DFDS = easy peasy! We parked right on the quayside beside the boat at Harwich and after a short wait in a departure lounge, with a café, we walked straight on-board with our bags. Our “transfer” could not have been easier. We found our spacious en suite cabin straightaway and our children a girl aged 9, and boy aged 6, immediately began to fight over which bunk to sleep in.
Then we went off to discover the shop, cafe, a bar/lounge and a small children’s play area. There was a buffet restaurant and an á la carte dining area too. All the staff we dealt with were very friendly and helpful.
The buffet on the first and third evening was excellent. There was plenty of fish and cold meats to choose from as starters, several choices of main course and some exceedingly tasty cakes, puddings and cheese if desired. We did find that the price of alcohol was rather high. That said there was a wide choice of drinks. After dinner, there was live entertainment in the bar.
On our first day we had a guided tour around Esbjerg and then we took ourselves off to the excellent fishing museum and aquarium (which had a really good play area for the children). Buses and taxis were easy to use.
Our second day was spent at Legoland. We were taken by coach (journey time – one hour). Plenty to see and do! We all loved it to bits. Our daughter loved the rides. Our son loved panning for gold and the penguins. They were both fascinated by the Lego model town and captivated by the Star Wars models.
We had an á la carte meal on board on the evening of the Legoland day and the staff made a special meal for our son as he is a picky eater.
Breakfasts were a delight, the buffet catered for both continental and cooked breakfasts and now we really know what “Danish pastries” should taste like.
Apparently in high season there is a children’s entertainer on board. When we travelled he had finished for the season, but this was not a problem as our two children enjoyed looking around the ship too much (there’s a Treasure Trail of clues), and certainly enjoyed their time at sea. Our son was particularly impressed that when, on our second day afloat, he lost his first tooth. . . . .that night even the Tooth Fairy was able to find our cabin!
DFDS and their excellent staff spoilt us all rotten! “More please!”
The Jarvis Family sailed on the DFDS Legoland Mini-Cruise in October 2012 Harwich to Esbjerg – Legoland self-drive Hotel Break
• DFDS Seaways operates the only ferry route from the UK to Scandinavia with its Harwich to Esbjerg route to Denmark
• Legoland self-drive breaks from £314pp based on 4 people sharing an en suite sea view cabin including carriage of a car
• Includes 2 nights in an en suite cabin, 2 nights at the 4* Legoland Hotel and 2 day entrance to the Legoland theme park
• There are three restaurants, a bar, shop, Kids Club and live music onboard.
• Departs Harwich 2-4 times per week, depending on the time of year
www.dfds.co.uk 0871 522 9976