IJmuiden

Port IJmuiden stands apart from other cruise ports by marrying authentic maritime heritage with easy access to one of Europe’s greatest cities. In North Holland, the gateway to the North Sea, IJmuiden comprises four harbours—the Vissershaven, Haringhaven, IJmondhaven and the Seaport Marina—covering a working fishing fleet, recreational craft and modern port operations, a unique blend you won’t find at most cruise hubs. As the largest Dutch fishing port, its sense of place is rooted in industry and trade, while the town’s growth since the 1870s and its postwar rebuild by architect Willem Marinus Dudok, crowned by the Stadhuis van Velsen, add cultural gravitas. For passengers, the signature experience is a seamless hop to Amsterdam—the Dutch capital famed for canals, brick gabled houses and world-class galleries—via a complimentary shuttle to IJmuiden centre (note that shuttles do not go to Amsterdam). The port’s fleet features robust cruise berths and well-planned shore facilities, with the Seaport Marina linking transient pleasure craft and the four-harbour system ensuring smooth arrivals. Onboard services begin with efficient embarkation and shore-excursion options, from harbour tours to day trips into Amsterdam’s museums and markets, all designed to minimize transit time and maximize time in destination. All told, IJmuiden offers a practical, culturally rich gateway that sets itself apart through its maritime scope, architectural heritage, and privileged access to the Netherlands’ North Sea coast.