Is it time to say goodbye to Amsterdam?
In the last few weeks many of the cruise lines have taken the decision to take Amsterdam from their itineraries and have replaced it with IJmuiden (try saying that after a few wines) or Rotterdam. P&O and Cunard are two of the latest this week to do so.
So why have they done this, as Amsterdam is a highlight of any cruise itinerary and had been a favourite port for as long as there have been cruises and before. It is all down to a new tax that has been implemented by the city of Amsterdam on all passengers arriving into the city by cruises of €8 per tourist per 24 hour stay. On a ship such as Ventura which has capacity for over 3,000 guests this can equate to over €24,000 additional costs, which can often double as Amsterdam is often a port where ships will dock overnight.
To avoid this, P&O and Cunard have taken the decision this week to dock their ships in IJmuiden, approximately 40 minutes outside of the city. They will be offering passengers complimentary shuttle busses in and out of Amsterdam for the duration of their stay in the port. But is this enough?
Cruise lines all have it within their terms and conditions that they can change itineraries for your cruise and they don’t have to provide compensation should they be forced to do so. But when you are docked a lot further away from where you expected to when you booked your cruise, this can have a negative experience on your overall holiday. Especially should you be docked there overnight as Amsterdam is amazing in the evening.
Should P&O have passed on the additional charge to their customers? Would people have minded paying an additional surcharge if it meant that they could dock in the heart of the city rather than on the outskirts. Absolutely!
I think P&O were never going to win in a situation like this, there was always going to be some customers who wouldn’t be happy with any decision taken.
Could this mean that we see Amsterdam featuring less and less on cruise itineraries though? I do hope not. Everytime I have been I have had a fantastic time and could keep going back there as well.
We shall see though.
9 Comments on “Is it time to say goodbye to Amsterdam?”
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If this is a tax levied only against cruise ships it is obviously an attempt to reduce the number os cruise ships docking.
Cruise ships are often unpopular as they have an adverse effect on total revenue from tourists. It is hought the cruisers spend less in ports of call when compared to those who fly or drive in.
So now if you are interested in an overnight stay you will have to use a hotel.
Also cruise ships do cause significant amounts of air pollution even when in port.
However, if all cruise ships stopped using Amsterdam I doubt the tax would last long.
If Amsterdam is only 40 mins away and using a free shuttle bus, and also visiting an extra city , no problem in my eyes and don’t forget some people are on a strict budget.
I’m booked on a P&O cruise in December this year and as it’s a four night cruise Amsterdam is the only port I only booked this cruise a I wanted to have easy access toAmsterdam so I could get on and off the ship multiple times over two days I don’t want to have to travel 80 minutes round trip every time so I want to cancel but don’t want to lose my deposit
Well done P &O and Cunard. Glad you are not giving in to these greedy countries that already earn enough from the cruise ships berthing there
Once again greed has taken over.When will these idiots learn that they will kill the tourist industry and when buissniss go broke and can’t pay their taxes the chickens will come home to roost.
Amsterdam is a wonderful port stop but the city are getting greedy. I am sure if the cruise lines all took it off their itineries for a year the local Chamber of Commerce would be up in arms with the drop in revenue for all lthe businesses.
A modest port charge for the ship to dock is acceptable and is a revenue for the port but that’s a surcharge from the city is robbery. I am sure it’s not supported by their local businesses.
its a lot, if all the other ports start doing the same, don’t pay and stay away they will soon change their minds when they realise they will lose a lot of revenue
we have booked with P&O for june. I hope we will still beable to get of the boat as I will have to use a wheelchair for my husband. as he has walking troubles.
I wonder if P&O shuttle will be still complimentary if you are on one of the early saver or late booking deals?I do think many cruisers just stroll around the port area just to savour the locl ambience if like us they have been to the hotspot destination before