Zaanse Schans Cruise from Amsterdam by Historic Cargo Ship

Most visitors reach the Zaanse Schans by tour bus. You’ll arrive the way everything once arrived here: over the water. The Verbetering is an original 1916 Dutch cargo barge and certified museum ship, one of the last historic ships still allowed to moor in Amsterdam. This day retraces her own freight route, sailed by the family that owns her: out across the IJ from minutes beyond Central Station, through the locks and onto the river Zaan, until the windmills rise ahead of the bow. Ashore you have two full hours, the complete Zaanse Schans ticket included: two working windmills, the Zaans Museum and Verkade Experience, the World of Windmills, the Weavers’ House, the Zaan Time Museum and a clog-making workshop. Nothing to book, nothing to queue for. Home goes the long way, across the polder and down a centuries-old tow canal, never more than 12 guests aboard and always a dry seat. Years from now you’ll still tell people about the day you sailed a real cargo ship to the windmills!

Itinerary

What’s included

• Coffee, tea and (cold) water on board
• Entry to the World of Windmills museum
• Entry to two working windmills of your choice, with the millers
• Zaanse Schans €17.50 mandatory area-entry fee for tourists, included
• 10% discount at Pancake Restaurant De Kraai (Zaanse Schans)
• Skipper and live commentary by the family that owns the ship (English, Dutch, German)
• Galley use, with a working gas stove to cook on or heat food up.
• 4-6 hour day cruise aboard an original 1916 Dutch cargo ship (certified museum ship, member of the brown fleet)
• Restroom on board
• Covered and open-air seating, always a dry seat
• Digital audio tour of the Zaanse Schans (English and Dutch)
• Entry to the Zaan Time Museum
• Life jackets & lifebuoys
• WiFi on board
• Entry to the 18th-century Weavers' House
• Entry to the Zaans Museum and the Verkade Experience
• Complete Zaanse Schans ticket (€32 value) included, nothing to book or queue for separately
• Clog-making workshop

Not Included

• Lunch (cafés and restaurants available at the Zaanse Schans)
• Alcoholic Beverages

Additional Information

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Cancellation Window	Refund Eligibility
24 hours or more before start time	100% refund (Full refund)
Less than 24 hours before start time	Non-refundable (0%)

This experience may be cancelled due to bad weather. This experience may be cancelled if there are not enough travelers.

Important Information

Show your booking confirmation (printed or on your phone) to the crew when boarding the Verbetering. No separate ticket or ticket office visit is needed, your confirmation also covers full admission to the Zaanse Schans windmills, museums, and the clog-making workshop.

Age Policy

Child: 6–11 years · Adult: 12–99 years