Cruise port Antwerp
Port information & tips for Antwerp
Antwerp is the glamorous city of diamonds in Belgium and a fascinating destination for cruise guests on the banks of the Scheldt. The city captivates with its mix of historical heritage and modern design, where the maritime flair and the lively atmosphere in the charming alleys of the old town immediately inspire. Right on the waterfront, impressive sights such as the medieval Het Steen castle, the magnificent Grote Markt with its splendid Town Hall, and the imposing Cathedral of Our Lady invite you on tours of discovery. The ships dock at the central Cruise Terminal Antwerp right next to the historic Het Steen, which means that thanks to this first-class location, travelers are in the heart of the center within moments while simultaneously enjoying short distances to the exclusive shopping miles.
The Port of Antwerp impresses with its excellent location in the heart of the Flemish metropolis and is highly accessible for guests from the DACH region. The central cruise terminal at Het Steen is located directly on the Scheldt and allows for a particularly comfortable embarkation in close proximity to the historic old town.
Car
Travelers can reach Antwerp via the A1 (E19) motorways from the direction of Cologne or the A14 (E17) and benefit from clear signage to the city center. Various long-term parking lots and specialized Park & Cruise services are available in the immediate vicinity of the port, and vehicle registration for the city's low emission zone (LEZ) can be conveniently completed online in advance.
Train
The magnificent Antwerpen-Centraal station is considered one of Europe's most important transport hubs and is regularly served by ICE trains and the Eurostar from German metropolises. From the station, you can reach the cruise terminal in only about 10 minutes by taxi or use the efficient tram lines to the Groenplaats stop, which is just a short walk away from the ship.
Airplane
For arrival by plane, Brussels-Zaventem International Airport (BRU) is the ideal choice, as it is located only 45 kilometers from the port and offers numerous direct connections from Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, and Zurich. Thanks to the direct train connection from the airport station, you can reach Antwerp Central Station in around 30 minutes; additionally, reliable shuttle services and taxis are available at the airport terminal for a direct transfer to the ship.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your arrival at the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
The Port of Antwerp impresses with its excellent location in the heart of the Flemish metropolis and is highly accessible for guests from the DACH region. The central cruise terminal at Het Steen is located directly on the Scheldt and allows for a particularly comfortable embarkation in close proximity to the historic old town.
Car
Travelers can reach Antwerp via the A1 (E19) motorways from the direction of Cologne or the A14 (E17) and benefit from clear signage to the city center. Various long-term parking lots and specialized Park & Cruise services are available in the immediate vicinity of the port, and vehicle registration for the city's low emission zone (LEZ) can be conveniently completed online in advance.
Train
The magnificent Antwerpen-Centraal station is considered one of Europe's most important transport hubs and is regularly served by ICE trains and the Eurostar from German metropolises. From the station, you can reach the cruise terminal in only about 10 minutes by taxi or use the efficient tram lines to the Groenplaats stop, which is just a short walk away from the ship.
Airplane
For arrival by plane, Brussels-Zaventem International Airport (BRU) is the ideal choice, as it is located only 45 kilometers from the port and offers numerous direct connections from Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, and Zurich. Thanks to the direct train connection from the airport station, you can reach Antwerp Central Station in around 30 minutes; additionally, reliable shuttle services and taxis are available at the airport terminal for a direct transfer to the ship.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your arrival at the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
The cruise terminal in Antwerp impresses with its prime location right on the edge of the historic old town, allowing guests a particularly convenient start to their day.
On Foot
Since the ship docks directly at Steenplein, you can comfortably reach the Grote Markt and the City Hall in less than five minutes. This short walk leads directly into the heart of the city and allows you to immediately enjoy the impressive architecture of the Flemish metropolis.
De Waterbus & Ferries
The free ferry to the Linkeroever district as well as De Waterbus depart directly from the terminal. These waterborne transport options provide an attractive way to view the city from the Scheldt and also reach surrounding destinations along the river quickly and conveniently.
Taxi & Tram
Official taxis are available for individual trips directly at Steenplein. At the same time, the nearby Groenplaats provides access to the dense network of De Lijn trams, which efficiently take you to the magnificent Central Station or the museums in the southern part of the city.
To make the most of your stay in the Belgian metropolis, we recommend a combination of the magnificent historic city center, the glittering Diamond District, and the modern harbor area.
Historic Center & Grote Markt
Splendid guild houses and the majestic Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal characterize the heart of the city, which, thanks to its compact size, is ideal for a relaxed stroll on foot. In the charming alleys, you can also perfectly discover world-famous Belgian chocolate and local delicacies.
Diamond District & Antwerpen-Centraal
The main station, known as the "Railway Cathedral," impresses with its monumental architecture and forms the glamorous gateway to the world-famous district of diamond cutters. This location is perfect for culture lovers and simultaneously offers fascinating insights into the city's traditional craftsmanship.
Eilandje & Museum aan de Stroom (MAS)
The city's oldest harbor district now inspires as a trendy neighborhood with maritime charm and offers a spectacular panoramic view over the Scheldt and the port area from the roof of the striking MAS Museum. The location directly on the water provides a relaxed atmosphere and is an easily accessible destination for cruise passengers thanks to its proximity to the berths.
Grote Markt and Cathedral of Our Lady
From the cruise terminal at Het Steen, you can reach the historic Grote Markt and the impressive Cathedral of Our Lady in a relaxed, five-minute walk directly along the Scheldt. The heart of the city impresses with its magnificent 16th-century guild houses as well as its majestic Gothic architecture and also houses world-famous masterpieces by Peter Paul Rubens. The surrounding alleys offer first-class infrastructure with charming cafés, where you can enjoy famous Belgian waffles, and exclusive chocolatiers for high-quality souvenirs. Ideally, visit the square and the cathedral in the morning to experience the special atmosphere before the larger crowds of visitors and to capture the view of the gold-adorned City Hall in peace. Thanks to the immediate proximity to the pier, you can fully enjoy your stay until shortly before boarding and return safely to your ship within a few minutes.
Thanks to the cruise terminal's central location right by the historic city center at Steenplein, you can reach your ship comfortably and stress-free at any time.
On Foot
From the historic center with the Grote Markt and the Cathedral of Our Lady, you can walk in just a few minutes via the Suikerrui directly to Steenplein and the terminal located there. Thanks to the prominent Het Steen castle, the path is easy to find and leads through lively and well-signposted pedestrian zones.
Taxi
Taxi ranks can be found at central locations such as Astridplein at the main station as well as at Groenplaats in the immediate vicinity of the cathedral and the major hotels. The short ride to the terminal at Steenplein is easy to organize and offers a comfortable way to arrive punctually and directly at the ship.
Public Transport
Tram line 7 takes you reliably to the Sint-Paulus stop, from where you can quickly reach the banks of the Scheldt. Furthermore, the city area is excellently connected by buses and underground pre-metro lines, which enable a swift return from the Diamond Quarter or the Museum aan de Stroom to the port.
