Amsterdam Overview
​Amsterdam Attractions
Amsterdam Canals Pictorial
Hermitage Amsterdam
Rembrandt House
Rijksmuseum
Stedelijk Museum
​Van Gogh Museum
Rotterdam cruise port

CRUISING TO THE NETHERLANDS:


ROTTERDAM

Cruise Port

Rotterdam is Europe largest port. For cruise ships, it serves as both a port of call and an embarkation port.

Most cruise ships dock at the Rotterdam Cruise terminal. It is located at Wilhelminakade, a quay that was once used by Holland America liners on the transatalantic service. Today's cruise terminal is a two-story modern facility with shops, information and free wifi.

Many ships calling at Rotterdam offer a free shuttle into the city center. However, there is also a Metro station and a tram station nearby (Wilhelminaplein). Metered taxis are usually available and there is a taxi desk inside the cruise terminal.  You can also walk to the city center across the Erasmus Bridge, which is next to the cruise terminal.

Although Rotterdam received its charter in 1328, Rotterdam's city center is unlike other Dutch cities in that it is a gleaming complex of modern, concrete and steel architecture rather than quaint 17th century buildings. This is because during the German invasion in May 1940, Rotterdam was savagely bombed by the Nazis. Pretty much the entire city center has been re-built since World War II.

Despite this history, Rotterdam has its attractions. For example, the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum is a world class art museum. There is also a natural history museum and a maritime museum. SS Rotterdam, one of Holland America's last ocean liners, is now a hotel in Rotterdam. The Euromast provides panoramic views over the city. Delftshaven, where the Pilgrims lived before traveling to the New World, was undamaged by World War II and still has its traditional charm.

Rotterdam is also a jumping off point for exploring other cities. Amsterdam is about an hour away by intercity train or by highway. The Hague, the Netherlands governmental center is about a half hour away. Delft and Gouda are also nearby.

The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch. However, almost everyone speaks some English and frequently signs are in English as well as Dutch.

The currency is the Euro.

Above and below: The Rotterdam Cruise Terminal.

Above: Cunard's Queen Elizabeth at the Rotterdam Cruise terminal.

Cruise destination The Netherlands - Rotterdam - cruise port