Rotterdam Pancake Cruise

Parkhaven and the Euromast

Your cruise begins at Parkhaven, a small harbour at the edge of Het Park, one of the oldest and greenest parks in Rotterdam. Towering above the quay is the Euromast, an observation tower built in 1960 for a national garden exhibition and later extended to about 185 metres, which makes it one of the city's best-known landmarks. The harbour is calm and easy to reach, so boarding feels relaxed even with small children.

From here the boat slips out of the harbour onto the Nieuwe Maas, the wide river that runs through the heart of the city. If you have time before or after your Rotterdam boat trip, stroll through the park along its lake and lawns, or go up the tower for a bird's-eye view over the river you have just sailed. Trams stop close to the harbour, connecting it with the city centre in minutes.

The Nieuwe Maas and Rotterdam's modern skyline

Rotterdam looks unlike any other Dutch city. Its centre was destroyed in May 1940, and instead of copying the past, the city chose to rebuild with bold modern architecture. Today its riverside skyline of glass towers, sharp angles and daring shapes is one of the most striking in Europe, and the best place to see it is from the water.

As the boat cruises the Nieuwe Maas, your host points out the highlights while you eat. Look out for the towers of Kop van Zuid on the southern bank, the old shipping terminal on the Wilhelminapier and the busy quays where water taxis and harbour boats come and go. This Maas river cruise shows how the river still shapes daily life in the city, with barges and ships passing in both directions.

The Erasmus Bridge and the waterfront districts

The most famous sight on the route is the Erasmus Bridge, the white cable-stayed bridge opened in 1996 that links the city centre with the south bank. Its tall, angled pylon earned it the nickname the Swan, and it has become the symbol of modern Rotterdam. From the deck you get a perfect view of its long cables and the towers that frame it.

Around it lie the waterfront districts that grew from old harbours: the historic Veerhaven with its sailing ships near the north bank, and the former docklands of the south bank now filled with offices, flats and cultural venues. Rotterdam is also one of the largest ports in the world, and the river traffic you see is a small taste of it. Late afternoon and early evening cruises are the best time for skyline photos.

Dutch pancakes on board

Dutch pancakes, or pannenkoeken, are larger and thinner than many pancakes elsewhere and are eaten as a meal rather than only as a breakfast treat. On board they are baked fresh throughout the cruise, so you can keep going back to the buffet for plain or apple pancakes and choose toppings such as cheese, fruits, jams and eggs, from simple and sweet to hearty and savoury. Gluten-free and vegan pancakes are available too.

How many can you eat in 75 minutes? That challenge is part of the fun. Drinks are not included in the ticket. For younger guests, a large play area with a ball pit sits in the hold of the boat, with colouring pictures and pencils, so parents can relax while children play. It is one of the most popular things to do in Rotterdam with kids.