21st century cruise destination
Executive Summary
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DIVERSITY OF ATTRACTIONS AND TOURS
The port and the city are inextricably linked for cruise visitors and other tourists, too. Those who arrive or embark on cruise ships want to see the rest of the city either during their day ashore or, by adding days before or after the cruise, being able to stay in the city and explore it more fully. There are a variety of organised tours both to see the city sites and to experience the best of the rest of The Netherlands. But, equally, it is a city that has an impressively broad-based transportation system, and an everwelcoming population makes it easy to tour independently. FROM FISHING VILLAGE TO WORLD
CATCHMENT AREA OF 65 MILLION
A former European City of Culture,
PORT TO WORLD CITY IN 800 YEARS
POTENTIAL PASSENGERS
Rotterdam is rich in the arts and – in
Rotterdam will be exhibiting at the
Rotterdam remains ambitious for
particular – architecture within which
World Expo 2010 (held in its sister
growth, which it measures in more
there is a heady mixture of historic and
city Shanghai) to demonstrate how a
than simple economic value.
modern design. Equally intriguing is
world-class city and port can grow and
The port remains a major part of – and
the culinary mix, with the more than
prosper within an environmentally-
contributor to – that growth and those
100 cuisines represented among its
friendly development structure. This is
ambitions, with cruising playing a
cafes, bars and restaurants, reflecting
a measure of its growing international
part through its turnaround traffic for
the city’s cosmopolitan style and
status and the latest step on the 800-
which the growth potential remains
atmosphere – its multicultural, trendy
year journey this former fishing village
huge: as one of the most vibrant port
and energetic power base makes
has taken en route to becoming a
cities in the world surrounded by
visitors quickly feel at home.
World City. Some 400 years of trading
history and with modern attractions
has created a World Port – the largest
from shopping to wining and dining,
DOCK IN THE HEART OF THE CITY
in Europe.
Rotterdam is the perfect start, or
Mai Elmar, director of Cruise Port
end, for a European cruise. There
Rotterdam, is confident for the future.
Now a vibrant, contemporary centre,
is a catchment area of 65 million
She says: “Cruise ships are becoming
Rotterdam is at the heart of Europe
prospective passengers in the near
larger all the time but Rotterdam is able
with a skyline that reflects its present-
vicinity. Already many world-class
to welcome these vessels into its harbour
day outlook: young, dynamic,
ocean and river cruise ships choose
right in the city centre.
creative, exciting, open minded and
Rotterdam as their turnaround point.
international. Rotterdam has always
A new addition this year is Norwegian
“The quay has been reinforced and
been well connected internationally
Cruise Line – using Rotterdam as a
deepened and our maritime and nautical
due to its favourable geographical
homeport with two five-day Baltic
services are fully geared to handling the
location on the banks of the river
cruises scheduled.
largest ships. These floating palaces
Nieuwe Maas that connects directly to
can be mooring at our quay and newly-
the deep waters of the North Sea.
refurbished terminal within two hours of being out at sea.”
Rotterdam World City
COSMOPOLITAN CITY DYNAMIC CITY
city’s post-war development. The
It already looks and feels like the most
Rotterdam is not just the Gateway to
combination of historical and post-war
modern city in The Netherlands. This is
Europe but also to one of Europe’s
buildings makes for fascinating vistas
thanks in no small measure to the port,
most dynamic cities. A melting pot of
across the city.
which helps ensure a constant influx
rich cultural diversity, the city offers
of new people and new ideas. With
a unique blend of exciting, trend-
The most evocative modern examples
400 years of trading experience, it has
setting entertainments within an ever-
include the Euromast tower, Erasmus
become the largest port in Europe.
evolving cityscape.
