Netherlands River Cruises

Adjacent to Germany and Belgium and right on the North Sea, the Netherlands provides a great window into the culture of northern Europe.

• 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. 

Why should I choose a river cruise?
River cruises are Europe's fastest growing travel trend, and it's not hard to figure out why. They are a great all-inclusive way to see all that a certain region of Europe has to offer. Unlike land-based tours that either only explore one or two cities around your hotel or require you to pack and unpack every day, cruises allow you to settle into your cabin at the beginning of the cruise and stay there until the end. Plus, cruises use the nights while you're sleeping or dining to cover the long distances, which means that you won't have to worry about wasting time on buses or trains and you can even see more destinations and visitor sites throughout the Netherlands and the surrounding countries.

What should I look for on a riverboat?
Riverboats are relatively new to the tour scene throughout Europe, so there aren't really any 5-star vessels yet. The main reason is the space constrictions of river vessels – they are specifically designed to navigate the rivers, which means they are smaller and usually have space for only one large dining area with a bar, a spacious panoramic sun deck, and comfortable cabins. Some of the more luxurious vessels do feature pools or Jacuzzis and perhaps even an exercise room. No matter which vessel you choose, we guarantee you will enjoy comfort, style, and a friendly captain & crew.

Should I get a room with a balcony?
You can but it's not necessary. Balcony rooms are generally considered the best of the cruise ships, but in the case of river cruises and smaller yachts, that's not always the case – while they do provide a nice quiet place to enjoy a cup of coffee or watch the sun set, they cost hundreds more, lose floorspace in the cabin, and pail in comparison to the tremendous views and social atmosphere provided by the sun deck. 

What is dining like?
Enjoy local cuisine prepared by expert chefs in the spacious dining rooms of your ship or river vessel.

Do Netherlands cruises ever visit destinations that aren't on the river or sea?
It's not uncommon to visit some sites in the Netherlands that aren't on the Rhine River or the coastal regions. While the major ports of all of the Netherlands cruises do host myriad activities to keep you busy and entertained, there are a few destinations on Holland cruises that are further from the water, which you will arrive to via luxury coach (already included in your ticket price).

Will my vessel have WiFi?
Not always. Some vessels do, some don't, but even those that do might not offer it for free and it might not be a consistent signal. You might be able to connect to WiFi hotspots in cities, but it's just as likely that you will spend several days without any connection at all.

What kind of power outlets are there? Will I need a converter?
Throughout Europe the electricity is 220v, whereas North America has 110v. While most devices can handle both voltages, you will need plug adapters to go from the standard two prong American plugs to either the three flat pronged British plugs or the standard two round prongs throughout Europe. Wrap tape around your adapters so that you don't forget them when you unplug your devices.

How can I save money on a river cruise?
Save money on a cruise by going through our promotions pages – either let us know which ones interest you or check back on the deals page for your destination periodically to find some of the best offers. Don't save money by getting a cheaper room because this can often negatively impact your experience. 

Are cruises in the Netherlands a good family vacation?
Absolutely! The Netherlands can be a fantastic family destination. Check out our family travel article for more information.

Do Americans and Canadians need a passport and visa to travel to the Netherlands?
All citizens of North America traveling to Europe need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months. In recent years, it has not been necessary to apply for a visa before traveling to Europe if you plan to stay less than three months, however, this situation may change in the future. See current travel requirements on the U.S. Department of State website.