Amsterdam's Proposed Ban on Cruise Ships and Alternatives

Amsterdam's council has voted to recommend banning cruise ships from the city center to limit visitor numbers and reduce pollution, aligning with the city's sustainability goals. While this recommendation has not yet resulted in an actual ban, it signals a strong intention to close the central cruise terminal on the River IJ, near the main train station, as part of broader efforts to manage mass tourism. Over 100 cruise ships dock annually, highlighting the significance of this issue.

Cruise Port IJmuiden: A Key Departure Point

Cruise Port IJmuiden, located 25 miles from Amsterdam's center and 16 miles from Schiphol Airport, is becoming a more significant departure point. Some major cruise lines advertise “Amsterdam cruises” that actually depart from IJmuiden. This port allows ships to avoid the ship locks and the North Sea Canal, saving about six hours of sailing time.

IJmuiden serves as the starting point for voyages to Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, Scandinavia, the Norwegian Fjords, the British Isles, and some transatlantic crossings. It’s important to note that there are two terminals in IJmuiden: the Felison Cruise Terminal and the Felison Terminal, which are a 45-minute walk apart.

Perfect Shore Excursions with Layovers.Amsterdam

Even if your ship docks in IJmuiden instead of Amsterdam, Layovers.Amsterdam can still arrange the perfect shore excursion in Amsterdam. We have excellent connections with a top-notch transportation company that provides high-quality service. They can take you from IJmuiden to Amsterdam in a comfortable 45-minute ride and ensure you return to IJmuiden at the end of the day, or earlier if needed, always in time for departure.

Please note that the prices for our shore excursions on Layovers.Amsterdam do not include this transfer, but we can quickly connect you with this fantastic taxi service company. This way, you can enjoy all the highlights of Amsterdam without any hassle, making your trip even more memorable.

In case of any questions, feel free to contact us at hi@layovers.amsterdam. Our shore excursion is also available on Viator and GetYourGuide, but please note it will be more expensive on those platforms due to their high commission structure.

We look forward to hosting you in Amsterdam soon for an incredible shore excursion experience!