King Seaways ferry

MS King Seaways is a Ro-Ro passenger vessel operated by the Denmark-based company DFDS SEAWAYS. She has a maximum capacity of 2,140 passengers, 580 cars, and 75 trucks (trailers). Launched in 1987, she currently operates the England–Netherlands route Newcastle–IJmuiden (crossing time ~15.5 hours).

Cabins

As a cruise ferry, King Seaways has 522 cabins with 1,686 berths. All staterooms are air-conditioned and have en suite bathrooms. The ferry company provides bed linens, towels, and toiletries. Complimentary in-cabin amenities include bedding, bathroom (WC, shower, washbasin, towels), large mirror, flat-screen TV (except in Standard and Economy cabins), writing desk with chair, clothes storage (hooks and hangers), and European power outlets (220V, 2-pin sockets).

• COMMODORE-class are premium outside cabins in categories Commodore and Commodore De Luxe. They feature a minibar (complimentary drinks), mirrored vanity/writing desk with chair, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, non-convertible double bed, bedside cabinets, reading lamps, wardrobe, seating area (round table with two armchairs), and two non-opening square windows. Added perks include room service and complimentary hot buffet breakfast.
• Commodore De Luxe cabins also provide exclusive access to the COMMODORE DE LUXE LOUNGE, open 24 hours with boarding-card access. The lounge offers unlimited snacks and beverages (pastries, cakes, cookies, fruit, wine and beer by the glass, tea/coffee, juices, soft drinks, bottled mineral water), complimentary Wi-Fi, newspapers, and magazines.
• DOUBLE BED cabins (39 inside staterooms) have non-convertible double beds.
• STANDARD cabins include 2–4 bunk beds (1 lower + 1 upper, or 2 lower + 2 upper) and can be booked as singles, doubles, or triples.
• SEAVIEW cabins are outside staterooms for 1–5 passengers, available as 2–4-bed rooms or 5-bed family cabins (3+2 bunks).
• ECONOMY cabins are 4-bed inside staterooms on the lower decks, each with 4 bunk beds (2 lower + 2 upper).
• STANDARD and ECONOMY cabins also feature en suite bathrooms.
• ACCESSIBLE cabins are fitted with linoleum flooring, two fixed lower twin beds, two small desks with drawers and chairs, a mirror, and a larger bathroom (raised toilet seat, seated shower, grab rails).

Some staterooms are wheelchair-accessible. DFDS Seaways also offers “Pet Cabins,” which are outside (with porthole), have vinyl flooring, and can be booked only by phone.

• There are 4 outside and 2 inside accessible cabins.
• Onboard lifts are wheelchair-friendly and connect all decks (except Deck 5). Elevators measure 107 × 143 cm, with an entrance door width of 85 cm. Accessible toilets are located in all accessible cabins and on Deck 9 (public WC, entrance width 93 cm).
• Passengers with pets must book a full cabin (quad occupancy). Animals must be transported in cages. Dogs—including service dogs—must be leashed and muzzled. A dog-toilet area is available. Dogs are not permitted in public areas, except registered assistance dogs.

The ship also offers a Reserved Seating Lounge with spacious reclining aircraft-style seats available for pre-booking.

All passengers must vacate their staterooms 30 minutes before homeport arrival. Passenger check-in closes 1 hour before departure.

Shipboard Facilities, Dining, and Entertainment

King Seaways offers a wide range of onboard amenities:

• (Deck 1) Two cinemas
• (Deck 5) Kennels
• (Deck 7) Observation Lounge; Information Desk/Reception/Guest Service Centre with Reception Desk and Bureau de Change (purser, ATM); 7 Seas Buffet Restaurant (hot dishes, cold appetizers, desserts, soft drinks)
• (Deck 8) Explorer’s Restaurant (steakhouse) with Explorer’s Kitchen buffet offering international dishes; Blue Riband Restaurant (à la carte); Lounge Bar; Latitude Café serving beverages, cocktails, coffee drinks, light snacks, gourmet sweets, fruit and juices, premium ice cream; Children’s Play Room “Kidz Club”—indoor playground supervised by staff, fitted with a ball pool, HDTV for cartoons, and art tables. Also includes a kids’ entertainer and a games room for teenagers.
• (Deck 9) Sports Bar with large HDTVs (satellite reception) for live sports and music programs; Amusement Games; Casino (blackjack, roulette); Columbus Night Club/Disco Bar Lounge; Smoking Areas
• (Deck 7, Deck 9) Tax Free Sea Shops selling gifts, souvenirs, alcohol (spirits, wines), tobacco, luxury perfumes, cosmetics, jewelry, watches, sunglasses, leather goods, fashion clothing, accessories, toys, electronics, gourmet sweets, teas, and spices. Special shopping promotions are available on each crossing. Payments accepted in cash or by card (VISA, MasterCard, EuroCard). Premium brands include Versace, Elizabeth Arden, Tommy Hilfiger, Moschino, Paco Rabanne, Carolina Herrera, Hugo Boss, Gucci, L’Oreal, DKNY, Givenchy, Dolce & Gabbana, Face Inc.
• (Deck 10) Sky Bar with outdoor terrace and sundeck area; Commodore De Luxe Lounge (exclusive for Commodore-Class passengers) with complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks, snacks, and newspapers.
• (Deck 12) Mermaid Bar (outdoor deck bar)
• Wildlife Watching Experience (led by ORCA, a wildlife charity), allowing passengers to learn about North Sea wildlife.
• Reserved Seating Lounge with Pullman seats (fully reclining leather armchairs) and large HDTVs.

(Deck 12) The top deck features a Helideck with a helipad for emergency helicopter landings.

All onboard emergency instructions are displayed at muster stations. Life jackets are issued there. In case of emergency, elevators must not be used.

DFDS offers two-night mini-cruise packages (from both Newcastle and Amsterdam) including a stateroom, onboard dining and entertainment, and bus transfers from the homeport. Optional add-ons include hotel stays and excursions. Seasonal mini-cruises feature themed onboard activities and live entertainment.

Car Decks

Garage decks accommodate trucks, cars, caravans, motorhomes, motorcycles, and bicycles without baggage restrictions. Safety procedures include:

• Disabled passengers or those requiring assistance should visit the Information Desk (open 24 hours).
• Apply the handbrake, place the vehicle in park or 1st gear, and switch off the ignition, alarm, electrical equipment, and headlights. Gas cylinders must be turned off. Lock the vehicle.
• Take only valuables and essential hand luggage.
• Note your vehicle’s location and garage deck/stairway before leaving.
• Access to vehicle decks during the voyage is prohibited.
• Smoking is not allowed on vehicle decks, in cabins, or in passenger lounges.
• Wait for announcements before returning to your vehicle.
• To reduce emissions, do not start the engine until instructed.

DFDS Seaways (fleet), founded in 1866 and headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, is a Danish shipping company operating passenger and freight ferry services across Northern Europe.