Amsterdam is a busy port city and one of the top 10 most important cruise ship harbours in Europe, with around 100 cruise ships visiting the city annually. Amsterdam’s business ports are run by Ports of Amsterdam (www.amsterdamports.nl)

By Cruise ship
While information on cruise ship services is available from Amsterdam Cruise (tel: (020) 551 2557; fax: (020) 625 2869; website: www.amsterdamcruise.com). The main cruise hub, which can handle two
cruise ships at one time, is based at the passenger terminal at Oostelijke Handelskade, located on the edge of the city centre (www.ptamsterdam.com), which is equipped with restaurants, bars and ATMs.

Transport to the city: Although within walking distance, trains and buses connect the new cruise terminals with Amsterdam city centre.


By Ferry
The main ferry terminal for services around Europe is situated South of Amsterdam, at Hoek of Holland (tel: (017) 438 9333). The terminal has a restaurant but no banking or exchange facilities.

Ferry services: Cross-channel ferries are run by StenaLine (www.stenaline.co.uk), which operates a rail/fast-ferry service from London (Liverpool Street) to Amsterdam (Centraal Station), via Harwich and the Hoek van Holland. There are two services daily, one in the morning and one in the evening (journey time – 8 hour 40 minutes).

Transport to the city: Hoek van Holland is connected by an express rail link with Centraal Station.