Survey Route: Newcastle – Amsterdam

Although quiet on the bird front, with the highlight being a Great Skua, the survey team were very lucky to encounter a couple of White-beaked Dolphin, a North Sea specialty!

Unseasonal strong winds and rain had some impact on surveying, but a Minke Whale made a spectacular start to this survey.

Despite some indifferent weather conditions, a wide range of seabirds were seen, with an Arctic Skua being a highlight of the outward sailing. Harbour Porpoise were again recorded from the busy shipping waters out from Ijmuiden.

A great start to the 2026 survey season with DFDS across to Amsterdam, including a spectacular encounter with large numbers of Little Gull!

Lots of seabird activity, with signs of early autumn movements, while four Minke Whales provided excellent entertainment for all on board the Princess Seaways

The birds were coming thick and fast, however, with good numbers of Kittiwake, Gannet and Fulmar throughout

Despite some lively North Sea weather, a good number of seabirds were recorded, together with a few dolphins and porpoises. A single whale remained stubbornly unidentifiable!

A great start to the 2025 survey season with DFDS on the Newcastle to Amsterdam route!

Nearing the end of the survey, two seals were spotted close to the ship within five minutes

Exceptional shearwaters and great Amsterdam food