Amsterdam with the Fam: A Laid-Back Amsterdam Getaway with Getaway Genie

Just back from a few days away with the family, and I wanted to share a little about our latest adventure — a lovely Amsterdam getaway! Such a great mix of exploring, relaxing, and making memories together.

We took the overnight ferry to Amsterdam and spent the day exploring this vibrant city. After a relaxed lunch, we headed to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum—the kids absolutely loved it! You can book tickets here.

If you’re into Amsterdam getaways or only have a couple of days’ annual leave (like I did!), these short, fun-filled trips are just perfect.

I’m so thankful for my travel business, which has opened up the world of cruising for me. Honestly, I never imagined I’d be cruising—let alone taking the kids along! But that’s the beauty of this opportunity: it unlocks experiences I never thought possible. And for me, it’s all about giving my children the chance to see the world and make lifelong memories.

This trip also ticked off another bucket list item: a boat trip and a new city explored!

We travelled with DFDS, sailing overnight from Newcastle to Amsterdam, but there’s also the option of sailing from Hull with P&O Ferries. The ferry was fantastic—plenty to keep the kids entertained, including a children’s play area and even a cinema.

We opted for the buffet restaurant for dinner, which had loads of options to suit all tastes. A little tip—book this in advance when you book your ferry, as it’s more expensive onboard. For the grown-ups, there’s a coffee shop, bars, and even a nightclub to unwind once the little ones are tucked up!

Keep your eyes peeled on the journey—you might even spot dolphins or whales along the way, which was a real highlight for us.

Prices with DFDS start at just £165 for a family cabin, which makes it an incredibly affordable way to travel. Yes, the cabins are compact, but we were barely in ours—there was too much for the kids to explore on board!

Whether you’re planning a spontaneous family adventure, want to try something different, or just crave a quick city break, I highly recommend giving ferry travel a go. Who doesn’t want to explore more and make unforgettable memories?