Holland via ferry Newcastle - Amsterdam - advice rqd!

[TheTravelMan]

Hi there,

We are still considering taking our caravan abroad for the 1st time, we are also still quite new to caravanning with just over 1& 1/2 seasons experience.

We are a family of 2ad and 2 ch (Age 5&6) enjoy nice immaculate sites, but quiet!! Wife enjoys a little shopping, i like a little scenery and of course the kids like nothing better than playing with their toys or to be taken to a nice park.

Anyway thinking of Holland as I can cut out alot of driving by doing a Newcastle - Amsterdam Crossing with living in Northumberland.

Robjax advised me last a while ago to try Delft and the site of Delftse Hout, which on the website looks nice.

Again Rob if you read this I would appreciate your comments again too!!

1) Anyone done this crossing with a Caravan?

2) other general comments regarding above site?

3) any other caravan sites worth trying nearer to Amsterdam

Ferry port?

4) What will the drive be like from Amsterdam down to Delft for a 1st timer on the continent towing a caravan?

Any other advice and general comments much appreciated.

Thanks

Andrew.

 

[MikeJE]

Andrew,

We have done this crossing four times now. Ask when the 'van goes free' days are - makes a saving if you can take advantage of them. We always book the evening meals and breakfast in advance; cheaper than buying tickets on board; even going for the breakfast on the return although we only live 44.5 miles away car deck to front door - makes a finale to the holiday watching Whitby, Teesmouth etc drift by as you eat. Had a very noisy cabin this year deck 5 low teen number. Will be considering trying for deck 6 at least next year. Perhaps it would be worth mentioning that when you book. Would use this crossing rather than Dover/Calais to save the hack down to the south coast and the cost of meals en-route, fuel and possibly an overnight at the coast. Also the entire experience is more leisurely, embarking and disembarking at civilised times without the rush/rush sensation sometimes found at the short crossings.

Have stayed at Duinrell - fun park next door for youngsters - otherwise not at any others near Amsterdam.

Hope this helps.

 

[Val & Frank]

We have only done this route with the Car, not Car and Van. The ferry was spotless, we took a cabin with a sea view. All cabins can be a little noisy it goes with the diesel engines !!!

One thing I did note was if it is roughish, they tend to sail down the coast a little before the dash across the North Sea making the trip a little more comfortable. We saw tham load a big Hobby towed by a MPV and it all looked to go fine. Coming out of the port on to the Dutch motorway system was relatively easy, although you tend to be in the rush hour it wasn't a problem.

I have noticed "the van goes free days" tend to be mid week Tuesdays and Wednedays

All in all not a bad route if you live in the North .

Val & Frank

 

[MikeJE]

Took the 'van free last July on a sunday - maybe it depends on how bookings are going at the time you enquire. Also they give a discount for Caravan Club members.

I agree all cabins are noisy to some extent. It's just that ours this year was extra noisy. The noise level dropped noticeably in the passageway a mere two cabins either side of ours. I have written to D.F.D.S., had an acknowledgement but, so far, no positive reply.

 

[Val & Frank]

Morning Mike e

I didn't mean it to sound like I was trying to pick you up on the cabin noise !!!

Commodore Cabins are excellent, not sure about value for money though !!!

Val & Frank

 

[MikeJE]

Morning Mike e

I didn't mean it to sound like I was trying to pick you up on the cabin noise !!!

Commodore Cabins are excellent, not sure about value for money though !!!

Val & Frank

Did'nt think you were Frank - just that particular cabin (513) vibrated too. ( Probably pay extra for that in some establishments ! )

I have thought of the Commodore option but, as you say, is it worth it. Will be thinking hard on that one when booking next year.

Regards

Mike E

 

[sconny]

Andrew, We took our car and van to Duinrell in July this year,our first trip abroad.

Like other comments this is a much more civilised and pleasurable route than dover-calais.

We travelled on free caravan days however this for next year things have changed. I have tried to get a quote and noticed the highlited days on the net are different to what the sales girl had in front of her.

I also joined the caravan club as it saves you 10% of price giving you CC membership for free really.

If you want to give me a bell for advice just say im at Consett, will be glad to help.

Regards John

 

[MikeJE]

John,

Was the sales girl able to offer caravan free days for next year already ? When I asked I was told to wait until next spring at the earliest.

Mike E

 

[sconny]

John,

Was the sales girl able to offer caravan free days for next year already ? When I asked I was told to wait until next spring at the earliest.

Mike E

Mike, Try and ring the newcastle office direct, an 0191 number.

I had three different stories regarding queeries i had.

Have deceided to stay with Keycamp next year at Duinrell it's cheaper in June to do so, let me know how you get on.

It makes a massive difference in price if you have to pay for the van as well.

John

 

[MikeJE]

John,

Just come off the 'phone to D.F.D.S. - vans go free Sunday, Monday and a limited amount Tuesdays next year. Made a firm booking. Now if anyone changes their mind . . . . .

 

[RJC]

Hi Andrew

We have just come back from two weeks in Belgium, Luxembourg and Holland.

Of the three we preferred Holland.

We stayed at Delftse Haute and once we found it (you have to go through a "housing estate" and then under the motorway to get to it) it was an excellent site.

One small criticism is that the pitches are relatively small and difficult to access (but then we have a very large unit - Senator Wyoming towed by a Jeep Commander).

Getting around in Delft is very easy as they have a city bus that stops just outside the park which takes you in and around Delft. Just don't get off when it stops at the Delft Pottery (it cost me a fortune!!!).

Also the site itself is in the middle of a "recreational area" with very little traffic so would be ideal for you and your kids.

We also took the train to Amsterdam but only had one day there - I would recommend at least two-three.

All in all I would thoroughly recommend Holland.

I cannot comment on the Newcastle to Amsterdam route as we travelled Hull - Zeebrugge but travelling from Delft to Zeebrugge for the return crossing was very straightforward.

Hope this helps but let me know if you need any more info.

Cheers

Richard