Welcome aboard, travel enthusiasts! If you’re looking to experience the best of Noord while enjoying a leisurely cruise, then you’re in the right place. From stunning architecture to picturesque views, Noord’s canals are an ideal way to explore the city’s rich history and culture. And with so many city cruises available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to choose. That’s why we’ve narrowed down the best of the best, highlighting 9 of the top city cruises in Noord that you won’t want to miss. So sit back, relax, and let’s set sail on a journey through the heart of the city!

The 9 Best City Cruises in Noord

1. Aruba: Seaworld Explorer Semi-Submarine Tour
2. Aruba: 4-Course Dinner Cruise
3. Noord: Happy Hour Sunset Cruise
4. Aruba: Catamaran Cruise and Snorkeling Adventure
5. Noord: Afternoon Sailing Trip with Snorkeling and Open Bar
6. Noord: Dolphin Sunset Adventure Catamaran Cruise
7. Aruba: Sailing and Snorkeling Experience with Drinks
8. Noord: Half-Day Catamaran and Snorkeling Tour
9. From Noord: Lagoon Cruise with Kayaking and Lunch

The 9 Best City Cruises in Noord

1. Aruba: Seaworld Explorer Semi-Submarine Tour

Take a 1.5-hour semi-submarine reef tour in Aruba with the Seaworld Explorer. This tour offers the opportunity to see Aruba’s underwater highlights without getting wet. Your knowledgeable guide will provide historical and ecological commentary as you pass through the turquoise waters. The tour also includes stops at the Arashi Reef, which is filled with tropical fish and other marine life, and the Antilla, a 423-foot German ship that sunk during World War II. The shipwreck is one of the largest shipwrecks in the Caribbean, and you will have time to snap photos of the colossal boat and its marine inhabitants as your guide details the history of the ship. The tour includes local taxes, gratuities, and hotel pickup and drop-off. Please note that the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Check-in is at the Coconuts Retail Store on De Palm Pier about 30 minutes before departure time.

2. Aruba: 4-Course Dinner Cruise

Experience a romantic evening aboard a luxury vessel, Monforte III, and take in the stunning views of Aruba’s rugged west coast on the 3-hour 4-Course Dinner Cruise. Savor a delectable 4-course meal prepared by an expert chef while listening to live music on deck. Sip on handcrafted cocktails and unlimited premium beverages as you admire the sunset and transition to the evening stars. The professional crew will ensure that your every expectation is exceeded, making this an unforgettable evening. Hotel pickup and drop-off, gratuities, and a professional host are included in the package. Children are not allowed on this adult-only experience. Please arrive at Pelican Pier 30 minutes before the activity starts, and present your ticket voucher at the ticket counter on the pier, where your guide wearing a blue top will meet you.

3. Noord: Happy Hour Sunset Cruise

Experience the beauty of a Caribbean sunset on the Noord: Happy Hour Sunset Cruise. This tour takes you on a relaxing cruise along the coastline where you can witness a stunning sunset over the Caribbean Sea while enjoying a variety of cocktails and snacks on board. The Octopus catamaran provides comfortable lounge seats with sea views and soft cushions. The attentive crew delivers your choice of cocktail and tropical fruit snacks or fresh-baked bread. Take in the serenity of the Caribbean Sea as the water changes from shades of blue to the shimmering reflection of the night. The tour includes a captain and crew, professional guide, open cocktail bar, afternoon appetizers, certified first aider, safety life jackets for adults and children, and an Octopus souvenir. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also included. This tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. The meeting point is the beach hut in between the Holiday Inn and Playa Linda. Look for the crew in white polos and orange shorts. Join us for a memorable experience on the Noord: Happy Hour Sunset Cruise.

4. Aruba: Catamaran Cruise and Snorkeling Adventure

This Aruba tour offers a unique experience to explore the Caribbean Sea. Join the catamaran cruise and set sail towards the clear, warm waters for a day of snorkeling adventure. Enjoy an open bar and several onboard activities while the captain heads towards the almost-century-old wreck where you can snorkel around the sunken ship. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, sailboat tour, snorkeling equipment, picnic lunch, and a free souvenir. Meet at Delphi Watersports in front of the Hyatt Regency towel hut on the beach for check-in, and be ready with swimwear, towel, and passport or ID card copy. The tour will take place rain or shine. Get ready for an unforgettable experience in Aruba.

