Travelling alone has its own kind of magic — the freedom to set your own pace, follow your own curiosity, and enjoy the quiet thrill of doing something just for you. My recent trip on the DFDS ferry from North Shields to Amsterdam reminded me just how refreshing a solo adventure can be.

People call it the “booze cruise”, but honestly, that nickname doesn’t do it justice. Yes, you can enjoy a drink (or several), but the whole experience can be wonderfully civilised, relaxing, and even a little luxurious.

A Floating Evening of Fine Dining & Cocktails

The moment I stepped onboard, I realised this wasn’t going to be the rowdy party-at-sea some people imagine. The ship has proper restaurants — white tablecloths, attentive staff, beautifully plated dishes — the kind of place where you linger over dessert because the atmosphere is just that good.

And the cocktails? Let’s just say they take them seriously. Whether you want something classic or something colourful, the bartenders know what they’re doing.

The best part is the deck-top bar, where you can stand with a drink in hand and wave goodbye to England as the coastline slowly melts into the horizon. There’s something poetic about watching your home shrink into the distance while the sea breeze tangles your hair.

A Whirlwind Day in Amsterdam

When the ferry docks, a waiting bus whisks you straight into the centre of Amsterdam — no stress, no navigating, no fuss. You get around four hours to explore, which is just enough to soak up the city’s charm.

I wandered through the flower market, where the colours are so bright they almost hum. Tulips in every shade imaginable, bulbs wrapped like tiny presents, and the sweet scent of blooms drifting through the air.

Lunch was a simple affair — a café by the canal, watching bicycles zip past like a choreographed dance. Amsterdam has a way of making even an ordinary sandwich feel like a cultural experience.

Then it was back to the bus, back to the ferry, and back to another evening of good food, good drinks, and that gentle rocking of the ship that makes you feel like the world is slowing down just for you.

The Cabin Window That Became My Personal Cinema

One of the unexpected joys of being 5ft 2in is that I could actually fit inside the cabin window. Yes — inside it.

So there I was, curled up with a glass of wine, watching the Netherlands fade into the distance through my own private porthole. The sky turned peach, then lavender, then deep blue as the ship glided away. It felt like a moment made just for me — quiet, cosy, and oddly magical.

Waking Up Refreshed, Returning Home Renewed

After a genuinely good night’s sleep (the cabins are surprisingly comfortable), I woke to the soft announcement that we were approaching North Shields again. The sea was calm, the morning light was gentle, and I felt… refreshed.

A whole weekend away, wrapped neatly into a single round trip — no airports, no stress, just a smooth sail, a beautiful city, and a reminder that solo travel can be both simple and deeply satisfying.