Plan a CruiseAmsterdam Cruise Port Guide
When cruising to "Amsterdam," be aware that your ship might dock at one of several locations. The main Amsterdam Passenger Terminal (PTA) is conveniently close to the city center. However, some ships, especially smaller ones, or when the PTA is full, may dock further away in IJmuiden or at the VCK Waterland terminal. Environmental activists may also attempt to block locks in IJmuiden, potentially affecting ship access to Amsterdam. Regardless of your docking location, you will need to take your passport with you when disembarking, as customs checks are performed.
The Amsterdam Passenger Terminal is slated for future closure by the city council as part of efforts to manage overtourism, with a bike bridge planned to prevent large cruise ships from docking in the city center. River cruise ships typically dock closer to Central Station or on the opposite side of the main terminal. The Felison Terminals in IJmuiden are located in an industrial area, but one terminal is within walking distance of a marina, a Holiday Inn hotel, and a wide beach with cafes.
Getting Around from the Port
From Amsterdam Passenger Terminal (PTA):
- Walking: The terminal is about a 10-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station and the city center. For convenience, use the back exit of Central Station, from where you will see your ship, and walk along the waterfront.
- Tram: For heavy luggage or inclement weather, Tram 26 stops right in front of Central Station (east side).
- Taxi: Taxis are available, but often refuse short trips due to the terminal's proximity to the city center.
- Public Transport Payment: For trains, buses, metros, and trams in the Netherlands, you can use a foreign credit card (Maestro or Visa) to check in and check out at the start and end of your journey. Remember to always check in and out. GVB tickets (for bus, metro, tram) can also be purchased from the driver (bus), ticket checker (tram), or ticket machine (metro) for €2.60 (1-hour) or €7 (day card), but these are only valid on GVB services, not trains.
From VCK Waterland Terminal (Amsterdam Overflow):
- This is an industrial port with no public transport or facilities. Cruise lines typically provide complimentary shuttles to Sloterdijk station. From Sloterdijk, a 10-minute train ride will take you to Amsterdam Central Station.
From IJmuiden Felison Terminals (Felison Terminal & Felison Cruise Terminal):
- Public Transport: Public transportation from IJmuiden is generally poor. Ship-provided shuttles or excursions are highly recommended.
- Cruise Line Shuttles: Cruise companies often offer shuttles to Amsterdam for around €45 per person.
- Bus 382 (from Felison Cruise Terminal): This bus runs every 30 minutes during the daytime to Amsterdam-Sloterdijk station (a 41-minute drive). The bus stop is a few minutes walk from the terminal, requiring you to negotiate about 20 steps up and down. From Sloterdijk, you can take a train or other transport to your desired area in Amsterdam.
- Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket: This ticket, valid for bus, metro, tram, and train in the Amsterdam region, costs €21 for 1-3 days and is available at the slightly understaffed desk in the Felison Cruise Terminal.
- Taxi: A taxi to Amsterdam from the Felison Terminal is about €60. From the Felison Cruise Terminal, a taxi costs around €120 each way for a 4-seater or €180 each way for a 6-seater.
Attractions and Activities
In Amsterdam (Easily Accessible from PTA):
- Canal Cruise: A quintessential Amsterdam experience. Many operators are located in front of Central Station, offering 1 hour and 15 minute tours for about €15, showcasing canal houses, houseboats, and bridges.
- Anne Frank Museum: A poignant and highly popular site. Tickets should be bought online well in advance, as lines can be very long.
- Our Lord in the Attic: An alternative and remarkable historical museum if you prefer to avoid the crowds or couldn't get Anne Frank tickets.
- Explore the Historic Center: The compact, World Heritage-listed city center is a living museum, offering everything from diamond cutters to world-famous museums and art galleries within walking distance.
Day Trips from Amsterdam (1-2 hours travel):
- Volendam and Marken: Visit these world-famous fishing villages on the former Zuiderzee (now IJsselmeer). They feature charming wooden houses and locals in traditional dress. Reach Volendam by bus 110 or 118, and Marken by bus 111. The Marken Express boat connects the two villages, with departures every 30-45 minutes during the daytime.
- Keukenhof Gardens: (Springtime only) Witness the glorious flowers and colors of spring in one of the world's most famous flower parks.
- Zaanse Schans: A delightful old hamlet featuring characteristic green wooden houses, windmills, workshops, and charming gardens. This enchanting site offers an excellent impression of a typical 17th and 18th-century Zaan village and includes museums, restaurants, and boat trips.
- Haarlem: Often called a scaled-down version of Amsterdam, this medieval city boasts ancient buildings, cobbled streets, and winding waterways. It's easily reachable by a 15-minute train ride from Amsterdam Central Station.
Consider comparing cruise line excursions with independent options available through platforms like GetYourGuide and Viator for potential savings or different experiences.
Dining
Amsterdam's international population means a vast array of restaurants and cafés, from authentic Indonesian cuisine to Mediterranean tapas. Don't miss trying local specialties such as a "kroket," a deep-fried ragout cylinder, often made from beef or veal (even McDonald's serves a MacKroket). Also, taste the raw herring served with onions!
Shopping
- Kalverstraat: Amsterdam's longest shopping street, running from Dam Square to Muntplein.
- Heiligeweg / Koningsplein: Turn right at Heiligeweg for more exclusive shops, leading to Amsterdam's famous floating flower market. Continue straight on Leidsestraat to reach Leidseplein.
- Luxury & Antiques: For high-end fashion, antiques, and art, explore PC Hooftstraat and Nieuwe Spiegelstraat (near the Rijksmuseum).
- General Shopping Hours: Typically, shops are open Monday 1-6pm, Tuesday-Friday 9/10am-6pm (with late-night shopping until 9pm on Thursdays), and Saturdays until 5pm. On Sundays, you'll find shops open in the city center, Kalverstraat, Damrak, Leidsestraat, and near the Noorderkerk.
- Payment Tip: While public transport accepts foreign credit cards for check-in/out, credit cards are not as widely accepted in shops and restaurants in the Netherlands due to high retailer fees. Cash is generally preferred, so always inquire first if you plan to pay by card. Also, be aware that many shops will round cash amounts to the nearest 5 cents, as 1 and 2 cent coins are not widely used or preferred.
Safety
No specific safety concerns for cruise passengers are noted beyond general travel precautions.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Euro (€). While public transportation allows foreign credit cards (Maestro or Visa) for contactless check-in/out, credit card acceptance in shops and restaurants is less common than in many other countries. Cash is often preferred, so it's advisable to carry some euros. Many establishments also round cash payments to the nearest 5 cents.