Visiting Amsterdam While River Cruising

Article written by Patricia Cotti, Eastchester Travel.

River cruising is a distinct travel style, theme oriented and often offered seasonally so the traveler can visit a region of personal interest.

I recently experienced a Tulip Cruise during a brief four week period in the spring, when the tulips are in bloom. It was an opportunity to discover both the beauty and history of the Dutch and Belgian waterways. You could stroll the tulip gardens at the Keukenhof, walk among the windmills in Kinderdijk, taste the cheese at Edam and also admire Belgian medieval cities.

The ships are comfortable and through the floor to ceiling windows you can watch the passing scenery by day. With an open seating policy for meals, the cuisine reflects the specialties of the regions.

These ships have an average of about 60 cabins. Most are approximately 150-170 square feet though some have larger suites.

The atmosphere aboard the river cruise ship is relaxed. There is no need for formal clothing. Smart casual clothes are perfect for all evening events. Comfortable casual clothes and good walking shoes are a must for the daily excursions. Many of the small towns have cobblestones. All of the excursions are included in the cruise cost. Each day the ship stops at a new port and is explored with a local guide. Each passenger is provided with a personal listening devise so that the guide is audible to everyone at all times.

My 9 day trip began and ended in Amsterdam. I arrived early in the morning of the first day, so that I could explore Amsterdam on my own. There is a good system of trams. The ship was berthed within a short walk of the tram station. It was possible to go off in all directions. I headed for two renowned museums: the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. The next morning, we were given a brief city tour and a canal ride since Amsterdam is known as the “Venice of the North”.

We continued onto Arnheim which is remembered for the World War II Battle of Arnheim. We visited the Airbourne Museum which detailed the sad events of this battle. The ship sailed on to Belgium where we had the opportunity to explore the medieval cities of Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges. Each of these beautiful cities were important trade ports.
The two main attractions were viewed on the return trip to Holland. The Keukenhof Gardens are open just 8 short weeks of the year. During this time, over 800,000 visitors are expected. The park covers 70 acres. There are 7 million planted tulip bulbs in bloom and displayed in indoor pavilions as well as outdoor gardens. It is a sight to behold.
After tulips and wooden shoes, the windmill is Holland’s iconic symbol. Less than 400 years ago, nearly half of the Netherlands was below water. Through a system of dikes to block the ocean, windmills to pump the water to higher land and canals to channel the water back out to sea, the Dutch have reclaimed the land. This struggle continues today.

At Kinderdijk there are 18 windmills built between 1726-1761. Today, these windmills have been replaced by more efficient electric pumps. However, when you visit this site you can enter a windmill and see that they are in working order and inhabited by mill keepers and their families. They are ready to protect the land should modern equipment fail.

So, if you are interested in an all inclusive enriching experience; seeing the sights, including small villages that make up the heart of each country; meeting the locals; enjoying local wine and food specialties while cruising in comfort on scenic rivers; then try river cruising. You will see so much and your hotel will come along with you!