Sail along on the Pieter Boele
From Wednesday, April 22, through Sunday, April 26, the sturdy 1893 Rhine steam tug “Pieter Boele” will be docked in our museum harbor. Come see it and sail along!
The last Rhine steam tug is coming to our museum harbor
The ‘Pieter Boele,’ built in 1893, is one of the Maritime Museum’s crown jewels. It is the only surviving Rhine steam tugboat. This unique vessel is normally moored in Dordrecht’s historic harbor but will make a special visit to our museum harbor in April. Step aboard and admire the ship, or join a bridge tour through Rotterdam and discover the skyline from the water.
Practical information
- Wednesday, April 22 – Open Ship from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM (no ticket required).
- Thursday, April 23 – Open Ship from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM (no ticket required).
- Friday, April 24 – Open ship from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Cruise from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM (take into account that it may run until 3:30 PM). A cruise ticket is required for this.
- Saturday, April 25 - Open ship from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM (no ticket required).
- Sunday, April 26 - Open ship from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Cruise from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM (take into account that it may run until 3:30 PM). A cruise ticket is required for this.
Ticket Sales
A limited number of tickets are available, so don’t wait too long! You can easily order your ticket on this page. Tickets are also available at the museum; please ask at the ticket counter about the availability of the boat tours (Please note: You can only pay by debit card at the museum).
Make sure to arrive early
You must scan your ticket at the ticket counter. Please do this at least 30 minutes before departure. Please be at the dock 15 minutes before departure. That way, we can cast off on time!
Restrooms on board
Restrooms are available on board the Pieter Boele.
Sailing route
During the cruise, we’ll pass by several of the city’s iconic landmarks. The route begins heading toward the SS Rotterdam, after which the ship sets course for the other side of the Maas, toward the Van Brienenoord Bridge. Along the way, you’ll circle around Noordereiland and even sail through the Koninginnebrug, which will be opened especially for the tour. With highlights like the Hef and the Erasmus Bridge, this is a true bridge tour full of Rotterdam stories and views.
Prices
- Adults - €16.00
- Children ages 4–15 - €10.00
- Children ages 3 and under - €2.50
- Discount cards (Rotterdampas, Museumkaart, etc.) are not valid as admission tickets during the boat tours.
Please note: this ticket is valid only for the boat tour and is not a valid admission ticket for the museum.
Do you also want to visit the museum?
Complete your maritime trip with a visit to our museum and receive a 30% discount on your admission ticket! After purchasing a cruise ticket for the Pieter Boele (online), you’ll receive a discount code that you can use to order an admission ticket in our regular ticket shop. Prefer to buy an admission ticket at the museum ticket counter? That’s possible too! Show your ticket for the Pieter Boele and take advantage of the discount. Please note: the museum only accepts debit cards.
Safety
A fun day on the water stays fun when everyone returns safe and sound at the end. That’s why we obviously don’t sail during severe storms or heavy rainfall. Should this occur, we’ll notify you in advance. It’s therefore important that you always provide both your email address and phone number when you order your ticket. Children are required to wear a life jacket. These are available on board.
Book your ticket now
Experience the history of the port of Rotterdam! Join our historical cruise on the Pieter Boele on the Nieuwe Maas.
Welcome aboard