August 2nd, 2007 - the first time I've sailed out of the Tyne. On our way to France for our summer holidays, we decided to take the Newcastle to Amsterdam crossing instead of my more usual Hull-Rotterdam. It was certainly convenient driving just a few miles to Newcastle to get on board - and, let's face it, start the holiday.
On board, the staff were friendly and efficient but, though DFDS had obviously spent money tarting her up, the old ship showed her age by being so noisy (in fact, our cabin vibrated with noise) that sleep proved difficult thereby negating the whole point of taking an overnight ferry service. Arrival in Amsterdam was met by very slow unloading and border controls - added to the later than normal arrival (9:30am) this meant we weren't on the road until 10:30 - losing over two hours against a Rotterdam arrival.
I'm looking forward to sailing back into the Tyne when we return - but not the boat. Future crossings will surely be courtesy of P&O from Hull.
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