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Book Amsterdam River Cruise Tickets
Explore Zaanse Schans at your own pace with a digital guide and round-trip transport.
- Go solo or with your crew—no group tour rules! Wander Zaanse Schans at your own pace, whether you’re snapping windmill pics or chasing cheese dreams.
- Your digital walking guide’s got your back! Find hidden gems, get cool insights, and make sure you don’t just stare at windmills without knowing their story.
- Whether you're an early explorer or a late starter, different departure times make this trip fit your plans, without throwing off the rest of your day.
- With round-trip transport included, you can enjoy Zaanse Schans without worrying about trains or routes. Just board, explore, and return with zero hassle.
- Cheese lovers and clog enthusiasts, rejoice! This ticket includes a live wooden shoe demo and a cheese tasting so good, you’ll want to take some home.
Explore Zaanse Schans at your own pace with a digital guide and round-trip transport.
- Go solo or with your crew—no group tour rules! Wander Zaanse Schans at your own pace, whether you’re snapping windmill pics or chasing cheese dreams.
- Your digital walking guide’s got your back! Find hidden gems, get cool insights, and make sure you don’t just stare at windmills without knowing their story.
- Whether you're an early explorer or a late starter, different departure times make this trip fit your plans, without throwing off the rest of your day.
- With round-trip transport included, you can enjoy Zaanse Schans without worrying about trains or routes. Just board, explore, and return with zero hassle.
- Cheese lovers and clog enthusiasts, rejoice! This ticket includes a live wooden shoe demo and a cheese tasting so good, you’ll want to take some home.
- Ensure your entry tickets, and ID is on hand for a smooth experience.
- Your pets are not permitted on this experience.
- This experience is not accessible to wheelchair users.
- Foldable strollers are allowed on the coach.
- For your convenience, guide dogs are welcome to join you.
- Late arrivals can't be rescheduled, and tickets are non-refundable—so be sure to arrive on time!
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Cruises in AmsterdamHarbor Cruises
Why go on an Amsterdam river cruise
- Enjoy the views of the Amsterdam harbor from the deck of the luxurious cruise and admire the world’s largest cocoa and petrol port. Get to learn about interesting details and future development plans of the port.
- Get to explore the areas of Amsterdam port that are only accessible for commercial shipping and sail between large cargo ships.
- Sail off the former historic NDSM yard and indulge in the food and drink choices available onboard.
- Explore the historic town of Zaanse Schans and experience the Dutch cultural heritage on an amazing 3-hour excursion.
About the Port of Amsterdam
During the Dutch Golden Age, the Amsterdam Harbor was an important port for the Dutch East India Company. Today, it's still a major player – it's actually the second-biggest port in the Netherlands! The port comprises several harbor areas, with over 1,500 acres of waterways and almost 4,930 acres of land. And can you believe it has a history that goes all the way back to the 13th century? A seaport located on the North Sea Canal and IJ, a former bay connecting the North Sea, it serves as the fourth busiest port in Europe. Plus, it's connected to the Rhine River through the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal.
Sights covered on your Amsterdam river cruise
Port of Amsterdam
Built in the 13th century, the Port of Amsterdam was originally the main hub for the Dutch East India Company in the 17th century. Today, it's still super busy – it's the fourth busiest port in Europe and the second-largest in the Netherlands! You can take a boat tour and see the whole thing, including the biggest cocoa and petrol port in the world.
Zaan River
Originally a sidearm of the IJ Bay, the Zaan River is about 13.5 kilometers long and has played a big role in the Netherlands' geographical and cultural history. Several towns and cities along its banks are even named after it, like Zaanse Schans. These towns are like time capsules, holding onto the river’s cultural heritage.
Zaanse Schans
Deriving its name from the Zaan River, Zaanse Schans holds on to the original Dutch cultural heritage with its well-preserved historic houses and windmills. You can even visit a bakery museum and learn about clog-making. It's a great spot to experience the real Netherlands and see why it's so popular with tourists.
Know before you go on an Amsterdam river cruise
Timings
Getting there
Facilities
Visitor tips
- From Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans Half-Day Tour: 10:30am and 2:15pm
Duration: 6 hours - Port of Amsterdam Harbor Tour: 2 pm
Duration: 2 hours
You can board both cruises on the dock opposite Ms. van Riemsdijkweg 45 (NDSM Wharf)
Take the free ferry to the NDSM Wharf (purple line F4) from the Amsterdam Centraal Station to get to the dock.
- Entertainment tax is included in the price for the Port of Amsterdam Harbor Tour
- Downloadable multilingual audio guides are available in Dutch, English, German, French, Spanish & Italian on both cruises
- A Spanish-speaking guide is available on the Zaanse Schans Half-Day Tour
- Free Wi-Fi is available onboard the Port of Amsterdam Harbor Tour
- Food and drinks are available for purchase on the Port of Amsterdam Harbor Tour
- Service animals are permitted onboard the Port of Amsterdam Harbor Tour
- The Zaanse Schans Half-Day Tour includes round-trip transfers from Amsterdam
- Make sure to reach your boarding point 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time for the cruise for a smooth check-in and to get the best seats onboard.
- You might experience a drop in temperature once you are onboard. Make sure to dress appropriately in warm clothes to enjoy a comfortable ride.
Frequently Asked Questions about Amsterdam river cruise tickets
What is the difference between an Amsterdam canal cruise and a river cruise?
A river cruise takes you beyond the city’s famous canals and into the larger waters of Amsterdam’s harbor and surrounding waterways, providing a broader view of the city’s maritime history, industrial zones, and modern architecture.
Is an Amsterdam river cruise suitable for families?
Yes, river cruises are great for families. Children often find it exciting to see large ships, cranes, and bustling docks. Some cruises may also offer commentary specifically tailored for younger audiences.
Can I see large ships and cargo vessels on an Amsterdam river cruise?
Yes, the river cruise offers views of large ships, including cargo vessels and ferries that dock and pass through the port. You’ll see a bustling side of Amsterdam that’s far different from the calm, narrow canals.