Those looking to escape the January blues are in for a treat, as award-winning ferry operator DFDS has unveiled a number of exclusive travel deals, making a bargain break to the continent even more affordable.

Early Booking Deals

• 15% off crossings
• New deposit scheme
• Bookable now

Take a short hop across the channel with 15% off Dover-France crossings, including both the Dover-Calais and Dover-Dunkirk routes. This is available for travel on selected dates throughout the year and applies to travel by car for up to nine people. Prices start from just £30 each way, pre-discount.  

The operator's Newcastle-Amsterdam sailings will also benefit from 15% off crossings in a car with two or four people, as well as motorcycles. Pre-discount prices start £60 per person each way for two people and from £34 per person for four people.

Recognising that purse strings are tight post-Christmas, a new deposit scheme has also been introduced. Travellers can now secure their journey by making just a 15% deposit, with the full balance payable 30 days before departure on Dover-France routes. On Newcastle-Amsterdam sailings a 15% deposit also applies, with the full balance payable 70 days before departure.

Book by 28 February 2018 at www.dfds.co.uk.

Newcastle-Amsterdam Savings

• 2 for 1 deal for groups of 10 or more
• Special prices for two-night cruises and full city breaks
• Bookable now

DFDS have slashed prices on their daily sailings from Newcastle to Holland for travel-only, inclusive city packages and group bookings.

There's no better time to visit the bright lights of Amsterdam, as the city comes alive with a wealth of events and activities in the early part of the year. Highlights include the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, the Amsterdam Light Festival which runs until 21 January, bringing mesmeric light installations to the waterways and the National Tulip Day display in Dam Square on 20 January.

Those who prefer to stay indoors in the warm can shop till they drop in the January sales, or indulge in the city's unparalleled gastronomy, which steps up a notch as the cold weather sets in – “Oliebollen” Dutch donuts and “appelflappen” hot apple pastries, are just two favourites.

For travel-only, take advantage of the special two-night mini cruise deal to the Dutch capital, priced from just £44.50 per person for two people and from £29.50 per person for four people, relaxing in the comfort of an ensuite cabin.

For a more inclusive travel and accommodation package, City Cruise Breaks are on sale from £88 per person for two people and from £79 per person for four people. This includes an overnight stay in Amsterdam at the centrally-located IBIS West Corner Hotel.

It's a case of the more the merrier, as groups of ten people or more can also bag a 2 for 1 deal, priced from £26 per person, plus one in every ten passengers travels free.

Book by 28 February 2018 for travel from 21 December 2017 until 28 March 2018 (subject to availability) at www.dfds.co.uk