In an age of long security queues, cramped seating, and luggage restrictions, flying is starting to feel more like a chore than a thrill. But what if your holiday could begin the moment you left home—no baggage weight panic, no gate rush, no airport fatigue? For a growing number of travelers, the answer is simple: swap the runway for the open sea.
Sea travel is making a quiet comeback, and not just for cruise lovers or maritime romantics. It’s for anyone craving a smoother, more scenic way to begin a European adventure. And if you’re heading to vibrant destinations like Rotterdam, traveling by ferry might just become your favorite way to kick off a city break.
The Journey Is the Experience
One of the most underrated pleasures of ferry travel is the journey itself. Unlike flying, where you’re packed into a metal tube with minimal legroom, ferries offer freedom—real freedom. Stretch your legs, grab a coffee, enjoy a hot meal, or step outside to breathe in the salty air. On overnight sailings, comfortable en suite cabins let you rest and recharge so you arrive refreshed, not jetlagged.
Think of it as a hotel that moves while you sleep—and delivers you to the heart of Europe by morning.
Bring the Car. And Everything Else.
City breaks often come with tough decisions: what to pack, how much to carry, and whether public transport will get you where you need to go. Traveling by ferry takes the stress out of all that. When your car comes with you, so does your freedom.
Packing becomes simple. Strollers, suitcases, even bikes can come along without you worrying about excess baggage fees. Once you dock, there’s no scrambling for taxis or trying to translate train schedules. Just drive off and go.
With P&O Ferries, vehicles board with ease and passengers can access everything they need during the crossing. Whether you’re traveling solo or with family, having your own transport makes all the difference in creating a city break that’s truly yours.
Rotterdam: More Than Just a Stop
Rotterdam is a city that deserves to be explored, not rushed through. Modern, artistic, and buzzing with energy, it offers a different kind of Dutch charm. Think towering architecture, underground food markets, and waterfront walks that rival any capital city.
Arriving by sea gives you a unique vantage point on the city’s maritime soul. And when you’re not rushing to make up for lost travel hours, you can slow down and truly experience what Rotterdam has to offer—whether that’s sampling street food at Fenix Food Factory or cycling past the iconic Cube Houses.
A short break feels a lot longer when your first few hours aren’t eaten up by airport logistics.
City Breaks Made More Affordable
Between rising airfare costs and hidden fees, short breaks are starting to feel financially out of reach. But they don’t have to be. Many ferry operators now offer bundled deals for quick getaways—often including vehicle transport and accommodation—at rates that are surprisingly wallet-friendly.
Right now, P&O Ferries is offering 30% off selected short breaks from Hull to Rotterdam, making it even more tempting to swap takeoff stress for sea breeze calmness. And when you factor in what you save on baggage, taxis, and airport food, the value adds up quickly.
It’s not just about the cost—it’s about how much more you get out of your travel time.
Why More Travelers Are Choosing the Port
As travelers look for smoother, more spacious, and more sustainable ways to explore Europe, ferries offer a smart alternative that ticks all the boxes. You’re not just getting from point A to point B—you’re unwinding, sightseeing, and easing into vacation mode long before arrival.
For couples seeking a romantic start, families needing flexibility, or solo travelers avoiding airport chaos, ferry journeys open up a world of possibilities. And with P&O Ferries connecting key UK ports to exciting European cities, the adventure really does begin the moment you step aboard.
So next time you’re planning a short break, ask yourself: do you really want to start your trip in an airport queue?
Or would you rather let the city come to you—across the water, with a drink in hand, and nothing but time on your side?
