HERE’S NOWAY better to start a super holiday in Europe than on a Superferry. Stena Line’s twin giants, Britannica and Hollandica, are the biggest in Europe, almost 800ft long and filled with attractions.

Hotel- like facilities including Swedishdesigned Dux beds in the cabins, all en- suite, free Wi- Fi throughout, cinema, play area and even a basketball court. Enjoy an a- la- carte meal ( maybe roast duck with plum sauce, for £ 15) in the Metropolitan restaurant, something less formal in Taste, or simply relax in the Riva bar.

The Superferries which, despite their size, carry a modest 1,200 passengers, offer a daily daytime and overnight sailing between Harwich in Essex and Hook of Holland, just outside Rotterdam. The destination is perfect not only forDutch getaways ( the port is less than 50 miles from the delights of cosmopolitan Amsterdam) but also for France and Germany too.

And to make that even more super there are 20 per cent discounts on Center Parcs breaks, when booked as a package with ferry, in all three countries.

Center Parcs Port Zélande ( on the banks of Lake Grevelingen), Center Parcs Zandvoort ( set in the dunes on a North Sea beach) and Center Parcs De Eemhof ( with aMediterranean feel on huge Eemmeer Lake) all have Aqua Mundo indoor water parks and are all within a short drive. The relaxing resorts offer varied self- catering accommodation, shops and restaurants and activities both for children and adults: outdoor climbing, bowling, paintball, football, canoeing, cycling, tennis, squash, windsurfing and sailing. You can also take your dog with you, using the kennels on all Stena Line ships. And both Superferries have a ‘ kennel- cam’ so passengers keep an eye on their pet via the TV in the cabins. Holland is one of the most pet- friendly countries in Europe and Center Parcs welcomes dogs in some of its cottages.

A four- night midweek stay including day crossings and Center Parcs accommodation