5. Noord: Afternoon Sailing Trip with Snorkeling and Open Bar

This afternoon sailing trip with snorkeling and open bar is an unforgettable experience in Noord. Join your friendly crew as you board the boat and grab a drink from the open bar. Enjoy panoramic views of the coastline as you set sail towards the first stop of the day, the sunken ship from World War II, SS Antilla. Learn about the history of the shipwreck from the local guide, then put on your snorkel gear and dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean to discover colorful marine life and get a closer look at the shipwreck.

Afterward, make your way back onboard for lunch and more refreshments from the open bar. Next, head towards the tour’s second destination, Boca Catalina Bay, where you’ll enjoy free time to snorkel and discover its underwater wonders. Along the way, listen to a brief history lesson about the location.

At the end of the afternoon, sit back and relax on board the boat with one final cocktail, admiring the views as you return to Noord. This tour includes a captain and crew, professional guide, open cocktail bar, afternoon appetizers, snorkel equipment and instructions, certified first aider, safety life jackets, and an octopus souvenir. Note that this tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Your meeting location is an approximate 1 to 2-minute walk from the entrance of the Holiday Inn hotel. Remember to bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a towel, and sunscreen. Please note that the pickup is located on the beach, and a shuttle will transport you to the catamaran.

6. Noord: Dolphin Sunset Adventure Catamaran Cruise

Explore the beauty of the Caribbean Sea on the Noord Dolphin Sunset Adventure Catamaran Cruise. Enjoy the family vibe and soak up the atmosphere as you take in the spectacular sunset. The catamaran comes complete with trampolines and a big sunroof, providing the perfect settings for your relaxation. Get great value for your money as we offer an all-inclusive package comprising of an I Love Aruba shirt for everyone, an open bar, refreshments, and snacks. Take an adrenaline rush as we make a stop in a shallow bay where you can swim or use our rope swing and spinning water slide. After, we hoist the sails and head into the sunset. Dance and unwind with the great music, and partake in even more tropical drinks and snacks until the sun sets. Hotel pickup and drop-off included, making the entire experience stress-free. Join us for the perfect sunset adventure today!

7. Aruba: Sailing and Snorkeling Experience with Drinks

Enjoy the ultimate Aruba sailing and snorkeling experience with drinks included. This 2.5-hour cruise takes you to two of Aruba’s most prominent snorkeling spots. Start by exploring the island’s most beautiful cove at Boca Catalina, which boasts a tremendous diversity of colorful fish and other marine life. Then, head towards the famous shipwreck of the “SS Antilla,” the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean, covered by tube sponges and coral formations, becoming the permanent residence of tropical fish shrimp lobsters and orange anemones. Onboard, you will have access to high-quality snorkeling equipment, sunbathing trampolines, hors d’oeuvres, and an unlimited open bar. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and guides will be there to assist you throughout the tour. Please arrive at Pelican Pear 30 minutes before the activity starts, and bring swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen to enjoy this unforgettable experience.

8. Noord: Half-Day Catamaran and Snorkeling Tour

Experience the beauty of Noord’s crystal-clear waters with our half-day catamaran and snorkeling tour. Our first stop is the Antilla Shipwreck, which sank during World War II, where you’ll discover the amazing marine life surrounding the area. While sailing, indulge in homemade baked goods and mimosas for breakfast.

Afterward, we’ll take you to Boca Catalina Bay for a second snorkel stop before we serve you a delicious lunch of french bread topped with cheese, turkey, and salad. Fresh fruit will also be provided on the way back to shore. Our open cocktail bar is available throughout the entire cruise, and we’ll provide you with disinfectant snorkel equipment for your safety.

Please note that this tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments. Bring along your sunglasses, towel, sandals, and sunscreen. Our meeting point is located on Palm Beach in front of Pelican Pier, between Playa Linda and Holiday Inn beaches.

For pickup, a shuttle boat from the beach will transport you to the catamaran. Join us for an unforgettable adventure and stunning views of Noord.

