We travelled from Rotterdam to Hull by ferry – we'll cover how things went at the port, including boarding and check-in, at the end of this post.
Once you’ve shown your passport at check-in and received your boarding pass, room details, and cabin key, you’re ready to board the ferry. In our case, this was the Pride of Hull.
First, find your cabin.
It's a good idea to take your luggage out of the car right away and bring it to your cabin. The deck with the cabins is quite large, but thankfully there are staff members to guide you to the right spot. We found the cabin to be very clean and well-maintained.
Tip: Don’t forget to take the paper tags (you're cabin key card), like the ones shown in the photo, from your car. 😳
Exploring the ship
While the ferry is still in the harbour, it's fun to take a stroll and discover what there is to do on board. We also recommend heading to the sundeck during departure.
As we depart from Rotterdam you can get a beautiful view of the harbour and the coastline of Hoek van Holland, across from Rotterdam Europoort. Unfortunately, during the winter months, it’s already dark when the ferry sets sail.
Facilities on board
The ship really has the vibe of a night ferry. It’s quite dark inside, giving it a bit of a nightlife feel.
There’s plenty to do on board. You can go to the cinema, try your luck at the casino, or catch a show. There are also lots of bars. If you enjoy shopping, you’ll likely find something nice in one of the (duty-free) shops.
We were having such a good time that we completely lost track of time…
By the time we wanted to eat, the buffet restaurant had already closed. We decided to head to the à la carte restaurant, which was also about to close, but luckily, we were just in time. The staff on board were very accommodating. The restaurant’s atmosphere was a bit old-fashioned, but the food was quite good.
Important to know: you can still have dinner on board after boarding at half past seven, but don’t wait too long!
Although there are plenty of options for a fun evening on board, many facilities close early, and most passengers choose to head to their cabin before it gets too late.
This isn't a bad idea, as you’ll be woken up very early (and quite loudly 🔊) the next morning, allowing you time for a relaxed breakfast.
Are there activities for children on board?
For the youngest children, the facilities are somewhat limited, but with a departure time of 9:00 pm, this likely won't be much of an issue. Teens who stay up later will find plenty to do, although most activities come with an extra charge. Bringing an iPad and settling into a comfortable lounge chair is also a great option for entertainment.
Did we sleep well?
We actually slept fantastically! There’s a constant hum from the diesel engines, which is rather soothing when trying to fall asleep. The ship was also very stable. The beds were comfortable for us as well.
What did we think of the crossing?
The best part of this crossing might have been the departure and arrival times.
After checking in (by 19:30 at the latest), you find yourself immersed in the evening programme on board, and time flies. The view was lovely, the food was good, and there was plenty to do. Although the ferry feels a bit dated, the atmosphere was pleasant and the cabin was clean and fresh.
Arriving in Hull in the morning gives you an entire day ahead. We only had a 3-hour drive to our destination in Wales, which meant we didn’t feel like we ‘lost’ a day to travel.
And… how much did it all cost?
We received the following invoice from P&O. It breaks down the cost of the crossing and the cabin (which is mandatory). We opted for a slightly more expensive cabin with a window. While we didn’t look through it much, it did give a somewhat more open feeling.
Prices can vary quite a bit, so to get a clear idea of the costs, it's a good idea to customise your trip in our booking module. You can also check directly with P&O Ferries via the button below.
Travelling back from Rotterdam to Hull?
Then the following might help the check-in and boarding process.
Departing from Rotterdam back to Hull
Rotterdam, here we come! …but it was a bit farther than we thought. The P&O ferry actually departs 40 kilometres outside the city centre, at Europoort Rotterdam. Thankfully, this wasn’t an issue as we arrived in good time. This was important, as check-in closes 90 minutes before departure. Here, they check your passport and you receive your boarding pass.
So, be proactive and check this in advance if you decide to take this trip. Also, make sure to submit your passport details beforehand; this information is included in the confirmation email from P&O.
Boarding in Rotterdam
After check-in, you pass a small terminal building, mainly used by cyclists and pedestrians. We stayed in the car and waited by the next barrier. Boarding went smoothly, and the staff on the parking deck were friendly and helpful. We also noticed quite a lot of motorbikes around us.
Looking for more practical information before the actual ferry crossing? You can find everything you need on our Hull to Rotterdam Ferry page.
Meet Jelle, the creative mind behind FerryGoGo, all the way from the Netherlands. His journey started when he was planning a big trip around the world. But there was a problem – he couldn't easily find information about ferry crossings. So, Jelle decided to take matters into his own hands and create FerryGoGo. Now, he's making it simple for tourists like you to find ferry routes and explore the world's waterways. Join Jelle on his mission to make ferry travel a breeze with FerryGoGo! 🌍
[…] here’s a lovely photo of the ferry to Hook of Holland, taken from the Pride of Hull (our outbound trip), which departs from the other side of the Nieuwe […]