river cruises holland

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Netherlands River Cruises

Find a River Cruise that explores Netherlands. There are 100 cruises to choose from, that range in length from 5 days up to 16 days. The most popular month for these cruises is April, which has the most tour departures. Considering other destinations? Check out all river cruises .

100 river cruises through Netherlands with 100 reviews

Dutch Delight (2024) (Amsterdam to Amsterdam, 2024)

Through authentic Holland (port-to-port cruise)

We loved this tour of Holland, and it was true to its name -- Authentic Holland. From the big cities of Amsterdam and Rotterdam, to the smaller towns of Gouda and Delft, and all the villages, canals, churches, windmills, historic buildings, and country-side sights in between, we could not have asked for a better up-close and authentic look at life in the Netherlands. The excursion to the Tulip Gardens was fantastic! The ship's crew and our tour guides were wonderful -- of the 96 passengers on board, our family of 6 and one other family of 4 were the only English-speaking guests. The crew and the guides went above and beyond to make sure that English communications were given "equal time", and it was very much appreciated. Even though we were in the definite minority (the majority being French) we never once felt uninformed or left out of the conversation or the activities. All in all, our tour experience was fantastic and immersive, and one we will never forget! We would suggest that more North Americans should discover for themselves what CroisiEurope has to offer!

• River Cruise

Landscapes of Holland Dutch Symphony Superior Deluxe

Landscapes of Holland Dutch Symphony Intermediate Deluxe

Holland & Belgium Tulip River Cruise (Amsterdam - Brussels - Amsterdam)

Well organized, very friendly and helpful. Good excursions and informative.

Summer in the north of the Netherlands

North Holland, Lake IJssel and Wadden Sea

Tulip Time Cruise 2024

The crew, ship and meals were all very good. There was an issue with the wording of one of the tours that I paid an additional amount for and I will take it up with Avalon. Also with the room description I paid extra for the wall to wall windows. It was useless to have done that. Most of the time we were right next to another boat, or to a wall and there was no way we would even keep the curtains opened.

Tulip Time Highlights 2024

Springtime in Holland (port-to-port cruise)

Professional, helpful staff, great food.

Tulip Time 2024 Start Amsterdam, End Amsterdam

Tulips & Windmills (2024) (Antwerp to Amsterdam, 2024)

Holland & Belgium in Bloom

Rhine City Experiences 2024

Tulip Serenade - AMADEUS Riva (Amsterdam - Amsterdam)

River cruises in netherlands reviews.

We had a wonderful time on this enjoyable cruise in The Netherlands. The itinerary was perfect for our family. The ship's crew were all fantastic: efficient, friendly, welcoming and helpful. And even the weather cooperated. My only (minor) concern was that the information about where and when we could board the ship was not particularly clear, especially as we were traveling independently i.e. we were not met on arrival and escorted to the boat). Fortunately, the public transportation systems in Netherlands are so efficient that this was not a big problem.

We had a great time but it rained every day and I very much wished I had roughy my winter coat!! The food was good but the portions were small. The room was small but comfortable. Many fellow travelers including myself wished for more to do on the ship. Maybe games to play, cards, etc.

A wonderful experience for our first cruise. The service personnel were first class. The tours were highly organized and loved the guides.

Regions in Netherlands

• North Holland (6)

Popular Cruise Ships

• Avalon Tranquility II from Avalon Waterways
• Avalon Imagery II from Avalon Waterways
• Avalon Panorama from Avalon Waterways
• DCS Amethyst Classic from DCS Touristik
• AMADEUS Riva from Lueftner Cruises
• AMADEUS Queen from Lueftner Cruises
• AMADEUS Imperial from Lueftner Cruises
• River Duchess from Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
• S.S. Victoria from Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
• River Princess from Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
• AmaCerto from AmaWaterways
• Avalon Passion from Avalon Waterways

Travel Styles

• 10 Best River Cruise Companies (with Reviews)
• Best 7 Day Netherlands Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

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Cruising the Dutch Waterways

• 2024 Classic

Accommodations

• Pricing & Availability
• Important Info

Uniquely Tauck

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Enjoy a Tauck Exclusive early opening visit to the open-air Zuiderzee Museum before it is open to the public; stroll back in time as you discover the cultural heritage and maritime history from the old Zuiderzee region dating back centuries

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Enjoy a private evening at the acclaimed Mauritshuis museum, where you will meet a museum official; view masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer (including his iconic Girl with a Pearl Earring ) and others; and have dinner with live music – for Tauck guests only

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Take a cruise on the IJsselmeer aboard a century-old sailboat

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

All gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director

Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $2,839

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

Moderately paced, and may include some early morning hotel departures, one or two on-tour flights, and extended motor coach travel.