9. From Noord: Lagoon Cruise with Kayaking and Lunch

Cruise along Aruba’s South Coast aboard a Luxury Vessel to experience the beautiful lagoon with a guided snorkeling tour and kayaking. Enjoy sipping on premium beverages or sunbathe on the deck while taking in the beautiful sight. Try rope swinging or take in the scenic beauty of Aruba while dining on a delightful lunch prepared by the onboard chef. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for your convenience. Don’t forget to bring your swimwear, towel, camera, and sunscreen. The tour will take place rain or shine, so come prepared for any weather.

Noord Amsterdam: Frequently Asked Questions

Amsterdam Noord used to be a less popular spot for tourists, but over the years, it has evolved into a vibrant destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. From cultural hotspots to culinary delights, Noord offers a variety of experiences that appeal to a wide range of travelers. In this blog post, we will answer some commonly asked questions about Noord and help you plan your next trip to this versatile part of Amsterdam.

What is Amsterdam Noord?

Noord is the northern part of Amsterdam, separated from the city center by the IJ river. Noord used to be an industrial site, but with the decline of the industry, the area has transformed into a trendy and dynamic neighborhood that offers numerous cultural experiences, green areas, and stylish restaurants.

How can I get to Amsterdam Noord?

You can easily reach Amsterdam Noord from Amsterdam Central Station by taking a 5-minute free ferry ride. The ferries run 24/7, and the trip offers a scenic view of the city’s skyline. You can also reach Noord by bike or by taking public transport, such as bus or metro.

What are the top attractions in Noord?

Noord offers a wide range of attractions, including:

• EYE Filmmuseum: Located on the northern bank of the IJ river, the EYE is a unique museum that offers an extensive collection of movies, exhibitions, live events, and a café with a stunning waterfront view.
• NDSM Wharf: Once the biggest shipyard in Europe, the NDSM Wharf is now a vibrant cultural hotspot that hosts various festivals, events, and concerts throughout the year.
• Pllek: A sustainable cultural hotspot that houses a restaurant, beach bar, and creative workspace. Located on the banks of the IJ, Pllek offers stunning views of Amsterdam’s skyline.
• Eye Bar & Restaurant: With breathtaking views of the city, the Eye Bar & Restaurant serves delicious food and drinks in a unique ambiance.
• Noorderlicht Café: A cozy café with a laid-back atmosphere, Noorderlicht Café is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The café offers live music, art exhibitions, and a sunny terrace that overlooks the IJ river.

What are the best places to eat in Noord?

Noord offers a wide range of culinary experiences, including international cuisine, vegetarian options, and local specialties. Some of the best places to eat in Noord are:

• Café Modern: A stylish restaurant that offers a three-course menu using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
• Hangar: An industrial-style restaurant that serves Mediterranean-style cuisine with a modern twist.
• Il Pecorino: A casual Italian restaurant that offers homemade pasta and pizza.
• THT: A trendy restaurant located in the Tolhuistuin, THT offers creative dishes with a focus on healthy, sustainable ingredients.
• De Ceuvel: A sustainable restaurant that serves organic, vegetarian dishes in a unique setting. De Ceuvel is located in a former shipyard that has been transformed into a sustainable community.

What are the best things to do in Noord for free?

Noord offers various free activities that you can enjoy, such as:

• Explore the NDSM Wharf: Take a stroll around the Oostelijke Handelskade and admire the numerous street art and graffiti murals that decorate the buildings.
• Visit the Noorderpark: Located in the heart of Noord, the Noorderpark is a green oasis that offers plenty of space for picnics, sports, and relaxation.
• Take a free ferry ride: Enjoy the breathtaking view of the city skyline while taking a free ferry ride from Amsterdam Central Station to Noord.
• Visit the Tolhuistuin: A cultural hotspot that offers various free events, such as concerts, exhibitions, and markets.
• Take a bike ride: Rent a bike and explore Noord’s many parks and green areas, such as the Twiske and the Buikslotermeerpark.

Is Amsterdam Noord safe?

Yes, Amsterdam Noord is generally a safe area to visit. However, as with any urban area, it is important to take common sense safety precautions, such as avoiding dimly lit streets at night, keeping your valuables close, and being aware of your surroundings.

Conclusion

Amsterdam Noord is a trendy and dynamic neighborhood that offers a wide range of cultural experiences, stylish restaurants, and green areas. With its unique ambiance and breathtaking views of the city skyline, Noord is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Amsterdam. We hope this blog post has answered some of your questions about Noord and helped you plan your next trip to this vibrant part of Amsterdam.