This 8-day cruise starts and ends in Amsterdam, sailing through the scenic waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium. You’ll visit picturesque villages, historic cities like Ghent, Bruges, and Antwerp, and iconic sights such as Kinderdijk’s windmills and Dutch tulip fields. The journey combines relaxed cruising with cultural excursions, local food experiences, and charming canal-side landscapes.
Netherlands, Belgium
Begin your journey in Amsterdam, where you will board your luxury ship and set sail along Dutch waterways. There, you’ll glide past Amsterdam’s historic harbor and canals.
Embarkation.
• Free Time
Venture into the heart of the Dutch countryside, where canals, bridges, and thatched-roof homes transport you straight into a fairytale. Traverse through the serene countryside by bike, or wander Flevoland’s vibrant tulip fields, delighting in the timeless vistas of The Netherlands’ floral-filled landscape.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise
The IJsselmeer Scenic Cruising
Giethoorn Tour
Flevoland Tulips and Bulb Fields
Kampen Bike Tour
Let the Delta’s serene waterways lead you to Zierikzee, where history, harbors, and quaint cafés await. Explore the marvels of the Delta Works at Neeltje Jans, or pedal through the picturesque streets of Bruinisse, enjoying the region’s scenic beauty and storied history.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:
Scenic Cruising
Zierikzee City Tour
Delta Works and Neeltje Jans
Bike Tour
Explore Ghent’s medieval heart, where canals shimmer beneath castle towers and St. Bavo’s Cathedral. Savor chocolate at a local shop, crafting your own pralines under the guidance of a master chocolatier, or spend the day wandering Bruges’ cobblestone streets, Grote Markt, and the Church of Our Lady, tasting local delights and soaking in the city’s timeless charm.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:
Ghent Walking Tour with Adoration of the Mystic Lamb
Chocolate Workshop
Full Day Bruges Excursion with Cathedral of Our Lady
Stroll through Antwerp’s vibrant streets, from the historic Steen Castle and Brabo Fountain to the UNESCO-protected Cathedral of Our Lady, or explore the city on a guided bike tour. Later in the day, indulge in the city’s flavors on a culinary tour of chocolate, waffles, and beer, or wander the Floralia spring flower show, where a million hand-planted bulbs create a breathtaking tapestry of color.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:
Walking Tour and Cathedral Visit
Antwerp Bike Tour
Floralia Flower Show
Belgian Chocolate, Beer and Waffle Tasting
Wander through Kinderdijk’s iconic windmills, where 18th-century sails float down peaceful canals. Drift onward to Rotterdam, the “Gateway to Europe,” where vibrant streets, historic landmarks, and local flavors invite discovery, or visit Delft’s Royal Porcelain Factory and the Pilgrim Fathers’ departure site at Delfshaven for a journey through history.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:
Kinderdijk UNESCO Windmills with Private Windmill
Kinderdijk Bike Tour
Rotterdam Walking Tour and Tasting
Royal Delft Tour
Rotterdam Architectural Bike Tour
Delfshaven "pilgrim Fathers" Walking Tour
Glide down Amsterdam’s iconic waterways, drifting beneath historic bridges and past elegant canal-side homes, where the city’s charm unfolds at every turn. Wander the fleeting splendor of Keukenhof Gardens, where millions of tulips bloom across 70 acres, painting a vibrant tapestry in the heart of spring.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:
Scenic Cruising Into Amsterdam
Amsterdam Canal Cruise
Keukenhof Gardens Excursion
Disembarkation
Discover timeless canals and modern charm
Settle into the rhythm of Amsterdam as you arrive and check into your hotel. The city’s graceful waterways, gabled houses, and café-lined streets invite you to unwind and take in its effortless blend of old-world elegance and modern energy.
Hotel check-in
Discover history on every street
Join your guide for a stroll through Amsterdam’s storybook lanes, where every bridge and canal tells a tale of the city’s rich past. From centuries-old townhouses to vibrant local life, discover why Amsterdam remains one of Europe’s most beloved capitals.
