Wildlife Mini Cruise
ORCA MINI CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM
The ORCA wildlife adventure mini cruise to Newcastle is now available to book for the 2025 season.
From April, ORCA wildlife charity offers guided programmes led by ocean conservationists - where you have the chance to spot playful dolphins, elegant whales, and adorable porpoises.
As you embark on this journey, consider making a difference by donating £5-£10 to ORCA when booking – supporting ORCA’s invaluable conservation work.
Follow our social pages for more updates and get ready to dive into a world of wonders by booking your ORCA Mini Cruise now!
Wildlife watch times on the outside deck are weather dependent and exact times will be announced via loudspeaker.
Mini cruise incl transfers to Amsterdam
Wildlife watch experience with ORCA
Overnight sailings on King Seaways
Activities for both children and adults
Restaurants, Bars and Duty-Free-Shop onboard, where you can save up to 50% vs the high street
Educational morning and evening deck watches – important, weather and resource dependent!
Wildlife presentation on North Sea wildlife with fun activities for kids
Day 1
Check-in opens
Check-in closes
Depart North Shields for Amsterdam
ORCA on deck
ORCA Wilde dieren kijken op het dek
Day 2
Wildlife Watching
Coach departs for Amsterdam City Centre
Ship departs IJmuiden
ORCA on deck
ORCA Wilde dieren kijken op het dek
Day 3
Wildlife Watching
Breakfast available onboard
Arrive in North Shields
Experience a Wildlife Cruise to Amsterdam
During your sailing you will meet our Ocean Conservationists Mathilde and Nina for a chat about marine life and conservation along with a tour of our Wildlife Lounge.
You will join dedicated wildlife watches out on the Observation Deck in the mornings and evenings to glimpse some of the exciting species that can be found between Newcastle and Amsterdam. On the Dutch coast, sightings of tiny harbour porpoises are very common, so watch out for these as you notice the ship approach the port in IJmuiden.
Our coach will take you to the centre of Amsterdam and back to the port so you can enjoy an unforgettable day in the Dutch capital.
ORCA will be expecting you on your return journey, and it is possible that a pod of playful bottlenose dolphins will welcome you back when the ship reaches the UK coast again. With luck, the shy minke whale might also make an appearance.
Entertainment onboard
Restaurants
Cabins
Amsterdam Highlights
Amsterdam offers an abundance of attractions and activities, from fascinating cultural experiences and great shopping, to the iconic bicycles and 17th-century canals.
Explore the world famous museums, including the Van Gogh Museum, the Hermitage and the Rijksmuseum. Take a scenic canal cruise through Amsterdam to see the city in a whole new light.
All DFDS Mini Cruises
Our mini cruise breaks are our most popular breaks, and it’s easy to see why. Not only do you get to spend time in a fantastic city, but you’ll also be treated to 2 nights onboard our modern, comfortable and well-equipped cruise ferries.
Our mini cruises are the perfect combination of a short city break and a cruise experience.
Proudly named the World’s Leading Ferry Operator
We are also proud to announce that we have been nominated as Europe’s Leading Ferry Operator 2025 and this amazing journey continues, first and foremost, thanks to you.
To our loyal passengers who put their trust in us, our valued partners and our hard-working colleagues: this nomination is also yours. You are the heart of DFDS and today, we’d like to say THANK YOU.
Let's continue to create beautiful memories and cross the finish line together.
