Tips for overnight ferry to Rotterdam with kids?

[Laquila]

I know we can check-in and board from 1630ish (sailing isn't til 2030) so I think we'll aim to get to the port for 1600. I called our operator to ask about buying the meal vouchers in advance and although they're pricey, I think we'll probably go for it. I understand there's a soft play somewhere, which will doubtless be quiet, calm and totally conducive to starting a peaceful holiday.

Any tips for me, or anything I need to consider?

Re-think!!!! Is it a P&O ferry you're going on?? If so there's really not that much on there and the soft play is tiny, if I were you I'd have dinner somewhere near the port and get on as late as you can. There's really not that much on there... I usually don't like negative posts about other people's plans and I'm sorry to be a killjoy but I really wouldn't recommend getting on really early! Where are you sailing from?

What snowiest said. Board as late as you possibly can.

If it's the ferry from Newcastle, it's fantastic for kids. Mine love it and we get on as early as we can! They have a kids room for younger ones, the cafe food is ok (pricey but where isn't on holiday), they have an entertainer I think and then a singer in the lounge bar so the kids can runabout on the dance floor for abit. Do you have a cabin? The fold down beds and novelty of the bathroom provide plenty of entertainment for younger ones!

If it's the one from hull I echo what others have said. We went for tea elsewhere first (hungry horse type of place - still nicer than ferry food, and better value). Then got on about 7-7.30pm - early enough that we didn't feel rushed, but not so long to wait. Even then, the 2 hours until my kids bedtime felt like forever (they were 5 & 8 and we tried to keep them up a little later than normal so they would sleep - it didn't work). While I am utterly grateful that the soft play existed, it is tiny and we struggled to kill more than 20 minutes. The cabin is also tiny, we were falling over each other trying to get dressed, and very noisy so there is no point aiming to go to bed early.

It's no different to entertaining children anywhere else, easier in some ways as it was so exciting for them. I took ours over several times from Hull to Rotterdam when they were 7/9 ish and older.
It was great, they loved the buffet restaurant and later we sat in a lounge and played cards and other games. The cabins are small but there is the novelty factor.

Depends on the ages of your children of course , but first time I took DD on this exact route she was 8 months old and she hated either the engine noise or the motion feeling. So depending on their ages I would make sure kids were tired before the ferry sets off. If they are a bit older the it's all exciting and new. I found the meals in board to be good - we used to use the langhams brasserie and they were fine with us taking DD in but it depends on your budget. Just make sure they have stuff to keep them entertained suitable for their age, drinks and snacks and a familiar teddy/ blanket. You will be fine, it's a great trip.

Thanks all, much appreciated. Hmm maybe I should rethink! It's Hull to Europoort and kids are 4 and 1.5, and usually pretty easily amused...I was hoping the novelty of it all would entertain them (and wear them out) for a couple of hours!

I just liked the thought of eating onboard and being able to relax once we were on there - I think I'd be constantly clock-watching if we were eating elsewhere and worried we were going to miss the bloody boat (I don't cope with pressure/schedules like I used to!...)

They're usually in bed by 7.30 and sleep pretty well generally, so I don't think there's much point me keeping them up, but we'll play it by ear. My husband and I were planning to go off for a quiet drink and a read somewhere, in shifts, once they're asleep!

We love doing that trip (actually we do zeebrugge to hull). The soft play and novelty factor certainly keep my DD entertained. We est on the ferry - the food is nothing much but its part of the whole experience. A great start to the holiday. I find it really relaxing.

My only tip is to make sure you bring everything you need up out of the car. One trip we left then 4 yo DD's comfort cuddly in the car. That was NOT a relaxing start to the trip...

The other thing is to make sure you have snacks. My two are hopeless in the mornings, so we have a snack breakfast in the cabin.

Great, thanks both.

I always carry a good supply of snacks (much to the horror of many an MN thread), but I'll double supplies 😂

Pack a bag only for the boat with the clothes change etc.. cuddly if needed and food. You don't want to have to look for stuff at the bottom of the boot before going up to find your room.

Plan some stuff to keep two dcs entertained for a few hours. Games, books etc...
Snacks.
We've never eaten the evening meal there, only breakfast but it has the advantage to fill the time.
Soft play is tiny.
We normally start by a walk around the boat and grab a seat and table somewhere and play some games.
Re not arriving too early - yes but please bear in mind you still want to be there on time. Ive seen plenty of people arriving VERY late from the deck!

Yes good point Eternal - I've got some packing cubes (best thing ever) so will make the most of those and do an overnight bag. Quite excited now!