Join Noel Philips on an exciting journey as he takes the Stena Line Rail and Sail from London to Amsterdam onboard the Stena Britannica. In this video, Noel shares his personal experience of traveling from Liverpool Street Station in London to Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands, highlighting the joint venture between Dutch train operator NS, UK subsidiary Greater Anglia, and Stena Line. He also discusses the ferry, the amenities onboard, and the delay in departure and arrival. Discover the value for money and overall experience of this unique sail and rail service, which is currently the only direct way to travel from London to Amsterdam.
In this captivating video by Noel Philips, you’ll get an insider’s look at the Stena Line Rail and Sail, the sole direct route from London to Amsterdam. Join Noel on his journey from Liverpool Street Station in London to Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands, as he discusses the joint venture of NS, Greater Anglia, and Stena Line. Experience the onboard amenities of the Stena Britannica, including a comfortable captain suite, TV, minibar, coffee machine, and private bathroom. Gain insights into the delay in departure and arrival, as well as the seamless journey from the port to the airport. Discover the value for money and overall experience of this unique travel option.
Introduction
Overview of Stena Line Rail and Sail
The Stena Line Rail and Sail service is currently the only direct way to travel from London to Amsterdam. It offers a seamless journey combining rail and ferry travel. Passengers depart from Liverpool Street Station in London and arrive at the Hook of Holland in the Netherlands. From there, they can continue their journey to various destinations, including Schiphol Airport. The service is a joint venture between Dutch train operator NS, UK subsidiary Greater Anglia, and Stena Line, the ferry operator.
Importance of the joint venture
The joint venture between NS, Greater Anglia, and Stena Line is important because it provides a convenient and efficient way for travelers to reach Amsterdam from London. This collaboration allows for a seamless transition between rail and ferry travel, eliminating the need for multiple transfers or modes of transportation. The Rail and Sail service provides a unique and enjoyable travel experience, merging the convenience of rail travel with the scenic beauty of a ferry journey.
Personal Experience
Departure from Liverpool Street Station
When departing from Liverpool Street Station in London, keep in mind that it is a bustling and busy train station. However, the staff is helpful and will guide you to the correct platform or assist with any questions you may have. It’s recommended to arrive at the station early to ensure a smooth check-in process and avoid any last-minute rush.
Self-isolation requirements
Before embarking on the Rail and Sail journey, it’s essential to be aware of any self-isolation requirements in both the UK and the Netherlands. During my personal experience, I had to self-isolate for two weeks before and after traveling due to the current global situation. It’s important to check the latest travel guidelines and stay up to date with any changes in the self-isolation requirements.
Onboard the Stena Britannica
The journey onboard the Stena Britannica was a pleasant and comfortable experience. As someone who generally doesn’t enjoy ferry travel, I was surprised by the spaciousness and amenities offered on the ship. The Stena Britannica, along with its sister ship the Hollandica, were both built brand new in 2009 and provide a modern and comfortable setting for passengers.
The captain suite room
During my journey, I opted for the captain suite room, which is the top-level room available onboard the Stena Britannica. The room was well-appointed and far exceeded my expectations. It featured a TV, complimentary minibar, coffee machine, and a private bathroom. The double bed provided a comfortable night’s sleep, ensuring I arrived at my destination feeling refreshed.
Onboard amenities
Aside from the comfortable rooms, the Stena Britannica also offers a range of onboard amenities. Passengers can enjoy entertainment options such as TV channels, access to Wi-Fi, and even a mini cinema. There are also various dining options available, including restaurants and cafes, where you can enjoy a meal or grab a quick snack. The ship also has a duty-free shop, allowing passengers to indulge in some retail therapy during the journey.
Delay in departure and arrival
During my journey, there was a slight delay in both departure and arrival times. However, this is to be expected with any mode of transportation, and the delay did not significantly impact the overall experience. It’s always a good idea to plan for potential delays and factor them into your travel itinerary. Despite the delay, the journey was still enjoyable, and the staff onboard the Stena Britannica were professional and helpful throughout.
Journey to Schiphol Airport
From the Hook of Holland to Schiphol Airport
Once the ferry arrives at the Hook of Holland in the Netherlands, passengers have various options to travel to their final destination, including Schiphol Airport. From the port, you can take a metro or a long-distance train, depending on your preference and the location of your destination. Both options provide efficient and convenient connections to Schiphol Airport.
