All at sea with cruise conferences.

Businesses in the North-East have the chance to make a real splash with their corporate entertainment, thanks to a new range of hospitality packages from DFDS Seaways.

The North Shields-based cruise ferry operator has expanded the number of themed dinners available on board its flag ship Queen of Scandinavia to include an Austin Powers adventure and a Fawlty Towers-style farce with a special appearance from the infamous `Manuel.'

This follows the highly successful launch of the company's Murder Mystery dinners for corporate clients last autumn.

The DFDS Seaways' meetings, incentives, conference and events (Mice) division is also offering a number of team building events onboard ship and in Amsterdam.

New for 2003 is `Dutch Courage,' a corporate bonding package including activities such as mountain biking or goat milking races in Amsterdam and treasure hunts either onboard or in Amsterdam.

Alan Hope, DFDS Seaways' UK conference and incentive manager, says: "A lot of our clients are keen to combine traditional-style presentations and conferences with more interactive, fun events. The DFDS Seaways' service provides a completely fresh atmosphere and exciting opportunities to reward people for their hard work or simply to get away from the hurly-burly of the office and develop better relationships with team members, customers and suppliers while having some fun."

DFDS Seaways can tailor conference packages, for up to 400 delegates, ranging from one-day events while the ship is docked at Newcastle, to mini cruises to Amsterdam.

A corporate two-night mini cruise starts from just pounds 239 per delegate including all onboard meals, gourmet gala dinner, tea/coffee, cabins, conference/meeting facilities and eight hours in Amsterdam.

DFDS Seaways has also launched a new special daily delegate rate of pounds 35 per person to include conference room, refreshments, a two-course lunch and the use of audio-visual equipment and free car parking. The cruise ferry operator has teamed up with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), to create tailor-made Fly/Cruise packages on its Oslo to Copenhagen route.

* For further information, contact Alan Hope at DFDS Seaways on [phone] or visit www.dfdsseaways.co.uk and click on Business at Sea.