De Ruijterkade is the primary Amsterdam river cruise port, located near Amsterdam Centraal in the heart of the city. It should not be confused with Passenger Terminal Amsterdam, the main cruise terminal for larger ocean cruise ships.
If you’re planning a river cruise from Amsterdam, this guide explains where river cruises dock, how to get to the port from Schiphol Airport, and the top things to do nearby before you set sail through the Netherlands and along the Rhine.
How To Get to the River Cruise Ports of Amsterdam
Aerial view of De Ruijterkade in Amsterdam
De Ruijterkade is the primary Amsterdam cruise port for the larger, multiday river cruises sailing from the city, including itineraries along the Rhine and Dutch waterways. Most Amsterdam river cruises from De Ruijterkade embark and disembark from an East or West dock.
Below is a breakdown of how to reach the cruise terminal, whether you’re traveling on foot through Amsterdam Centraal, from Schiphol Airport via public transport, or hailing a taxi.
| How to reach De Ruijterkade river cruise port | Time | Cost |
| From Amsterdam Centraal Station on foot | 1-2 minutes | Free |
| From Schiphol Airport by train | 15 minutes | €5 |
| From Schiphol Airport by taxi or rideshare | 20-30 minutes | €40-70 |
Other ports in Amsterdam include:
- Oosterdokskade: Located near the NEMO Science Museum, this dock serves additional river cruise ships and regional boats.
- Passenger Terminal Amsterdam: The main cruise terminal for larger ocean-going ships. This is the terminal travelers may find when searching for the Amsterdam port, but it is separate from De Ruijterkade.
- Damrak and Prins Hendrikkade: Central departure areas for short canal cruise tours and dinner cruises.
- NDSM Wharf: Across the IJ River, this former shipyard area is used by some smaller boutique cruise line operators and specialized sailing vessels.
Walkable Sights From Amsterdam River Cruise Ports
Amsterdam is an inspiring city to embark on a European journey. Both the Amsterdam ocean cruise ship port and De Ruijterkade river cruise port are located in the heart of the city, with access to destination-driven delights just a stroll away.
NEMO Science Museum
NEMO Science Museum at Oosterdok, Amsterdam
A short walk from the river cruise port, the NEMO Science Museum is easy to spot thanks to its distinctive green, ship-shaped building rising above the Oosterdok waterfront. Inside, five floors of interactive exhibits explore science, technology, engineering, and the natural world through hands-on activities. It’s especially appealing for families, but the rooftop terrace is worth a stop for almost any visitor, offering wide views over the city, the water, and nearby docks.
The Maritime Museum
The 18th-century Dutch East India Company ship at The Maritime Museum in Amsterdam
The Maritime Museum, housed in a former naval arsenal dating to 1656, traces 500 years of Dutch seafaring history — making it one of the best places to visit. Exhibits explore the Netherlands’ rise as a maritime power during the Dutch Golden Age, with maps, ship models, paintings, navigational instruments, and stories of global trade. Outside, visitors can step aboard a full-size replica of an 18th-century Dutch East India Company ship, making this a fitting stop before or after a river cruise from Amsterdam.
Historic City Center
The historic buildings and architecture at Dam Square in Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s Historic City Center, or Binnenstad, dates back to the 13th century and is one of the easiest areas to explore from the cruise port. Narrow lanes, gabled houses, cafés, boutiques, and canal views create the classic Amsterdam atmosphere many travelers picture before they arrive. From Amsterdam Centraal, visitors can wander toward Dam Square, explore side streets, or simply follow the canals deeper into the city’s oldest neighborhoods.
Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House is about a one-mile walk from the Amsterdam river cruise port, depending on your exact dock. Set inside the preserved 17th-century canal house where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II, the museum offers a powerful look at one of the city’s most important stories. Tickets should be booked in advance, as entry is timed and often sells out quickly.
Dam Square
Dam Square sits in the heart of central Amsterdam and makes a natural stop while walking between Amsterdam Centraal, the canal ring, and the city’s main shopping streets. The square is home to the 17th-century Royal Palace Amsterdam, Nieuwe Kerk, restaurants, shops, and street performers. It’s one of the busiest public spaces in the city, but also one of the best places to feel Amsterdam’s everyday energy.
The Jordaan and Brouwersgracht Canal
Outdoor cafe terrace along the beautiful Leliegracht canal in Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Jordaan is one of Amsterdam’s most atmospheric neighborhoods, known for narrow streets, leafy canals, boutiques, galleries, and cozy brown cafés. Once a 17th-century working-class district, it’s now one of the city’s most desirable areas. Brouwersgracht Canal, often considered one of Amsterdam’s prettiest canals, is especially scenic, with historic warehouses, arched bridges, and houseboats lining the water.