Exclusively inclusive river cruising

Explore The Netherlands' inland waterways aboard a custom-designed Tauck riverboat for a unique view of the Dutch cultural landscape on this 8-day, 7-night river cruise that begins and ends in historic Amsterdam.

Private opening at mauritshuis, exclusive experience at the mauritshuis museum in the hague.

You're the guest of honor for a Tauck Exclusive dinner at the acclaimed Mauritshuis museum in Den Haag (The Hague), housed in a restored 17th-century mansion where a world-class collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings includes masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer, including the iconic Girl with a Pearl Earring. Enjoy a personal welcome from a museum official who shares insights about the art you will see here, and dine to live music performed by students from the Royal Conservatory of the Hague.

Life on the Waterways

Dutch culture along the netherlands' inland waterways.

Much of The Netherlands was under water during medieval times; more than half the country has been reclaimed from the sea since then, and is maintained by a drainage system of windmills, dykes, dams and canals. Amsterdam, founded as a small fishing village on the mouth of the Amstel River, grew to become the trading center of a massive empire in the 17th century, evidence of which is seen today in its gabled mansions and inspired architecture along its canals. And pretty Enkhuizen is laced with canals and vestiges of its maritime roots, proudly recreated in the Zuiderzee Museum, whose historic structures and open-air exhibits showcase life in a Dutch fishing village from the 1880s to the 1930s.

Visit the Royal Delft Factory

Inside delft blue at the royal delft experience.

Founded in 1653, Royal Delft (Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles, or "The Porcelain Jar") is the only remaining factory of some 32 earthenware factories established in Delft during the 17th century that still produces iconic blue-and-white, hand-painted Delft Blue pottery according to centuries-old tradition. On your visit to the Royal Delft Experience, you'll tour the factory where craftsmen are busy producing the pottery; observe the painters' skill and passion during a painting demonstration; view the Delftware on display at the Royal Delft museum; and enjoy afternoon tea.

Early opening visit to the Zuiderzee Museum

Stories of a bygone maritime culture at the zuiderzee museum.

The Zuiderzee Museum in Enkhuizen brings to life stories of the people who once lived and worked on the shores of the Zuiderzee – The Netherlands' former saltwater "Southern Sea," which was turned into the present-day freshwater lake known as the IJsselmeer by the completion of the Afsluitdijk (the great IJsselmeer Barrier Dam) in 1932. Through both the open-air Outdoor Museum – a living history village of its own with costumed interpreters and over 140 authentic historic buildings from the former Zuiderzee region – and the Indoor Museum's treasure-filled exhibits on the art, culture and heritage of the region, you'll step back in time to see, hear, feel, taste and smell everyday life on the Zuiderzee between the 1880s and 1930. With Tauck, you'll enjoy an early-opening visit to this extraordinary institution.

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Where you stay is an important part of your journey – with Tauck, accommodations have been handpicked and carefully selected for their location and ambiance, enhancing the destinations you explore. Download accommodation details and your travel plans begin!

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Ship Specifications

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Diamond Deck

(Note: All Category 7 cabins are three-guest capacity suites with a pull-out couch)

Emerald Deck

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About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally , you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into the Netherlands. You are not required to obtain a visa to enter either country for the short duration of this tour.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally , you should contact an embassy or consulate of the Netherlands to determine what travel documentation is required.

International maritime security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to us prior to your embarkation. You need to provide this information to us as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied. Once you board the riverboat, your passport will be held by the purser temporarily to make copies.

Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $900 per person

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  60  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Cruise Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection

Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. It must be purchased within 10 days of your initial deposit. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON and Tauck will  reduce the regular cancellation fees outlined herein, provided we are notified of cancellation before your cruise departs. Certain terms and restrictions apply (see below*).

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.  Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  Should you cancel for covered reasons, the plan reimburses cancellation fees imposed, up to your total trip cost. 
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection is:   $799   per person

This plan provides cancellation coverage for your trip and other insurance coverages that apply only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Cruise and Event Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included in initial payment. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your reservation. Cruise and Event Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACCREINTL

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit

Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees.

If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit

Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply for this tour.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan:

120 days or more before departure: Loss of cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection fee per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 25% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person 59 – 1 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan: 120 days or more before departure: $900 per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person 59 - 1 days before departure: Loss of 100% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

Tour Interruption Fees

If you have to interrupt your tour en route, you may be entitled to a refund for the unused land portion if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less a fee of $40 per person per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses.

