The VOC ship Amsterdam is a full-scale replica of a 17th-century Dutch East India Company cargo ship, permanently docked beside the Netherlands Maritime Museum . It is one of Amsterdam’s top attractions, where visitors can admire the ship from a canal boat tour or purchase an admission ticket to explore its interior.
The replica ship was built in 1985, during a period of high unemployment to create a significant number of jobs around Amsterdam. Below, I am sharing an overview about the history of the Amsterdam VOC ship museum, what to see, nearby attractions, open hours, and a detailed guide to make your journey easy and fun.
What Is the VOC Ship Amsterdam?
Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie” is the Dutch word for the Dutch East India Company. People are using short VOC, and all vessels belonging to this company are VOC Ships. The ship on display is a reconstruction of an East Indiaman, one of the large wooden merchant vessels that carried goods, sailors, and soldiers between the Dutch Republic and Asia during the 1600s and 1700s.
A Short History of the Dutch East India Company (VOC)
The Dutch East India Company was founded in 1602 and became one of the most powerful trading companies in history, holding a monopoly on Dutch trade across Asia. Its ships, often built in the style of the Dutch East Indiaman Amsterdam, sailed to bring back spices, textiles, and other valuable goods in many locations.
Each voyage could take the better part of a year, and a maiden voyage often set the tone for a ship’s entire journey. The original VOC vessel the replica is based on was itself an East Indiaman Amsterdam that never completed its own journey, having wrecked off the English coast in 1749 on its way to the Dutch East Indies.
What were the primary trade routes for large Dutch merchant fleets in the 17th century?
The VOC Ships primarily sailed the route from the Netherlands around the Cape of Good Hope to Batavia (modern-day Jakarta), which served as the VOC’s main hub in Asia. From there, ships fanned out to trading posts across present-day Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Japan, and China, carrying spices, silk, and porcelain back to Europe on the return voyage.
What were the typical crew sizes and roles on long-distance merchant voyages centuries ago?
A large Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie, or VOC, ship typically carried from 100 to 150 people, including sailors, officers, soldiers, carpenters, surgeons, and other professional people, to make their journey successful. The roles of each person were strictly hierarchical.
Life of a sailor on a VOC ship
Life on board for the sailors was harsh; they had cramped sleeping quarters, salted food, limited fresh water, and long stretches without sight of land. They suffered from diseases like scurvy, diarrhea, musculoskeletal injuries, and viral infections on the ship. Scurvy was a constant danger and took the lives of many of the crews.
Visiting the National Maritime Museum and the VOC Ship
The VOC ship replica is docked in the historic Oosterdok harbor and behind the maritime museum. You can enter the museum; you’ll find navigational instruments, historic maps, ship models, and exhibits about the Netherlands’ maritime history.
I suggest visiting the National Maritime Museum and the VOC ship together. The best way to see the VOC ship is from a boat tour, where you can cruise around the ship and explore its exterior. You can also visit the museum to explore the indoor exhibits and enjoy the hands-on experience aboard the ship.
Are there any museums or historical sites showcasing full-scale replicas of 17th-century trading vessels?
Yes, several European maritime ships, like the Vasa Museum, the original salvaged royal warship; and the Peking in Germany, are restored historic ships, but Amsterdam’s VOC ship is different from any other ship. Visitors get hands-on experience with history and explore traditional shipbuilding techniques.
Where can I buy authentic VOC ship replicas?
You can find small-scale VOC ship replicas, model kits, VOC ship art, souvenirs and maritime gifts. Small-scale VOC ship model kits, finished replicas, and maritime gifts are available at museum gift stores. The museum shop is open from 10 to 17 from Monday to Sunday. My suggestion is to buy from the museum shops, but you can buy from online and gift shops for more unique varieties.
What to See on the VOC Ship
Towering Masts and Rigging
Ship’s Steering Wheel
Traditional Sailing Equipment
Captain’s Cabin
Crew Quarters
Gun Deck with Historic Cannons
Cargo Hold
Navigation Equipment, Compasses, and Maps
Video Room
Learn About Sailors’ Daily Life on Board
Experience Lying in the Hammocks
Explore the Lower Deck
Why The VOC Ship Amsterdam Is a Replica
The original 18th-century vessel was lost at sea long before museums existed to preserve it, so the VOC ship Amsterdam replica was built in the 1980s using historical records, shipbuilding techniques, and archaeological findings from similar wrecks.
Practical Information: How to Plan Your Visit
The VOC Ship and Maritime Museum is 3.6 km from the Amsterdam Centraal Station. So you can easily reach it on foot or by public transport. You can combine the visit with a canal cruise, and it is the popular way to explore. Locally, the museum and ship are sometimes referred to simply as the Schip Amsterdam. The VOC ship is one of the iconic places in Amsterdam and a popular spot for marriage proposals, weddings, and any other private tours.
The museum and library opening hours Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. They are closed only on King’s Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Admission tickets start at €8.50 and go up to €20 for adults. Buy Ticket online or you can buy from the entrace of the museum. You can visit two sports with a single ticket.
How to Get to the VOC Ship Amsterdam
When you book an Amsterdam canal cruise with the Boatboys Private Boat Tour, they take you to the most popular spots in Amsterdam including popular bridges, and the UNESCO canal belts. I recommend them because they offer an onboard guide who explains the history in multiple languages, welcome drinks, catering, and a fully private boat for groups of 2 to 12 people. My name is Anik Majumder, and I’m a travel writer with a focus on Amsterdam’s canals, cruises, museums, and cultural attractions. I have shared a detailed guide about the Amsterdam VOC ship.
In addition, If you are planning a full day in Amsterdam, I recommend exploring nearby attractions like museums, gardens, zoos, and historical landmarks that are within easy reach while enjoying the city from different perspectives on its waterways. A unique tour lets you see the VOC ship and nearby landmarks while enjoying unique experiences such as a private pizza cruise, wine tour, beer tour, high tea cruise, breakfast cruise, or brunch cruise.
Best Attractions Near the Amsterdam Maritime Museum
Museumhaven Amsterdam
ARCAM Architecture Centre Amsterdam
NEMO Science Museum
Dutch Resistance Museum Amsterdam
Bird Aviary ZOO
ARTIS ZOO
National Holocaust Museum
Hortus Botanicus Botanical garden
Jewish Museum
Royal Palace Amsterdam
Anne Frank House
Rembrandt House Museum
Moco Museum
Heineken Experience
Common Questions
What is the best time to visit the VOC?
The VOC is open every day, so you can visit at any time. However, the ideal time to visit Amsterdam is in the spring.
What caused the downfall of the VOC?
Debt, corruption, and war losses led to its collapse in 1799.
How many ships does VOC have?
The VOC built around 1,500 ships over its history
Does VOC still exist?
No, Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC) does not exist and the VOC was dissolved in 1799.