Saddened by Amsterdam Cruise News

I was saddened today that Amsterdam is considering moving its cruise port. According to city alderman Kajsa Ollongren, Amsterdam is under pressure  from too many tourists and moving the cruise port is unavoidable.

The cruise port is currently located right in the heart of the city, close to the central station. It is really easy as both an embarkation port, you can fly into Schipol Airport and take the train to Amsterdam then just wander along the road to your ship and as a port of call. Once your ship is docked you just disembark at your leisure and within just a few minutes you are in the heart of the canals and enjoying all that Amsterdam has to offer. There is no need  to queue for a tender boat and you don’t have to pay for a shuttle bus or organised excursion unless  you wish to do so.

Because of these factors Amsterdam is the perfect port for a mini cruise and having sailed into Amsterdam many times I think the it will be a real shame if the port is moved. Ollongren has suggested that there are several  locations that are suitable for  a new port particularly to the west of the city towards Zaanstad.

The director of the port though is not happy with the situation. René Kouwenberg states that ‘Cruise ship passengers account for just 2% of the city’s tourists, and half of them go to other places, such as Volendam,’ He feels that moving the port will have a limited impact on the city. This means it will just be to the detriment of  cruise passengers.

Fortunately, it is just early stages at the moment and no decisions have yet been made. I promise to keep you updated.