрын

Thank you for showing this route. I prefer not to fly, so it is great to see the different ferry routes to mainland Europe. Thought the price was quite good, all things considered.

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Cheers mate, yes agree the price was good especially when you factor in it's 1 nights accommodation too.

@neko12 11 ай бұрын

Thanks a lot for an informative video! Do you happen to know if there's a gate to declare items when boarding or departing the ship? I'm looking to buy a few whisky bottles, which as far as I know are allowed on Stena ferries, but I'm unsure when I may be asked to pay the duties (I think only 1 liter is free duty, when coming to EU). You mentioned screening bags in UK, may that be happening then? Thanks a lot!

@LetsMakeaTrip 10 ай бұрын

Yes there are plenty of staff available at Harwich so you’re probably best asking them. Cheers

@truebrit3578 11 ай бұрын

Having done this trip many years ago and thinking about it for the future videos on the routes always interest me. There have been quite a few recently but arguably you get the feeling of the experience somewhat better than the others. It is, by the time you have eaten, a fairly short night and many of the facilities seem closed on the night crossing. It would be interesting to compare a day voyage. I did check cabin availability in the summer a while back and the outer cabins in particular seemed heavily booked across quite a few dates. It is reasonably priced, you do save on a hotel but with the number of flights from UK regional airports to the Netherlands perhaps the value to foot passengers is rather less unless you live near the port?

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Thanks a lot for the comment. I always think, if you lived somewhere like Portsmouth, the options are great. I’d be on the ferries all the time! Harwich iirc has a Premierinn by the port so it could make as much sense to overnight there and get the day crossing. I may well try it. I believe the facilities do open up once in international waters but I don’t know about everyone else, I was in bed by that point. Overall though, a decent ship and crossing I would certainly recommend (bring your own coke though 😂). Cheers 😊👍

@MrWebbster1997 11 ай бұрын

Great video I’ve done the premium lounge when doing the crossing and it’s pretty poor compared to the Irish crossings sadly

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Oh thanks for the heads up. And if you recommend Irish Ferries lounge I might just try it 😊👍

@PaulaBean 7 ай бұрын

15:26 That 'Beaver Bar' doesn't look too bad. Lots of people sitting around and having drinks.

@johnmehaffey9953 11 ай бұрын

Used to do this trip many times when working in Germany, used to book it through the reisburo in Germany through ticket to Liverpool Street from Dortmund, why this way instead of flying? no connections after 6 pm from Düsseldorf onwards to Ireland by air and by using the ferry I only missed one early flight so saved the price of a London hotel, nice post, brought back happy memories

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Cheers John, interesting comment too. Thanks very much for sharing your experience 😊👍

@rachaelwatson3201 11 ай бұрын

Hi Mark. Love watching your videos. Just wondered, do you ever get recognised by subscribers on any of your trips? 🤔

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Hi Rachael, thanks. I do occasionally get recognised yes but I’m not a big KZfaqr by any means and it does take me aback a little when it happens. Great to meet people though and I always get nice comments. 😊👍

@michaelmccarthy9670 11 ай бұрын

Went on the Harwich Hamburg and Denmark ships many times they went right into the city centres sadley missed

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Yes the Danish one in-particular.

@ICanPlayPiano 11 ай бұрын

I had a crazy notion of you and 'Techmoan' 'trading places' for a larf, i.e you doing a video reviewing an old c.1971 Panasonic musiccentre, and him reviewing the legroom on a Bus Éireann coach or something.

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

I hadn’t heard of this guy before tonight so hanks for the recommendation. I would probably go for an old amstrad 4 track recorder (with turntable of course!).

@jjsmallpiece9234 11 ай бұрын

If you want more entertainment, expect ticket prices to go up. As regards the gambling machines - I think they are turned while still in UK territorial water (12mile limit), I think tax has to be paid to the government. Once outside UK waters, no tax is paid.

@mikedown1250 11 ай бұрын

cheers mark. I know you love your Boats planes trains trams busses trolleys skateboards.

