Ferries, what to expect?

[Hartley]

If you have time on your return to Kiel, a visit to the U-boat memorial and U-995 at Laboe is very interesting. It's only a 10-15 ride from the port.

Good steer, I’m going from Kiel in August staying about 2hrs away the night before so may try and see that.

 

[Mallard]

Good steer, I’m going from Kiel in August staying about 2hrs away the night before so may try and see that.

As you leave Kiel on the outbound ferry you can see the U-boat (in about 20 -30 minutes) off the starboard side (that's the right-hand side for you landlubbing numpties )

 

[trancey]

You’re right, I’m landing at Ijmuiden, just hoping that it doesn’t take an hour to exit the port

I've used the North Shields to Ijmuiden crossing about 10 times and never had any issies with traffic. I put a route in the sat nav and always found it easy to get on to the motorway. I haven't used that ferry post Covid as the prices for bikes went too high, so I used Hull to Europoort for the last few years, but I'm returning to DFDS this year as the prices have improved and it's more local to my home. Last time I used the DFDS route we were given ratchet straps and tied the bike down ourselves. I don't really like the eating options as it's A La Carte or buffet, the Hull ferry has a Costa which sells snacks, pizzas, wedges etc. The buffet is OK if you want a belly full, but I tend to eat lightly. Last year, using the Hull ferry, the bikes were all held back and not released until the cars had all exited the ferry, which caused a considerable on the two return trips that I had. Swings and roundabouts for me.

 

[stever1]

At a guess, I’d say a ship big thing with a drop down door to let you on.
I imagine you would have been better sailing out of Hull to Rotterdam.

 

[Barnoe]

If unsure use the method i use....

Stand there looking confused, this will alert someone to help you lol
to be honest the deck hands are an helpful sort.

Regarding speed cameras, my sat nav changed to KMH automatically, which I was thankful for as I have no idea how to change the bikes speedometer.