Walking Tour
Step back in time to 17th-century Netherlands at Zaanse Schans’ scenic village
Check out of your hotel and visit Zaanse Schans, a picturesque village where authentic windmills, houses, and shops recreate life in the Netherlands during the 17th and 18th centuries. After exploring this charming area, transfer to your ship to continue your journey.
Zaanse Schans visit
Embarkation
Includes:
Seamless travel from ship to city with Cruise Manager support (handling transfers, luggage, and logistics)
Stay in centrally located luxury hotels near major landmarks
Expertly curated experiences
Daily breakfast at the hotel
Excludes:
Any experiences or services not specifically listed in the itinerary
Optional activities or upgrades beyond the included experiences
Glass elevator connecting decks
Main lounge with bar, piano, and dance floor
Additional lounge/social spaces
Fireside library (quiet reading area)
Gift shop
Multiple outdoor decks with panoramic views
Sun deck with lounge chairs and retractable roof
Heated swimming pool with swim-up bar
Whirlpool / hot tub
Sun deck relaxation areas
Fitness center (gym equipment)
Walking/jogging track on sun deck
Spa services (massage rooms)
Hair & beauty salon
Complimentary bicycles onboard
Wellness activities / fitness programs
Live entertainment (music, cultural performances)
Lounge-based social events and performances
24-hour coffee & tea station
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
350 sq. ft.
French Balcony & Outside Balcony
235 sq. ft.
French Balcony & Outside Balcony
210 sq. ft.
French Balcony & Outside Balcony
170 sq. ft.
French Balcony
155 sq. ft.
French Balcony
160 sq. ft.
Fixed Windows
Hotel-style bed (queen or twin configuration)
Wardrobe/closet
In-room safe
Full-length mirror
Individual climate control (AC/heating)
Flat-screen TV with movies and music
Private bathroom with glass-enclosed shower
Multi-jet shower system
Toilet and sink
Hair dryer
Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, lotion)
Bathrobes
Slippers
Complimentary bottled water (replenished daily)
Glassware
Coffee/tea maker station
Spacious double occupancy can be in one or two beds
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner & 24h snacks
Wine and beer included with lunch and dinner. Sip&Sail Happy hour including 1 beer and spirits before dinner every night. Coffee & tea and soft drinks available 24/7.
ALL Shore excursions led by expert local guides
Services of a professional Cruise Manager throughout the journey.
50% of per person cost except Suites where the cost would be 100%
Final payment will be adjusted to include the price of travel insurance.
AmaWaterways will do its best to accommodate most dietary requests when notified in advance. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and other preferences can typically be arranged; however, kosher meals cannot be provided due to onboard preparation limitations.
Yes. All meals on board are included, along with complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, plus a Sip & Sail cocktail hour before dinner on European cruises. Coffee, tea, and bottled water are available around the clock. Premium beverages and imported wines are available for purchase.
With over 20 years of river cruise experience, AmaWaterways closely monitors river conditions and has contingency plans in place should water levels affect navigation. Adjustments may include alternate docking locations, modified excursions, or ship swaps, ensuring your journey continues smoothly.
Yes. Every itinerary includes free time to explore at your own pace, whether that means visiting a local café, shopping in a market, or strolling through town. Your Cruise Manager and local guides are always happy to offer recommendations.
Dress aboard AmaWaterways ships is comfortable and casually elegant. On all ships, something a little dressier is recommended for the Welcome and Farewell dinners. Guests sailing in warmer destinations such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Egypt, and Colombia should pack breathable fabrics, sun protection, and modest attire for temple visits.
In primarily Muslim countries like Egypt, Jordan, and the UAE, guests should dress respectfully, with women covering shoulders and arms and men wearing collared shirts and lightweight pants.
Each itinerary features a variety of guided excursions designed to showcase local culture, history, and cuisine. Choose from gentle walking tours, active hikes or bike rides, and immersive experiences such as wine or beer tastings, cooking classes, and visits to local artisans.
Your AmaWaterways river cruise includes spacious accommodations, all meals on board, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, shore excursions led by expert local guides, Wi-Fi, and the services of a professional Cruise Manager throughout your journey. On select sailings, some shore excursions are an additional cost.