Partial Room Cancellation

A person who cancels or leaves a tour while a roommate remains constitutes a cancellation of one type of accommodation and rebooking of another type of accommodation. The price charged to the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation and transfer terms outlined herein. Note: All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Your riverboat is registered in Basel, Switzerland. Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

The water on board the ship is potable, and complimentary bottled water is placed in your cabin each day. We also provide bottled water on the motor coaches.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

VACCINATIONS

If you are a resident of the U.S. , no vaccinations are currently required for travel to the Netherlands. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia by clicking here .

If you are a resident of another country , please contact an embassy or consulate of The Netherlands to determine whether vaccinations are required for your travel.

While a cruise in the Netherlands is very relaxing and the pace leisurely, to enjoy this cruise, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. There is a moderate to significant amount of walking during our excursions, often along cobblestone streets. For the most part, however, the amount of walking you do is at your discretion.

Your riverboat has four decks: Sun, Diamond, Ruby and Emerald. On the ms Treasures and ms Esprit, the elevator accesses the Diamond Deck, Ruby Deck, and Diamond Deck, but not the Sun Deck or Emerald Deck. 

Because you will be cruising on a river and not on the open sea, you are never far from land and, therefore, there is no doctor on board. In case of emergency, we can easily dock the boat and call for an ambulance or medical assistance.

PLEASE NOTE:  We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters.  Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs.  The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest.  Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate service animals on any river cruise for medical and legal reasons.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

On board the riverboat, smoking is permitted in a limited area of the Sun deck. Smoking (including e-Cigarettes) is not permitted in any cabin, the restaurant, the lounge or any other interior space.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here.

The climate in the Netherlands is temperate. From May through August, the average high temperatures increase as you travel south along the rivers with an average high temperatures of 63 to 71 °F (17 to 22 °C) in Amsterdam and average low temperatures from 45 to 53 °F (7 to 12 °C). Rainfall amounts are moderate in this region and remain constant throughout the year, although late spring and early summer are generally the wetter seasons of the year. To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov , by clicking here.

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is flexible and allows for layering. Casual, cotton clothing is recommended. Lightweight jackets and sweaters are recommended during springtime when daily high temperatures are still about 60 °F (16 °C). Evenings are very cool as the temperatures fall into the 30's and 40's °F overnight (single digits in Celsius). Pack comfortable yet sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in, as many of the sites visited were built centuries ago and have uneven surfaces, some steep inclines and many steps.

During evenings aboard the riverboat, dress is resort casual.  Items such as slacks and collared shirts are appropriate for men.  For women, slacks, a dress or a skirt and blouse are suitable.  For dinner and throughout the evening, guests should refrain from wearing shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops or sneakers.  Your journey also includes one or two special occasion meals, where a sport coat and tie for gentlemen and a dress/pantsuit for ladies are suggested.  (Your Tauck Director will advise you prior to those evenings.)

Bathrobes, slippers and hairdryers are provided in each cabin.

Valet laundry service is available on the riverboat for a fee. There is no valet dry cleaning available on the riverboat. Ironing facilities on the riverboat are available by request to the front desk. Category 7 cabins feature their own irons and ironing boards.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed. No medications are sold on board the riverboat.

We suggest that you pack the following items for your cruise on the waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium: 

• Flat, rubber-soled walking shoes for shipboard
• Sturdy but comfortable walking shoes that have already been broken-in for onshore
• Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
• An optional jacket and tie for men
• Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm functions (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Reusable zipper-lock bags or other waterproof bags
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your ship cabin while traveling

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• The majority of our cruises depart from the country's capital, Amsterdam . This bustling city will acquaint you with the unique Dutch art, with a mix of museums and centuries-old architecture, reminiscent of the Golden Age of the 17th century.
• Departing from Amsterdam, your cruise will take you to various cities around the country, like Hoorn, Enkhuizen, & Lemmer. Each one is home to a number of museums where Holland's history and culture is proudly displayed. One museum you might visit is the Dutch Cheese Museum. Later on, your cruise will take you to the Zuiderzee Museum or the D.F. Wouda Steam Pumping Station. 
• Many cruises will also visit the cities of  Utrecht and Nijmegen too.
• If your cruise departs from nearby Rotterdam , then you will head down the Rhine River into neighboring countries, like Switzerland , Germany , Belgium , and Austria , just to name a few. 

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Before ending its journey in the North Sea, the Rhine makes its way through much of Holland and Belgium by way of the Holland and Belgium river cruises shared waterways. A cruise along these idyllic rivers offers a great opportunity to experience some of the Netherlands’ most celebrated cities, engage national heritage, and reward natural beauty. A Holland River cruise is the perfect mini river cruise destination.

From the world-famous tourist favourite, Amsterdam, and the bustling contemporary port of Rotterdam to smaller settlements rich in Dutch history like Hoorn and Arnhem, river cruises in Holland are a thoroughly rewarding way to experience what this picturesque country has to offer. Make sure to book your 2024 river cruise through the Netherlands today. 

