River
Dutch & Belgian
Cruising the Dutch and Belgian waterways offers a unique and relaxed way to explore the Low Countries, where windmills, historic towns, tulip fields, and intricate canals come together in picture-perfect harmony. These river and canal itineraries wind through the Netherlands and Flanders, blending old-world elegance with modern culture. Guests visit charming cities like Amsterdam, Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp, all rich in art, architecture, and maritime history. Whether timed with tulip season or paired with world-class museums and culinary delights, these cruises provide a gentle, immersive experience through some of Europe’s most scenic and culturally rich regions.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Often the start or end point of Dutch and Belgian waterways cruises, Amsterdam offers iconic canals, world-renowned museums, and a lively café culture. Guests may explore the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, or Anne Frank House, or enjoy a canal cruise through the city’s UNESCO-listed historic center.
Kinderdijk, Netherlands
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kinderdijk is famous for its 18th-century windmills—symbols of Dutch innovation and water management. Most cruises stop here for a guided tour of the windmill complex and a look into Dutch engineering history.
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Known for its striking modern architecture and vibrant port, Rotterdam offers a contrast to the traditional towns of the region. Shore excursions may include visits to Markthal, the Cube Houses, or boat tours of the city’s impressive harbor.
Dordrecht, Netherlands
One of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, Dordrecht charms with its medieval streets, historic warehouses, and canal-lined squares. It's often featured on itineraries for its quieter, authentic atmosphere.
Hoorn & Enkhuizen, Netherlands
These two historic towns on the IJsselmeer were once powerful trading ports during the Dutch Golden Age. They’re known for maritime history, charming harbors, and open-air museums, like the Zuiderzee Museum in Enkhuizen.
Ghent, Belgium
A vibrant Flemish city that blends medieval architecture with a modern arts scene, Ghent is a favorite stop for its riverside beauty, food culture, and sights like Gravensteen Castle and St. Bavo’s Cathedral.
Bruges, Belgium
A perfectly preserved medieval city known as the “Venice of the North,” Bruges enchants visitors with its cobblestone streets, canals, and gothic buildings. It's a highlight of any Belgian cruise, offering walking tours, chocolate shops, and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Antwerp, Belgium
Belgium’s second-largest city, Antwerp is a dynamic mix of fashion, art, and history. Home to Rubens’ House, a striking cathedral, and a major diamond district, it provides a cosmopolitan edge to Belgian cruise itineraries.
Brussels, Belgium (Excursion)
While not always directly accessed by cruise ship, Brussels is frequently included as a pre- or post-cruise excursion. As the capital of Belgium and the EU, it’s known for its Grand Place, waffles, and diverse cultural institutions.
Keukenhof Gardens (Excursion)
Available on spring itineraries, the Keukenhof Gardens near Lisse showcase more than seven million tulips and spring flowers. It's one of the most photographed locations in Europe and a top excursion for cruises during tulip season.