We are scheduled to arrive at Schiphol airport Amsterdam at 7 am on May 21 and going to Cruise Ship Terminal on Celebrity Century cruise departing 4 pm. We want to see as much as possible.LOL. We found "Panoramic City Tour Bus and Boat" starting from
Damrak 26, 1012 LJ Amsterdam for 2.5-3.5 hours. Are this my best choice?
This place looks close to Amsterdam Central Station. What is the distance between this places ? Is it walking distance?
Also I would like to know the best form of transportation for this route: Schiphol Airport-
Cruise ship terminal-Damrak 26 ( or Amsterdam Central)--back to Cruise Teminal.
I will kindly appreciate any suggestions.Please help!
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE! Vlad [email protected]

If you haven't done so yet, go to this website "http://www.ns.nl/reisplanner-v2/index.shtml" for train times,costs, etc. Select Flughaven (or airport) on the first drop-down menu, then Schipholm from the drop-down menu. Ansterdam, Ammsterdam Central from the drop down menu. The train takes about 22 minutes or less.

Our ship docked within sight of the Amsterdam Centraal, across the tracks from where the entrance to the station is. I don't recall the name of the dock. It was an easy taxi ride to the station. Have been in A'dam many times on business and pleasure, but, never took the tour you mention. I selected beforehand the places I wanted to see, checked them on a city map and took public streetcars there. You van buy multi-trip tickets at almost every tobacconist shop. I consider the Richsmuseum a "must see". The public transport system in Amsterdam is exccellent. For most people in the city, English is their second language.

Depending on how much luggage you have, you may opt to take the train from Schiphol to Central Station, and then take Tram #25 to the Amsterdam Passenger Terminal(ptamsterdam.nl).

You will need to purchase a strip ticket for use on the trams.
Buy these at the drug store at the airport, or across from Central Terminal in Downtown Amsterdam at the GVB Office. It is in the same building as the VVV. Don't wait in the lines at the VVV Tourist Office(they don't sell them). A 15 strip card can be used by multiple passengers.(2 strips per ride). Tram #25 will need 2 trips per passenger.

If you wish, there is a self storage luggage locker area with attendants and security available for help. Then come back to the Central Station to pick up your luggage and THEN go to the front of Central Station and hop on Tram #25.

You will not have very much time to tour Amsterdam. What is the latest time that you can board the cruise ship? 2PM?

I figure you will only have about 2-3 hours to look around.

I would not take an organized tour. Amsterdam is a wonderful "SMALL" city. You can visit/walk the canals, visit bistros, coffeeshops ;-), Red light District and much more within walking distance from Central Station. FYI, if you ndulge, most coffee shops (smoking type) do not open until 10 am or so.
Mark

I only have a 6 1/2 hour layover in Amsterdam. How do we take the train into the city from the airport, what should we visit and how much time should we allow for this short walk/ride-around city center and getting back to airport? I've heard it is easy to do.

Once you land head for the arval hall, go tholugh passport control and breeze past the luggage carousels for the sign that says "Nothing to Declare". After you leave the arrival hall, proceed to the front of the terminal (moving to the left), and purchase a train ticket at the NL window to Central Station. The train platforms are below the terminal. Most likely platform #2. Ask the ticket seller. You will need under ten euro dollars for a round trip. The train ride is about 30 minutes. Remember that getting back to catch your flight is no different than any other major airport with security, passport control etc. Have fun.

Schipol Airport to Amsterdam Central Station is an easy journey with frequent trains (take the non-stop to Centraal station rather than the ones that stop in the suburbs) There's a big kiosk selling train tickets (look over to your left as you come through customs) Fare 3.90 euros one way. Journey time about 20mins. The cruise ships seem to be docked on the river behind the station. Amsterdam is easily walkable as long as you don't try to cram too much into your limited time scale.

bellniet et al,
How ofen does the "non stop" to central Station run? Probably only with the Thayls. I am offering only an experienced guess. I usually take the next available train. No difference in price. Even so, it is only ten minute difference in time. Also please that the fares we are talking about are 2nd class. NO need for first class. justmake sure you look on the train car to see if it has a "2" on it.
Mark