When looking for river cruises, you may have noticed that most cruises are closely tied to the rivers they sail on, such as Danube or Rhine cruises. However, this is not the case with cruise ships in the Netherlands and Belgium, as they are often referred to as “Tulip River Cruise“.
The main reason is that, in addition to a short stretch of the Rhine, you will also be sailing on a network of smaller rivers, inland seas and canals, often referred to asDutch and Belgian waterways“.
Most people book a Tulip River cruise not for the waterways, but for the sights and historic cities along the way, such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Arnhem.
When to go?
What needs to be remembered is Tulip River Cruises are only available from March to May. As the name suggests, this coincides with tulip season in the Netherlands. The Netherlands is a riot of color in spring, with fields of bright tulips nestled between windmills and canals. This is a sight that everyone needs to see once in their lifetime and should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Nearly every onshore experience on offer will be tailored for you to make the most of this beautiful season in the Netherlands, including visits to the Amsterdam Flower Market and the unforgettable Keukenhof Gardens just outside Amsterdam. The gardens cover 32 acres and feature more than 7 million flowers. It is one of the largest gardens in Europe and is only open in spring.
Granted, the main reason to book a Tulip River Cruise is the tulips in bloom, but that doesn’t mean you won’t see anything but the flowers. We will also offer tours of other historical attractions, including walking tours and canal tours through Amsterdam, a visit to the famous windmills of Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and stopovers in Bruges and its historic center, as well as in Rotterdam, home to Europe’s largest seaport.
Here is a brief overview of Tulip River Cruise stopovers:
amsterdam
Amsterdam city center is not very big, so there is a lot to see and do in one day. One of our favorite things to do in Amsterdam is stroll, especially along the UNESCO-listed canal loop. Amsterdam is also famous for its museums. These include the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House.
Bruges
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage City, Bruges feels like something straight out of a fairy tale with its cobblestone alleys, charming squares, picturesque canals and beautiful architecture. The compact historic center is only four square kilometers, making it easy to visit Bruges’ main attractions, even if you only have a limited time in Bruges.
Antwerp
Antwerp is a lively port city in northern Belgium with a picturesque old town, grand architecture, an abundance of art, some of Belgium’s best shopping, and excellent cuisine.
Something not to miss on a Dutch and Belgian river cruise!
Windmills have been part of the Dutch landscape for centuries, and their sights are impressive. You may even have the opportunity to enter one of the historic buildings and learn how they were used to drain water from the nearby marshlands.
Art lovers will be in heaven when they see the works of some of history’s most famous painters displayed in the many museums and galleries along the waterway. From Rembrandt to Van Gogh, there’s no shortage of world-class art to admire.
Last but not least, there are tulips. No trip to the Netherlands is complete without seeing these iconic flowers in bloom. Whether you choose to walk through the tulip fields or just admire them from the comfort of your boat, you’re sure to be impressed.