This is a review of the DFDS Dana Sirena, The UK to Denmark ferry which has sadly ceased running. As well as this review, which we wrote when it was running ,we will also update this page with current ways to get there if you’re looking for an England to Denmark ferry. If you’d still like to read the original review, to see what it was like to travel on the Dana Sirena, then scroll down as this is still there. This is the current situation as of 2022.
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Table of Contents
Current UK to Denmark ferry
Today there is no passenger ferry route between England and Denmark. DFDS reported in 2014 that there was a reduction in passenger numbers meaning it was no longer viable to keep the route operating.
There was also an increase to the size of the Sulphur Emission Control Area at this time, which meant it was much more expensive to operate. Because of this so smaller routes were forced to close.
This route, between Harwich and Esbjerg had been in operation since 1875 so it is a particularly sad loss. There is a route from Immingham to Esbjerg.
However this is a commercial route and one which “proof of commercial vehicle / purpose will be required”. In addition it is very small, with a maximum of 12 passengers per crossing.
The best non flying route to Denmark from the UK now would be to take a UK to the Netherlands ferry and then travel on by road into Denmark.
🔎 Read more: Our review of the Harwich to Hook of Holland ferry
🎫 Book your UK to Netherlands ferry tickets here
The Dana Sirena – Harwich to Esbjerg (a review from 2013)
Travelling by boat from the UK (Harwich) to Denmark (Esbjerg) felt a bit like going back in time. I could totally imagine I was back in the glamorous days of travel in the 1920s.
A night on board on the way there and back really did become part of the holiday itself. It felt so much more dignified than catching a quick flight.
This truly was a wonderful experience.
What to do on board
The DFDS Sirena is a fairly small ferry, not at all cruise-like, more of a work horse. Chugging back and forth from the UK to Denmark.
But don’t let that put you off, what it does have it does really well and in its understated way it is both beautiful and alluring.
We were lucky to be able to book Commodore class. While this does cost more it has lots of extra perks to make you feel specially looked after.
One of these is its own lounge to relax in, read, take tea and also, if you wish, have free access to a computer with internet access. You also get your own deck to take in that North sea air.
But even if you stick with the regular cabins there are lots of activities on board to keep you entertained. There’s a small play area for the children and a really nice shop selling clothes, toys and confectionery.
When we were on board they even had a magician and model balloon maker there to entertain everyone. This lasted for an hour or so.
If you’re without children they also have a live band that plays in the bar every evening.
Where to eat on the UK to Denmark ferry
There are a number of restaurants on board where you can sit down for a meal and also a cafe for lighter meals.
The Commodore Lounge has complimentary snacks and drinks. These are perfect to grab some cheese and biscuits and a plate of pastries and a couple of beers for retreating to the cabin with.
In the morning they have a lovely breakfast spread to enjoy too. We had only just got on board when the Commodore Concierge arrived to ask if they could take dinner reservations for us. This was definitely something I could get used to.
What are the cabins like?
Amazing. Lovely, cosy cabins with really nice sized bathrooms.
Ours came with satellite TV, a really comfy double bed, coffee table, arm chair and a sofa that turned into a single bed.
My only gripe is that having experienced Commodore Class, now we have three children we would have to book two cabins to accommodate us which would push the cost of the trip up too high.
But at the time our three year old snuggled down very happily into his single bed and the cot fitted easily next to the bed for our one year old.
Every cabin comes with an en suite bathroom and all bedding and towels.
And when you arrive?
There’s a high speed train to Copenhagen. For those of us who had brought our car we rolled off and straight into the Danish countryside.
We almost wished we could stay just one night more on board.
Top Tips with Children on the UK to Denmark ferry
Our children were really excited just being on the boat. They loved exploring and really enjoyed playing in the kid’s area.
Both of them came away at bed time with a balloon the entertainer had made for them and it really did feel like our holiday had started.
Everyone was so friendly to the children on board and they were able to choose their own snacks and drinks in the Commodore lounge.
Frequently asked questions about taking the UK to Denmark ferry
1. Are there any ferries from UK to Denmark?
Unfortunately there aren’t any passenger ferries. We have detailed the way you can get a freight ferry but it is a) expensive and b) not easy.
Do read our review of our crossing on the Dana Sirena when it did exist. We hope to be able to update soon with a change in this and a new ferry route.
2. Can you get a car ferry from UK to Denmark?
Again there are no car or passenger ferries. There is a freight ferry (See above) but this is a fairly costly way to get there.
It would be better to get the ferry to the Netherlands and drive from there. We have detailed the route above.
3. Why are there no ferries from UK to Scandinavia?
DFDS who ran the line have cited low passenger numbers and spiralling costs. However with people looking for more environmental ways to travel we hope this might change.
It’s well worth emailing them if you would like to see this ferry route return. It would be amazing to think it might in the near future.
Read more:
Our trip around Jutland with kids
An itinerary for a week in Jutland
Finding hygge on a festive winter trip to Denmark
The ferry from Harwich to Esbjerg is so sadly missed.
Please, do what you can to review the decision to close this route. It has been enjoyed by three of our generations but the youngest have sadly not been able to take many journeys this way. It used to be the enjoyable beginning to our summer holiday every year.
Even the ferry to Hamburg would be a big improvement on that long and tiring journey from Amsterdam or Hook of Holland.
Would love for this route to start again. The boat was always full when I travelled which was once/twice a year, so to say the lack of passengers that closed the route just isn’t so. It again was the cost of converting to the right fuel that was the reason. And the boat was very old, but very cosy! So wish someone would start up this route, so please you shipping people out there.REOPEN!
I know!! It would be amazing if it comes back. Such a fantastic route. Glad you loved it too!
To go to Norway would be even better than Denmark. Or both. The DFDS used to go to Sweden, and the Scandinavian people travel a lot. I hate the airports, full of rude people with rucksack bumping into you, and queues for everything, much nicer on a boat, clean,good food, entertainment and relaxing. Please reopen!
It would be wonderful if they did reopen. Such a great way to travel!