Bridge, KPN Tower, New Luxor Theatre and the Cube Houses, all of which were
Throughout its history, Rotterdam has
ARCHITECTURAL CITY
celebrated as part of the Rotterdam
welcomed international visitors and, as
The city’s dramatic skyline has
2007 – City of Architecture event. And
a result, about half of the city’s 600,000
prompted impressive comparisons
the city is determined to remain at the
population has international roots. More
to be made. For what Cannes is
cutting edge, setting up the Design
than 170 nationalities and countries
to film and Milan is to fashion,
Platform Rotterdam in 2008 to bring
are represented in the city, including
Rotterdam surely is to architecture.
the various players from the industry
Suriname, Turkey and Morocco as well as
Great architects and great vision have
together, to raise awareness of the value
the USA, UK, Spain, Poland, Scandinavia
combined to create a rich heritage
of design and of Rotterdam’s leading
and China and this means that, although
of ground-breaking design in the
role in this sector.
Dutch is the official language, English and many other languages are spoken.
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Schiphol. By road, Schiphol is 45 minutes away, while Brussels International Airport
CRUISE CITY
Zaventem and Eindhoven Airport are each
The City’s development began in
only 90-minute drives.
the 13th Century when a dam was built to separate the rivers Rotte and
Alternatively, the European High Speed
Nieuwe Maas. Named Rotterdam as
Railway network is a comfortable and quick
a result, it had become a prosperous
way to reach major European cities including
trading town by the 17th Century,
Paris (two hours), Brussels and Frankfurt.
when it was part of the United East Indies Companies and homeport for
Rotterdam’s strategic location at the heart
Dutch sea heroes Maarent Tromp
of a European market with 500m potential
and Piet Heyn.
consumers has obvious benefits for the business community, which has only been
But its breakthrough into becoming
enhanced by the investment in high-speed
a genuine international centre of
telecommunications and the availability of
trade, transport and industry came
a multi-lingual and highly-skilled workforce.
with the 1872 construction of de Nieuwe Waterweg, which linked
BUSINESS CITY
it directly with the North Sea. The
This, though, is nothing new, as
following year, Plate, Reuchlin
Rotterdam’s history and growth
and Co. became the Netherlands
have been based on its strength in
American Steamship Company,
international shipping, trade and
later turned into Holland America
logistics. It is simply ensuring that it
Line. This – along with other major
adapts to a changing world by focusing
shipping companies – plied the
on emerging industries particularly in the
North Atlantic with increasingly
health care, energy and creative sectors.
lavish passenger liners during the first half of the 20th Century.
The city has built upon its cosmopolitan
GREEN CITY
heritage by becoming a full and active
Always a green city with its 2,000 hectares
Holland America Line
member of Eurocities – a network of
of public parks and gardens (including
headquartered on the site of the
major European cities, which encourages
Euromast Park, Trompenburg Arboretum,
present Hotel New York, and its
the constant exchange of cultural,
Zuiderpark, Vrosenepark and Kralingse
ships with recurring names like
educational, environmental and social
Bos) and network of cycle routes,
Rotterdam, Statendam and Nieuw
ideas, experiences and best practices.
Rotterdam is approaching the issue of
Amsterdam, carried hundreds of
Rotterdam also has close links with
climate-change with its usual dynamism.
thousands of passengers between
cities outside Europe, including Jakarta, Shanghai and Sao Paulo.
Rotterdam and New York. The city and port are part of the Rotterdam Climate Initiative tasked with dramatically
So, as well as international trade,
CONNECTED CITY
reducing Rotterdam’s CO2 emissions by
Rotterdam’s direct link with the
Rotterdam is a major travel hub for all
50% in the 35 years to 2025. The aim is for
North Sea now ensures that ocean
forms of transportation, with extensive
it to become the world capital of CO2-
and river cruise ships both visit and
road, rail and air links, too. Rotterdam
free energy. This will happen alongside
also homeport in the city. Their
Airport is the most important regional
the port’s own expansion plans. Currently
presence along the eye-catching
airport in The Netherlands. Well connected
handling more than 500 sailings a week to
waterfront skyline also attracts
to the major European hubs, it also has
more than 1,000 ports worldwide, it will be
many other visitors to the port and
business jet flights 24/7 and a high-speed
reclaiming almost 2,000 extra hectares of
to take harbour tours as well.
train link (just 19 minutes) to Amsterdam
land for industrial use.