River Cruise In Holland Destinations

Holland river cruises take you along the iconic Rhine and discover all that the Netherlands has to offer, with beautiful scenery and amazing cities to explore in Europe's flattest country that offers an experience that is unlike any other. 

Explore Amsterdam

One of the world's most iconic cities, an Amsterdam river cruise is the perfect way to experience a city unlike any other. Most river cruises in Holland are round-trips from its most famous city, Amsterdam. Key attractions here include the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the city’s utterly charming canal network. Indeed, transferring to a smaller boat for the day is an excellent way to soak up the atmosphere of the city as you tour it by waterway and take in the sights. 

One very popular excursion while you’re docked in Amsterdam, is a trip to Keukenhof Gardens, which is the world’s second largest flower garden. It will come as no surprise that there are tulips galore here, and the best time to view them is during the spring. Take in Amsterdam the right way aboard an all inclusive river cruise . 

Explore Rotterdam

The world’s second largest port obviously has a rich maritime pedigree, but as much of it has been rebuilt following the Second World War, it’s quite the architectural pioneer too, and a city tour will reveal such memorable sights as the Central Station, Erasmus Bridge, and the Euromast Tower. 

If your river cruise ship stops at Rotterdam, it’s likely you’ll also spend part of the day visiting the Delta Works. This ingenious feat of engineering is what keeps the notoriously low-lying Netherlands flood-free and allows the waterways to function as a key trade and tourist route. Book your river cruise for 2025 and experience Rotterdam and all it has to offer.

Explore Hoorn

Another port with a rich maritime heritage, Hoorn is a quaint shopping village with begging-to-be-explored cobblestone streets that reveal traditional trades being plied and a host of characteristic buildings. This is the place to pick up some of that famous Dutch cheese on the historic town square, and the bread is pretty special here, too.

Explore Arnhem

Arnhem’s star attractions are the Netherlands Open-Air Museum and National Heritage Museum, which offers a complete look at Dutch life, but there are often excursions from it to Apeldoorn, where you’ll find the baroque wonder that is Het Loo Palace. Once the Dutch royal family’s summer residence, it’s now open to the public and offers a fascinating look at the life they led, with a wealth of lavishly furnished rooms to explore.

Take advantage of our amazing European river cruise deals and get a great deal on your Holland river cruise holiday.

Explore Kinderdijk

This is the Dutch windmills experience you’ve been waiting for, as this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a number of fully working structures and makes for a truly absorbing day out. During your visit, you’ll be able to tour one of the windmills to find out exactly how it works and how its fellow structures helped to control flooding in the area.

It’s also the perfect place for some golden photo opportunities if you want to capture an image or two of Holland at its most traditional. When you book a Europe river cruise , you get to experience villages like Kinderdijk that you otherwise may have never seen.

Get In Touch

If you are looking for a Holland river cruise and need some help with your booking or just need some travel advice , then be sure to get in touch with us and call our freephone service at 0800 1970854 or email us at [email protected] , and one of our friendly and helpful staff will be on hand to assist you with any queries. 

Holland Ports

Willemstad, an enchanting Dutch town with a rich maritime...

Zaandam, famous for its iconic windmills, colourful woode...

Amsterdam combines the unrivaled beauty of the 17th-century...

Utrecht is a city in the Netherlands, known for its medie...

Fort Bay, Saba Island

Schoonhoven.

Maastricht is a Dutch city with an allure that extends be...

Hoorn was once a vital centre for trade and shipping duri...

Scheveningen

North Holland’s ‘Gate to the North Sea’, IJmuiden has four h...

Rotterdam is a city that's a long way removed from most peop...

Situated in the province of Zeeland, in the Netherlands,...

Keukenhof Gardens, Lisse

Nijmegen, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, bo...

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Willemstad, an enchanting Dutch town with a rich maritime heritage, is located in the South-West of the Netherlands. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Willemstad boasts captivating pastel-coloured buildings showcasing a unique Dutch colonial style. Alongside its stunning beauty, Willemstad is also renowned for its 17th-century fortifications such as the incredible Fort Amsterdam. 

Zaandam, famous for its iconic windmills, colourful wooden houses and charming canals, is a postcard-worthy town located just north of Amsterdam. With a blend of old-world charm and contemporary allure, Zaandam tells a story of Dutch heritage and tradition complemented by modern amenities, including shopping venues, cultural hotspots and culinary variety. 