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Thanks Mike, yep 40 years ago I was a great skateboarder 😂

@maxwilson5176 11 ай бұрын

Have you ever done the ticket from any UK station to Ireland via Holyhead, usually retails about £54 on the day fare or something?

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

I have Max and I've also done it coming back on a very interesting route from Belfast (via Glasgow pretty-much) back down to the Midlands. Less than £54 too. That video will be out in a month-or-so. Cheersee mate.

@geoffisaac3511 7 ай бұрын

Good video thanks and I will have to remember to take a can of Coca-Cola with me at them prices !

@johnmullin1188 11 ай бұрын

Hi Mark just watched your absolutely wonderful video you got ripped right off with the coke is the menu in English or Dutch you got a bargain 106£ for the cabin plus expensive food on board I didn't know you know my hero steve marsh he does some fantastic trips your on the top 3 of my list of traveler's you explain what people want to know again thanks for the info all the best John 😊😊

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Hi John, many thanks for the comment mate. Not a bad trip for the money this but yes, steer we’ll clear of the soft drinks if you’re in the cafe! I know Steve through KZfaq that’s all really and really enjoy his stuff. Probably end up doing similar stuff really though I reckon he’s got a bigger budget than me! 😂 All the best, Mark 👍

@johnmullin1188 11 ай бұрын

Hi Mark I did watch your video on jersey did you stay at premier Inn if so which 1 did you get there on condor? I know you had a nightmare going to letaqe if I can get the video I'll watch again all the best John 😊

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Bath Road I think it was mate 👍

@johnmullin1188 11 ай бұрын

Hi Mark it was bath road the other is Charing cross thanks for your reply m8 there is 1 thing I cannot find out how did you get to Jersey and return and the price if you have the video which I cannot find let me in Pal you do a great job helping people before they travel 1 day you will catch up with Steve all the best my friend thanks John 😀

@Davidnumber23 5 ай бұрын

first time I did that route in the late 80s it was £28 walk on fee. 😁

@derisleybrittain 11 ай бұрын

Excellent 🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌷🌷🌷🌷🌹🌹🌹🌹

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Hi Derisley thanks for commenting mate as always. Unfortunately I'm on my laptop tonight and I haven't figured out how to leave emojis to reciprocate!!

@edwardbennett3867 3 ай бұрын

Somewhat different from my crossing on Nov 1952 en route to Korear via treiste

@TonyFisherPuzzles 8 ай бұрын

The Dutch Flyer used to include Dutch rail to any Dutch station. However they replaced part of the route with what they call the Metro. Even though it runs the exact same route it doesn't count as a railway.

@LetsMakeaTrip 8 ай бұрын

Yep, and I don’t think it came back after covid (something like that anyway).

@TonyFisherPuzzles 8 ай бұрын

@@LetsMakeaTrip For a short while it did include the Metro but I found the ticket usually didn't work. Then During COVID they didn't want to have special offers to encourage people to travel. It was also far safer to use the flexible fare and pay a bit more in case tighter rules prevented travel. Then after COVID I guess they had issues with RET or something.

@modelrailpaulcee 11 ай бұрын

Living in Norwich, this seems well worth investigating - despite living half a mile from Norwich Airport, with direct fights to Amsterdam!

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Cheers Paul, yep I did actually fly back with KLM (to BHX though) but the combined train + ferry is great value day or night 👍

@alexmcwhirter6611 11 ай бұрын

Indeed. That KLM flight to Schiphol is little more than a hop across the North Sea. KLM has stayed loyal to NWI and, as an international scheduled airline, it must be NWI's best customer ! Shame that NWI still persists with that "airport development fee."

@MrFlava1982 10 ай бұрын

@@alexmcwhirter6611 Humberside Airport is another small airport that KLM serve

@alexmcwhirter6611 10 ай бұрын

@@MrFlava1982 Yes I know. KLM has been loyal to both HUY and LBA. DSA lost out by not being able to woo KLM !

