Taking the ferry on a business trip to England
England is an important business travel destination for many organizations and is commonly by air or train visited. However, England is also very accessible by water! Step or ride aboard one of the ferries that sail to the UK. The departure ports are easily accessible from Rotterdam, IJmuiden or Hoek van Holland. Once on board, find your cabin and the relaxing travel experience begins! In this blog I - Mariska den Hartogh - Business Travel Consultant- will take you through the various ferry options for your (business) trip to England.
Fast, safe and comfortable Hook of Holland - Harwich
The relatively short and cheapest crossing is from Hook of Holland to Harwich with the Stenaline. There are two sailings per day on this route: one day and one night. On board you will find cabins in various categories with ensuite facilities. The Superior and Deluxe cabins, by the way, have a higher level of experience, such as a welcome drink, filled refrigerator, king-size bed and free Wi-Fi. Harwich is the gateway to England, from where cities like Cambridge and London are centrally located within a two-hour driving distance.
To provide flexibility, different cabin categories can be booked in addition to different classes:
- Economy: most advantageous amendable at cost rate.
- Flexi: changeable rate and no cancellation fee up to 24 hours before departure.
- Premium: expedited embarkation and disembarkation, free change and cancellation up to 2 hours before departure.
Source: Stenaline, Flyliedutch / Arnoud Lievense
Relaxed travel from IJmuiden to Newcastle
The IJmuiden - Newcastle route is popularly known as the Amsterdam-Scotland crossing. This is because after docking in Newcastle, you can drive to beautiful Scotland within an hour, ideal! The DFDS ships sailing between IJmuiden and Newcastle are also called cruise ships, because of the impressive entertainment and leisure facilities. Think delicious restaurants, cozy bars, duty-free shopping and comfortable cabins in various categories. Everyone is spoiled during this crossing. A relaxing start to your business trip and that way the 16 hour and 45 minute trip will be over in the blink of an eye 😉
There is one sailing per day on this route, and DFDS fares are flexible to book, by the way.
Source: DFDS
From port to port, Rotterdam - Hull
Cruise into the night from Europe's largest port toward Hull with P&O Ferries. On board there is plenty of entertainment! After a nice dinner, you can relax in one of the cinemas after which you spend the night in your personal ensuite cabin. The ferry departs daily at 9 p.m. and takes about 12 hours. So you'll be in the port of Hull the next morning, bright and early! The cities of Leeds, Manchester and Liverpool are within easy reach from here. P&O Ferries offers various fares from extra cheap to fully flexible.
Source: P&O Ferries
By car train via the Eurotunnel
If you don't have sea legs, there is also always the possibility of going via the Eurotunnel travel by car train. This is a unique, double tunnel under the English Channel and connects Folkestone and Calais. In just 35 minutes, you'll be on the other side using a very frequent timetable (up to four departures per hour). Flexiplus passengers can relax and enjoy free refreshments, snacks, newspapers and Wi-fi in the dedicated Flexiplus lounge.
After arriving in Folkestone, England, you can travel on to London in two hours. In terms of speed, the tunnel obviously wins out over the ferry and it is a very pleasant way to travel!
Important information for your trip
- Only a valid passport can be used for travel;
- Making calls and using the Internet in the United Kingdom can be more expensive;
- For short stays, you can drive a car with a valid Dutch driver's license. An international driver's license is not required;
- Carry a green card or other proof of insurance in the car;
- When temporarily exporting/importing trade samples, exhibition materials and professional materials, use an ATA Carnet to reduce border delays;
- If you are transporting commercial goods and/or moving goods, a crossing must be booked via freight. This also applies to transport buses.
Of course, CO2 emissions can be offset. Are you planning a business trip by ferry to England in 2023? Then take contact with us and we will be happy to help you achieve a worry-free business trip!