Amsterdam combines the unrivaled beauty of the 17th-century Golden Age city center with plenty of museums and art of the highest order, not to mention a remarkably laid-back atmosphere. It all comes together to make this one of the world's most appealing and offbeat metropolises in the world. Built on a latticework of concentric canals like an aquatic rainbow, Amsterdam is known as the City of Canals—but it's no Venice, content to live on moonlight serenades and former glory. Quite the contrary: on nearly every street here you'll find old and new side by side—quiet corners where time seems to be holding its breath next to streets like neon-lit Kalverstraat, and Red Light ladies strutting by the city's oldest church. Indeed, Amsterdam has as many lovely facets as a 40-carat diamond polished by one of the city's gem cutters. It's certainly a metropolis, but a rather small and very accessible one. Locals tend to refer to it as a big village, albeit one that happens to pack the cultural wallop of a major world destination. There are scores of concerts every day, numerous museums, summertime festivals, and, of course, a legendary year-round party scene. It's pretty much impossible to resist Amsterdam's charms. With 7,000 registered monuments, most of which began as the residences and warehouses of humble merchants, set on 160 man-made canals, and traversed by 1,500 or so bridges, Amsterdam has the largest historical inner city in Europe. Its famous circle of waterways, the grachtengordel, was a 17th-century urban expansion plan for the rich and is a lasting testament to the city’s Golden Age. This town is endearing because of its kinder, gentler nature—but a reputation for championing sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll does not alone account for Amsterdam's being one of the most popular destinations in Europe: consider that within a single square mile the city harbors some of the greatest achievements in Western art, from Rembrandt to Van Gogh. Not to mention that this is one of Europe's great walking cities, with so many of its treasures in the untouted details: tiny alleyways barely visible on the map, hidden garden courtyards, shop windows, floating houseboats, hidden hofjes(courtyards with almshouses), sudden vistas of church spires, and gabled roofs that look like so many unframed paintings. And don’t forget that the joy lies in details: elaborate gables and witty gable stones denoting the trade of a previous owner. Keep in mind that those XXX symbols you see all over town are not a mark of the city's triple-X reputation. They're part of Amsterdam's official coat of arms—three St. Andrew's crosses, believed to represent the three dangers that have traditionally plagued the city: flood, fire, and pestilence. The coat's motto ("Valiant, determined, compassionate") was introduced in 1947 by Queen Wilhelmina in remembrance of the 1941 February Strike in Amsterdam—the first time in Europe that non-Jewish people protested against the persecution of Jews by the Nazi regime.

Utrecht is a city in the Netherlands, known for its medieval center. It has tree-lined canals, Christian monuments and a venerable university. The iconic Domtoren, a 14th-century bell tower with city views, stands opposite the Gothic Cathedral of St. Martin on central Domplein square. The Museum Catharijneconvent shows religious art and artifacts in a former monastery.

Maastricht is a Dutch city with an allure that extends beyond its landmarks, renowned for cobblestone streets, medieval era churches and vibrant cuisine. Boasting a rich tapestry of architectural marvels spanning several centuries, such as the Saint Servatius Bridge, Maastricht exudes a blend of history, culture and modernity.

Hoorn was once a vital centre for trade and shipping during the Dutch Golden Age, thanks to its location on the shores of the IJsselmeer. A picturesque town with a rich maritime history, Hoorn's beautifully well-preserved architecture, including the imposing Hoofdtoren (Main Tower), reflect the town's cultural tapestry and the prosperity of the era. Visitors are invited to meander the cobblestone streets, take in the scenic harbour and take a trip to the Westfries Museum, immersing themselves in Hoorn's maritime history and old-world character.

North Holland’s ‘Gate to the North Sea’, IJmuiden has four harbours: the Vissershaven, Haringhaven, IJmondhaven and the Seaport Marina - the latter used by pleasure craft. It is the largest Dutch fishing port, but is a relatively young town: it grew up in the 1870s when the North Sea Canal was opened. During World War II, the German Navy demolished much of the town and built huge fortified concrete bunkers for their torpedo boats and submarines. After 1945, the town was rebuilt by the architect Willem Marinus Dudok. He designed IJmuiden’s most impressive building, the Stadhuis van Velsen, which houses local government offices. For cruise passengers IJmuiden is the gateway to Amsterdam, the Dutch capital and one of Europe’s truly great cities, where elegant canals are lined by old brick gabled houses, and superb art galleries and museums are home to some of the world’s best-known paintings. Please note that complimentary shuttle buses operate from the port to the centre of IJmuiden, not to Amsterdam.

Rotterdam is a city that's a long way removed from most people's stereotypical notion of the Netherlands. There are few, if any, canals to be found here nor are there any quaint windmills. There is, however, a thriving modern city which is one of the busiest ports in the entire world.

