DFDS Ferry Check-In at Newcastle Port of Tyne International Passenger Terminal
DFDS Princess Seaways is one of 2 vessels operating on the daily DFDS Newcastle-Ijmuiden (Amsterdam) ferry service. I had wanted to take at least 1 long cruiseferry ride for an overland trip when I am in Europe, and this trip from Edinburgh to Berlin was it. Alighting from the Go North East Bus 327, it’s time to head in to DFDS Ferry Terminal at Newcastle Port of Tyne International Passenger Terminal to check-in for my DFDS Newcastle-Ijmuiden (Amsterdam) cruiseferry.
DFDS Ferry Terminal at Newcastle Port of Tyne International Passenger Terminal
The façade of Newcastle Port of Tyne International Passenger Terminal is quite obvious.
Heading in to Newcastle Port of Tyne International Passenger Terminal.
A sign at the entrance reminds passengers that alcohol is not permitted to be brought on board the DFDS ferry.
The check-in area is nice and compact just at the entrance, so getting lost is quite impossible.
DFDS Ferry Check-In Counter
The DFDS Ferry check-in counter is well signed, with a queue for foot passengers already formed.
Check-in is straightforward, similar to an airline check-in where you give the counter staff your passport and they return with your boarding pass. In DFDS’s case, my boarding card is also my cabin key. Check-in for foot passengers closes 45 minutes prior to departure.
I booked an Economy Cabin, listed descriptively as a “2-bed inside cabin, bunk beds”, as it was the cheapest option available. For this cabin for 2 persons, I paid £138, so that’s £69 per person.
DFDS Ferry Boarding Gate
Boarding is also easy as the boarding gate is located just beside the check-in counter.
There was a very slight hiccup here with the boarding gate staff flipping through my passport including all empty pages for a few more seconds than comfortable. I then asked her if she was looking for something, and she asked for my Schengen Visa, which she mistook my expired Malaysia Automated Clearance System (MACS) sticker for it. I then told her that Singapore passports don’t need a Schengen Visa.
A very quick check on her computer later, and I’m free to board the ferry.
There are no immigration procedures when leaving the UK.
A security check followed behind the boarding gate, airline style.
Following security, the path leads to a long bridge connecting the terminal building to the ferry.
A conveyor belt for check-in baggage runs alongside the walking path. It also looks quite fun to ride on, especially for the long walk. Alas, there seem to be history of people doing so, since multiple signs warn against sitting on the conveyor.
Heading to the ship.
Looking up close at the DFDS Princess Seaways.
This part of the gangway looks not much different from an aerobridge.
Crossing the gangway to board the ferry.
DFDS Princess Seaways
Stepping on board DFDS Princess Seaways, my home and transport for the night. Staff are on hand to check for boarding cards, and to direct passengers to the cabins.
The path for foot passengers merges with passengers from vehicles. That’s right, the queue may seem short at the terminal, but that does not mean an empty ship, as people are driving on board.
The deck plan of DFDS Princess Seaways.
Heading up a series of staircases to my cabin.
The corridor for cabins look no different from a cruise ship.
Arrived at my Economy Cabin “2-bed inside cabin, bunk beds”.
Conclusion
Check-in and boarding is quick and easy. It helps that not all passengers will be queuing at check-in, since passengers in vehicles will not be using the passenger terminal building, thinning the crowd at the terminal. The absence of immigration procedures out of the UK is also 1 less queue to deal with.