Antwerp

The beautiful historic city of Antwerp is definitely worth a visit. Just a short walk from the cruise ship terminal you will find yourself surround by one stunning building after another. Especially on sunny days people come out on the streets and the city is transformed into one huge social gathering with a warm Belgian atmosphere. From street activities, markets, music and cafes; there is never a dull moment.

Photo selection above is copyrighted by ©Cruiseschepen in Antwerpen

Shopping 

Shops are usally open from 9 or 10 in the morning until 6:00 PM. Every Sunday the ships are closed. Antwerp is known for jewelry and is regarded as the diamond capital of the world. 

The main shopping street is called 'Meir' and is about 5 minutes walk away from the cruise ship terminal. Here you will find various types of shops including most internationally known premium brands. 

When you visit Antwerp, do not forget to try the famous Belgian Waffles and never leave without buying the traditional Belgian chocolates. Once you're there, you'll know what we mean :)

The Port of Antwerp 

The great advantage in Antwerp is that your cruise ships docks very close to the city center. They berth right in front of the "Zuiderterras" and once in town, they are clearly visible from the Flandria-pontoon at the "Steenplein".

Via a tunnel under the river Schelde (voetgangerstunnel), 5 minutes from the "Zuiderterras", you can take a 15 minute walk to the left riverbank (Linkeroever) where you have a beautiful sight of the cruise ships!

It results in beautiful photos of the ship with the skyline of Antwerp.

Zuiderterras & Cruise Quay
The Zuiderterras is a raised promenade along the Schelde from where you have a great view over the river. At the end of the promenade there is a restaurant with a terras where you can drink something.

The Zuiderterras is located at Quay 21-22, where the cruise ships berth. Therefore you stand only metres away from the ships, wich is very special. There are almost no other ports in the world where you have this opportunity.

From the Steenplein you can walk onto the Zuiderterras. But you can also walk onto the Flandria-pontoon for taking a look at the ship from an other angle.

Cruise Terminal & Gangway

Under the Zuiderterras you will find the cruise terminal. In this 1510m² big room there is a reception located, sitting accommodation, toilets and a security office. If need luggage can also be handled.

At the quay side there is a unique gangway that has been designed just for Antwerp. The 50 metres long construction can move across the full length of the quay and adapts itselve to the tide. The gangway has no steps and has an antiskid layer what makes it accessible for wheelchairs.

For the moment ships with a length up to 268 metres can berthed at the terminal. But there are studies going on for bringing larger vessels in the port.

Main Attractions in Antwerp 

Shopping, musuems, city walks, parks, catherdral, Belgian chocolate, beer tasting..........

Museums
MAS (Museum Aan de Stroom): This very special building has many different permanent exhibitons: Life after Death, Display of Power, Worldcity and World Harbour. This last one shows the collection of the shipping trade museum. Apart from the permanent exhibitions there are many others hosted througout the year. And from the thop of the building you have a great view over the city.

Red Star Line Museum: Between 1873 and 1935 the Red Star Line lead three milion passengers from Antwerp to 'the promised land', America. All the remaining attributes, texts, stories and more are found in this museum. The exhibition itselve is located in the origional buildings of the Red Star Line. (This museum will only open on the 27th of September 2013!!)

Rubenshuis (House of Rubens), the famous painter

Modemuseum (Fashion museum), located in the fashionstreet of Antwerp: Nationalestraat

Other Places to Visit
The Cathedral of Our Lady. Built between 1352 en 1521.

• Zoo van Antwerpen: one of the oldest zoos in the world. Since 1843
• Het Steen: The medieval fortress of Antwerp, located hundred meters away from the cruise terminal. It is not possible anymore to visit, but the exterior is also impressive.
• The Central Station: This huge station was opened in 1905 and is call the Railway Cathedral. It has won several prizes and is certainly worth a visit!