Situated in the province of Zeeland, in the Netherlands, Middleburg is a city famed for historic charm and maritime heritage. The captivating city centre is adorned with well-preserved medieval buildings, paved with cobblestone and home to notable landmarks such as the imposing abbey complex of Lange Jan (Long John) and the impressive Town Hall. Thanks to a rich history combined with cultural attractions, Middleburg delightfully blends Dutch tradition with scenic beauty.

Nijmegen, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, boasts a rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, adorned with Roman ruins such as Valkhof Park, offering a glimpse into the city's ancient past. The bustling city centre is populated by quaint cafes, boutique shops and lively squares that burst with activity year-round. 

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River Cruises in The Netherlands

Literally meaning 'The Low Countries,' almost half of the Netherlands once lay underwater. On the delta of three major rivers - the Rhine, Maas, and Scheldt - the country owes its existence to the conquest of water through astonishing feats of hydraulic engineering. From the 16th century, windmills were used not just to keep the land dry but also to drain entire inland lakes.

With around half of the country still at or below sea level, the fertile, pancake-flat stretches of land known as polders are bisected by a network of drainage ditches and canals which control the water table beneath huge open skies – while miles of protective dunes protect the long coastline to the west and north. But the Netherlands is just as remarkable in many other ways. One of the most urbanized and densely populated nations on earth, almost 17 million people (on average the tallest in the world) live in an area little more than half the size of Scotland. The towns and villages of the country's twelve provinces are often picture-perfect places of gabled townhouses, pretty canals, and church spires - each one often a profoundly separate place with its own distinct identity.

There’s perhaps nowhere else in the world where you can hear so many different accents, even dialects, in such a small area. In spring and summer, the world-famous bulbfields turn into huge, bold vistas of color. Originating not from the Netherlands but Turkey, tulips continue to grow extremely well on Dutch soil and have almost become part of the national identity.

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Holland holidays on Cruiser boat, Penichette boat or ship

View the guide to boating and Penichette boat holidays in Holland . Check out river cruises around Holland from Europe's leading operators or a luxury hotel barge cruise on the Dutch canals.

Cruiser Boat Holidays in Holland

Explore the Dutch canals from our two cruiser boat bases. Select from over 200 hire boats sleeping from 2-12 people and choose level of luxury and steering position. Many different routes are possible, each reflecting the boating flavour of Holland. Perhaps visit Amsterdam by boat. See the cruiser boat holiday guide to Holland

Penichette Boat Holidays in Holland

Cruise to Amsterdam from our boat holiday base on a choice of 2-12 berth Penichette hire boats. You can cruise into North Holland to Edam of cheese fame or south to Utrecht. Travel on a variety of scenic canals and lakes, passing windmills and villages and through lift bridges. See the Penichette boat holiday guide to Holland

River Cruise Holidays in Holland

The Dutch waterways offer many routes for the river cruise ships with around 150-passenger. Travel the Rhine from Amsterdam to Strasbourg and Switzerland or perhaps take the River Moselle thtrough wine country to Luxembourg. More about Dutch river cruise holidays See also Hotel Barge holidays in Holland

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New Holland and Belgium River Cruises Coming to Adventures by Disney in 2025

With new river cruise itineraries and opportunities to discover the sights and experiences of Holland and Belgium, Adventures by Disney is bringing even more to explore.

If you’ve been wondering which Adventures by Disney itinerary is the best for you, good news: Even more choices are coming in 2025! Starting in 2025, Adventures by Disney will introduce two new itineraries traveling to Holland and Belgium. These river cruise trips will allow guests to immerse themselves in Dutch culture, history, and more –– and yes, there will be a chance to experience the legendary tulip season!

Both of the new river cruise itineraries traveling to Holland and Belgium will feature visits to historic landmarks, hands-on activities for the entire family, and iconic destinations that highlight those 18th-century windmills, canals, neighborhoods, art, and architecture. 

Plus, for those who want to see the famed tulips of Holland and Belgium, the spring tulip sailing will highlight both countries’ world-renowned florals. There will be stops at breathtaking tulip gardens and even a tulip farm!

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Wdw magazine annual digital subscription, wdw magazine monthly digital subscription, what’s in store on the new adventures by disney holland and belgium river cruises.

The two new Holland and Belgium river cruises that’ll be introduced as Adventures by Disney itineraries in 2025 will be 8-day, 7-night voyages. Each cruise will be operated in collaboration with AmaWaterways and led by Disney-trained Adventure Guides who take care of every detail along the way. Plus, your Adventure Guides will bring each destination you visit to life with masterful storytelling.

