Cruises from Rotterdam, Netherlands

Book a cruise from Rotterdam to explore Europe’s busiest port, referred to as “Manhattan-on-the-Maas.” There are many things to do in Rotterdam, even if you just have one day for a cruise excursion. Tour acclaimed museums, shop trendy boutiques, and marvel at renowned modern architecture. A visit to historic Delfshaven is a must before any cruise from Rotterdam, as this is where Pilgrims set sail for the New World. There’s a tangle of canal-hugging art studios, antique shops, and rowdy gin bars and breweries to discover. When you’ve had your fill of the past, look for futuristic buildings by Rem Kookhaas and Norman Foster—they stand out, even in this bustling metropolis.

Things to do in Rotterdam

Kinderdijk Windmills

Built in the 1700s, the Kinderdijk are a group of 19 windmills is the largest collection of old windmills in the Netherlands. Some of them are still used. To see this picturesque national monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site, take a guided tour from Rotterdam or for a true Netherlands experience, you can bike and ferry there, though expect the journey to take at least an hour.

Keukenof Gardens

To tiptoe through a spectacular array of tulips, take a day trip to the Keukenof Gardens and flower fields in Lisse. With over seven million blooms, it is the largest display of tulips in the world. Though the tulips are the rightful star of the show, the garden has plenty of other flowers to see and sniff, along with lawns, ponds and the beautiful Groningen Windmill.

Market Square

See a market like no other with a day trip to Gouda. Dominated by the Gothic town hall that was built between 1448 and 1450, market square is a lively hub with throngs of people, live music, and other entertainment. Wheels of gouda and cheese tasting opportunities, and the Waag (weigh house) museum chronicling the history of the cheese trade make this market an alluring attraction from Rotterdam.

Maritime Museum

Rotterdam has one of the largest ports in the world and a sizeable maritime museum to match. Maritime Museum Rotterdam features over one million maritime objects and a wide selection of interactive experiences. In the Offshore Experience, visitors go on a challenging search at sea. Or watch a movie about the history of the port of Rotterdam and see a naval ship from 1868. Children will enjoy the many educational programs.

Michelin Meal

Enjoy a night fine dining before your cruise from Rotterdam. Fred Mustert's famous eatery, Restaurant Fred opened its doors in 2008 and was awarded its first Michelin star in 2010. The cuisine is French; leave room for the excellent cheese cart for dessert.

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