Are you visiting Copenhagen, Denmark and want to know what’s the best way to get to Oslo, Norway? Sure you can book a flight.. but take a scenic ferry cruise instead! I’ll go over my experience taking the DFDS overnight ferry cruise from Copenhagen to Oslo.
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Intro
So let’s start off with talking a little bit of why you should take the DFDS Ferry. For one, the DFDS ferry is a scenic way to travel between two of Scandinavia’s iconic capitals: Copenhagen, Denmark and Oslo, Norway. Second, rather than taking a quick flight, you can relax on a leisurely cruise with stunning coastal views and views of the North Sea’s open waters. And third, the ferry also has a variety of cabin options, dining options, and entertainment which can give you a memorable experience rather than just be another mode of transportation.
The DFDS Ferry, Crown Seaways Ship
Booking The DFDS Ferry
To book the ferry, you can do so on their website here. It’s pretty straightforward. On the initial screen, you’ll need to enter: one-way or roundtrip, double-check the Route (between Copenhagen & Oslo), if you’re taking a vehicle (No Vehicle is an option), number of persons, and your travel date(s).
Then on the second screen, you’ll be given a long list of all the cabin options and their associated costs. Here you will select the cabin you prefer, which I’ll go over in the next section. Once you select your cabin, then the screen after will allow you to add on meals too. You can make a reservation for a dinner, the breakfast buffet, and even gin tasting!
If you want to eat without worrying if you will get a spot at a preferred restaurant and time, then I highly advise making a reservation. The 7 Seas Buffet is popular so I would suggest getting a reservation, especially during the high season.
Cabin Options
Cabin prices can start as low as 49 Euro, but of course, take your budget into account! Cheaper Standard cabins will be located on the interior of the ship (aka has no window), moderately-prices rooms will be the Sea View cabins (with window), and the more expensive Premium cabins will be the Commodore Class cabins which includes a TV, WiFi, and breakfast. They also have pet-friendly cabins too!
Unfortunately, you are not able to select what deck and which side of the ship you want your cabin on. You find out where it is once you check-in and actually get to your cabin.
I opted for a Sea View cabin that has 4 beds even though I was traveling solo. Couldn’t beat having some extra space and a view. Because of this, I definitely recommend getting a cabin with a window! The views you’ll get on the ride are amazing, and you will appreciate it when you get to admire them from within the comfort of your own cabin, especially in the morning. Not only that, but if you’re prone to seasickness (like I am) then being able to see the horizon will definitely help!
To get the cabin you prefer (and to secure it at a good rate), then it’s best to book in advance. I had booked my cabin a month in advance and had no issues securing the cabin type I preferred.
My Cabin
On my visit, I booked a Sea View room that could accommodate up to 4 people. So my room had 4 single beds but the 2 top bunks stayed stowed, another served as a couch, and the last was my bed. For the top bunk beds, there is a ladder in the closet area to access them. Each bed also has its own bed-side light.
The cabin also has a small desk and mirror (where the only outlet is located), a small bed-side table, and a large window! There was no TV which didn’t bother me much since I had brought my own tablet for entertainment purposes. I was very pleased with the cabin I received and it was clean and well-maintained. No complaints here.
The en-suite bathroom includes a hair dryer, toilet, sink, shampoo and shower gel, and curtained shower. The running water did heat up very quickly, which I always appreciate. I was confused about whether or not towels were included since they weren’t in the bathroom, but after looking for a bit, there is actually a sign that states each bed comes with a towel heh. All I had to do was deploy my bed and the towel was strapped in along with the blanket and pillow.
However, there was only a single large towel on the bed, and no hand towels. Using my main large towel as a hand towel too doesn’t bother me though, so I don’t consider this an inconvenience.
Boarding The DFDS Ferry
Boarding begins in the late afternoon at Copenhagen’s Nordhavn terminal. I arrived at the terminal an hour before departure, so right around 3:30 PM. At this time, there was no line so check-in was fast and easy. They checked my Passport and gave me my ticket, which has my room number and also acts as the room key.
Since there was no line, I boarded the ferry easily with zero hassle. Once on the ferry, there are room numbers on the walls where you can easily find where your room is. What I loved about the boarding process is that you are able to enter your cabin right away and settle in.
If you worry of being in a crowded, long line then I suggest getting to the terminal an hour before departure like I did at 3:30 PM. Nothing beats boarding the ferry swiftly and hassle-freely.
