f you need medicine, toiletries, pain relief, sunscreen, travel products or personal care items during your cruise visit, there are several pharmacies (“Apotheek”) and drugstore chains (“Drogisterij”) near both the ocean cruise terminal at Wilhelminapier and the river cruise docks at De Boompjes.
In the Netherlands:
- Apotheek = pharmacy for prescription medicine and medical advice
- Drugstores such as Etos or Kruidvat sell non-prescription medicine, toiletries and travel essentials
Near Wilhelminapier (Ocean Cruise Terminal)
Pharmacies
- Mediq Apotheek Laan op Zuid
- Pharmacy Katendrecht
- Pharmacy Van der Laan
Drugstore Chains
Nearby visitors can also find:
- Etos
- Kruidvat
- Holland & Barrett
These stores are useful for:
- painkillers
- sunscreen
- toothpaste
- cosmetics
- vitamins
- snacks and drinks
Near De Boompjes (River Cruise Area)
River cruise passengers docking at De Boompjes are very close to central Rotterdam shopping streets and pharmacies.
Pharmacies
- Apotheek Westblaak
Drugstore Chains
Nearby visitors can find:
- Etos
- Kruidvat
- Holland & Barrett
within walking distance of:
- Markthal
- Blaak Station
- the city centre shopping streets
Supermarkets Also Sell Basic Medicines
An important difference in the Netherlands is that supermarkets often sell a limited range of basic non-prescription medicines.
Large supermarkets such as:
- Albert Heijn
- Jumbo
- Lidl
may carry:
- paracetamol
- ibuprofen
- throat lozenges
- allergy tablets
- cold remedies
- bandages and basic first aid products
This can be convenient for cruise passengers who quickly need simple travel essentials while exploring the city.
However:
- supermarkets do not provide pharmacy advice
- stronger medication is only available from pharmacies
- opening hours may vary on Sundays and evenings
Important Information About Dutch Pharmacies
In the Netherlands:
- many pharmacies close in the evening and on Sundays
- prescription medication may require a doctor’s prescription
- pharmacists usually speak English
For common travel needs, drugstores like Etos and Kruidvat are often enough.
Examples of products commonly available:
- pain relief medication
- allergy tablets
- cold medicine
- sunscreen
- personal hygiene products
- travel-size toiletries
Emergency Pharmacy (Night & Weekend Service)
If you urgently need medication outside normal opening hours, Rotterdam has emergency pharmacy services available during evenings, nights and weekends.
Cruise passengers can also:
- ask terminal staff for assistance
- contact their cruise ship medical centre
- request help from hotel reception staff
Helpful Tip for Cruise Visitors
If you take important prescription medication:
- carry enough medication for your trip
- keep medicine in original packaging
- bring a copy of your prescription if possible
Most cruise ships also have onboard medical facilities for basic care and emergencies.