There is plenty to keep you and your family entertained throughout the sailing on King Seaways.
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Columbus Club
The Columbus Club is the night club on board and is usually host to live entertainment. Curls & Pearls were headlining on my sailings, performing a variety of all-time classic tunes.
There is usually a change of live acts throughout the night, but the Columbus Club is a great place to have a drink and sing along or dance to some great music.
Casino
If you are feeling lucky, head to the casino on Deck 9. It has limited opening hours but is very popular when it opens.
Bingo
Nightly family-friendly bingo sessions are also popular. The quantity of people that play determines the jackpots.
Navigators Bar
Navigators Bar is a lounge bar, perfect for unwinding over a glass of wine. A selection of wines, beers, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks are available in this laid-back venue.
Live entertainment is available in this bar. I watched as a very talented guitarist sang classic songs to the enthusiastic applause of passengers.
Sports Bar
The Sports Bar has a fresh and trendy feel to it, with pumping music playing and a wide choice of cocktails and drinks on offer. The modern venue attracts a younger audience than Navigators Bar.
Neptune Sky Bar
Neptune Sky Bar (formerly the Mermaid Bar) is a weather-dependant bar that resides at the rear of the vessel on the outer deck.
Stunning views over the rear of the ship together with drinks and a beautiful sunset would make a great end of the day.
Sadly poor weather and cold temperatures on my sailings meant this did not open.
Commodore De Luxe Lounge
The Commodore De Luxe Lounge is somewhere you can sit in peace and quiet, mingle with a small group of fellow travellers, and gorge on complimentary snacks and drinks.
Access to this exclusive venue is limited to those travelling in Commodore De Luxe suites. The lounge is at the end of the Commodore De Luxe cabin corridor.
Shopping
The main shop on Deck 7 sells a variety of products although there is a distinct lack of DFDS-branded merchandise.
This shop sells a range of clothes, duty-free alcohol, confectionery, and other snacks.
The ship stocks souvenirs of Amsterdam (for those who forgot to get them on land) and bizarrely for a ferry that departs Newcastle, it also sold London souvenir items.
Next to the main shop is the outlet specialising in duty-free fragrances. The pungent scents of designer perfumes fill the air of this well-stocked shop.
Tucked away on Deck 9 is a shop aimed at kids, selling a variety of toys and games.
Kids
If you are travelling with young children, head to the Kidz' Club area.
The Kidz' Club has been designed to appeal to kids aged between four and eight years of age, with a dedicated playroom, ball pool, drawing tables, plus videos and cartoons.
The Pirates Club is run by a professional children's entertainer on selected sailings during the school holidays. Fun activities on offer include treasure hunts, drawing competitions, and games.
Slot Machines and Amusement Games
Deck 9 is host to slot machines. There is also a small amusement games room where you will find an air hockey table and some video games.
Cinema
Located on Deck 1 is the two-screen cinema that can accommodate up to 102 passengers. Tickets prices are reasonable, and the film selection is current. I found that movies started very early in the sailing, so if you want to take the kids to see a movie at sea, you need to book this as soon as you get onboard.
Wildlife Centre
The Wildlife Centre is not an advertised attraction but is an impressive room to visit if you are interested in marine animals.
The Centre is on Deck 9 and is full of information about the wildlife that lives in the North Sea. During the summer months, there are often themed mini cruises with expert advisers from the ORCA charity on board helping to spot wildlife on the journey between Amsterdam and Newcastle.
Summary
There is a good assortment of things to do on the overnight ferry between Newcastle and Amsterdam. Be aware that some options cost extra.
Read more in this series
- Getting to Port of Tyne International Passenger Terminal
- King Seaways Review
- King Seaways Cabins
- Food & Drink on King Seaways
- Entertainment on King Seaways (you are here)
- Guide to Ijmuiden, Amsterdam
- Novotel Centre Tour Noire Brussels Review
- Top Things To Do, See, And Eat In Brussels
- Brussels Christmas Markets and Light Show
- Brussels Christmas Markets Mini Cruise Review on DFDS' King Seaways
Hi, i play in a Status Quo tribute band called " MA KELLY'S BOYS "and we would love to play on the Mini Cruises to Amsterdam from Newcastle. Who would i approach about booking our band please.
Kind regards
Denny Mochan
It would be best to contact DFDS° who can refer you to the relevant person within the company to discuss opportunities. I wish you the best of luck - please do let me know if you secure a gig!