As a child I spent a lot of time on ferries. Each summer my parents would load the three of us into the back of our Vauxhall and drive us off on a European adventure for a week or three. I loved it. I loved the adventure. I loved the boat. I loved being on the sea.

Strangely though, as an adult, the sea is not something I have done a lot of. I have travelled internationally regularly (albeit less regularly since becoming a parent), so when P&O offered me the chance to experience their Hull to Rotterdam mini cruise, I jumped at the opportunity.

As a former student of the University of Hull, I had done this journey in my late teens, but that was the last time I undertook an overnight adventure on a boat, despite my cruise-fanatic parents advocating that I should join them with my two children on a cruise – with me strangely pondering if they would just feel bored and trapped.

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Accompanied by the boyfriend, Reb, on a child-free adventure whilst they were at my ex-husband's, we ventured up to Hull fuelled by the excitement of his first ever ferry experience.

And we were not disappointed. As we drove into the very industrial-looking King George Dock in Hull, we were guided into a parking space and were quickly through check-in and customs, awaiting boarding in the comfortable waiting area.

Before long we were aboard, and to say the welcome was wonderful would be an understatement. All staff were smiling and full of friendly chatter, and we easily found our Club Cabin, where we were pleasantly surprised by the cosy bed, simple but pretty decor, and decent- sized bathroom.

Rather than spend time in our room, we were quickly ready to explore and started at the recommendation of the crew with the Sundeck and Sky Lounge. While we could have easily immediately opted for cocktails and nibbles, we opted to explore all levels – with their bars and shops – before returning to our initial destination for a supremely well-made Espresso Martini.

After immersing ourselves in the lush atmosphere and mutual excitement of our fellow travellers, we made our way to tasty buffet options in The Kitchen. With plenty of vegetarian options to choose from, the attentive waiting staff and the anticipation of the departure from port, time flew by, and we sadly missed the start of the quiz in the nearby bar.

While we caught the end of the quiz, alongside the realisation that we would not have stood a chance of winning, we stayed out to enjoy some live music and to further soak up the moment. With it being very evident that this is far more than a ferry ride experience, the live performers proved that entertainment is at the very heart of this mini cruise. With the house band showing that they understood their audience and got the crowd on their feet, the subsequent solo set from the events manager really helped further create the holiday vibes.

After a decent night's sleep on the waves and a hearty breakfast in The Kitchen, we departed by coach for Rotterdam. With two options on offer (the other being Amsterdam), we chose the city I had never visited and were not disappointed. A quirky centre, Rotterdam is a lovely place for an extended meander fuelled by coffees in eclectic coffee shops.

Must-see moments included the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, the Kijk-Kubus and the very impressive Markthal. Our lunch stop at the Bazar was a lush find and proved following the bustle of the locals to a destination can reap rewards.

With nearly seven hours of walking (approx. 15 km) achieved, we returned to the strikingly designed Centraal Station for a coach journey back to the boat. With feet well rested and a power nap enjoyed, we boarded the Pride of Hull and set sail once again.

While we had contemplated a visit to the onboard brasserie, our enjoyment the prior evening prompted a return visit to The Kitchen, followed by meandering between the Sky Lounge and other bars before bed.

As the alarm went off early to allow time aplenty to enjoy another filling breakfast fuelling before disembarking around 8am, we left the Pride of Hull beaming with smiles at what had been a truly enjoyable adventure and one we would highly recommend.

Within the coming weeks, the route offers a series of Mini Cruise Live performances featuring Marvin Humes, K-Pop and even a Eurovision special. While the regular crossing has ample entertainment, these mini festivals will make the experience all the more memorable.

Further details can be found here: https://www.poferries.com/en/mini-cruises/mini-cruise-live