MS Princess of Scandinavia Cruise Ship

Having been on this route several times in the past, when a small group of friends fancied a weekend away i quickly suggested this.
This is a different boat that the one ive used previously,
food is cheaper if booked online when you book your trip. recomend for diiner, not so much for breakfast.
staff were all friendly, helpful and very attentive. i really felt for them as they did get some hassle from drunks.
rooms, we had 2 rooms booked a twin, on floor 6 was lovely, perfect for what we needed and exactly as expected. the other rrom was a quad with 3 people in it on floor 4, bit tight for space but again expected. both were clean, beds were comfy. the top bunks can be heavy to pull down, and generally took 2 of us. and im told the top bunks can be a bit scary as theirs no safety rails.
our big complaint was the drunken stag/hen parties on board and the behaviour allowed on the friday night especially.
the old boat had a night club and the bar/dancefloor so in the past everyone could enjoy the bar/dancefloor and the drunkeness and loutish behaviour contained to the nightclub. but their is no longer a night club and meant the bar/dancefloor was full of loutish shameful behaviour, broken glass everywhere. and naked drunks. it really put us and many folk off. the saturday ngiht the band only did relax music so we still couldnt get up and dance.smoking is another issue, as smoking is seeming allowed in the bar/dancefloor area.
drink is expensive but again expected. shop did have a good range, but why the london souvinears?
in conclusion, its a great service the newcastle to holland ferry, very useful for taking car to europe, mini cruise are a great deal. but they need to seriously look at the behaviour allowed on board.

having used dfds ferries for some 14 trips on motorcycle trips i cannot undrstand why in 2011 our trip went up £100 in price food and drinks up to prices that are a joke sandwich at bar 8 euros can of carling or john smiths 4.10 euros from a supermarket its 83p a can !!!!!! breakfast 14.50 euros if and i mean if i use it again we will be taking food and drinks on with us be warned

