Cruise Port Amsterdam
- Esther
- Mar 18
- 7 min read
If you are planning a cruise from Amsterdam, the current situation can be quite confusing. The Municipality of Amsterdam is introducing major changes that directly affect cruise passengers. Depending on your ship, you might dock right in the city center at the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA), or at the Felison Terminal in IJmuiden, about 30 km away. In this blog, I’ll explain exactly how these changes work and what you need to know for your trip.
Cruising from Amsterdam? You might notice things look a bit different. To reduce crowds and emissions, Amsterdam has capped the number of ships allowed in the city center. This means your 'Amsterdam' cruise might actually depart from IJmuiden, located about 45 minutes from the city. In this post, I’ll break down the new rules and help you navigate the two different terminals.
The "100-Ship Cap" (Starting Now)
As of this year (2026), the City of Amsterdam has drastically reduced the number of cruise ships allowed to dock in the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam city center. Previously, around 190 ships per year were permitted; that number is now capped at a maximum of 100.
Mandatory Shore Power (Starting 2027)
Beginning next year, all ships wishing to dock in the city center will be required to use shore power. Ships that are not yet equipped with this technology, or for which there is no available space at a shore-power-connected quay, will have to divert to alternative ports.
Total Ban & Relocation (Target 2035)
In January 2026, the city council decided that the cruise terminal must be completely removed from its current location near Central Station by 2035 at the latest.
Original Plan: To move the terminal to the Coenhaven (in the Western Docklands).
Current Status: The city is now leaning toward a total ban on sea cruises within the city, as relocating the terminal within municipal borders has proven too costly and complex.
The Amsterdam "Day Tourist Tax" (Toeristenbelasting)(Effective 2026)
Passengers on cruise ships visiting Amsterdam as a port of call (transit) are now subject to a higher tourist tax. As of 2026, the rate is set at €15 per person per 24 hours.
If your cruise includes a transit stop in Amsterdam in 2026, be prepared for the Amsterdam Day Tourist Tax. Currently set at €15 per person per 24-hour period, this mandatory fee applies to all passengers on both sea and river cruises that visit the city as a port of call. While the tax is often handled by the cruise line, it is typically charged directly to your onboard account.
Expert Tip: One of the major advantages of ships docking at the Felison Cruise Terminal in IJmuiden or in Zaandamis that these municipalities do not levy this specific €15 Amsterdam tax. For a couple, choosing a departure or arrival outside of the Amsterdam city limits can save you €30 per day—savings that are better spent on a premium dinner or an extra shore excursion.
Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA)
Location: (PTA - City Center)
These is the schedule for 2026, and these ships have secured one of the scarce 100 available docking slots in the city center. These are typically luxury or mid-sized vessels.
Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Eclipse (a frequent visitor).
Viking Ocean Cruises: The vessels Viking Vela, Viking Jupiter, Viking Neptune, and Viking Saturn.
P&O Cruises: The ship Ventura (has 5 scheduled stops).
Holland America Line: The ships Nieuw Statendam and the Rotterdam (including transatlantic voyages).
Luxury and Small-Ship Cruise Lines: Vessels from Seabourn (Ovation), Regent Seven Seas (Mariner), Oceania (Insignia), Silversea, and Windstar Cruises.
IJmuiden
Location: Cruise Port IJmuiden (Felison Terminal)
This is the schedule for 2026 where you will find the larger ships that are no longer allowed in the city center, or ships from cruise lines that did not secure a slot due to the new regulations.
Norwegian Cruise Line: The ships Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Star.
Ambassador Cruise Line: The ships Ambience and Ambition (this line very frequently chooses IJmuiden).
Oceania Cruises: The vessels Oceania Marina, Oceania Sirena, and Oceania Regatta.
Azamara: The ships Azamara Quest and Azamara Journey.
Silversea: The Silver Spirit (often uses IJmuiden as its homeport).
AIDA Cruises: The AIDAbella.
Other Vessels: Saga (Spirit of Discovery), Crystal Serenity, and occasionally large MSC ships like the Euribia.
Getting to/from the IJmuiden (Felison) Cruise Terminal
While most cruise lines offer shuttle services or excursions to Amsterdam's city center, these are often scheduled around specific times.
If you are embarking or debarking in IJmuiden and traveling to Schiphol Airport or a hotel in Amsterdam, I highly recommend arranging private transportation.
