Princess Seaways ferry

MS Princess Seaways is a Ro-Ro passenger ferry operated by the Denmark-based company DFDS SEAWAYS. The ship has a maximum capacity of 1,290 passengers, 550 cars, and 85 trucks (trailers). Launched in 1986, the vessel currently operates on the England–Holland ferry route Newcastle–IJmuiden (crossing time 15.5 hours).

Cabins

As a cruise ferry, Princess Seaways has a total of 478 cabins with 1,320 berths. All staterooms are air-conditioned and feature en-suite bathrooms. The ferry company provides bed linens, towels, and toiletries. All cabins offer the following complimentary amenities: bedding, bathroom (WC, shower, washbasin, towels), large mirror, LCD TV (except Standard and Economy cabins), writing desk with chair, clothes storage (hooks and hangers), and European power outlets (220V, 2-pin sockets).

• COMMODORE-class cabins are premium outside staterooms in the Commodore and Commodore De Luxe categories. All Commodore-class cabins are fitted with a mini-bar (complimentary drinks), mirrored vanity/writing table with chair, LCD TV, hairdryer, double bed (non-convertible to twins), bedside cabinets, reading lamps, wardrobe, and a seating area (one round table with two armchairs). Each cabin has two square-shaped, non-opening porthole windows. Bonus Commodore-class amenities include room service and a complimentary hot buffet breakfast.
• Commodore De Luxe cabins additionally include exclusive access to the COMMODORE DELUXE LOUNGE. The lounge is open 24 hours (boarding card access) and offers unlimited snacks and beverages (pastries, cakes, cookies, fruit, wine and beer by the glass, tea, coffee, soft drinks, juices, and bottled mineral water), complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, newspapers, and magazines.
• DOUBLE BED cabins (a total of 39 inside staterooms) feature non-convertible double beds.
• STANDARD cabins are fitted with 2–4 bunk beds (1 lower + 1 upper, or 2 lower + 2 upper) and can also be booked as single, double, or triple occupancy.
• SEAVIEW cabins are outside staterooms for 1 to 5 passengers, available as 2–4-bed cabins or 5-bed family cabins with 3+2 bunks.
• ECONOMY cabins are 4-bed inside staterooms located on lower decks, each equipped with four bunk beds (two lower and two 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 with raised toilet seat, seated shower, and grab rails.

Some staterooms are wheelchair-accessible (adapted for passengers with disabilities). DFDS Seaways ferries also offer so-called “Pet Cabins”, which are outside cabins with portholes, vinyl flooring, and are bookable by phone only.

• For passengers with disabilities, there are two outside cabins and one inside cabin available.
• Onboard lifts are wheelchair-accessible and connect all decks except Deck 4. Elevators measure 107 x 143 cm, with an entrance door width of 85 cm. Disabled toilets are available only within accessible cabins.
• Passengers traveling with pets must book an entire cabin (quad occupancy). Animals must be transported in pet cages. Dogs (including service dogs) must be leashed and muzzled. A designated dog toilet area is provided. Dogs are not allowed in any public indoor or outdoor areas, except for registered assistance dogs.

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

All passengers must vacate their staterooms 30 minutes prior to homeport arrival. Passenger check-in closes one hour before ferry departure.

Shipboard facilities, dining, and entertainment

As facilities, the Princess Seaways ship offers:

• (Deck 1) Two cinemas
• (Deck 5) Kennels
• (Deck 7) Observation Lounge; Information Desk / Reception / Guest Service Centre (Lobby with Reception Desk and Bureau de Change); 7 Seas Buffet Restaurant (hot dishes, cold appetizers, desserts, soft drinks)
• (Deck 8) Explorer’s Restaurant (steakhouse) offering the all-you-can-eat Explorers Kitchen buffet with international dishes; Blue Riband Restaurant (a la carte); Lounge Bar; Latitude Cafe serving beverages, cocktails, coffee drinks, light snacks, gourmet sweets, fresh fruit, and juices; Children’s Play Room “Kidz Club”, an indoor playground supervised by dedicated staff and fitted with a ball pool, large HDTV (cartoons), and kids’ art tables. A free kids’ entertainer and a games room for teenagers are also available.
• (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 offering duty-free boutiques and convenience stores selling gifts and souvenirs, alcohol (brand spirits, wines), tobacco, luxury perfumes and cosmetics, jewelry, watches, sunglasses, leather goods, confectionery, fashion apparel and accessories, toys, electronics and gadgets, gourmet sweets, handmade teas, and spices. Special shopping promotions are offered on each crossing. Payments are accepted in cash and by bank cards (VISA, MasterCard, EuroCard). Premium brands onboard include Versace, Elizabeth Arden, Tommy Hilfiger, Moschino, Paco Rabanne, Carolina Herrera, Hugo Boss, Gucci, L’Oreal, DKNY, Givenchy, Dolce & Gabbana, and Face Inc.
• (Deck 10) Sky Bar with outdoor terrace seating and sundeck area; Commodore Deluxe Lounge (exclusive bar lounge for Commodore-class passengers only), offering complimentary coffee, tea, cold drinks, snacks, and newspapers
• (Deck 12) Mermaid Bar (outside deck bar)
• Wildlife Watching Experience (led by ORCA wildlife charity), allowing passengers to learn about North Sea wildlife
• Reserved Seating Lounge fitted with comfortable Pullman seats (fully reclining leather armchairs) and large HDTVs

(Deck 12) The ship’s top deck features a Heli Deck with a helipad, used for emergency helicopter operations.

All onboard emergency instructions are displayed at the ship’s assembly (muster) stations. Life jackets are issued at the assembly stations. In case of emergency, the use of elevators/passenger lifts is prohibited.

DFDS offers 2-night mini-cruise ferry deals (from both Newcastle and Amsterdam) with various packages including stateroom accommodation, onboard dining and entertainment, and bus transfers from the homeport. Optional package extensions include hotel stays and travel to local sights and attractions. Seasonal mini-cruises also feature themed onboard activities and events (parties, games, live entertainment).

Car decks

Garage decks can accommodate trucks (trailers), cars, caravans, motorhomes, motorcycles, and bicycles, all without baggage restrictions. Below is a list of car deck safety procedures:

• Passengers with disabilities or those requiring specific assistance should visit the ship’s Information Desk (open 24 hours).
• Apply the handbrake and place the vehicle in park or first gear. Switch off the ignition, alarm, electrical equipment, and headlights. Gas cylinders, if any, must be turned off. Lock the vehicle.
• Remove only valuables and essential hand baggage from your vehicle.
• Make a note of your vehicle’s location and garage deck number/stairway before leaving the car deck.
• Access to the ship’s vehicle (cargo) decks during the voyage is prohibited.
• Smoking on vehicle decks, as well as in cabins and passenger lounges, is strictly prohibited.
• Wait for the onboard announcement before returning to your vehicle.
• To reduce air pollution, do not start the engine until instructed.

The shipowner 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.