Cruise Buzz

Dutch apple pie, canals, windmills. tulips. cheese, museums,  architecture and more.

Based on the number of cruise ships calling on the region, it is safe to say that Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands is ready for cruise visitors.  Amsterdam is a popular embarkation point for river cruise passengers as well as a port of call for larger cruise ships. Plan to spend some time on the canals admiring the architecture then take a break and relax in a café (be sure to try the Dutch Apple pie.) For those more active cruisers, rent a bike and take a spin around one of Europe’s great cities.

Links to port information and social media sites:

• Amsterdam port information
• Iamsterdam
• Helpful links for how to get around the city – click here
• Amsterdam city map – click here
• Twitter: @Iamsterdam
• Facebook:  Iamsterdam fan page
• YouTube:  VideoIamsterdam
• Google map

Logistics

Getting to the ship: port information for Amsterdam, Netherlands

Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA)
Port of Amsterdam, Netherlands
Piet Heinkade 27, 1019 BR Amsterdam
Port of Amsterdam website

Airport

Distance from Schiphol International Airport to pier (13 miles)

Directions, just in case you are getting a ride – (thank you Royal Caribbean International for the port information).

• Exit the airport and take A4 to Amsterdam and then the A10 Amsterdam Ring Road (north).
• Leave the A10 Amsterdam Ring Road (north) at the S114 junction (follow the signs Centrum, Zeeburg and Artis).
• Turn left at the end of the exit road. Follow the road until you have passed the Piet Hein Tunnel.
• At the end of the tunnel turn right, following the signs for “Centrum and Central Station”.
• You will pass three traffic lights. After the third light, turn right at the second access road. Entrance to the underground parking area is situated in front of the terminal.

Where do cruise ships dock in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a busy cruise port operation servicing both large ships and smaller river cruise boats.  For most cruise customers the ship or river cruise boat will be located near the Amsterdam train station called Central Station at the cruise Passenger Terminal.

Most River cruise vessels dock behind the Central Station on the River IJ, along a long street called de Ruyterkade. A good tip for cruise visitors taking a taxi is to make sure that you see  your river cruise boat before dismissing your transportation.

Top attractions, not to be missed

Things to Do in Amsterdam

• Take a canal tour
• Get on the HOHO bus: use the Hop-on/Hop-off  bus and create your own Amsterdam city tour
• Visit the Rembrandt House where the artist lived from 1639 to 1660
• Go to the Anna Frank house to Dam Square, a scenic town square in Amsterdam
• Spend an afternoon at the Van Gogh Museum or the  “Hermitage” Museum
• Have a drink at the House of Bols – the oldest distillery in Amsterdam, which has been in operation since 1575 (read some Google+ reviews here)
  
• Tour the Hague, seat of government for all the Netherlands
• Visit the world’s largest flower auction in the city of Aalsmeer
• Head out to the countryside to see the windmills in the authentic old village of Zaanse Schans
• Take a tour to Keukenhof to see the flower gardens
• See the windmills in Marken or  Volendam

Map

View Amsterdam for cruise visitors in a larger map