Rhine Cruises from Amsterdam
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10 best Rhine river cruises from Amsterdam
Compiled by
MelissaAmsterdam travel expert at TourRadar
- Romantic Rhine, Netherlands and Alsace Crucevita Main Cabin
- Romantic Rhine, Netherlands and Alsace Crucevita Superior
- Christmas on the Rhine Amsterdam to Basel
- Romantic Rhine (Southbound) 2025
- Festive Time on the Romantic Rhine (Southbound) 2025
- Rhine Christmas Markets 2025 - 8 Days (from Amsterdam to Zurich)
- Jewels of the Rhine 2025 - 8 Days (from Amsterdam to Zurich)
- Rhine Christmas Markets with Switzerland 2025 - 12 Days (from Amsterdam to Zurich)
- Classical Rhine Cruise (Amsterdam - Basel) (9 destinations)
- Festive Time on the Romantic Rhine with 2 Nights in Lucerne (Southbound) 2025
Embark MS Crucevita at Amsterdam's Coenhaven port for an 8-day Rhine journey. Cruise through Nijmegen to Cologne's Cathedral, past UNESCO Rhine Valley castles, visiting Strasbourg's historic center before ending in Mainz.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France Age Range up to 85 year olds River Rhine Operator Europamundo From
- NZ$3,783
Journey starts at Amsterdam's Coenhaven port, cruising 65km along Rhine Valley to Mainz. Visit Netherlands' oldest city Nijmegen, iconic Cologne Cathedral, and French Strasbourg, with overnight sailing between ports aboard MS Crucevita.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France Age Range up to 85 year olds River Rhine Operator Europamundo From
- NZ$4,278
Viking's winter cruise meanders from Amsterdam's canals through the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt Delta to Basel. Highlights include Dusseldorf's burgher-style market huts, Cologne's Gothic Cathedral, and Strasbourg's Christkindelsmarik, France's oldest Christmas market dating to 1570.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range up to 90 year olds Ships Viking KaraViking ManiViking MimirViking RolfViking SigrunViking SigynViking TialfiViking TirViking AlrunaViking BaldurViking BragiViking EinarViking EirViking GefjonViking HlinViking ManiViking EirViking Egdir River Rhine Operator Viking Cruises From $7,224
36% Off- NZ$4,635You save $2,590
An 8-day adventure from Amsterdam spans 4 countries along the Rhine. The route passes 400 feet below ancient castles through the UNESCO Rhine Gorge. Basel marks the final stop, after visiting Cologne, Rüdesheim, Strasbourg, and the Black Forest.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Ships Avalon PanoramaAvalon VistaAvalon EnvisionAvalon View River Rhine Operator Avalon Waterways From
36% Off- NZ$6,645+$349 upfront costs
An 8-day, 400-nautical-mile journey south from Amsterdam's historic canals through the Rhine Gorge awaits. The Avalon Vista carries you to Cologne's twin-spired cathedral, medieval Rüdesheim, and Strasbourg's La Petite France before reaching Basel.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Ships Avalon IlluminationAvalon VistaAvalon View River Rhine Operator Avalon Waterways From
36% Off- NZ$6,313+$349 upfront costs
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland Age Range up to 99 year olds Ships Scenic Jewel Scenic Amber River Rhine Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $8,640
12% Off- NZ$7,640You save $1,000
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range up to 90 year olds Ships Emerald DestinyEmerald SunEmerald Sky River Rhine Operator Emerald Cruises From $12,944
63% Off- NZ$4,810You save $8,134
Duration 12 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland Age Range up to 99 year olds Ships Scenic Jewel Scenic Amber River Rhine Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $12,470
8% Off- NZ$11,470You save $1,000
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Ships AMADEUS QueenAmadeus StarAmadeus CaraAmadeus RivaAMADEUS Aurea River Rhine Operator Lueftner Cruises From $3,798
15% Off- NZ$3,228You save $570
Duration 10 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Ships Avalon IlluminationAvalon View River Rhine Operator Avalon Waterways From
15% Off- NZ$7,896+$349 upfront costs
What people love about Rhine Cruises from Amsterdam
- Rhine Highlights with Switzerland 2026 - 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 Rhine Cruises from Amsterdam
What's the typical duration of Amsterdam Rhine river cruises starting in Amsterdam?
Rhine river cruises departing from Amsterdam last between 7 to 15 days with most travelers choosing 8 to 10-day journeys. The Avalon View offers 8-day routes from Amsterdam to Basel along the Rhine Valley. More extensive options include 15-day voyages on vessels like the Avalon Imagery II which adds ports in Belgium and the Netherlands. Recent travelers often note that 8 days provides enough time to experience key Rhine destinations while beginning and ending in Amsterdam's rich cultural setting.
What are the best hotels to stay at before or after an Amsterdam Rhine cruise?
The area around Amsterdam Centraal Station and the IJ River where cruise ships dock has several well-located hotels. The Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam set in a historic shipping house provides waterfront accommodations close to departure points. The NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace stands steps from Centraal Station making it practical for cruise access. Both properties put guests within walking distance of departure points while offering easy access to Amsterdam's main attractions.
What is the best time of year to start an Amsterdam Rhine cruise?
The main sailing season spans April through October with each period offering distinct experiences. Spring cruises in April and May coincide with Keukenhof Gardens' tulip displays near Amsterdam. Summer months from June through August bring warmer temperatures ideal for exploring Amsterdam's waterways and Rhine Valley ports. Travelers often choose spring departures to combine tulip viewing with Rhine Valley exploration or summer dates for the best outdoor sightseeing weather.
What are the typical embarkation points for Rhine cruises starting in Amsterdam?
Rhine cruise ships in Amsterdam mainly use terminals along the IJ River behind Centraal Station including the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam and Amsterdam Cruise Port. Most vessels dock at either De Ruijterkade or Veemkade piers. These points are accessible by taxi or public transit from anywhere in central Amsterdam with clear signage directing passengers to their specific vessel.
What unique day trips are available from Amsterdam before starting the Rhine cruise?
The region around Amsterdam offers several distinctive excursions before Rhine cruises begin. Travelers can visit the windmills of Zaanse Schans the fishing community of Volendam or Alkmaar's cheese market. Keukenhof Gardens draws visitors from March through May during tulip season. The historic city of Haarlem located just 15 minutes away by train provides another popular pre-cruise destination.
How many cities do Rhine river cruises typically visit after departing Amsterdam?
After leaving Amsterdam Rhine river cruises generally stop at 6 to 8 major destinations. Standard ports include Cologne with its Gothic cathedral Koblenz at the Rhine and Moselle confluence Rudesheim known for wine production and Strasbourg in France. Week-long trips concentrate on main attractions while 15-day journeys extend to places like Basel and Lucerne. Ships like the MS Crucevita balance visits between large cities and smaller medieval towns along the route.