@antoniodimascio5340 2 ай бұрын

From Cambridge we have the train to Harwich I wonder if I can bring my dog on the ferry to Holland

@chuckbradley1 11 ай бұрын

Suffer for your art... Thanks. 👍

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Cheers Chuck, thanks for the comment 😊👍

@davesdaze 11 ай бұрын

Hi Mark. Great video to Holland. I've done the dfds about 30 yrs ago from there they seemed better shops, smarter. Did u go on into Holland. Hope u are well. Does your friend come with u any more. Looking forward to seeing your next video. Best wishes David and Beverley Norfolk

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Hi both, I went up to Schipol and flew back to Birmingham. Jimmy lives down south so I only meet up with him if I’m down that way really. I haven’t done DFDS yet but it’s definitely on the radar 😊👍

@davesdaze 11 ай бұрын

@@LetsMakeaTrip thank you for kind reply. Nice to hear what you do. Your videos are very relaxing and informative. Safe journeys. We just came back from Eastbourne, they run a dotto train on the seafront and a town tour, may be worth a video maybe. Thanks again. Best wishes David and Beverley Norfolk

@TheMcmunro 11 ай бұрын

Great video apart fro the Ipswich approach. OTBC.

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

I did have a great time in Norwich the day before if it helps 😂

@IntoTheWhite04 11 ай бұрын

Hi.. just a bit of a post Brexit question. Do you know if you can take sandwiches onto the ferry to eat whilst in board at all? Travelling to Netherlands in a month by car on the Monday morning crossing . Thanks...

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Not sure tbh. Might be worth checking the Stena Line ferry or sending them a message on X 👍

@hampshirewanderer5078 11 ай бұрын

I think the casino/gaming areas fall under the same rule as cruise ships, which can only operate casinos in international waters.

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Yes I think you’re right from what I can gather. Cheers 👍

@SirKenchalot 11 ай бұрын

Midland London did this exactly 1 week ago. He was on the other ship I think but I wonder who recorded their trip first?

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Not sure tbh, he did the trip in June too.

@littlebigman6957 11 ай бұрын

Hi mark. Have you tried the p&o hull to rotterdam overnight crossing yet.? It used to be good. I was a frequent user as a coach driver . 3 to 4 times per month. Pre covid. If you do try it make sure that you book the onward coach journey to either rotterdam or Amsterdam. Otherwise you are stuck. Unless you take a car or something.

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Hi, I have tried it but before I was doing this KZfaq thing. Only about 3 years ago though and I seem to remember driving on and through the side of the ship (from the Dutch end). I thought the ship was big and there was lots going on from what I remember. I’ll definitely do it again and thanks for the advice re: onward coach travel. Cheers 😊👍

@michaelscott7166 11 ай бұрын

I did it as a mini cruise foot passenger a couple of weeks back. Return trip including a coach into Amsterdam for the day was £118. Some decent entertainment on board as well, I thought it was a bargain.

@littlebigman6957 11 ай бұрын

@michaelscott7166 as a coach driver I used to do what we called the day trip. Start picking up in Scarborough. Run down via Loca towns to the ferry. Next morning, leave europoort ASAP and up to Amsterdam leave Amsterdam at 1630pm and back to europoort. There was always a late commer. I only left one person, and he accidentally breathed in some wacky backy and got shit faced. The trouble was he was mild special needs. Oops. He left by taxi half an hour after me and he got to the ferry 10 minutes after me. I even got a tip from his minder for teaching him a lesson. I did the run many times. Happy days 😁.

@Janbaukeoelstra 8 ай бұрын

You can say Hoek of Holland because it is the real corner of the Netherlands ! Until 2017 it was a trainststation and now it is a metrostation and the last stop is the beach ! I have a fact for you and that is as follows : until the late 90's Hoek van Holland beach was a international trainstation, trains to Germany, Denmark and even Russia depart from here.......this is all gone now ! Now only thing that is left is a boring metrostation, so now you learned some more about Hook of Holland😅

@LetsMakeaTrip 8 ай бұрын

I have! Thank you sir for the information. 😊👍

@thebass64 11 ай бұрын

Great video but there's some context you may not be aware of. The two identical ferries on this route are primarily targeted for freight / lorry drivers - they contribute the majority of the income and passengers. Their area is on the opposite side, which explains your comment about only car / foot passenger having access to one side primarily. The lounge is for the premier car customers because the premium they are paying is very significant - typically £50 + to get several benefits . For a foot passenger, the equivalent cost would be multiple of the fare they have already paid which would make it less attractive. The taster lounge is excellent (I use it every time) and well worth the money. Finally at time of construction, the Stena Hollandica and Britannica were the largest combo Lorry and Car ferries in the world.

