Amsterdam Cruises
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Amsterdam Cruises
History & culture
Amsterdam’s history is deeply rooted in its waterways – and of course, the dam it’s named after. Transforming marshland into habitable streets in the 13th century allowed the city to flourish. Reaching peak prosperity in the 17th century, the city built its now famous canals and established itself as an economic powerhouse, attracting artists, architects and authors to the city. Today, the cultural and architectural legacy remains – along with other historic landmarks from WWII, including the Anne Frank House.
Speedy transport links maximise your time available to enjoy the winding canals, quirky coffee bars and hidden gems in this quaint city. A year round calendar of events ensures there’s never a shortage of experiences to choose from. Spring sees the nearby Keukenhof Tulip Gardens blossom with colour, sun-kissed summers bring music festivals and kayaking on the canals. Autumn is the perfect time to dip into galleries and cosy restaurants, and winter is the season to soak up the festive atmosphere in Christmas markets strung with sparkling fairy lights.
Food & drink
You can graze from a global gastro menu on Amsterdam’s multicultural streets., but the best foods to tuck into are the local delicacies. These range from fast food on the go – think, fries, stroop waffles and pancakes, to hearty meals such as a stamppot. Tucking in to this bowl of mash and greens paired with smoked sausage is a Dutch favourite. And to drink? In this city, good coffee is guaranteed. (But don’t miss the locally brewed beers.) Discover how to make the most of your visit on our Amsterdam city guide!
Featured Amsterdam Destinations to visit
Naarden
Find time in your Amsterdam cruise schedule to visit Naarden. As one of Europe’s best preserved fortified towns, it’s a walled city that never fails to charm. From above, Naarden looks like a snowflake, and despite the fortifications, delivers on cosy charm and fascinating history.
Volendam
As the Netherland’s most famous fishing village, Volendam provides a historic contrast to Amsterdam’s bustling commercial port. Tuck in to local fish delicacies, delve into the area’s folklore and soak up the sights. Cycling here from Amsterdam is a scenic highlight – but the bus is an equally enjoyable 25 minute journey.
Haarlem
Cobbled streets, culinary delights and nearby coastal Dunes make Haarlem an attractive destination on an Amsterdam cruise. Head out of the city for sandy trails peppered with desert orchids. Alternatively, staying in the city rewards you with museums and works by the Dutch masters, historic churches, picturesque canals and wonderful architecture.
What not to miss in Amsterdam
De Negen Straatjes
This collection of 9 streets in Amsterdam’s canal belt provides the quintessential Amsterdam experience. The independent and artisan shops, monuments boutiques, cafes and galleries are perfect for getting a sense of the city away from the chain stores.
Rijksmuseum
If you pick one museum or gallery to visit on your Amsterdam cruise, make it the Rijksmuseum. As the Netherland’s national museum, it showcases world-famous collections from the Dutch masters – Vermeer, Rembrandt and Van Gogh, alongside a treasure trove of artefacts that take you on a journey through 800 years of history.
A Canal Tour
Think of these tours as a mini Amsterdam canal cruise. You can relax and let the canal barges drift you through the city’s historic waterways. The longer tours – lasting around 75 minutes do use up more of your valuable port time, but are better value for money.
Tips for cruising to Amsterdam
Currency considerations
The currency in Amsterdam is the Euro. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, although cash is generally the preferred form of payment. Some smaller retailers may apply a small surcharge for using a card – between 2-6%.
Customs / traditions to be aware of
Take care when walking around the city centre. The preferred method of transport is by bike – and the cycle lanes can be busy.
Making the most use of short durations in port
One of the best ways to see the city in a short space of time is to hop on an Amsterdam canal cruise. Relaxing and informative, they take in the top architectural and historic sights – as well as usually sharing information on the canal system.
Transport
Amsterdam is well connected by train, tram, ferry and water taxis. By far the preferred transport option is the bike.
FAQs about Amsterdam
Where do cruises dock in Amsterdam?
- The majority of cruises dock in Amsterdam’s Passenger Terminal. A short walk away from the city centre, this cruise terminal also benefits from nearby tram links to make the journey to the city centre quick and simple. Some cruises may dock at Ijmuiden, which is around 45 minutes from Amsterdam.
How far is the cruise port in Amsterdam from the city?
- The cruise port in Amsterdam is just under a mile from the city. Hopping on tram 26 will take you to Amsterdam Centraal Station, or you can make the short walk into Amsterdam on foot – enjoy the sights along the way.
How do you get from Rotterdam port to Amsterdam port?
- There are several ways to get from Rotterdam port to Amsterdam port. By car, the journey takes between 75 and 90 minutes, depending on traffic. Hopping on a train can cut travel time, with the high-speed link between Rotterdam Station and Amsterdam taking just 35 minutes. Lastly, cruises docking at Rotterdam port may offer a shuttle to Amsterdam port. Expect the journey to take up to 2 hours.