ROTTERDAM, 15 August 2025 – Ticket sales for World Port Days 2025 excursions and cruises begin this Monday at 12:00. The annual maritime event returns with both free and bookable experiences in and around the Rotterdam harbour.
Tickets for World Port Days 2025 tours and cruises available from Monday
Ticket sales for excursions and boat tours during the 48th edition of Wereldhavendagen (World Port Days) will open on Monday, 18 August 2025 at 12:00. The event will take place on 5, 6 and 7 September, bringing visitors closer to the daily operations and transformation of Rotterdam’s world-renowned port.
Alongside the freely accessible public programme, a wide range of in-depth tours and harbour cruises will also be available, offering a closer look at both operational and historic aspects of the port. Tickets will be sold via the official website: www.wereldhavendagen.nl.
Experience the port from the water
A range of cruises will provide close views of the port and its floating show programme. MRD Marinesupport will offer front-row access, while the Saturday evening show can also be watched from the water aboard various vessels, including the Oceandiva Nova.
P&O Ferries will once again host two full-day harbour cruises, including onboard activities and the traditional “straatje keren” manoeuvre in front of the Erasmus Bridge. Cruises will also be available aboard historical vessels such as the Eendracht, Furie, Helena, and the sea tug Elbe.
Excursions into the working harbour
Visitors interested in the port’s inner workings can take part in excursions by bus or boat to companies normally closed to the public. These include the automated facilities of Impala, Reym, Huntsman, and APM Terminals.
Neighbouring port areas are also involved. The Bedrijvenfestival in Schiedam will highlight local industry, while Damen Shiprepair offers insights into Dutch shipbuilding. Visitors can also observe real-time maritime traffic coordination at the Botlek Traffic Centre or meet the boatmen of the KRVE. The new Portlantis experience centre will focus on the future of the port and its environmental ambitions.
Explore the port by bike or on foot
Several land-based tours have been planned for visitors who prefer to stay dry. These include bike and walking tours through areas such as Landtong Rozenburg, showcasing the greener side of the port.
Other walking tours explore the evolution of former harbour zones, such as the M4H district, which has become a hub for innovation and urban renewal. Additional stops include the Floating Farm, the foundations of the Erasmus Bridge, and culinary locations such as the Markthal, The Boat Bar, and Bar Stroom.
Connecting residents with the modern port
Sabine Bruijnincx, director of Wereldhavendagen, said: “Through our excursions and boat tours, we quite literally open the port’s gates. We show the reality of daily operations, introduce the people behind the port’s innovations, and highlight how the harbour impacts our daily lives.
“With the walking and cycling tours, our audience also discovers what the port is becoming – a place for recreation, or a former industrial site transforming into a liveable district. By giving people direct experiences, we aim to foster understanding and appreciation of what the port is and what it can become.”
Practical information
Ticket sales for all excursions and tours will start at 12:00 on Monday, 18 August 2025 via wereldhavendagen.nl. Tickets for P&O day cruises are already available via the dedicated excursion page.
Most of the World Port Days programme remains free of charge, including various events along the quays, maritime demonstrations on the river, the Food Festival Square, and the fireworks show on Saturday evening. The full schedule of activities is available on the official website.
Directions and location
Wereldhavendagen takes place across Rotterdam’s central quays, with main activities centred around Willemsplein and the Erasmus Bridge. The area is accessible by metro (Leuvehaven station), tram (lines 7 and 25), and water taxi. Visitors arriving by train can walk from Rotterdam Blaak or take a tram from Rotterdam Centraal.
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