3 readers found this review helpful

NEWCASTLE TO AMSTERDAM
ON
DFDS SEAWAYS m.s. PRINCESS OF NORWAY
　
As we approached the DFDS Seaways International Ferry Terminal at Royal Quays North Shields, we could see the m.s. Princess of Norway looming high above the terminal buildings. We pulled into the car park in good time and managed to secure a good parking place close to the pay machines and footpath to check in. Neither my wife nor I had travelled this route before, indeed it was our first visit to the Newcastle area. We live some 310 miles away close to the port of Harwich and have sailed from Harwich to Esbjerg in Denmark with DFDS Seaways on two occasions, this would be our first trip from Newcastle to Amsterdam.
Check in started at 14:30 and was quick and easy, taking only a few minutes. Boarding would not commence until 16:00 for a 17:00 departure, but there was ample seating in the terminal as well as a shop, a café, an amusement arcade and a Burea De Change so plenty of things to keep you occupied. There was also a model of a Roman fort from the second or third century A.D. as well as models of DFDS Seaways’ Prince of Scandinavia and Queen of Scandinavia. Besides the check in desks for DFDS Seaways there was also a check in desk for the many cruise ships that visit the Port of Tyne and many of the ships name plaques are displayed on the wall.
By the time boarding started there were some 200 foot passengers waiting to board, we were amongst the first to board and, as with check in, it took no time at all (one of the reasons that I prefer travelling by ferry or cruise ship, as opposed to flying, is the fact that you do not have the lengthy check in and waiting around that you get at airports). Once on board, we were greeted by a crew member who directed us to the lifts which would take us to deck 8 where our cabin was situated. As we stepped out of the lift on deck 8 another crew member was waiting to point us in the right direction (this is the kind of service that makes you feel special and makes one company stand out above others).
Our cabin number was 8102 and was a sea view cabin overlooking the bow (front of the ship), this afforded us great views. The cabin was compact but comfortable with four berths, two lower and two upper (as there was only the two of us, the two upper berths were stowed away). Between the two beds there was a table, there were several coat hooks and clothes hangers, a mirror, radio, and an electric point but do remember to take an adapter with you if you wish to use UK appliances. The shower/wc was compact but again had everything that you needed, bearing in mind that for many passengers it is only for one night (although as we were on a mini cruise we would have this same cabin for two nights). Towels are provided and there is a liquid soap dispenser by the side of the wash basin, you need to provide all other toiletries yourself.
Once we had settled into our cabin we went out on deck to explore and to watch the ferry sail out of port. The facilities on board were very impressive with three restaurants. The 7 Seas Buffet Restaurant serves a fantastic all-you-can-eat buffet dinner in the evening and breakfast every morning. The Blue Riband Restaurant is a’ la carte and has a smart casual dress code, the standard of the food in this restaurant is first class and the atmosphere ideal for that special occasion. The Explorers Steakhouse is exactly what you would expect from the name and the dress code is casual, all three restaurants recommend reservation. Besides the three restaurants, there is also the Bake’n Coffee Café which is informal and offers a very good range of sweet and savoury food as well as hot and cold drinks.
There are a number of onboard bars, all of which offer comfortable and spacious seating areas. The Compass Bar which serves cocktails, beer, wine and spirits, also offers whiskey, brandy or wine tasting with a Sommelier. The Navigators Bar is the venue for live music from the Troubadour, and the Columbus Club is the largest bar on the ship and features a stage where a live band performs, this is also the venue for the late night disco. There is also the Sky Bar which is located on the top deck, it offers fantastic views and serves cold drinks, nuts and crisps. Unfortunately this bar was not open during our cruise as it only operates during fine weather due to it being open to the elements.
Onboard entertainment consists of live music, disco and video screens, two cinemas showing the latest movies, a casino with three gaming tables for Roulette and Blackjack as well as slot machines. There is also a Kids Club with a “Ball Pool” and cartoons, and during the school holidays there is a children’s entertainer with magic, treasure hunts and games. There is also a shop onboard where you can purchase everything from clothes, perfumes and jewellery to wines, spirits and tobacco (a great place to pick up those last minute gifts).
The ship itself can accommodate up to 1,250 passengers in 478 cabins, it is 161metres long and 27 metres wide, has a maximum speed of 21 knots and has room onboard for 600 cars. The ship was built in 1986 and has had refits in 2003 and 2006 and sails under the Danish flag.
Having toured the ship and seen as much as we could, I inquired at reception if it would be possible to view one of the Commodore Class Cabins, luckily for us a few of the cabins were vacant and Philip a crew member very kindly took us to one of the cabins on deck 8. The cabin was about twice the size of the sea view cabin that we had and it featured a double bed, television, wardrobes, complimentary mini bar, room service and complimentary hot buffet breakfast. Although we were unable to view one, Philip informed us that the Commodore Class Cabins on deck 9 were larger with separate living and sleeping areas. We left the cabin promising ourselves that next time we must book ourselves a Commodore Class Cabin.
That evening we had an excellent meal in the 7 Seas Restaurant before taking in the evenings entertainment which included listening to the Troubadour (Mike Hutchinson) an excellent singer/guitarist playing old standards in the Navigators bar and listening to the Pink Panther band in the Columbus Club (a four piece band with a female singer), playing a mix of old and new music. During the interval there was Bingo presented by John Morgan the Cruise Manager.
The following morning, due to strong winds, we arrived into Ijmuiden later than expected at 11:30 Central European Time. The transfer coach into Amsterdam takes approximately 40 minutes and drops you off outside the Victoria Hotel which is opposite the central train station, we opted to stay on the coach for a guided tour of the city which lasted for about another 50 minutes. Our driver Marie was very competent and handled the coach with great expertise around the busy roads of Amsterdam whilst our guide Harry provided a most interesting and informative commentary. When the tour was over we were dropped off at the Victoria Hotel, the return coaches would depart between 15:00 and 16:00, this gave us ample time to find a restaurant for lunch. We ate at “De Roode Leeuw” on Damrak not far from Dam Square. We caught the complimentary transfer coach back to Ijmuiden at approximately 15:15. And did not need to check in as we already had our boarding cards as we were on a round trip. Boarding started at 16:00 and once back on board we rested before dinner and taking in the evening’s entertainment, which tonight included a music quiz.
We arrived back in Newcastle the following morning at 10:00 impressed with our DFDS Seaways mini cruise to Amsterdam. We both felt that this trip was ideal for those seeking a restful break for a couple of days and the service that we experienced was excellent. Along with the entertainment, the food was comparable to many cruise lines that we have experienced. This really is an inexpensive way to cruise or a most relaxing and enjoyable way to travel to Holland.

1 reader found this review helpful

The ship is rather dated and the cabins very drab and depressing.
The prices were extortionate and the quality of the food very poor. £7.90 for a sandwich and £11.80 for a buffet breakfast which had a very poor selection of hot food - scrambled or boiled eggs, baked beans, cocktail smoked sausages, and bacon which resembled pork scratchings. There was a limited choice of continental food.
Drinks were very expensive almost £10 for a double G&T, over £4 for a small bottle of beer.
The "casino" comprised of two tables one for black jack and one for another game - hardly a casino. The ship arrived late in Stavanger and we only had one hour to spend there - very disappointing. I won't be repeating this experience, nor will others in my party.
Other people, who won a free two day mini cruise at bingo, ripped it up and said no thanks, never again.

