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In the meantime, check our latest posts or subscribe for updates.Last September, during the World Port Days Rotterdam, we were thrilled to win a minicruise to England aboard the P&O Ferries Pride of Rotterdam. After months of anticipation, it was finally time to embark on our Rotterdam to Hull ferry journey. This P&O Ferries experience promised to be a memorable one, and it did not disappoint. The North Sea ferry journey itself, combined with the charm of Hull, provided a perfect UK short break cruise.
Embarking on the Minicruise to England: Departing from Rotterdam
After work, I picked up my nephew, and we made our way to the P&O Ferries terminal for the minicruise to England. The check-in process was smooth, and before we knew it, we were on board the Pride of Rotterdam. The ferry was sleek and modern, offering a variety of onboard amenities that ensured our comfort during the short cruise.
We opted for dinner in the Brasserie restaurant, as we had a less-than-ideal experience with the buffet on a previous trip during the World Port Days trips. This time, we were determined to enjoy a more relaxing and delicious dining experience. The P&O Ferries menu in the Brasserie didn’t disappoint. For starters, we enjoyed warm rustic bread with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. My nephew had a chicken and ham terrine with piccalilli, while I enjoyed a rich terrine with rustic bread. For the main course, we savored a perfectly grilled 10oz ribeye, accompanied by portobello mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, and thick-cut chips. The house salad was a refreshing side, and the dessert, a mix of ice cream, capped off our meal beautifully.
As we sailed across the North Sea, we were excited about the mini-cruise itinerary highlights ahead in Hull.
Hull: A City Filled with History and Culture for Your UK Short Break Cruise
The next morning, we arrived in Hull, where we had the whole day to explore. Hull travel guides often highlight the city’s rich maritime history, and we were eager to see it for ourselves. After a delightful breakfast at Nibbles, where we had egg-in-hole and Anna’s eggs, we set off for our first stop: The Deep, one of Hull’s top tourist attractions.
Explore The Deep: A Fascinating Hull Tourist Attraction
The Deep is one of the largest aquariums in the UK, and it truly lives up to the hype. With over 3,500 marine species, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles, it’s a must-see for anyone visiting Hull. The Endless Ocean tank was the highlight of our visit, with its 2.5 million liters of water home to various marine creatures.
Walking through the Glass Tunnel felt like being submerged in the ocean as we were surrounded by these majestic creatures. The interactive exhibits also gave us a chance to learn more about ocean conservation and marine life. For example, we visited the touchpool, where we had the chance to touch starfish and crabs. It was a fun, hands-on way to learn about marine biology.
The Deep also offers a 4D cinema experience that takes visitors on a thrilling underwater adventure, making it an even more exciting and educational stop. If you’re in Hull, don’t miss this unique and memorable experience.
Step Back in Time at the Streetlife Museum of Transport
Next, we headed to the Streetlife Museum of Transport, another of Hull’s must-see tourist attractions. This museum offers a fascinating look at the history of transportation in the city, from horse-drawn carriages to vintage buses and classic cars. The exhibits are displayed in recreated street scenes, making it feel as though we had traveled back in time.
We enjoyed exploring the vintage trams, old buses, and classic automobiles, including a 1904 Humber car. The museum’s interactive displays also allowed us to sit inside some of the vehicles, like an old bus and a 1910s automobile. The museum is full of interesting stories about the role of transportation in Hull’s growth.
If you’re interested in the history of transportation, the Streetlife Museum of Transport is definitely worth a visit. It’s a great stop for all ages, combining education and fun.
Discover Hull Minster: A Beautiful Historical Church
Before we returned to the ferry, we made one final stop at Hull Minster, a beautiful historic church in the heart of the city. Originally founded in the 12th century, Hull Minster was granted minster status in 2017. This quiet and peaceful location offers a great place to appreciate the city’s rich architectural history.
The minster’s impressive features, such as the Great East Window, one of the largest in the UK, immediately caught our attention. The stained-glass windows told the story of Christ’s life, and the architecture itself was awe-inspiring. We were also able to admire the intricate stonework and the peaceful atmosphere inside. It was a great place to pause and reflect before heading back to the ferry.
