Cruise traffic is growing in the Port of Amsterdam, as 194 ships will call in Amsterdam and IJmuiden in 2012.

“Even the next few years look promising,” said Hans Gerson, chairman of the promotions non-profit organisation Amsterdam Cruise Port (ACP).

In 2011, 150 cruise ships called into the ports of Amsterdam (123) and IJmuiden (27). These calls brought about 277,000 passengers to the region.

This current year is breaking all records with 194 bookings, of which 154 are in Amsterdam, and 40 in IJmuiden, with 372,000 passengers expected.

There are also more turnaround calls scheduled.

The forecasts for 2013 and onwards are also positive, says chairman Gerson. Next year’s themes will include the 125th anniversary of the Concertgebouw, the reopening of the Rijksmuseum, and the 400th anniversary of the Amsterdam city canals. A festive year and one which can mean an added reason for shipping companies to bring even more ships to our region.