We have travelled with DFDS many times before on the Newcastle-Kristiansand route and have, in general, been happy with the service provided. Now that they have cancelled that route and offer the Newcastle-Stavanger-Haugesund-Bergen route instead we had no choice but to take that to visit family in Norway.
The trip started badly with a 4 hour delay. The man at the gate at Royal Quays was rude and unhelpful, and there was no suggestion of getting meal vouchers or other compensation for the delay. Loading then took ages, much longer than with the old ship.
On board the food was mediocre, and while most staff were pleasant and helpful some were surly and rude. There were dreadful queues, there was little choice of food on board, and prices were high. We were turfed out of our rooms 2.5 hours before arrival so that they could be cleaned, and there was next to no support for those of us with accommodation problems as a result of the delay getting to Bergen. Disembarkation was slow, with a long delay to get off the boat, and lengthy queues for passport control.
It was a depressing and dispiriting journey, and we are dreading the journey home. Having enjoyed years of travel to Norway with our car we are now facing the expensive and less sustainable prospect of flying and hiring a car as I don't think we'll be prepared to travel on this ship again. I don't know why they have done it, but DFDS have ruined this route.

The trip was fantastic, the staff were great and very helpful, meals are fantastic as always and the cabin was very clean and tidy.
What more can you ask for apart from a few less grumpy toffs!

We have travelled many times with DFDS (Scandinavian Seaways as was) and all of the other ferry companies that cross to various parts of Europe from Gt Britain. Until now we have found every trip to be pleasant and enjoyable every time.
We have just arrived back from a mini cruise to Bergen with DFDS and can honestly say this trip was close to being a nightmare!
First of all, there were enormous queues at check in--- some people had been there for hours--- yet there was no attempt to speed matters up by putting on extra staff. Little did we know that this waiting around was to be par for the course throughout this trip.
On the way there were queues for every mealtime and although we were only affected by this once many people, especially those with young children found this difficult. Also, on more than one occasion, food was running out at breakfast and at least two couples we spoke to were unable to get the breakfast they wanted and were offered vouchers for later meals in the day.
After a reasonably pleasant voyage over to Bergen via the fiords. A good meal and some expensive booze, it was really intolerable to be turned off the boat at 11.00pm to have our passports checked. We finally made it back on board at 12.30am.
After our very enjoyable day in Bergen getting back on the boat was again slow--- even allowing for increased security there really is no excuse.
More queues for breakfast!! We were getting used to it by now!!
We had paid extra for an outside cabin which was not cleaned during the whole time, nor were the bins emptied (maybe once!) and two wet towels were taken but not replaced during the 3 days we occupied the cabin.
Also, I seem to remember (I might have this wrong!) that toiletries were provided in the past, this time just a soap dispenser.
Someone we met on board was woken up at about three on the morning by cleaners hoovering empty cabins and they had to go to the reception desk to have it (and the slamming doors) stopped.
Can it get worse? Yes, sorry to say. First of all we eventually arrived at Royal Quays in North Shields and docked 2 hours late at 10pm local time. This was put down to the dense fog over the North Sea. However I was awake at 2.30am when the boat was leaving Stavanger--- already at least 1 hour late.
And guess what--- we had to queue to get off the boat, a good 30 minutes. We then had a four hour drive home, still in dense fog, and arrived back at three in the morning, three hours after we had expected to get there.
Some more general points--- there were too few sitting areas on the boat and on the decks. The sun deck bar remained closed, despite obvious demand for drinks.
There were even less quiet areas devoid of music, singing and dancing, the sound of fruit machines etc. It was expensive for snacks and beverages, although the Buffet, I have to say was, as always excellent and represented good value for money.
All the staff we saw were extremely hard working, polite and coping with things that were somehow beyond their control. Perhaps there were just not enough of them!
I know I sound like an old grouch but I was quite disappointed with this trip. Many other people were angry too and lots won't be travelling with DFDS again. At present I'm undecided because of the good trips we've had in the past.
I'd be interested to read other reviews for this trip.
How is it that this company which used to be leaders in this type of travel seem to have lost the plot on their Bergen trip?

This was one of the last trips to Sweden from Newcastle as DFDS have sold the ship and closing the route. Which is sad to say, but maybe the Bergen route will be just as good.
The trip was great value for money and voyage very calm. Weather was fairly cold but then it was the north see.
The ship is great and staff very welcoming. The bars are well stocked and the entertainment laid on is well entertaining. Dancing girls, a band, a cinema and a disco as well as a casino and some fruit machines and plenty of places to eat.
Great value and highly enjoyable, shame there's no going back.

I have traveled on the DFDS Princess almost every summer of my life and I am satisfied with the food, service and accommodation with each journey.
I would recommend it to anyone who is after a value cruise or simply just transport to Kristiansand or Goteborg.

The Trip was a mini cruise, it was well organised with little waiting around other than the usual.
The meals had been booked prior to sailing and there was the occasional bit of confusion around table reservations etc but all were dealt with satisfactorily. The food on board was excellent (my partner is a vegetarian and felt that little choice was available for her) as was the entertainment, the bar prices were reasonable too at around £2.65 for a Guinness.
The crew were always helpful and polite except for one waitress in the restaurant who was quite offhand and slightly rude, this may have been cultural and she was busy but a smile is often the curve that straightens out the problem. Overall a very relaxing experience I will travel DFDS again possibly in April next year I fancy a couple of days in Kristiansand.