River Cruises from Brussels

What our customers ask about River Cruises from Brussels

• When is the best time to take a river cruise starting from Brussels?

  Spring is perfect for river cruises from Brussels, especially April and May when you can see millions of tulips blooming at Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands. Summer (June through August) brings comfortable temperatures between 68-77°F (20-25°C), which is great for walking around the ports. If you like Christmas markets, book a December cruise to experience the festive atmosphere in cities like Brussels and Antwerp. Many travelers choose April or July trips because the weather is reliable and most attractions are open.

• What are the most common ports visited after departing Brussels?

  After leaving Brussels, your ship will typically stop in the Belgian cities of Ghent and Antwerp before crossing into the Netherlands to visit Maastricht, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam. One traveler wrote: "The transition from Belgian cities like Ghent with its stunning St. Bavo's Cathedral to Dutch gems like Kinderdijk's windmills creates a perfect cultural contrast." You'll usually spend 2-3 days exploring Belgian ports before moving on to other countries.

• How much daily sailing time should I expect on these river cruises?

  Most of your sailing happens early in the morning, in the evening, or overnight, so you get full days to explore each port. The distance between stops is usually between 30-100 miles (48-160 kilometers). For example, you'll spend about 4 hours on the water between Brussels and Antwerp. Longer stretches, like Amsterdam to Cologne, take 8-10 hours, but you'll be traveling through beautiful riverside scenery.

• What's the average cost per day for river cruises from Brussels?

  Expect to pay between $221 and $970 per day. High-end cruise lines like Scenic and Uniworld are at the top of that range. Your fare covers your cabin, all meals, guided tours, and onboard activities. For example, an 11-day cruise might cost around $7,499 (about $682 per day), while a 6-day trip could start at $1,329 (about $221 per day).

• Which destinations are commonly included in river cruise itineraries from Brussels?

  Your cruise will likely visit major cities in Belgium and the Netherlands, with some trips going on to Germany and Switzerland. You'll stop in Antwerp to see its famous diamond district and Cathedral of Our Lady, explore medieval Bruges, cruise Amsterdam's canals, and visit Rotterdam's modern harbor. Longer trips often continue along the Rhine Valley to towns like Cochem, Bernkastel, and Basel, giving you a good look at Western Europe's waterways.

• Which main waterways do river cruise tours from Brussels typically navigate?

  Your journey begins on the Willebroek Canal in Brussels, then connects to the Scheldt River before joining the Rhine and its network of canals through the Netherlands. Fellow travelers often mention how much they enjoy the views along these waterways, especially in the Rhine Gorge between Koblenz and Rudesheim, where you'll see medieval towns, hilltop castles, and terraced vineyards. This stretch is so special it's been named a UNESCO World Heritage site.