If you’re looking for a family getaway direct from Hull this Summer, without the hassle of airports, flying, or long drives, here’s one we can highly recommend.
We recently went on our first P&O Ferry from Hull to Rotterdam, and it was an experience we can’t wait to share with you!
Convenient Local Departure
Starting right from Hull, the journey was super convenient. We parked up in the secure multi-storey car park next to the terminal, making it really easy. Checking in was a breeze, much like a small airport but without all the faff. We checked in, went through security and passport control, and then we were straight on board!
A Floating Resort
The ferry felt like a small cruise ship, with plenty to keep everyone entertained. From live entertainment and a cinema to spacious lounge areas and a variety of dining options, it truly felt like a floating hotel. There’s even a show bar with live performances and an 18+ casino for those interested.
Outside Deck & Sky Lounge Bar
One of our favourite spots was the outside deck which was perfect in the hot sun as we set sail from Hull. The adjacent Sky Lounge bar was our favourite place on the ship overall though where we enjoyed relaxing both on our first night setting off from Hull and on the return journey from Rotterdam.
This spacious lounge on the top deck has plenty of seating, a bar with a wide range of cocktails, spirits, wines, beers and soft drinks and even a dance floor.
We loved being able to just relax and take in the panoramic sea views while enjoying some nice drinks and listening to the live acoustic singer on both nights.
What’s great about travelling like this with young kids, is that they weren’t confined to a small space. Instead, they got to walk around, explore and enjoy some downtime with us.
Kids Entertainment
Our girls absolutely loved the onboard cinema, enjoying one of the 4 films they show across two screens each evening. That allowed us a bit of kid-free time to relax together too.
There’s also a nice play area for kids with soft play, games, and puzzles, ensuring that children have plenty to keep them entertained throughout the journey.
Delicious Dining Options
Dinner was a highlight with an all-you-can-eat buffet offering a wide range of salads, cold meats, a carvery, curry, and more. Soft drinks and hot drinks were included, making it a feast to remember.
For those looking for different dining options, the ferry also offers The Brasserie for an a-la-carte experience and a café for lighter meals and snacks.
The next morning, we enjoyed a full buffet breakfast with cereals, yogurts, fresh fruit, a hot English breakfast, and the most delightful pastries like croissants and pain au chocolat.
Comfortable Cabins
Although the cabins were compact, they were comfortable and air-conditioned. We had a great night’s sleep in our cabin with Pullman beds – the girls loved climbing up to the top bunks!
If you’re easily woken by other guests, we’d recommend asking for a room towards the back of the ship if you can as less people get that far back. We had a standard cabin, but the more premium cabins are located towards the back.
Exploring Rotterdam
Once we arrived in Rotterdam, we spent a few hours exploring the city centre. Rotterdam is a beautiful, modern city that feels quiet and clean, with plenty of greenery and good public transport systems. We were impressed by the vibrant culture and stunning architecture.
After a quick exploration, we decided to visit the huge Rotterdam Zoo, which was the highlight of our day. It was an amazing experience for our family – we saw a variety of animals, including polar bears, and even got to feed a giraffe!
To get to the zoo from the city centre, it’s about a 20-minute walk from the station. However, since we had ventured further away, we opted for a quick Bolt taxi ride in a very cool, electric Tesla.
Relaxing at Sea
After our day in Rotterdam, we took a coach transfer straight back to the port, ready for our return journey. Cruising on the outside deck in the hot sun was blissful. The Sky Lounge bar was a hit – a spacious lounge on the top deck with panoramic sea views. We enjoyed live acoustic music while sipping drinks, and the girls had plenty of space to play and draw.
Travelling by ferry was such a pleasant change from flying. It was relaxing, enjoyable, and the kids had a blast. We’re already planning our next trip!
For anyone in Hull & East Yorkshire looking for a unique and enjoyable way to start their holiday, we highly recommend hopping on a P&O Ferry to Rotterdam. It’s an adventure from the moment you board!
We think it’s a great way to travel. So much more enjoyable than flying. The kids loved it too and we can’t wait to go again.