Shopping and Dining in Hull: A Perfect End to Your Minicruise to England
After visiting the cultural attractions, we spent some time exploring the shops of Hull. St. Stephen’s Shopping Centre was the perfect place to pick up some souvenirs and gifts. The shopping center has a variety of stores, ranging from high street brands to unique boutiques.
For lunch, we grabbed a bite to eat at a local café before heading back to the Pride of Rotterdam. The dining experience on board was a delightful continuation of our journey. We returned to the Brasserie, where we enjoyed a warm carrot and butternut soup with rustic bread and butter for the starter. My nephew chose Scottish smoked salmon with crème fraiche, boiled egg, capers, and Cornish buttered bread.
For the main course, we had pappardelle pasta with grilled courgetti and cherry tomatoes in a tomato and basil sauce, and a perfectly grilled orange and thyme chicken breast with ratatouille and red wine sauce. For dessert, we enjoyed more ice cream, and I had a slice of apple cake with vanilla ice cream to end our meal on a sweet note.
Why Choose a Minicruise to England? Discover Hull with P&O Ferries
Our minicruise to England was a memorable experience. The journey on the P&O Ferries Pride of Rotterdam was smooth and enjoyable, and the time spent exploring Hull exceeded our expectations. From the stunning marine life at The Deep to the nostalgic exhibits at the Streetlife Museum of Transport and the architectural beauty of Hull Minster, Hull proved to be a city rich in culture and history. Our North Sea ferry journey was a great way to travel to the UK for a short break, and we couldn’t have asked for a better way to experience Hull.
If you’re looking for a quick getaway, a UK short break cruise with P&O Ferries offers the perfect opportunity to discover Hull’s tourist attractions. Whether you’re interested in marine life, history, or shopping, there’s something for everyone. We highly recommend this minicruise to England, and we can’t wait for our next P&O Ferries adventure.
Conclusion: Why You Should Choose a Minicruise to England
A minicruise to England with P&O Ferries is an excellent way to explore the UK in a short amount of time. The P&O Ferries Pride of Rotterdam offers an exceptional travel experience, and Hull is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re interested in marine life, transport history, or architecture, Hull has something for everyone. Book your next minicruise to England and make the most of your Rotterdam to Hull ferry experience!
Sails to the Heart of England: A Poetic Voyage
Beneath Rotterdam's evening glow,
Our journey beckoned, we’d soon bestow,
A Minicruise to England, a prize well-earned,
To Hull’s embrace, our hearts were turned.
On the Pride of Rotterdam, waves did sing,
Aboard her decks, a voyage took wing.
With rustic bread and terrine so fine,
Ribeye and chips, and red wine divine.
The North Sea whispered tales of old,
Of sailors brave and waters bold.
We dined, we dreamed, as stars took flight,
Guided gently through the night.
To Hull we came with morning’s light,
A city glowing, pure delight.
At Nibbles, breakfast warmed our soul,
Eggs and toast made us whole.
The Deep unveiled a wondrous realm,
With ocean life at its helm.
Sharks and rays in waters blue,
A mesmerizing, endless view.
At the Streetlife Museum, time stood still,
Transport’s history gave us a thrill.
From carriages quaint to double-deck dreams,
Each exhibit sparked wondrous schemes.
Majestic Hull Minster, a sacred place,
Stood tall, serene, in timeless grace.
Its stained glass bathed us in hues divine,
A moment of peace, a glimpse of the sublime.
Through St. Stephen’s, where shops abound,
Hull’s vibrant spirit we surely found.
Then back aboard, the Brasserie called,
With dishes that left us enthralled.
Soup and salmon, chicken and thyme,
Each course a memory, each bite sublime.
The North Sea waves sang us to sleep,
As memories stirred in waters deep.
With Rotterdam’s horizon drawing near,
We bid farewell, our hearts sincere.
This UK short break cruise left its mark,
A cherished journey, a lasting spark.
So if adventure stirs your soul,
And ferry winds call you to their role,
A Rotterdam to Hull ferry awaits your say,
To craft your own poetic day.