While Taxis and Uber are available, booking a pre-arranged private transfer is the most seamless way to ensure a stress-free transition from the terminal to your next destination.
Pro Tip: Ensure your driver is aware of the specific terminal (Felison Cruise Terminal), as there are multiple docks in the IJmuiden port area.
For those traveling light or staying in the city center, reaching the Felison Cruise Terminal via public transport is a budget-friendly option. The journey takes approximately 50 to 60 minutes.
From Amsterdam Central Station, take a short 6-minute train ride to Amsterdam Sloterdijk. Trains depart every few minutes.
At Sloterdijk Station, head to the bus platform and board Bus 382 (R-net) toward IJmuiden aan Zee. This service runs every 15 to 20 minutes.
Exit the bus at the 'Badweg' stop (approx. 35–40 minutes).
It is a 5-minute walk (200–500 meters) from the stop to the terminal.
My Advice: I personally would not recommend this route if you are traveling with luggage. The transition between the train and bus, combined with a short walk over a small dike/ramp at the terminal, can be challenging with large suitcases. For a seamless experience, a private transfer is always the better choice.
River Cruises
River cruises can still dock within the city (usually behind Central Station), but the municipality is currently reducing the total number of allowed ships by 50% in 2027/2028.
Current State: Approximately 2,300 ships per year.
New Mandate: A strict limit of 1,150 ships per year.
This target is set to be fully implemented by 2027-2028 to reduce pressure on the city center and the crowded quays.
Mandatory Shore Power (Shore-to-Ship):
Following the regulations for sea-going vessels, river cruise ships in Amsterdam are now strictly required to use shore power. Ships are no longer permitted to run diesel engines while docked to power air conditioning or kitchens. Failure to comply can result in heavy fines or being banned from mooring altogether.
Where are the River Cruises going instead?
Since river cruise vessels are not built for rugged seaports like IJmuiden, cruise lines are increasingly shifting their "Amsterdam" stops to these nearby alternatives:
• Zaanstad (Zaandam): Currently the most popular choice. It offers a quick train connection or a scenic water transfer directly into the heart of Amsterdam.
• Lelystad or Almere: Emerging as frequent alternative embarkation points for Dutch waterway itineraries.
• Rotterdam or Arnhem: Increasingly used as the primary start or end point for Rhine cruises, bypassing Amsterdam entirely to avoid the new taxes and restrictions.
The schedule for river cruiseships that will dock in 2026 in Amsterdam is as follows:
Viking River Cruises: The famous 'Longships' for cruises along the Rhine.
AmaWaterways: The vessels AmaLucia, AmaSiena, and AmaViola.
Avalon Waterways: Their signature Suite Ships with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Uniworld: Luxury cruises such as the 'Tulips & Windmills' itinerary.
A-ROSA & Scylla: Mostly shorter cruises through the Netherlands and Belgium.
Hotels in Amsterdam
Incase you are staying in Amsterdam before or after your cruise, I recommend some beautiful hotels in the city centre:
InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam
Being the "Grand Dame" of Amsterdam. It is the city's most regal and discreet hotel, favored by royalty and celebrities for its palatial atmosphere and stunning riverside views.
De L’Europe Amsterdam
Its deep connection to Dutch culture and the Heineken family. It’s an independent masterpiece known for "Freddy’s Bar" and rooms that feel like private galleries, featuring replicas of Dutch Masters.
Anantara Krasnapolsky Amsterdam
Its iconic location directly on Dam Square. It is legendary for its monumental "Winter Garden" (where breakfast is served) and for being in the absolute heart of the city’s energy.
Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam
Its rich history as the former City Hall (Municipality) and a 15th-century convent. It combines French "art de vivre" with Dutch heritage, featuring a stunning secluded courtyard garden.
Rosewood Amsterdam
Being the newest ultra-luxury destination in the city. Housed in the former Palace of Justice on the Prinsengracht, it sets a new global standard for modern, sophisticated elegance and world-class service.
Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam
Its breathtaking "Amsterdam School" architecture. Located in the historic Shipping House (Scheepvaarthuis), it is the ultimate choice for maritime enthusiasts who love nautical history and stained-glass art.
TIP: As your cruise ship still docks and you can enjoy Amsterdam still from the Passenger Terminal in Amsterdam or on your River cruise docked next to Central Station, you can easily walk on and off the ship to enjoy the city centre and visit the canals and all the nice sights and museum's that this city has to offer.
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