Where To Stay Near the Amsterdam River Cruise Port
If you’re staying in Amsterdam before or after your river cruise, look for hotels near central Amsterdam, the Museum Quarter, Leidseplein, or Amsterdam Centraal. These areas offer convenient access to restaurants, museums, canals, public transportation, and the De Ruijterkade river cruise port.
Celebrity River Cruises℠ guests can choose from two Amsterdam hotel options through Before and After Stays — a pre- and post-cruise extension that immerses you in the city like never before.
- Premium: Clayton Hotel Amsterdam American is set in a historic Art Nouveau building on Leidseplein, close to the city’s canal district, theaters, restaurants, cafés, Vondelpark, the Rijksmuseum, and the Van Gogh Museum. Its central location makes it a convenient choice for guests who want to explore Amsterdam on foot before or after their sailing.
- Ultra Premium: Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium Amsterdam offers a more elevated stay in the Museum Quarter, directly across from the Van Gogh Museum and close to the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, designer shopping, and Vondelpark. Set in a restored landmark building, the hotel combines historic architecture with contemporary design, restaurants, and wellness amenities.
Whichever you choose, Celebrity Cruises ensures you’re right in the beating heart of Amsterdam. That way, you can easily discover the city one experience at a time.
Before and After Stays in Amsterdam
Amsterdam feels unmistakably Dutch, from bike-lined canals and leisurely café conversations to the honey smell of warm stroopwafels and flower-filled facades.
Extending your journey beyond the sailing with a Before and After Stay connects you to the culture through the eyes and insight of a Destination Insider℠. Local Storytellers bestow the keys to the city for you to unlock the treasures that will make your trip elevated, effortless, and unforgettable.
- Your hotel puts you steps from the city’s canals, cafés, museums, and markets, with a hearty breakfast to fuel your city explorations.
- Personalized daily excursions with unique, curated moments and exclusive insider experiences enhance the journey.
As part of the experience, guests can explore the city through Celebrity’s unique Discovery Collection℠:
- The Storyteller Series℠ brings local history, culture, and traditions to life through the people who know the city best. These experiences are designed to add context and character to the places you visit, helping you see Amsterdam through local stories rather than landmarks alone.
- The Keys to the City Series℠ focuses on access and insider perspectives, helping guests experience Amsterdam beyond a standard sightseeing checklist. Think neighborhood discoveries, local favorites, and meaningful moments that make the city feel more personal.
- The Skillmaster Series℠ offers a more hands-on connection to the destination. These experiences invite guests to learn from local experts, whether through craft, cuisine, art, design, or another cultural tradition tied to the city.
Amsterdam is a Before and After Stays destination for select Celebrity River Cruises beginning in 2028.
Amsterdam River Cruise Port FAQs
Where do river cruises dock in Amsterdam?
De Ruijterkade is the primary port for the larger, multiday river cruises sailing the Danube or Rhine rivers.
How long does it take to get from Schiphol Airport to the De Ruijterkade river cruise port?
It takes 15 minutes by train, or 20-30 minutes by taxi or rideshare, to reach the port from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
What is the best timing for embarkation (check-in time, luggage, departure)?
With so many Amsterdam sights within walking distance, consider embarking at the earliest time to drop your bags and explore the city before your cruise starts.
Can you walk from Amsterdam Central Station to the river cruise port?
Yes, the De Ruijterkade river cruise port is adjacent to the Amsterdam Central Station, a one-minute walk of a few hundred feet.
When is the best time to take a river cruise from Amsterdam? What’s the weather like in Amsterdam during river cruise season?
Flower-lovers will want to sail in late March through early May, the peak of Amsterdam’s tulip season. The weather is pleasant with beautiful scenery throughout May and June. Others prefer fewer crowds and the mild temps enjoyed in September, while holiday fans might opt for a late November through December river cruise to enjoy the Christmas markets.
Are there hotels near the river cruise port in Amsterdam?
There are many hotels near the river cruise port in Amsterdam. With Before and After Stays, guests of Celebrity Cruises can choose between the Clayton Amsterdam and Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium Amsterdam.
What currency is used in Amsterdam?
The official currency of Amsterdam and the Netherlands is the euro (€).
Start Your River Cruise Journey in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is more than a departure point. It’s a fascinating window into the past and an inspired look into a modern aesthetic that sculpts the city’s unique energy. Look into life through a local lens and find a connection with a Local Storyteller’s spirit. When river cruise docks stand so close to the city center, it’s easy to explore canals, museums, markets, and historic neighborhoods before or after your ship sets sail.
Prepare to wind through the heart of Europe with an indulgent stay in the Netherlands. Explore river cruises to Amsterdam.