Boarding the DFDS Ferry, Crown Seaways Ship
Setting Sail
Once you’re settled in your room, you are free to roam the ferry. I opted to go straight to the top deck where the Mermaid Bar is located. This is an outdoor deck with a bar and plenty of seating. Here you can relax with a drink while waiting for the ship to set sail at 4:30 PM. Once the DFDS ferry begins to leave the port, head to the railings and wave farewell to Copenhagen, Denmark, and enjoy the ride as you head towards Oslo, Norway!
Enjoying the top deck Mermaid Bar with views while leaving Copenhagen
Dining Options
There are several dining options on board, but if you want to eat at a specific restaurant at your own preferred time, then it’s best to make a reservation for you and your party. You can do so at the time of your booking, or add it on afterwards.
Most of the restaurants onboard seems to need a reservation, where the only one that didn’t was the Little Italy restaurant. I did not make a dinner reservation so I opted for some pasta, and to my surprise they had gluten free pasta! Win. I did, however, needed to wait about 30 minutes until I was seated.
The most popular restaurant onboard is the 7 Seas Buffet Restaurant where they serve a wide selection of food, including both Scandinavian and international dishes. If you want a ton of food options and variety, then I would recommend making a reservation for the 7 Seas Buffet. Other restaurants includes NORD Restaurant and Explorer Restaurant, both pretty upscale with a multi-course dinner.
There are also various bars and lounges around the ship where you can sip on a drink and relax with some amazing sea views.
Additionally, there is also a small café corner, Coffee Crew, which I definitely visited the next morning. Amazingly there was no line here when I went in the morning!
Entertainment
The ferry has several bar and lounges that can often have live music going on (like at the Navigators Bar). For families with children, there is a children’s play area to occupy the little ones. There is also a jacuzzi, pool and sauna where you can unwind and relax during the ride.
If you are looking to stay connected, the ferry has WiFi connectivity available for purchase. There are several WiFi purchase options that vary in duration, from a few hours to the entire cruise. You can find these options on a pamphlet within the cabin.
OMG but DO NOT forget to head to an outdoor space to watch the sunset. It is absolutely breathtaking!! I watched and enjoyed the sunset starting 30 minutes before it had disappeared under the horizon, and stuck around for another 5 minutes after to appreciate the colorful sky and clouds the setting sun created.
Breathtaking Sunset!
Scenic Arrival into Oslo
The morning you arrive, be sure to wake up early to enjoy the views!! Look out your window (if you’re on the right side), or head to a deck where you can view the surroundings. The ferry cruises into the Oslofjord where you can have amazing views of your next destination, Norway!
Views as we approach Oslo
Preparing to Disembark
In preparation of disembarking the ferry, people start to gather up on Deck 5 around 9:30 AM. When I went, I headed towards the doors at 9:45 AM and there weren’t too many people there yet but I was certainly not the first either. But! It quickly got crowded right after I secured my spot in “line” though. The doors didn’t open to let us out until around 10:10 AM.
Disembarking The Ferry
Disembarking was straightforward with only one direction to take. Once you exit the ferry terminal, you will be right in the parking lot. If you’re looking for a sightseeing tour bus, it should be in the lot immediately in front of you where you exit. Hard to miss it. The City Bus and Taxis will be located towards the left.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Trip
1) Book a Cabin With a View
Having a sea view cabin provides a way more pleasant experience where you can have views of the calming waters and surroundings. A cabin with a view of the horizon is especially helpful if you experience seasickness.
2) Bring Seasickness Medication (If Needed)
The waters may be rough so be prepared with some medication. Or if you’re like me and are prone to seasickness regardless of how rough the seas are, then seasickness medication should definitely be in your medicine arsenal.
3) Make Dinner Reservations Early
Popular dining spots can fill up quickly (like the 7 Seas Buffet) especially during high season. You can reserve online or try out your luck once you board the ship.
4) Watch The Sunset on an Outdoor Deck
Watch the sunset and admire the colorful skies! It is best viewed on an outdoor deck with no glass between you and the beautiful scenery.
5) Wake Up Early For The Oslofjord Views
Watching the sunrise and viewing the surrounding area as you approach Oslo is another scenic highlight of the ferry! If you’re an early bird, then wake up early to catch the sunrise. If not, still try to catch the views as the ferry gets closer to Oslo. Norway’s islands and islets are hard to miss in the morning.
6) Pack some snacks and drinks
While there are plenty of dining options on board, having your own drinks and snacks can be handy. I found the Coffee Crew being the best location for a quick snack and drink as they had quick pastries and served coffee and tea. I also brought my own water bottle and granola bars onboard to sip and snack on whenever I needed it.
Final Words
The DFDS overnight ferry from Copenhagen to Oslo is an enjoyable, relaxing, and scenic journey. It will add a special touch to your Scandinavian adventure and is definitely worth considering. Bon Voyage!
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