Living in the North East, we’re pretty privileged when we think about. From sports events and a thick sports culture to rolling countryside and blue-flag beaches. There’s a wealth of talent hailing from the region; Alan Shearer, Cheryl Fernandez-Whatevershescalledthesedays-Cole, Ant & Dec, Robson Green, Bobby Robson, the DFDS Mini Cruise Ferries to name a few.

Travel links are taken for granted, we have the Metro, we’ve electric-powered buses, we have a huge train station and most notably, and most under-appreciated is the gateway to Europe via boat. Port of Tyne is located in North Shields, beside the Tyne Tunnel which connects North Tyneside to South Tyneside.

Local amenities include the Royal Quays, an outlet destination, an active Quayside with fresh fish arriving from the trawler boats daily. There’s the popular Tynemouth, a gorgeous little village with bistros, wine and cocktail bars and some seriously good fish restaurants.

The surroundings of The Port of Tyne boast a wealth of adventure, what about if you step onboard one of the boats? Surely there’s an even bigger adventure waiting? Escape to Amsterdam for a mini-break. The Amsterdam mini cruise is DFDS’ most popular break and it’s not difficult to see why!

BOOK YOUR DFDS MINI CRUISE BREAK NOW FROM £72PP HERE

You can explore Holland’s capital and spend 2 nights aboard the cruise ferry in this relaxing getaway at a great value price.

Onboard DFDS Mini Cruise they have created a total haven for those looking to relax in their cabins. They boast a huge bar with live entertainment and nightclub for those looking for a good time. There’s shopping, a cinema on board with some of the latest releases, shopping for those looking to purchase holiday souvenirs. Then there’s the dining.

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With the King Seaways and Princess Seaways, both sailing the Newcastle/Amsterdam route, restaurants are aplenty regardless of which cruise ship you voyage on. We headed to the Explorer’s Kitchen onboard King Seaways to check out their refreshed and rejuvenated buffet restaurant.

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• Wanderlust: A Trip to the Waldorf Astoria, Amsterdam

Explorer’s Kitchen Buffet is open for both breakfast and dinner and the prices are as follows;

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BUFFET DINNER PRICES

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BUFFET BREAKFAST PRICES

*Prices correct at time of publication

The restaurant’s head chefs have a combined experience of over 60 years sailing the seas, tasting local dishes from around the globe, which makes them pretty qualified when it comes to putting together an international buffet of their favourite delicacies.

With an array of different cuisine choices, there’s something for everybody from the picky eater to the refined palette. Where will your taste buds take you?

Devour American style burgers, dogs and fries, guzzle on Greek meatballs or smash out a Spanish omelette. Are you more into food from the Far East, divulge on the Daahl, move your fork quicker with the Mediterranean, there choice really is aplenty.

There’s soup for starters or perhaps a fresh salad takes your fancy. The Explorer’s Kitchen offers around 8 different carts full of delicious dishes for you to feast on.

Cruising is the new cool – find out more when we Ran away to Paradise on a 4-day cruise with Jon Bon Jovi.

They also cater for vegans and vegetarians as well as any other additional dietary requirements.

For dessert there’s an array of typical Dutch style desserts, well you wouldn’t expect anything less heading to and from Holland now would you?

If you’re not a fan of sweet puddings there is a pretty gouda selection of cheeses (excuse my cheesy puns, I hope they make you feel grate!)

The buffet is obviously buffet quality food and great value if you pre-book, especially if you’ve got an appetite! If you’re looking for fine dining then The North Sea Bistro is probably better suited for you. Prices are as follows;

2-COURSE À LA CARTE DINNER PRICES

#FerryGoodFood, Ferry prices.

The next time I travel on the DFDS mini cruise to Amsterdam I do think that I’d probably dine at The North Sea Bistro over The Explorer’s Kitchen and that’s just based on my personal preference of having a plated meal over a buffet. I do, however, think that (if pre-booked) it’s good value for money especially if you intend on eating a lot and/or you are travelling with children.

I do, however, also think that the drinks prices are a little excessively priced, with a fresh orange juice costing €4. This is not just in The Explorer’s Kitchen, I also felt that the price of drinks was exceptionally high across the whole ship on my last trip to Amsterdam from Newcastle via the DFDS mini cruise ferry.

Have you been on the ferry? I’d love to know your thoughts below.