Once you board the ship for your river cruise, you’ll have all meals and activities provided. You can choose to join group activities or enjoy some on-your-own time to create a totally customized adventure. And if you’re setting sail with kids (or Junior Adventurers) you can also choose to spend time together on an Adventure Guide-led activity.

Guests on an Adventures by Disney River Cruise through Holland and Belgium will discover Amsterdam’s history and architecture with a canal cruise throughout the city aboard a glass-roofed boat. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

While each of the two Holland and Belgium river cruise itineraries will differ depending on which specific trip you book, both itineraries will:

• Start and end in Amsterdam
• Visit the windmills at Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Tour charming cities and castles
• Bike along picturesque pathways
• Learn about the Royal Delft and the pottery and craftsmanship (including an activity that’ll leave guests with a memento)
• Offer a smartphone photography workshop
• Take a canal cruise
• Visit the residence and workshop of Plantin and Moretus publishing, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• See the art and stained glass windows at Antwerp’s Cathedral of Our Lady
• Enjoy chocolate, cheese, waffles, and beer tastings

How to Book an Adventures by Disney Holland and Belgium River Cruise

The new Holland Belgium river cruise itineraries that’ll be introduced in 2025 are just two of the exciting adventures offered by Adventures by Disney. There’s a whole host of other options, too, including cruises on Small Ship Adventures that sail the Danube, Seine, and Rhine Rivers or cruise to the Galapagos or Adriatic Sea. 

All bookings for Small Ship Adventures –– including River Cruises and Expedition Cruises –– will open to the public on Friday, January 19, 2024. 

Adventures by Disney guests on the Holland and Belgium River Cruise will become immersed in Dutch culture, history and old-world charm in a visit to Amsterdam. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) ©Disney

If you’re an Adventure Insider, Disney Vacation Club Member, Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club Member, or Golden Oak Resident, you’ll have access to the following earlier booking windows:

• January 16, 2024: Adventure Insiders with 3+ previous Adventures
• January 17, 2024: All Adventure Insiders
• January 18, 2024: Disney Vacation Club Members, Disney Cruise Line Gold & Platinum Castaway Members, Golden Oak Residents

Save on a 2025 Adventures by Disney River Cruise

You can save money if you book your 2025 Adventures by Disney trips now! Savings are available on both Expedition Cruises and River Cruises –– but only if you book before April 15, 2024 . 

If you book a 2025 cruise now, you can save as much as $500 per person on select departures:

• Save $750 per person on select Galapagos Islands and Adriatic Expedition Cruise departures
• Save $500 per person on select Galapagos Islands Expedition Cruise, Holland and Belgium, Danube, Rhine, or Seine River Cruise departures

To learn more about taking advantage of the latest Adventures by Disney offers and savings, the experts at Destinations to Travel can help! Fill out the form below to get their free help in researching, planning, and booking your Adventures by Disney vacation:

The post New Holland and Belgium River Cruises Coming to Adventures by Disney in 2025 appeared first on WDW Magazine .

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Amazon River Cruise: Memorable Journey

The Amazon is a river, and a region, of superlatives. It's the world's largest river when measured by volume. With 209,000 cubic meters (55 million gallons) of water flowing into the Pacific each second, it's five times the size of the Congo, the next largest river. The basin it drains is some 7 million square kilometers (2.7 million square miles), making it the largest drainage basin in the world. (By comparison, the contiguous United States is roughly 8 million square kilometers, or 3.1 million square miles.) What most impresses visitors to the Amazon, however, is rarely these numbers. Instead it's the area's cultural and natural riches and the experience of seeing the rain forest extend in every direction. 

As you travel along the length of the Amazon, you'll call at villages that are not just geographically remote, but are far from contemporary culture as well. Some 400 indigenous peoples live in the Amazon, as they have for centuries. On the same journey, you can visit the 19th-century opera house at Manaus and the colonial-era churches in Santarém, Macapá and other cities. Biologically the basin is home to some 10 percent of all the world's known animal and plant species. From jaguars to macaws and pink dolphins to glass frogs, the Amazon is an area of astounding and unique biodiversity.

See inside a new ultra-luxury river cruise line that's charging up to $59,520 per person

• Newcomer Riverside Luxury Cruises wants to break into the growing river cruise market.
• The ultra-luxury cruise line  operates former Crystal ships in popular European rivers like the Danube.
• Riverside's 2024 cruises start at $1,055 per person for four days.

A new ultra-luxury cruise line wants to be the swankiest travel-by-river vacation option.

To do so, it's enticing cruisers with truffle-infused butter, $320-per-person dinners, and butlers that can be beckoned with a simple WhatsApp message.

Affluent travelers , meet Riverside Luxury Cruises.

