HAPPENING 6–10 August 2025 | A historic Spanish replica ship, the Nao Victoria, will dock at Veerhaven this August, offering visitors a glimpse into maritime history. The vessel will be open to the public from 6 to 10 August.
Nao Victoria replica arrives in Rotterdam this August
The Nao Victoria, a replica of the 16th-century vessel that completed the first circumnavigation of the globe, will dock in Rotterdam for the first time during its European tour. The ship, which retraces the maritime legacy of explorer Ferdinand Magellan, will be moored at Veerhaven and open for public visits between 6 and 10 August, from 10:00 to 20:00 each day.
The original Nao Victoria formed part of the Spanish “Spice Fleet” (Specerijenvloot), which departed from Seville in 1519. Commanded by Ferdinand Magellan and later Juan Sebastián Elcano, the expedition marked the first recorded journey around the world. Only one ship — the Nao Victoria — returned to Spain in 1522, with just 18 survivors from the original 243 crew members.
A floating museum of maritime history
The modern replica was constructed in 1991 for the Universal Exposition in Seville and is the only one of its kind to have completed a global voyage, which it undertook from 2004 to 2006. Since then, it has functioned as a travelling museum and ambassador for maritime heritage. The Nao Victoria Foundation, based in Seville, manages the ship and its educational missions.
The vessel measures 26 metres in length and includes four decks with a captain’s cabin and living quarters. It can host up to 100 visitors at a time and has welcomed more than six million people at ports across Europe, the United States, and Spain.
Nao Victoria docks at Veerhaven Rotterdam 6–10 August. Explore this replica of the first ship to sail around the world. Tickets and info available online.
Tickets and access
Tickets for the Rotterdam visit can be purchased either onboard or via tickets.fundacionnaovictoria.org. Prices are set at €8 for adults and €4 for children aged 5–10. Family tickets are available for €20, covering two adults and up to three children. Children under five may enter free when accompanied by an adult.
School groups and associations can arrange guided tours by contacting
In addition to dockside visits, limited berths are available for those wishing to sail aboard the ship. Reservations for sailing experiences may be made through www.tallshipexperience.com.
How to get there
Veerhaven is located in the Scheepvaartkwartier, one of Rotterdam's most picturesque waterfront areas. This historic harbour is surrounded by monumental buildings and lined with cafés and galleries, offering a fitting backdrop for a ship rooted in naval exploration. Public transport connections via tram and metro are available nearby, and paid parking is available along Westplein and surrounding streets.
