SIGN UP TO RECEIVE VIP ACCESS TO OUR TOP DEALS, COMPETITIONS & TRAVEL INSPIRATION
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE VIP ACCESS TO OUR TOP DEALS
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE VIP ACCESS TO OUR TOP DEALS, COMPETITIONS & TRAVEL INSPIRATION
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE VIP ACCESS TO OUR TOP DEALS
Immerse yourself in the magic of a land of windmills, canals, wooden clogs and tulips during an enchanting coastal or river cruise in the magnificent Netherlands. Major cruise ports of call in this wonderful destination include the beautiful city of Amsterdam with its huge harbour, leafy canal walks, gabled facades, laid-back coffee shops and glitzy boutiques, and bustling Rotterdam which is home to superb modern architecture, up-market malls and fabulous restaurants. Discover the works of Vincent Van Gogh and Rembrandt in a myriad of art galleries, sample Dutch beer at the Heineken Experience, gaze in awe at the Windmills at Kinderdijk or visit the home where Anne Frank hid during World War II. An abundance of outdoor sports and leisure activities, plenty of vibrant nightlife, a plethora of cultural and historical landmarks and unrivalled hospitality make the Netherlands the perfect place for an unforgettable cruise holiday experience.
View our latest cruise offers.
You’ll be surrounded by spellbinding rural beauty, rich history and culture, a network of dykes and canals, windmills galore and fields of resplendent tulips. The big cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht are home to magnificent architectural landmarks, wonderful museums and captivating art galleries featuring the works of Vincent Van Gogh and Rembrandt. Picture perfect towns and villages, golden sandy beaches, verdant national parks and enchanting wooded trails add to the charm of the Netherlands, which translates as the low lands.
Key natural wonders include Nieuw Land National Park, Brabant Sahara and The Veluwe Region while must-see attractions in the main cities include Anne Frank House, Dam Square, Peace Palace, Van Gogh Museum, Oude Kerk and Euromast. Sip freshly-brewed coffee in quaint cafes, enjoy a relaxing trip along the canals or barter for a bargain at Europe’s biggest flea market.
If you fancy some exciting entertainment there’s plenty to meet your needs in the Netherlands, with the main cities boasting colourful festivals, carnivals and concerts, plus wonderful live music venues and pulsating clubs where you can dance the night away. Shopaholics will love The Hague with its up-market outlets and glitzy boutiques, while Amsterdam has everything from bustling open-air markets to high-end department stores. Romantic couples, fun-seeking families and groups of friends craving a fabulous time won’t be disappointed with the sights, sounds and adventures that await in the glorious Netherlands.
You won't struggle to find somewhere to satisfy your taste buds in the Netherlands, with world-class restaurants, charming 'Brown Bar' pubs and canal side cafes among the choices of dining venues available.
Bitterballen are fried meatballs, stamppot is a popular veggie option with mashed potatoes and vegetables, and herring sandwiches are a flavoursome light bite for fish lovers. Brown bean soup is a winter favourite featuring various meats, spices, vegetables and brown beans, while huzarensalade is a Dutch take on a Russian salad, made with potatoes, eggs, pickles, mayo and vinegar.
Poffertjes are scrumptious small pancakes baked on an iron skillet and served with melted butter and icing sugar, and a Dutch deep-dish version of apple pie, made with cinnamon and raisins, is truly delicious. Heineken beer is a legendary product of the Netherlands and Jenever is a much-loved Dutch gin which is made with juniper berries.
June to August is the busiest time of year in the Netherlands, when crowds are at their peak and high prices prevailing at many venues and attractions. The good news is that the weather is perfect for cycling around the cities and countryside and pretty much everything is open for business. The shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October appeal to visitors who want to avoid the crowds, but a coat and warm clothing is advisable as the weather can be cold and wet.
The low season in the Netherlands runs from November to March when the weather is often cold, wet and snowy, with many of the attractions closed down. Average maximum summer temperatures hover around 22 to 23 °C and reach around 30 to 32 °C a handful of days each month. Winters are cold, but usually remain above freezing, with average low temperatures between 0°C and 4.4°C. The Atlantic current sometimes pushes winter temperatures up to around 10°C.
There’s never a dull moment during a cruise to the Netherlands, with a multitude of exciting things to see and do. Enchanting landscapes, fascinating history and culture, wonderful hospitality and dynamic cities await in this spellbinding destination. There's plenty to see in the country's main cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht including the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, Vondelpark, Albert Cuyp Market, Johan Cruyff Arena and the famous Cube Houses. The Netherlands exude beauty and wonder with an abundance of awe-inspiring natural attractions including De Maasduinen National Park, De Biesbosch tidal wetland, The Dunes of Texel, Zeeland Beaches and The Wadden Sea. The flat landscape of the Netherlands makes it a dream come true for tourists wanting to cycle around the cities and countryside.
Key attractions for a feast of family fun include Artis Zoo, Nemo Science Museum, Madurodam miniature village, Beekse Bergen Safari Park and Slagharen Theme Park and Resort. Popular winter activities in the Netherlands include ice skating on the canals, dog sledding tours and visiting the Christmas markets, while summer activities include kayaking on the canals, mountain biking in the national parks and heading to the beach for some thrilling water sports action.
