This information is for all cruise passengers in Rotterdam, including riviercruises en large ocean‑going cruise ships.
🚨 Emergency Phone Number: 112
In the Netherlands, the emergency number is 112.
Call 112 immediately if there is:
- a medical emergency
- a fire or explosion
- serious danger
- an accident
- any situation where urgent help is needed
Emergency services speak Engels.
📱 Emergency Alerts on Your Phone (NL‑Alert)
While in Rotterdam, you may receive an NL‑Alert on your mobile phone.
What is NL‑Alert?
- An official emergency message from the Dutch government
- Sent automatically to phones in the affected area
- The message explains:
- what is happening
- where it is happening
- what you must do
The alert sound can be very loud.
➡️ Always read the message carefully and follow the instructions immediately.
🚢 For River Cruise Passengers
If you are on board
- Follow the captain’s and crew’s instructions at all times
- Do not leave the ship unless told to do so
- The crew works directly with local authorities
If you are ashore
- Follow the instructions in any NL‑Alert
- Follow directions from police, fire brigade, or city officials
- Call 112 if you are in danger
River cruise ships are located inside the city, so emergency services are nearby.
🛳️ For Ocean Cruise Passengers
Ocean cruise ships dock at the Cruise Terminal Rotterdam.
If you are on board
- Follow all ship announcements en crew instructions
- Go to your assigned muster station if instructed
- Do not leave the ship unless allowed
If you are ashore
- Treat an NL‑Alert as top priority
- Follow local emergency instructions
- In immediate danger, call 112
If needed, ship staff and local authorities will coordinate together.
🧭 If You Are Ashore in the City
In an emergency:
- Stay calm
- Read any NL‑Alert message fully
- Follow instructions such as:
- stay indoors
- avoid a specific area
- move to a safe location
Emergency information may also appear on screens in metro stations, trams, and public areas.
✅ Important Safety Tips
- Remember the emergency number: 112
- Keep your phone switched on
- Do not ignore emergency alerts
- Follow local authorities first
- Follow ship crew instructions
- Procedures may differ between riviercruises en oceaan cruises
🧾 Quick Summary
| Situation | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Immediate danger | Call 112 |
| NL‑Alert received | Read & follow instructions |
| On river cruise | Follow captain & crew |
| On ocean cruise | Follow ship announcements |
| Ashore | Follow local authorities |
Your safety is the priority.
Dutch emergency services are professional, experienced, and reliable.