The Amsterdam Seamen's House was founded in the year 1858. Strategically located at the Oosterdok where at that time the merchant ships were moored. For the sailors aboard the sailing and steam ships, this was an important event. If they left their ship after many months, sometimes even years, this was the place to be. During their leave - the period between ships - they could stay here. And one thing they knew for sure: the sailor's house was reliable! The bedrooms were sober and clean; the meals simple yet good. No wonder the striking house on Kadijksplein quickly gained popularity. Much better than the ordinary lodgings elsewhere in the center. After all, there the bosses were mainly concerned about the sailor's money and not so much about his well-being. That the services of the seamen's house increased was obvious. The sailor managed his money there, borrowed books and attended courses.
But times changed. So the ships disappeared from the city center. First to the artificial islands on the east side of Amsterdam and later to the west. Towards the sea, towards Ijmuiden. Naturally, the sailors' house moved with them. First to a location in the Coenhaven and in September 1995 to the Suezhaven in the western port area. A perfect location, right between the old and the new ports. Naturally, her services changed as well. Sleeping and extensive eating is no longer done in today's seamen's houses. Seamen now come mainly to relax. To get away from the hectic life on board. For that is what it is. Far from the city center, the ships are in port for shorter and shorter periods of time. Still, a phone call is enough. Within fifteen minutes, our van is on the spot. From the port or terminal, the sailors are transported free of charge to the sailors' house. There, a wide range of services is available to them. A cozy bar, a store with anything and everything, phone cards, a pool table, an atmospheric karaoke room and not to forget ... the wifi. After months at sea and isolation, contact with the home front is crucial. How are things at home. With wife and children. If everything turns out fine, the sailor beams. Oh well, that's why he does it, why he's on board, why he makes that sacrifice. To support his family, to give his children a good education. And not infrequently to give parents, a studying brother or sister, a helping hand.
It goes without saying that we in the sailors' home take our hat off to them. After all, without the sailors, everything stops. Thanks to them our stores and supermarkets are bulging, gas stations are full, lights are on in the house, music is heard, etc, etc, etc. That "Amsterdam" is aware of this is shown by the renovation in the spring of 2021. Everything has been renewed, everything has been made more sustainable. In short, we are ready. Ready for the future. Yet, one thing remained unchanged. Our essence, that which we are. A home away from home, a welcoming inn for every sailor.