The budding company first set sail in March 2023. With a year of service under its belt, its three ships are now sailing some of Europe's most popular rivers — starting at more than $260 per person per day.

Riverside is operated by Seaside Collection, a European hotelier.

The firm had its sights set on a river cruise venture since 2018, Jen Halboth, CEO of Riverside Luxury Cruises, told Business Insider.

Ironically, COVID-19 was the reason it got into the business.

Crystal Cruises declared bankruptcy in early 2022 amid the pandemic. Shortly after, Seaside purchased and updated five of the then-defunct cruise line's ships.

Three of these vessels now make up Riverside's fleet. The other two are being leased to competitor Uniworld River Cruises.

River cruising has become increasingly popular as wealthy travelers gravitate to ultra-luxury small-ship vacations.

River cruise ships are much smaller than their behemoth ocean-based counterparts, allowing Riverside to sail in waterways like Europe's Rhine, Rhone, Danube, Main, Moselle, and Saône rivers.

Along the way, guests can explore destinations many giant ships can't easily access — like Budapest, Hungary; Frankfurt, Germany; and Amsterdam — sometimes visiting more than one port in a day.

One of Riverside's shortest and cheapest 2024 voyages starts at $1,055 per person for a four-day Danube River cruise from Passau, Germany, to Vienna.

Alcohol and excursion packages can tack on an extra $75 to $175 per person per night.

Looking to ball out? The most expensive and longest itinerary is $59,521 per person for a three-river, 22-day cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest, Hungary, in the most expensive suite with the most inclusive package.

To compare, the cheapest 2024 voyage with all-inclusive luxury competitor Uniworld River Cruises starts at $2,000 per person for an eight-day Danube River sailing.

River cruisers tend to be over the age of 55.

But the new company is targeting guests 45 years old and older, specifically those who frequent luxury vacations but have yet to try a river cruise.

"New luxury travelers want to be pampered, get off and have an adventure, and come back and be taken care of," the cruise line's CEO said.

"Pampering” they will get.

Of Riverside's three ships, the 394-foot-long, 74-foot-wide Mozart can accommodate the most guests — up to 162, not including the 82 crew.

Yes, it's larger than Uniworld's ships, which range from 32 to 159 guests. But it's also significantly smaller than Royal Caribbean's new 9,950-person Icon of the Seas ocean vessel.

Like most cruise liners, Riverside's three ships have spas, buffets, and plush lounges and bars.

During the day, travelers can enjoy lunch at the open-air grill and relax to live music courtesy of Steinway and Bösendorfer pianos, no less.

At night, they can dine on a seven-course meal at the 295 euros ($320) per-person Vintage Room.

Riverside’s ships have up to 5 restaurants. Vintage Room is the only specialty option.

The cost to dine includes a wine pairing and plates like veal with truffle and chanterelle mushrooms and "surf and turf" with beef sirloin and scallops.

But don't expect a lackluster, rushed meal at the other complimentary options: "This is not a churn-and-burn," the company's CEO said of the ships' Waterside restaurants. "You come in for fine dining."

Infused, whipped butter is apparently one of Riverside's hottest commodities.

Sometimes, it has chiles. Other times, it's infused with citrus. If you're lucky, you'll get one with truffles.

"People were raving about our butter," Halboth said. "Everyone's waiting to see what butter they'll get at dinner each night."

Need to sleep off all that dairy? You're in luck. Every cabin has a king bed.

Riverside's suites range from 194 to 883 square-feet. These high-end cabins include butler service, stocked mini-bars, and espresso machines.

Some suites also have double-sink vanities and walk-in closets, a hallmark of an ultra-luxury cruise vessel .

Does Riverside’s more than $260 per person, per day fare seem reasonable now?

If yes, book soon. It'll only get more expensive from here.

These fares don't offset the amount Riverside is spending on amenities like the upscale food, according to Halboth. To make up for these expenditures, the cruise line plans to raise its prices gradually over the next two years.

The company's CEO said bookings have been 'a little lighter' since the start of 2024.

But the back half of the year is "filling up" thanks to Americans: About 70 to 80% of its guests are from North America, the company said.

Riverside will operate its Mozart, Ravel, and Debussy ships for three years as it 'hones the brand,' Halboth said.

The cruise line's two additional vessels would join its fleet in the next few years.

Given the growing popularity of river cruises , it's a good time for companies like Riverside to start expanding.

However, it could face plenty of incoming competition.

Jamie Loizou, the UK managing director of luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways, is forecasting 2024 as a "pivotal" year for the river cruise industry, noting that 15 new river-based vessels are expected to launch this year, Cruise Critic reported .

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More features, services and excursions included.

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

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Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

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Your Stateroom Includes:

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Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

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• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

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If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

• 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

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