Using the metro
Using the metro is a popular choice for travelers heading to Schiphol Airport. The metro system in the Netherlands is well-developed and offers a quick and efficient way to navigate the country. From the Hook of Holland, you can take the metro to Rotterdam Central Station, where you can transfer to another metro line or catch a direct train to Schiphol Airport.
Long-distance train
Alternatively, you can opt to take a long-distance train from the Hook of Holland to Schiphol Airport. This option may be more suitable for those traveling with larger amounts of luggage or preferring a direct route. The train journey offers scenic views of the Dutch countryside and provides a comfortable and efficient way to reach the airport.
Information and Tips
Traveling from London to the Netherlands
When traveling from London to the Netherlands, the Stena Line Rail and Sail service offers a unique and enjoyable alternative to flying or taking a traditional train. It’s important to stay informed about the latest travel guidelines, including any self-isolation requirements, and plan your journey accordingly.
Sailing and rail service details
The Stena Line Rail and Sail service operates between Liverpool Street Station in London and the Hook of Holland in the Netherlands. The journey combines rail travel within the UK with a ferry crossing to the Netherlands. The service is a joint venture between NS, Greater Anglia, and Stena Line, ensuring a seamless and convenient travel experience.
Self-isolation requirements
Before and after traveling, it may be necessary to self-isolate due to the current global situation. It’s important to check the latest travel guidelines and regulations regarding self-isolation and plan your trip accordingly. Self-isolation requirements may vary depending on the country you are traveling from and to, so it’s essential to stay updated and follow the guidelines provided by the relevant authorities.
Booking and ticket options
Tickets for the Stena Line Rail and Sail service can be booked online or through various travel agencies. It’s recommended to book well in advance, especially during peak travel periods, to secure your preferred travel dates. The joint venture between NS, Greater Anglia, and Stena Line ensures a streamlined booking process, allowing you to easily access and manage your tickets.
Advantages of Rail and Sail
The Stena Line Rail and Sail service offers several advantages over alternative modes of transportation. Firstly, it provides a direct route from London to Amsterdam, eliminating the need for multiple transfers. Additionally, the service combines the convenience of rail travel with the scenic beauty of a ferry journey, allowing passengers to enjoy the best of both worlds. The onboard amenities, spacious rooms, and professional staff make for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Noel Philips Experience
Creation of the video
The video showcasing the Stena Line Rail and Sail service was created by Noel Philips, an experienced travel vlogger. Noel aims to provide engaging and informative content for his viewers, sharing his personal experiences and insights into various travel experiences. His video on the Rail and Sail service offers a detailed look into the journey from London to Amsterdam, highlighting the key aspects and features of the service.
Live chats and more on WhatsApp and Patreon
Noel Philips offers additional content and engagement through live chats on WhatsApp and on his Patreon page. Viewers have the opportunity to connect directly with Noel, ask questions, and receive exclusive updates on his travels. The live chats and Patreon page offer a more personalized experience for those who want to stay connected and support Noel’s work.
Weekly trip reports
Subscribing to Noel Philips’ channel provides access to weekly trip reports, where he shares his experiences from various journeys around the world. These trip reports offer a unique insight into different travel experiences and destinations, allowing viewers to plan their future travels or simply enjoy the virtual exploration.
Acknowledgment to Patrons
Noel Philips expresses his gratitude to his patrons for their support on his Patreon page. The support from patrons allows him to continue creating quality content and sharing his travel experiences with his audience. Their contributions enable him to explore new destinations and provide valuable insights and tips for fellow travelers.
Conclusion
Value for money
The Stena Line Rail and Sail service offers excellent value for money, considering the convenience and comfort it provides. The joint venture between NS, Greater Anglia, and Stena Line ensures a seamless and enjoyable travel experience from London to Amsterdam. The onboard amenities, spacious rooms, and efficient connections make the journey a worthwhile investment for both business and leisure travelers.
Overall experience
Based on my personal experience and the content provided by Noel Philips, the Stena Line Rail and Sail service offers a fantastic and unique way to travel from London to Amsterdam. The combination of rail and ferry travel, along with the onboard amenities and comfortable rooms, creates a memorable and enjoyable journey. Despite a slight delay in departure and arrival times, the overall experience was positive, and the service provided by the staff was professional and friendly. I highly recommend considering the Stena Line Rail and Sail service for your next trip to Amsterdam.