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Ah that's really interesting and thanks for the info. That definitely explains the 'blank space' on the deck plan and why we could only access the one side of the ship. I get the point of the lounge access though I'm sure anyone could upgrade if there's space as they might as well fill it. I must ask next time. Much appreciate the insight, cheers.

@alexmcwhirter6611 11 ай бұрын

Yes it's the trucks and cars which have contributed to this route's continuing success.

@BillEvans1956 9 ай бұрын

If I arrive on the train with a bike, are there separate arrangements for boarding?

@LetsMakeaTrip 9 ай бұрын

Check on the Stena website for bicycle carriage. If it's not detailed on there, I would contact them directly.

@franticstorm7411 10 ай бұрын

Back in the day, half the British army used that route.

@LetsMakeaTrip 10 ай бұрын

Interesting, quite a few on it when I sailed.

@TonyBanks21 11 ай бұрын

I also noticed that they didn’t provide tea and coffee making facilities in your cabin-unlike most inland Hotel Rooms-perhaps that’s because they want you to buy your tea and coffee,at the various onboard cafes and bars,at their inflated prices ??

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Probably Tony, though I think the dearer cabins do have tea and coffee making facilities 👍

@Timstravels01 11 ай бұрын

A good, honest review as always. Expensive Coca-Cola mind.

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Cheers Tim, yes, bring your own Coke I would say 😊👍

@grahambell5865 11 ай бұрын

You need Hull to Rotterdam!! ferry !!yes there's bad feeling against P &O ferries but it's a good overnight route!! food , entertainment, and back in the day largest cruise ferries in the world!! plus a history going back to 1965!!

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

I will try that at some point Graham. Did it a few years ago in the car and I seem to remember quite enjoying it. It is a big ship yes and there was lots going on. Watch this space!

@skycloud4802 Ай бұрын

What about since Brexit? Does it require extra visas or other checks besides a passport?

@cms9902 11 ай бұрын

Cromer? I would have stocked up on Cromer crab and sat on the deck at sunset haha

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

That sounds lovely! Though getting them through security - there's probably some clause in there somewhere (see what I did there? claws?). I won't give up the day job!

@erik_griswold 11 ай бұрын

Funny that NS have pulled out of the agreement given that they own Greater Anglia.

@jeanjacques9980 11 ай бұрын

The fare I presume single or was it a return fare?

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Single adult fare Jean👍

@jeanjacques9980 11 ай бұрын

@@LetsMakeaTrip I thought single, too good to be true if return.

@montystelevision3238 11 ай бұрын

If I recall this used to be a British Rail ferry service.

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Yes I think it was, with the Dutch equivalent on the other side?

@erik_griswold 11 ай бұрын

@@LetsMakeaTripYup, the Dutch boat was the Queen Beatrix and it ended up sailing for Stena when they took over.

@garethdevlin2732 11 ай бұрын

Seemed value for money. Did you get breakfast? If so how much was breakfast and how did it taste?

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Hi Gareth! The fare was pretty decent yes. I didn’t get breakfast but I posted up the price in the video which I seem to remember was €14.

@John-qq8he 11 ай бұрын

I imagine that the casino, if it opens, may not do so until the ship is outside territorial waters.

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

Ah yes John, thanks. I wonder if it’s more of a day thing too? I’d be interested to know if it bothers to open on the overnight crossing as I can’t see many staying up all night, especially when cabins are compulsory.

@John-qq8he 11 ай бұрын

Could well be. Interested to see if any day passengers can help.

@erik_griswold 11 ай бұрын

These overnight European ferries are heads and tails above what is on offer in North America.

@LetsMakeaTrip 11 ай бұрын

I haven’t tried any in North America tbh but would love to give them a go. Any recommendations?