When we were planning our spring trip to The Netherlands with kids we looked at all the possible ways to get there, and it soon became clear that travelling by the Stena Line ferry was going to be the most comfortable and we opted to travel overnight (there are day trips too) to maximise our time exploring. So what is it really like on the Stena Line overnight Harwich to Hook of Holland ferry? If you’re looking to travel to Holland by ferry we give you all the details, this Amsterdam ferry from the UK is an easy way to travel and our review of travelling by ferry from the UK to Holland will tell you everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
Boarding the Stena Line overnight Harwich to Hook of Holland ferry
*AD / This post contains affiliate links and I may also have been compensated or gifted in this post. To read more please see my Disclosure Policy.
Boarding the ferry couldn’t have been smoother. We pulled up and boarded in super fast time both in Harwich and on the return journey at the Hook of Holland.
We were on the boat within about ten minutes of arriving both times. And found the whole system to be really organised and smooth.
We pulled out our overnight bag where we’d packed the bare essentials for the overnight journey and headed up onto the boat. I loved these handy notes to remind us where we had parked. A simple but effective idea.
The first thing to say about the Stena Line boats is that they are incredibly clean and well-maintained.
Everything looked freshly painted and was absolutely spotless.
It’s so nice to find a ferry that feels this good.
The main deck of the boat (deck 9) has everything you could need for the journey including a shop, bar, cafe and even a cinema.
Our children loved the Curious George themed play area. This came with lots of different interactive games and activities.
On the ninth Deck there is also free WiFi throughout the journey which is a real bonus.
Food on board Stena Line ferry Harwich to Hook of Holland
In terms of food, there is a great fast food style restaurant. And the veggie burgers were absolutely delicious, very highly recommended.
You can also get kids meals, fish and chips, soups and sandwiches.
On the way back we opted to sit in the very nice Metropolitan Restaurant where we thought the food was great.
You can certainly eat very well onboard. From Caesar Salad starters.
To delicious main courses. I had a particularly tasty tagliatelle with parsnip crisps and watercress.
The children tucked in to fish fingers and chips.
We all really loved the desserts.
It’s so nice to have a choice between the restaurants depending on how you’re feeling. And we thought the options were really fantastic.
The cabins on the Stena Line ferry
Going upstairs to the cabins we weren’t sure what to expect but the rooms were perfect for the overnight journey.
Like the rest of the boat they were spotlessly clean and really well appointed.
I was particularly pleased to find that some of the cabins are set up as five berth. This is ideal for families like ours with three children.
There is a bathroom with shower and non-disposable products and enough space to relax before bed. There is a television if you want to spend time just hanging out in your room and a really big window to watch the ships go by.
We all slept really well both nights, the crossings we had were very smooth with very little boat movement.
I absolutely love the wakeup call of the music, “Don’t worry, be happy”. It is at exactly the right level and everyone woke up with a smile.
Waking up on board the ferry to the Netherlands
There is enough time from the wake up call to get up and dressed and head back down to breakfast on deck nine.
There’s a great spread in the main restaurant and you can pick up everything from fruits to pastries and pancakes to smoked salmon.
There’s a great choice of hot foods too and like everything on Stena Line, we found the quality to be fantastic.
And then it was off the boat as quickly as we were on.
We were really impressed with Stena Line, it was a great way for us to start our holiday. And so useful to have our car, all packed up with our luggage and car seats to take us along.
Read to book Harwich to Hook of Holland ferry?
You can find out more about travelling by Stena Line here and read our guide on the Netherlands with kids for lots more tips and inspiration.
Our ultimate guide to Netherlands with kids
14 day itinerary around the Netherlands
I took this route to Holland about 20 years ago and loved the boat journey. It was so relaxing and really made the short break. Stephen :o)
What a relaxing way to start a holiday! I love the idea of this, James isnt keen on boats and water so chances of experiencing this myself is slim but I hold out hope
This is really interesting as we haven’t travelled as a family on an overnight ferry. The cabin and the food look great.
I’ve never been on an overnight ferry, it looks like a really good idea 🙂
My word its looks amazing my partners good friend lives in Holland.
I’ve been hearing a lot about travel by ferry recently. I’d love to include it as part of our Summer getaway – the one time we took a ferry with Austin, I was very pleasantly surprised.
Sounds like you had a great trip! xx
the food looks amazing! I’ve never been on a overnight ferry, sound like a great way to start a holiday! x
Ooh I did that trip MANY a time back in my band days, for some reason we were particularly popular in Holland so ended up visiting often! Oh, the drunken dancing……am sure it would be very different with the kids in tow though!
Some lovely touches there – I like the reminders for where your car is. Looks a really clean and comfortable ferry to travel on.
I wish I could travel by sea, but I get terribly sea sick. This looks like a really great way to travel as a family
It has been years since I went on a ferry anywhere but what a luxury this one looks like – so many great things to do.
I haven;t been on a ferry for years but will need to when we go to France next year
We’ve never travelled by Stena Line, but I would so love to. What an interesting way to cross the seas!
Nice writeup! I don’t know if you’ll still remember but how does the luggage check work with car users? Do u have to offload everything for it to pass the luggage check?
No we didn’t unload anything. Just leave it all in the car! Happy travels
I’m from hull, and travel regularly from hull to rotterdam with PO ferries. BUT the prices are now ridiculous. I am going to try Harwich . Its the third of the price.
Harwich is a wonderful crossing…hope you enjoy it! Happy travelling.