For our trip back to the Netherlands, we booked the night crossing from Harwich to Hook of Holland. Here, you can read about our experience on board, starting from the departure port of Harwich!
Check-in at Harwich
We arrived quite early in Harwich, hoping to find a place to eat before boarding. However, the facilities were very limited, so we had to wait until we were on board. Unfortunately, that took a while…
We wandered around and noticed how many Brits were travelling with their bikes. Seeing so many people heading off to enjoy the Dutch cycling paths is nice!
When we finally went through check-in, we still had quite a bit of time to spare.
Normally, I don’t bother with the duty-free shop, but out of sheer boredom, we decided to have a look. They actually had some great deals! So, if you’re taking this trip, it might be worth checking out. 🙂
Boarding at Harwich International Port
After waiting in the staging area, boarding is quite straightforward. The final parking spot felt tight, but it worked fine for us. This highlights the importance of accurately providing details about your vehicle and roof boxes when booking.
Off to our cabin!
You can take your luggage from the car and bring it to your cabin. (Don’t forget to properly set your car alarm so it doesn’t keep going off due to motion sensors.) The cabins on board the Stena Britannica were clean, freshly decorated, and surprisingly spacious.
Time to explore the ship!
Once you’ve left your luggage in the cabin, it’s always fun to start by exploring the ship.
The ferry underwent maintenance earlier this year and was first launched in 2010, so compared to other ferries, it’s relatively new.
The public areas and restaurant spaces are all very well-maintained, as these photos of the Stena Britannica show.
Facilities on board
Everything is nicely arranged, but there isn’t much to do beyond eating and drinking. The shop was closed, the basketball court was dark, and the vending machines were off. I’m unsure if these opened later, as we opted for a late dinner on board and then enjoyed a drink at the bar.
Was there anything for the kids to do?
Although most children on the night crossing are in bed, we shouldn’t forget that this ferry also operates during the day. There are some activities for the little ones, but not an overwhelming amount for the 6.5 hours you’re on board.
Of course, nearly every child can stay glued to a PlayStation, but there are only two on board, and they’re often occupied by the ‘big kids’.
Did we sleep well?
As you may have seen from the earlier photos, our window faced the deck. So, to avoid everyone looking in, we kept the curtains closed, which was a bit of a shame. But since it was a night crossing, it didn’t matter.
We slept well overall, but it was a short night. I can’t even recall when the alarm went off, but Stena Line sets it early… so keep that in mind.
What did we think of this crossing?
The ferry was very clean, with a fresh and open feel that made the environment pleasant. The downside is that it might feel a bit more functional and business-like. It’s a ‘ferry’ rather than an experience, unlike other night crossings that may offer more shows, a cinema, a club, or a casino.
How much did the crossing cost?
We paid about the same as we would for the nearby Rotterdam-Hull route, with the key difference being that we booked two cabins instead of one. This made it quite affordable. However, the price can vary depending on the departure date and time. The total amount was €456, which is about 380 GBP.
Want to find out how much your crossing will cost?
In our booking module, you can compare crossings to the Netherlands or check directly with Stena Line.
Finally, 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 Waterweg.
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! 🌍
