River Cruises from Amsterdam
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10 best River Cruise tour packages from Amsterdam
Compiled by

MelissaAmsterdam travel expert at TourRadar
- Tulip Serenade (Amsterdam - Amsterdam)
- Legends of Rhine Cruise (Amsterdam-Mainz) MS River Diamond 5*
- Romantic Rhine, Netherlands and Alsace Crucevita Main Cabin
- Jewels of Europe 2026|2027 - 15 Days (from Amsterdam to Budapest)
- Romantic Rhine, Netherlands and Alsace Crucevita Superior
- Classical Rhine Cruise (Amsterdam - Basel) (9 destinations)
- Rhine Highlights with Switzerland 2026|2027 - 12 Days (from Amsterdam to Zurich)
- European Jewels (2026) (Amsterdam to Budapest, 2026)
- Tulips & Windmills (2026) (Amsterdam to Antwerp, 2026)
- Magnificent Europe 2026 Start Amsterdam, End Budapest (16 destinations)
Tulip Serenade (Amsterdam - Amsterdam)
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The food was fabulous. The staff were fantastic. We book every year with your radar.”
Kathleen, traveled in April
Duration 8 days Destinations Amsterdam, Arnhem, Middelburg, Ghent, Antwerp, Rotterdam Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From $2,710
15% Off- NZ$2,304You save $407
Legends of Rhine Cruise (Amsterdam-Mainz) MS River Diamond 5*
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Info sheet on the Rhine was great and easy to follow. Taken so many pictures.”
John, traveled in September
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Crucemundo From
15% Off- NZ$3,545+$242 upfront costs
Cruise Amsterdam's historic waterways aboard MS Crucevita, departing from Coenhaven port. Experience the city's network of 17th-century canals, passing traditional Dutch canal houses and hidden courtyards, with guided commentary on the city's maritime heritage.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
15% Off- NZ$3,818
Duration 15 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Hungary Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $9,595
31% Off- NZ$6,595You save $3,000
Sail from Amsterdam's Coenhaven aboard MS Crucevita, cruising through 65km of UNESCO-listed Rhine Valley. Experience Mannheim's confluence of Rhine and Neckar rivers, pass the legendary Loreley Rock, and dock in historic ports from Nijmegen to Strasbourg.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
31% Off- NZ$4,318
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From $4,260
15% Off- NZ$3,621You save $639
Rhine Highlights with Switzerland 2026|2027 - 12 Days (from Amsterdam to Zurich)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip itself was the usual wonderful Scenic Cruise. Our admiration and respect for Scenic remains very strong.”
DAVID, traveled in June
Duration 12 days Destinations Amsterdam, Koblenz, Baden, Basel, Montreux, Vevey, Lake Geneva, Geneva, Gstaad, BernSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $9,050
14% Off- NZ$7,750You save $1,300
The elegant S.S. Beatrice welcomes you from Amsterdam's picturesque harbor. Traditional Dutch houseboats and iconic bridges line the historic canal system. Savoir® beds and unlimited premium beverages enhance luxury river cruising past Amsterdam's waterfront landmarks.
Duration 15 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Hungary Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $12,999
10% Off- NZ$11,699You save $1,300
Tulips & Windmills (2026) (Amsterdam to Antwerp, 2026)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Good value for money very professional managed and staff were great.”
Pieter, traveled in March
Duration 10 days Destinations Amsterdam, Zaandam, Hoorn, Nijmegen, Rotterdam, Veere, Ghent, Antwerp Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $7,799
10% Off- NZ$7,019You save $780
Magnificent Europe 2026 Start Amsterdam, End Budapest (16 destinations)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Food was excellent. Would have no hesitation in booking another Cruise with Amawaterways.”
William, traveled in August
A canal cruise through 165 historic waterways introduces Amsterdam's charm. Luxury AmaWaterways vessels offer twin-balcony staterooms and Sip & Sail cocktail hour. Dutch culture unfolds through walking tours and local tastings before sailing towards Central Europe.
Duration 15 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range Ages 12+ Operator AmaWaterways From
10% Off- NZ$11,756+$840 upfront costs
What people love about River Cruise Tours from Amsterdam
- Legends of Rhine Cruise (Amsterdam-Mainz) MS River Diamond 5*
Very nice boat, not too big. The staff was super!
- Rhine Highlights with Switzerland 2026|2027 - 12 Days (from Amsterdam to Zurich)
April was amazing all the knowledge of the places we visited. A credit to the ship nothing was too much trouble lots of fun. Thank you
- Classic Rhine Cruise (Amsterdam-Mainz) MS Crucevita
We really loved our river cruise. Our room was much nicer than expected. We had a juliet balcony which was really nice. Very comfortable bed and good size bathroom. A place for everything to unpack. The staff were just so nice and helpful always with a big smile. Nothing was too much trouble. The food could have been better but overall wasn't too bad and some of it was really good. We were sad to leave our home away from home.
What our customers ask about River Cruises from Amsterdam
Where do river cruises from Amsterdam typically visit?
Starting from Amsterdam, most cruises follow the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers. You'll stop at places like Cologne where you can visit its towering cathedral, the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, and the beautiful palace in Würzburg. Many travelers love exploring Vienna's grand buildings and Budapest's impressive parliament. The route takes you through the Rhine Gorge, where you'll see more than 40 historic castles, and you can visit the amazing Melk Abbey. If you want to spend extra time in Amsterdam or Budapest before or after your cruise, many people stay at the Hotel Estherea or the Ritz-Carlton.
When is the best time to take a river cruise from Amsterdam?
Most people cruise between April and October, but each season offers something special. If you love flowers, come in April or May when millions of tulips are blooming. Summer brings warm weather around 72°F (22°C), perfect for walking around towns and sitting on deck. In fall, the trees along the rivers turn beautiful colors and temperatures stay mild at about 61°F (16°C). December is magical too - that's when you can visit traditional Christmas markets in towns along the way.
How long do river cruises from Amsterdam usually last?
Most trips run between 8 and 15 days. Many people choose the 8-day Classical Rhine Cruise, which gives you a good taste of the region. If you have more time, the 15-day Jewels of Europe cruise lets you really explore the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland. Many travelers tell us they like having enough time to properly see each place without feeling rushed.
What happens on the first day of an Amsterdam river cruise?
You'll usually board your ship in the afternoon around 4 PM. The crew welcomes you with cocktails and you'll meet your fellow travelers. Your first dinner on board is always special, and sometimes there's entertainment like Dutch singers performing traditional songs. One traveler told us: "The crew of 36 did everything they possibly could to make our trip both memorable and enjoyable from day one, starting with a wonderful welcome reception."
Which route do ships take after leaving Amsterdam?
Your ship will first sail to Utrecht, which takes about 4 hours. From there, you'll continue south through Dutch waterways toward Cologne, Germany. Most ships spend the first morning in Amsterdam so you can explore the city, then start sailing in the afternoon. Ships usually leave Amsterdam either around 10 PM on the first day or 8:30 AM the next morning.
What special events can I experience during different seasons?
Each season on the rivers brings different experiences. In spring (March to May), you can visit Keukenhof Gardens when millions of tulips are in bloom. Summer's long days and warm temperatures around 72°F (22°C) are perfect for exploring towns and relaxing on deck. Fall cruises coincide with grape harvests along the Rhine. In December, you can visit Christmas markets in places like Cologne and Strasbourg, where the old town squares fill with lights, decorations, and local food stands.