Take a cruise ship to Antwerp: benefits and facilities

Unspoilt nature and architectural gems. Picturesque harbour villages and Europe's first skyscraper. Disembark at Antwerp's oldest building in a state-of-the-art cruise terminal. Discover all the benefits and facilities of a cruise to Antwerp.

From nature reserve to world port

Every year, tens of thousands of cruise ship passengers travelling to Antwerp enjoy the beautiful views along the way: the Dutch port of Vlissingen, the characteristic Hansweert landscape, nature reserve Het Verdronken Land van Saeftinghe (The Drowned Land of Saeftinghe), the picturesque village of Lillo and the Berendrecht lock, the largest lock in the world until 2016. Of course, the port of Antwerp, the second largest in Europe, is also a must-see.

Aerial view of the port, docks, Scheldt and Port House by night.

A woman and a man sit on a picnic blanket in green surroundings. In the background, the Scheldt River flows and there are windmills.

In a harbour lock, a tugboat tows a pontoon on which a cooling tower stands. In the background stacked containers, the Scheldt and industry.

From Gothic to art deco

The highlight, of course, is arriving in the city of Antwerp, where the skyline is dominated by the architectural gem MAS | Museum aan de Stroom (65 meters high), the Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady (123 meters) and an Art Deco skyscraper (the first in Europe, at 96 meters). But the very first notable building the passengers see is the Port House, the headquarters of Port of Antwerp-Bruges. The Red Star Line Museum, where tens of thousands of emigrants embarked to try their luck in North America until 1935, is also an eye-catcher.

The red brick building of the MAS | Museum aan de Stroom on the waterfront.

A cruise ship sails on the Scheldt past the cathedral and the Boerentoren skyscraper.

A red, brick building on which Red Star Line stands. A modern tower rises above it. In the background some skyscrapers.

Arriving at Antwerp's oldest building

Eventually, passengers arrive at the cruise terminal at Het Steen. This 800-year-old castle is home to the City of Antwerp's official visitor centre. Visitors can find tourist information and souvenirs, enjoy the view from the panoramic roof terrace, and follow the interactive experience trail "The Antwerp Story". From Het Steen, it is only a 5-10 minute walk to attractions including the Grote Markt and the cathedral, and the main shopping streets.

A man and a woman walk smiling past visitor centre Het Steen, an 800-year-old medieval castle. More people in the background.

Two women take pictures in the Grote Markt square. In the background, City Hall and the statue of Brabo.

People stroll past shops along a wide, car-free boulevard: the Meir.

Utra-modern cruise terminal

Antwerp's cruise terminal opened in 2021 and boasts many advantages:

close to the Historic centre, so no bus transfer needed
fast tourist service thanks to the tourist information point in Het Steen
the pontoon of 360 meters is suitable for 4 river cruise ships or 1 sea cruise ship
near a stopping point for 8 buses
follow the arrival or departure of cruise ships live from the panoramic roof terrace of Het Steen or from the esplanade terrace

A cruise ship moors at the pontoon in Antwerp's Historic Centre. In the background, the river Scheldt flows and people walk on the Scheldt quays.

Some people stand at the entrance to a modern cruise terminal. In the background, the Scheldt River flows.

People request information from a cruise terminal employee.

Nautical parameters

Not only cruise ships can moor at the cruise pontoon, but also tallships, naval and training vessels. All ships must meet these criteria:

maximum length: 265 metres
maximum width: 35 metres
maximum draught: 8 metres

Calculate your journey time

For the Flemish waterway network: www.visuris.be.
For the European waterways network: www.eurisportal.eu/voyageplanner.

Second berth for river cruise ships

River cruise ships can also moor a little further north, in the trendy city district of het Eilandje. Passenger ships will find all facilities here. The Havenhuis (Port House), in the north of the Kattendijkdok, offers passengers a unique view during their stay. From the Kattendijkdok, it is only a 10-minute walk to the Historical Centre.

The red brick building of the MAS | Museum aan de Stroom towers out in the background. In the foreground are ships and sailboats in a dock.

Atop a large 19th-century building is a modern superstructure in the shape of a diamond ship. The building reflects in the water; a man stands in the background.

A man and a woman sit on a waterfront terrace. In the background, more people are sitting and some skyscrapers.

By boat to Antwerp

Want to sail to Antwerp with your own ship? Read more about mooring locations, facilities and rates.

Get in touch

Tourist info: cruises@visitantwerpen.be.
Nautical info: stadshaven@antwerpen.be.