Amstel Cruise

Board the new Amstel Cruise from Amsterdam Boat Cruises and experience the historic Amstel River from our ship.

Our Amstel Cruise starts from the former NDSM shipyard in Amsterdam North. Once the largest shipyard in the world, the "Nederlandse Dok en Scheepsbouw Maatschappij" went bankrupt in the 1980s. Today you imagine yourself in Brooklyn or Berlin here, as the messy wharf with its rusty sheds and unruly concrete has become the placet to be. Festivals take place here throughout the year and you can enjoy the amazing views of the water and the city at the coolest catering spots.

The Amstel Cruise departs towards Central Station, across the IJ and then past the futuristic building that houses science museum NEMO, the VOC ship 'Amsterdam' and the shipping museum, among others. We sail the route that, today, is still used for commercial shipping to sail right through the center. Therefore, all bridges on the route are historic movable bridges.

Taking the Nieuwe Herengracht, we pass through the Plantage neighborhood. You'll see the Hortus and the historic Artis Zoo, among others. After passing the world-famous Hermitage, the ship turns left onto the Amstel River. On this relatively short stretch, you will see the city's most iconic structures such as the Stopera and the Blauwbrug.
After the iconic Skinny Bridge opens in front of us you will see the Amstelsluizen, Koninklijk theater Carré and the famous Amstel Hotel.

We slowly leave the city center behind and sail toward the Overamstel district. Here we turn onto the Weespertrekvaart. Passing Betondorp and the Bijlmer district, we enter the small river Gaasp. At Driemond, we turned onto the Amsterdam Rhine Canal. This dug canal is one of the most important waterways in the Netherlands. It is crucial to the shipping channel from Antwerp to Amsterdam. Here you can see the largest barges.

After a while we pass IJburg and Zeeburg. Via the KNSM island we sail back towards the starting location at the NDSM wharf.

Round trip of 4 hours

The Amstel cruise from Amsterdam Boat Cruises takes 4 hours including embarkation and disembarkation.

Comments

• A small menu is available during the cruise, with an assortment of beverages and food.
  The use and consumption of brought food and beverages is not permitted.
• We ask that you be present at our pick-up point at least 15 minutes before departure.
  From Amsterdam Central Station, you can take the free ferry to the NDSM wharf (purple line, F4).
  During office hours, the ferry leaves every 15 minutes and the crossing takes ± 15 minutes. You will find our ship next to the ferry landing.
• If you come by car, you will find the ship at MS van Riemsdijkweg thv 45, Amsterdam. Paid parking on the street and a parking lot next to the ship.