I recently went on a P&O mini cruise from Hull to Amsterdam and wow, what a fun, chill escape! We sailed on the Pride of Rotterdam and stayed in a standard window cabin with four bunks. It wasn’t fancy, but it was comfortable. Just the right vibe for a spontaneous weekend getaway!
Onboard Life: Chill, Comfy & Lots of Variety
The ship had way more going on than I expected. There was a bar/pub with live entertainment, duty-free shops, a café, quiet corners, a kids corner, an arcade, a cinema and a sky deck with a bar (on some nights they even had live music up there). So there were plenty of ways to pass the time if you didn’t feel like sleeping.
For meals, we ate at The Kitchen. We pre-booked the buffet dinner and breakfast. The pre-booked adult price is £25.00 for dinner and £13.50 for breakfast or £35.95 for a combined package. The dinner was hearty and filling. Plenty of options, such as, roast dinner, fish & chips, salads, meats, Indian, Italian, Asian and desserts. Nothing gourmet, but good enough for a “sea day” vibe and personally I really enjoyed my meal. After dinner, we headed up to the top deck. The sky deck was cozy and not crowded; we ordered ciders, cracked open our books, and quietly watched the sea, one of my favourite moments of the trip.
The next morning, there was a wake‑up call around 6 AM, breakfast buffet opened early, and by 8:00-9:00 we were arriving in port.
Amsterdam Day
We’d booked a transfer from the ferry’s Europoort port to Amsterdam (you can choose Rotterdam or Amsterdam). Super handy when you don’t want to hassle with connections. Once in Amsterdam, we had until 16:00 to explore before being picked up again. Here’s a slice of what we got up to:
Arriving in Amsterdam, we had just a few hours before our pickup, but it was enough to get a real feel for the city. First stop was Saint Jean, a fully vegan deli and bakery, and honestly, it blew me away. I went straight for the vegan chicken katsu sandwich, and wow! Hands down the best vegan sandwich I’ve ever had! The place is cozy, Instagram-worthy, and makes you want to linger over coffee and pastries even if you’re on a schedule.
Next, we wandered over to the Kattenkabinet, Amsterdam’s quirky cat museum tucked right in the city center. The museum showcases cat-themed artwork, prints, and curiosities, and real cats roam the space, lounging on shelves or peeking from corners, adding a fun, unpredictable element to the visit. Admission is around €12, and it’s one of those unique spots you won’t find anywhere else.
Feeling peckish again (and in the spirit of Dutch culture), we headed to Albert Cuyp Market. This famous street market is a feast for the senses: poffertjes, stroopwafels, haring, and bitterballen are just the tip of the iceberg. It’s also a great place to shop for quirky jewelry, vintage finds, souvenirs, or sample cheeses and the atmosphere is buzzing without ever feeling overwhelming.
From there, we explored a few nearby shops, including a local record store and Blond Amsterdam, a home and gift shop known for its colorful ceramics, playful designs, and iconic Dutch flair. Whether it’s mugs, plates, or quirky souvenirs, it’s a place where you almost can’t leave empty-handed. Be sure to stop by if you’re passing through on your way to Albert Cuyp Market.
Time was ticking, so we made our way to Museumplein. While there wasn’t time to go inside the museums, so we admired the Rijksmuseum gardens and snapped a photo with the Miffy statue. The canals nearby were breathtaking, framed by golden autumn leaves, making it the perfect strolling spot!
Before heading back to the ferry, we stopped for ramen at Takumi Umaimon at Leidseplein. The warm, flavorful bowls were the perfect way to cap off our whirlwind day in Amsterdam before hopping back on the Pride of Rotterdam.
Back to the Ferry
That evening, back on board the ship, we enjoyed another round of food and entertainment, settled into our cabin bunk beds for a good rest, and rocked quietly back across the North Sea. Early morning the next day we were back in Hull, feeling relaxed, happy, and already nostalgic.
Why This P&O Mini Cruise Was A Win!
What I loved most about this mini cruise was how effortless it all felt. We had our cabin, we had the boat, and with the transfers to Amsterdam sorted, the whole trip was basically a worry-free getaway. Onboard, there was plenty to do. From the quiet corners where I could read, to the sky deck where we sipped cider and watched the sea, to the pub with live music, so even if you didn’t feel like exploring the city, you wouldn’t get bored.
And then there was Amsterdam. Having a full day there without the stress of transport or logistics felt like the perfect balance: a little bit of boat life, a little bit of city adventure. We could wander the canals, dive into quirky shops, indulge in Dutch snacks at Albert Cuyp Market, and even stumble upon hidden gems like the Kattenkabinet.
All in all, the trip struck this perfect mix between relaxing and exploring. Pre-booked meals and a simple, cozy cabin kept things easy on the wallet, while the combination of boat, city, and the festive vibe of autumn in Amsterdam made it feel like a mini escape far bigger than the short time it lasted. By the time we sailed back to Hull, I was already daydreaming about when I could do it again.
Xo Bug Girl
Instagram: @thebuggirladventures
This blog post contains a gifted experience in partnership with P&O Ferries.
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