River Cruises from Amsterdam
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10 best River Cruise tour packages from Amsterdam
Compiled by
MelissaAmsterdam travel expert at TourRadar
- Holland and Belgium Springtime River Cruise
- Classical Rhine Cruise (Amsterdam - Basel) (9 destinations)
- Castles along the Rhine (2026) (Amsterdam to Basel, 2026)
- Tulip Time Cruise for Garden & Nature Lovers 2026
- Tulip Time Cruise for Beer Enthusiasts 2026
- Rhine Highlights with Switzerland 2026 - 12 Days (from Amsterdam to Zurich)
- Romantic Rhine, Netherlands and Alsace Crucevita Superior
- Romantic Rhine, Netherlands and Alsace Crucevita Main Cabin
- Magnificent Europe 2025 Start Amsterdam, End Budapest
- Magnificent Europe 2026 Start Amsterdam, End Budapest (16 destinations)
Duration 9 days Destinations Amsterdam, Arnhem, Middelburg, Bruges, Antwerp, Kinderdijk Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Collette From
- NZ$8,149
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From $3,780
15% Off- NZ$3,213You save $567
The S.S. Victoria beckons in Amsterdam for an elegant river voyage with expert-guided tours, local entertainment, and gourmet dining. Brazilian marble interiors and a Strauss Baccarat chandelier-adorned foyer complement historic waterway views.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range up to 100 year olds Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $6,399
10% Off- NZ$5,759You save $640
Duration 8 days Destinations Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Ghent, Middelburg, Veere, Willemstad Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
10% Off- NZ$6,763+$381 upfront costs
Expert guides lead through Amsterdam's Golden Age canals to the historic Zaanse Schans windmills. The Avalon Envision offers premium dining and panoramic views from the Sky Deck's whirlpool overlooking the city's iconic waterways.
Duration 8 days Destinations Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans, Rotterdam, Keukenhof, Antwerp, Brussels, Ghent, Bruges, Middelburg, VeereSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
10% Off- NZ$8,906+$381 upfront costs
Rhine Highlights with Switzerland 2026 - 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 12 to 99 year olds Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $9,050
14% Off- NZ$7,750You save $1,300
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 up to 85 year olds Operator Europamundo From
14% Off- NZ$4,257
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 up to 85 year olds Operator Europamundo From
14% Off- NZ$3,765
The luxury vessel AmaViola carries you through Amsterdam's 165 historic canals. The iconic waterways set the stage for your grand European journey, offering both cultural excursions and active adventures from the city's historic harbor.
Duration 15 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Hungary Age Range 12 to 90 year olds Operator AmaWaterways From
14% Off- NZ$11,547+$792 upfront costs
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 up to 90 year olds Operator AmaWaterways From
14% Off- NZ$11,547+$825 upfront costs
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.