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ROTTERDAM WORLD CITY
Rotterdam’s location and colourful, cosmopolitan history have ensured that many cultures and tastes are represented in the city’s world of food, shopping, entertainment, attractions, museums, festivals and other events. There is certainly no shortage of things to see and do for cruise visitors, whether they are there just for a few hours or for several days on pre- or post-cruise packages. However long they are there, there is also every chance that their visit will coincide with a festival, cultural or sporting event.
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Rotterdam is also home to world class international festivals like the
MUSEUM CITY
International Film Festival Rotterdam,
There are also must-see museums
the North Sea Jazz Festival, Bavaria
in Rotterdam covering a range
City Racing, World Harbour Days and
of subjects and themes. These
the Gergiev Festival. Sport is another
include the Boijmans Van
popular activity. Whether people like
Beuningen Museum, with its
to get involved or just watch, there are
magnificent collection of classical
plenty of opportunities to enjoy sport in
and contemporary art featuring
Rotterdam.
the works of artists ranging from Rembrandt, Monet and Van Gogh
It is the home town to three professional
to Dali and Picasso.
football (soccer) clubs: Feyenoord, Sparta and Excelsior and many other sporting
In the Het Schielandhuis history
clubs that compete at the highest
museum, the city’s past is brought
national level.
to life, from the 18th Century to the present day, through a series
Rotterdam is also a popular stage for
of rooms authentically designed
great sporting events such as the ABN
to reflect the different times and
AMRO (ATP) World Tennis Tournament,
fashions.
the Fortis Marathon Rotterdam, Rotterdam Concours Hippique
Other museums include The
International Officiel (CHIO), Rabobank
Netherlands Architecture Institute,
Six Days Track Racing and the World Port
Kunsthal Museum (Modern Art) and
Baseball Tournament.
the Maritime Museum Rotterdam, which tells the story of the World
The city has also hosted major
Port through exhibits like the 19th
international sporting events like the
Century man o’ war (De Buffel)
EURO 2000 football final (2000), UEFA
moored outside.
Cup final (2002), World Cup Baseball (2005), Volvo Ocean Race (2006) and the World Hockey Men’s Champions Trophy (2008). The European Union awarded Rotterdam the status of European capital of Culture in 2001 but – in addition to such special CULTURAL CITY
events – the city seeks to provide
Rotterdam has been recognized as the
permanent cultural stimulation for every
best festival city in The Netherlands
artistic taste and background.
three times in the past five years because it hosts such a variety, ranging
It has its own internationally-renowned
from small, neighbourhood street
orchestra, the Rotterdam Philharmonic
parades to mega city festivals like the
Orchestra led by Yannick Nézet-Séguin.
Ortell Summer Carnival and the Fit
It is also home to Codarts University
For Free Dance Parade, which attract
of the arts, the Willem de Kooning
hundreds of thousands of visitors every
academy and the World Music and
year.
Dance Centre.
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TOURIST CITY
The beauty of Rotterdam is that it is easy to get around via a wide-ranging public and private transportation network which includes light railway, subways, water taxis and ferries as well as buses and trams and bicycles for hire to use on designated cycle paths. From the top of the 185m Euromast, there is a breathtaking overview of the World Port, World City but, for an illuminating and enjoyable insight into the city’s world-class highlights, Spido
been transformed into a shopper’s
operates tours from Erasmus Bridge
paradise with antique stores and shops
around its famous waterfront and
selling glassware, fashion items and
harbours and through the city, searching
curios.
out surprises as well as the better-known attractions.
Also worth a visit are the Royal Rotterdam Zoo – now expanded into a spectacular
Among tours with a theme, there are
botanical gardens setting – and the 15th
Industrial Tourism’s bespoke trips by bus
Century Gothic church, Grote of Sint-
or boat that take in the Cube Houses
Laurenskerk, which is the oldest building
designed by Piet Blom as “trees within
in central Rotterdam and also boasts the
a forest”. The highlight is the museum
largest, fully-mechanical organ in Europe –
home – Kijkkubus in the Blaakse Bos.
one of three in the church.
