We've travelled to Amsterdam in more than one way, and each option offers a completely different experience. Whether you're looking for nightlife, value for money, group travel, or simply the easiest adults-only escape from the UK, here's our honest verdict on the three most popular ways to visit Amsterdam.
Option 1: P&O Ferries Amsterdam Mini Cruise
What's Included?
P&O Ferries' Amsterdam Mini Cruise includes return ferry travel from Hull to Rotterdam, two nights in an en-suite cabin, onboard entertainment and coach transfers into Amsterdam. [poferries.com]
The trip feels like a cross between a ferry crossing and a budget cruise. You board in Hull, enjoy dinner, drinks and entertainment onboard, sleep overnight and wake up in the Netherlands. A coach takes you to Amsterdam for the day before you return to the ship that evening. [poferries.com],
What we love
The journey is part of the experience.
For groups especially, it can feel like the party starts the moment you step onboard. The bars are lively, the atmosphere is relaxed and there's something quite enjoyable about sailing across the North Sea with friends.
It's also exceptionally good value. Fares regularly start around £140-£150 per person including accommodation and transport. [poferries.com], [hull-rotterdam.com]
P&O Ferries Mini Cruise: More than just a ferry
One thing that's changed significantly in recent years is that the crossing itself has become much more of an experience. Alongside its standard Amsterdam Mini Cruises, P&O Ferries also runs a series of themed Mini Cruise Live! sailings featuring enhanced onboard entertainment. According to the operator, these special sailings combine the usual mini cruise package with themed live entertainment on board.
For groups, this can completely change the dynamic of the trip.
Rather than treating the ferry as simply a way to get to Amsterdam, the onboard entertainment becomes part of the weekend itself. The atmosphere is often far more social than a typical city break, making it particularly appealing for friendship groups, clubs and special occasions.
Why this appeals to adult groups
The biggest advantage of the mini cruise format is that everyone stays together.
Unlike a city break where people may split off into different hotels or arrive on different flights, the journey starts the moment you board. Drinks, dinner, entertainment and accommodation are all in one place, creating a shared experience before you even reach the Netherlands.
For many groups, that's actually the biggest attraction.
What we don’t love
You only get a day in Amsterdam.
Once you factor in coach transfers, you're effectively watching the clock all day.
If your priority is Amsterdam's nightlife, cocktail scene or after-dark venues, you're going home long before the city comes alive.
Our verdict
Perfect for:
✅ Groups
✅ First-time visitors
✅ Budget travellers
✅ People who enjoy the journey as much as the destination
Not ideal for:
❌ Late-night experiences
❌ Adult nightlife
❌ Exploring beyond central Amsterdam
Option 2: P&O Cruises Short Cruise
What's different?
Unlike the ferry mini cruise, this is a proper cruise holiday departing from Southampton. Many itineraries visit Amsterdam and Zeebrugge over four to five nights while offering everything you'd expect from a mainstream cruise, including multiple restaurants, bars, theatre shows and entertainment. [pocruises.com],
Some Amsterdam sailings even include an overnight stay in port, allowing guests to experience the city's evening atmosphere before returning onboard.
What we love
You get the full cruise experience.
Great food.
Entertainment every evening.
No airports.
No hotel changes.
No dragging luggage through train stations.
For many people the ship is actually the destination.
What we don’t love
Just like the ferry option, Amsterdam still isn't really the focus.
You're visiting Amsterdam as one stop on a short cruise.
If your dream weekend includes exploring cocktail bars until 2am or discovering Amsterdam's famous adult nightlife, you may feel restricted by ship schedules.
Our verdict
Perfect for:
✅ Cruise lovers
✅ Couples wanting a relaxed getaway
✅ Groups
✅ People who want entertainment included
Not ideal for:
❌ Experiencing Amsterdam after dark
❌ Maximum freedom
❌ Deep exploration of the city
Option 3: Flight + Hotel Stay
Why this is different
Instead of Amsterdam being a stop on a journey, Amsterdam becomes the entire trip.
Direct flights in to Amsterdam Shipol from regional airports across the UK, allowing you to arrive in the heart of the city without hassle. https://www.easyjet.com/en/holidays From there, your time is entirely your own.
What we love
Freedom. That's the biggest difference.
Want to spend six hours wandering the canals? Fine.
Want a long dinner that turns into cocktails? No problem.
Want to stay out until 4am and walk back to your hotel? That's entirely up to you.
Airlines and operators highlight Amsterdam's nightlife, cocktail bars and late-night entertainment as one of the city's key attractions for adult visitors. For adults seeking Amsterdam's famous nightlife, lifestyle scene, speakeasies, clubs or late-night venues, this is the only option that gives you unrestricted access. https://www.easyjet.com/en/holidays
What we don’t love
It's usually the most expensive option once you add:
Train tickets
Hotel
Meals
Drinks
Activities
There's also far more planning involved. The ferry and cruise options package everything neatly together.
Our verdict
Perfect for:
✅ Couples
✅ Nightlife lovers
✅ Lifestyle travellers
✅ Foodies
✅ People who want complete freedom
Not ideal for:
❌ Large group trips
❌ Budget travellers
❌ Anyone wanting an all-inclusive feel
Adults-Only experiences
This is where the gap really starts to widen.
P&O Ferries Mini Cruise
You'll find bars, live music and a sociable atmosphere onboard.
Great for meeting people.
Limited for late-night Amsterdam experiences.
Cruise Holiday
You'll enjoy bars, entertainment and a more premium overall experience.
Again, most of the nightlife happens onboard rather than in Amsterdam.
Flight + Hotel
This is where Amsterdam truly shines.
You can experience:
Cocktail bars
Rooftop bars
Canal-side dining
Evening cruises
Live music venues
Clubs
Late-night experiences
Without worrying about coach departure times or ship all-aboard times.
Our final verdict
If you're travelling as a group and want the best value for money?
P&O Ferries Mini Cruise wins.
If you love cruising and want Amsterdam as part of a wider holiday?
P&O Cruise wins.
But if your goal is to experience Amsterdam properly as an adult destination, enjoy the nightlife, stay out late and explore the city at your own pace?
Flight + Hotel is the clear winner.
The ferry mini cruise and cruise holiday are excellent introductions to Amsterdam. But a city break is the one that lets you experience everything that makes Amsterdam famous after the day-trippers and cruise passengers have already headed home. And sometimes, that's when the real fun begins.
