Travel Information

Netherlands ports

The Netherlands, often referred to as Holland, used to be made up many small islands, separated from the North Sea by dykes and dunes. These islands were connected using Dutch ingenuity and much hard work and the result is a country that is flat and green, with nearly half its territory and two-thirds of its 15 million people living below sea level. Holland is known for its liberal policies, Windmills, clogs, tulips, dykes and canals, diary products red light districts and cannabis 'coffee' shops, all of which attract the crowds.

Book Dutch Ferry tickets

Rotterdam is the largest port in the world; every day it receives ships from across the planet, transporting their cargoes to Europe. The port services over 6,000 vessels a year. P&O North Sea Ferries operates a sailing to Hull once a day. This overnight sailing takes 11 hours. Passengers must check-in 1 ½ hours prior to sailing in order to keep their cabin bookings.

Most the ferries depart from Hook of Holland, at the mouth of the Rhine. Stenaline offers two daily sailings to Harwich (duration: 3 hours, 40 minutes). Both passenger and freight are accommodated on these sailings, with onboard facilities including a bureau de change and several restaurants.

Just outside of the metropolis of Amsterdam, lies the small port town of Ijmuiden. It is a main fishing port, with an open connection to the North Sea. DFDS Ferries operates a daily crossing to Newcastle, with a journey time of 16 hours. This is an overnight sailing departing Ijmuiden in the evening, arriving in Newcastle the following morning.

Holland has its great divide, along the three great rivers: the Maas, the Waal, and the Rhine. It is a country that has had a tumultuous relationship with water, which has made its canals world famous. Amsterdam is one of Europe's most charming cities, covered in canals and quaint architecture. Here, bicycles are the most practical way to explore the delightful lanes of this largely unchanged ancient city. The world famous Rijksmuseum, with its Van Gogh and Rembrandt paintings, the Anne Frank house are not to be missed. Den Haag, the Hague, is the capital and the seat of the Royalty and government. Here visitors can enjoy seeing the stately mansions, palatial embassies and prestigious art galleries.