There is more history in Delfshaven,
But, not only is it easy to reach and see
where the United East Indies Company
the many highlights of Rotterdam itself,
used to build its trading ships. It was
the World Port World City is also within
here that Dutch seafaring hero Piet Heyn
easy touring range of such attractive
drank his beer and the Pilgrim Fathers
destinations as Delft (home of the
also spent the night before embarking
famous porcelain), Gouda (cheese),
their America-bound ships.
Schiedam (Dutch gin), Dordrecht (oldest town in The Netherlands),
There are a couple of fascinating
Kinderdijk (UNESCO World Heritage-
museums, a corn mill, a historic church
listed windmills), and The Hague (Peace
and two theatres, but the area has also
Palace).
VIBRANT CITY
SHOPPING CITY
Rotterdam is also a vibrantly contemporary city always looking ahead as well
To cap it all, there are a huge
as celebrating its past. Throughout 2009, Rotterdam will be bustling more than
number of shopping opportunities
ever with activities organized for, by and with young people, ranging from
across the city, which are detailed
festivals, concerts and conferences to city projects. This is because Rotterdam
in the “Shopping in Rotterdam”
is the European Youth Capital 2009 to tie in with EU youth programmes and
brochure. This suggests eight on-
initiate the exchange of best practices concerning young people and their
foot shopping routes with different
attraction to cities in Europe.
themes.
World Port Cruise Port Rotterdam
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ONE-STOP SERVICE OFFICE
Cruise Port Rotterdam offers a one-stop office for all maritime and tourist services. Prior to each call, all relevant parties
DENMARK
(agent, travel agent, Harbour Master, Customs, Sea Port Police, Police and
UK
ROTTERDAM
Fire Brigade) are invited for a meeting
NETHERLANDS
to discuss all needs and requests. In
BELGIUM GERMANY
addition to the handling of general calls and turn-around visits of cruise ships, the
FRANCE
Cruise Port Rotterdam team can assist with matters such as the organization of special events, including press assistance. NAUTICAL FACTS AND FIGURES
World Port Rotterdam is a safe and cost-efficient port with top quality marine services. Cruise ships move swiftly from the North Sea to the World Port Cruise Terminal at Holland America quay in the city centre in approximately two hours. Cruise berth: Length: Quayside depth: Maximum air draught: Terminal: Maximum no. passengers: Gangways: Distance to city centre: Driving time to city centre: Travel time to airports:
Facilities in/around terminal:
Time from/to North Sea: Turning circles: Distances from Rotterdam:
Holland America Quay 698 metres 12 metres No restrictions Cruise Terminal Rotterdam Capacity to handle the very largest ships Covered boarding bridge from ship to terminal building 2km 5-10 minutes 20 minutes’ drive to Rotterdam Airport; 60 minutes by car or 40 minutes by train to Amsterdam Schiphol; 90 minutes by car or train to Zaventem Airport, Brussels Tourist information centre; currency exchange; telephones; bar/restaurant; toilets; taxi service desk; shuttle service; public transportation Approximately two hours 360m (at Waalhaven); 160m (Rijnhaven terminal) Amsterdam (37); Antwerp (121); Copenhagen (490); Hamburg (307); (nautical miles); Le Havre (245); Oslo (552); Southampton (256)
CRUISE PORT ROTTERDAM B.V.
Wilhelminakade 699, P.O. Box 51005, 3007 GA ROTTERDAM Tel: +31 – 10 – 486 07 24
Fax: +31 – 10 – 413 50 22
E-mail:
[email protected]
Website: www.cruiseportrotterdam.com
Mrs. Mai Elmar, director
CRUISE PORT ROTTERDAM B.V. Wilhelminakade 699, P.O. Box 51005, 3007 GA ROTTERDAM Tel: +31 10 486 07 24 Fax: +31 10 413 50 22 E-mail:
[email protected] Website: www.cruiseportrotterdam.com Mrs. Mai Elmar, director Published by ASHCROFT & ASSOCIATES PO Box 57940, London W4 5RD +44 (0) 20 8994 4123 www.ashcroftandassociates.com