Experience real maritime adventures

Explore the museum harbour 

Experience how the Port of Rotterdam once began, amidst historic ships and impressive cranes. Step aboard and see what it was like to live and work on a ship. Practice your cleaning skills by mopping the deck of the steam barge “Simson” or learn how to tie a sailor's knot aboard the “Gruno”. Climb, look and discover! There is plenty to do. Come aboard and experience it for yourself! Will we see you on deck? 

Discover the quay 

Walk along the quay and listen to Wilfried de Jong's free audio tour, which takes you through the history of this special place. Take a look inside our workshops. See up close how the blacksmith helps maintain our fleet. When the blacksmith is there, he often gives a spectacular demonstration. 

Join the boat tour

Complete your museum visit with a tour through the Maritime District on our electric boat. Along the way, the skipper will tell you all about the history of this area and show you the most beautiful spots. If the weather permits and the skipper is available, we sail twice a day.

• Times: 12:30 p.m. (until 1:15 p.m.) and 2:00 p.m. (until 2:45 p.m.)
• Prices: 0-3 years €2,50 | 4-15 years €4,50 | 16 years and older €6,50

Audiotour Destination Port City 

Join Mees and Aunt Jane on a journey of discovery through Rotterdam. A telephone and earphones are required. Please remember to bring your phone and earphones. 

• Deck 1, Destination Port City 
• Recommended age: 8+

Splash! The future of the sea

Help clean up the plastic in our oceans, design an underwater farm or contribute ideas about the future of our oceans.  

Please note: you must reserve a time slot before your visit. You can do this online when ordering your tickets, and it is free of charge. On busy days, they sell out quickly! 

• On Deck 2
• Recommended age: 4 to 12 years old

Offshore Experience

Climb aboard an offshore platform and experience how energy is generated at sea. Wearing a helmet and safety vest, you can see drilling operations, crane operators and wind turbine specialists in action. Test your skills: land the helicopter, hoist a container and find the perfect spot for a wind turbine! 

• Halfdeck, Offshore Experience
• Recommended age: 8+

Launch!

Discover how the Netherlands became a shipbuilding nation in the spectacular exhibition “Launch!”. Step inside a shipyard, see how shipbuilding has developed over the centuries and get stuck in yourself. Learn about craftsmanship, courage and everything that goes into building a ship before it can actually be launched. 

• Deck 2, 'Launch!'
• Recommended age: 8+