RECOMMENDED PLAN: Two Routes Based on Final Location
ROUTE 1: If Docking at De Ruijterkade (Most Likely)
This is the BEST CASE scenario – your ship will be right behind Central Station!
Option A: Public Transport (Recommended – Easy & Affordable)
Step-by-Step:
1. From The Muse Amsterdam Hotel:
- Walk to Cornelis Schuytstraat tram stop (3-4 minutes)
2. Board Tram:
- Take Tram 2 direction “Centraal Station”
- OR Tram 5 direction “Centraal Station”
- Journey time: ~20 minutes
3. At Amsterdam Centraal:
- Exit tram at Centraal Station
- Walk through the station to the north/back side (IJ waterfront side)
- Follow signs to “River IJ” or “Ferries”
- Exit to the waterfront area
4. Find Your Ship:
- De Ruijterkade runs along the waterfront behind Central Station
- River cruise ships dock in a row along this street
- Look for Avalon Waterways signage
- Walking distance from station exit: 5-10 minutes
Total Journey Time: 35-45 minutes
Cost: Already included in your 48-hour GVB pass! (€0 additional cost)
Option B: Taxi/Uber (Most Convenient with Luggage)
Best for: Heavy luggage, bad weather, or peace of mind
How to Book:
- Request Uber/Bolt via app from hotel
- OR ask hotel reception to call a taxi
Route:
- Direct from hotel to your ship berth
- Driver will need the exact dock address (provided 24 hours before)
Journey Time: 15-20 minutes (depending on traffic)
Cost: €20-30 for two passengers with luggage
ROUTE 2: If Docking at Other Locations
If at Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA):
By Tram:
- Take Tram 2 or 5 to Centraal Station
- Take Tram 26 direction “IJburg”
- Get off at “Muziekgebouw Bimhuis” stop
- Walk 4 minutes to terminal
By Taxi: €25-35, 15-20 minutes
If at Westerdoksdijk, Javakade, or Veemkade:
Recommendation: Take a taxi
- These locations are walkable from Centraal but require 15-25 minute walks
- With luggage, a taxi is more comfortable: €25-35
If at Coenhaven (Least Likely but Furthest):
Only Option: Taxi (€35-45, 20-25 minutes)
- This location is industrial and not accessible by convenient public transport
MY RECOMMENDATION:
Wait for Your Dock Assignment (April 8), Then:
IF De Ruijterkade (90% chance): ✅ Use Tram 2 or 5 to Centraal Station, then walk
- Simple, affordable, scenic
- Your 48-hour GVB pass covers it
- Gives you Amsterdam experience
IF Any Other Location: ✅ Book a Taxi
- Direct, stress-free, handles luggage
- Worth the €25-35 for convenience
Detailed Timeline for April 9:
Check Avalon’s Boarding Time (typically 3:00-5:00 PM for river cruises, but verify)
Example Timeline for 4:00 PM Boarding:
12:00 PM – Check out of The Muse Amsterdam
Leave luggage with reception if needed
12:30-2:30 PM – Final Amsterdam sightseeing or lunch
2:30 PM – Return to hotel, collect luggage
2:45 PM – Depart hotel for cruise terminal
If using tram:
- 2:45 PM: Walk to tram stop
- 2:50 PM: Board Tram 2 or 5
- 3:10 PM: Arrive Centraal Station
- 3:20 PM: Arrive at ship
If using taxi:
- 2:45 PM: Taxi picks up from hotel
- 3:05-3:10 PM: Arrive at ship
3:30 PM – Comfortably on board with time to settle in
4:00 PM – Boarding deadline (example)
Important Reminders:
📧 Check your email April 8 for exact dock location from Avalon
🎒 Luggage: Avalon typically handles luggage from the dock to your stateroom – you just need to get it to the ship
🎫 Keep your GVB 48-hour pass active through April 9 if using public transport
📱 Save the Avalon emergency contact number in case of navigation issues
☔ Check weather forecast – if rain, consider taxi even for De Ruijterkade
Cost Summary:
Option 1: Public Transport (De Ruijterkade)
- €0 (included in your 48-hour GVB pass purchased earlier)
Option 2: Taxi (Any Location)
- €20-45 depending on exact dock location
- For two passengers with luggage
Once you receive your dock assignment on April 8, feel free to ask for more specific directions! The good news is that 90% of Avalon ships dock at De Ruijterkade, which is incredibly convenient and walkable from Centraal Station.