Belgium and Netherlands River Cruises
Sailing through Belgium and the Netherlands will show you changing landscapes like no other. In fact, it’s a dream for photographers. Head to Cologne and visit historic monuments, include the cathedral that took 632 years to complete. Willemstad's harbor offers peaceful respite, while Ghent’s baroque architecture lines medieval canals. Are you ready to head off on a cultural cruise?
Excellent
- Choose from 50+ Belgium and Netherlands tours
- 500+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
- K
Kathleen • traveled in May, 2025
Amadeus was a great river cruise. The food was fabulous. The staff were fantastic. Can’t say enough great things. We book every year with your radar. There are 16 of us who travel yearly. We book with Roufus who is so great. This cruise was one of the best.
Tulip Serenade (Amsterdam - Amsterdam) - J
Jan • traveled in August, 2025
Friendly, helpful crew; absolutely amazing food; very clean and comfortable cabin; luxurious bar/lounge area. Our original itinerary was changed, which was disappointing and a couple of stops on the new itinerary were not so great. However overall the cruise was wonderful.
UNDISCOVERED NETHERLANDS, Cologne - Amsterdam - Cologne, MS Vista Rio - E
elizabeth • traveled in July, 2024
Clean boat, staff efficient, abundant food, but where were the ten destinations
Rhine Experience Netherlands & Belgium 2026
10 best river cruises through Belgium and Netherlands
Compiled by
SteffBelgium and Netherlands travel expert at TourRadar
- Best of Holland & Belgium 2026
- Waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium & Copenhagen 2027 - 14 Days (from Amsterdam to Copenhagen)
- Holland & Belgium in Bloom & Copenhagen
- Rhine New Year 2026
- Belgian Holiday Markets (2026) (Brussels to Brussels, 2026)
- Tulip Serenade (Amsterdam - Amsterdam)
- Tulips & Windmills (2026) (Amsterdam to Antwerp, 2026)
- Amsterdam – Bruges (Tulip Tour, Spring)
- DISCOVERING BELGIUM: Brussels - Brussels MS VistaGracia
- Active & Discovery in Holland & Belgium 2026
Waterways of Belgium and Netherlands lead to Utrecht's Gothic cathedral and Brussels' Atomium. Antwerp's Diamond District, Kinderdijk's UNESCO windmills, and Amsterdam's historic canals await your visit.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Belgium, England Age Range Ages 12+ Operator AmaWaterways From
- US$3,998+$250 upfront costs
Duration 14 days Destinations Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $15,985
42% Off- US$9,240You save $6,745
The Emerald Sky sails Belgium and Netherlands' scenic waterways, featuring visits to Antwerp's Het Steen fortress and Rotterdam's modern harbor. Dutch traditions come alive at Zaanse Schans while Keukenhof Gardens showcase stunning tulip displays.
Duration 11 days Destinations Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $11,285
50% Off- US$5,590You save $5,695
This Rhine River cruise takes you from Cologne through Belgium and the Netherlands on the A-ROSA BRAVA, stopping at Antwerp's historic Diamond Quarter, Rotterdam's modern Erasmus Bridge, and Amsterdam's UNESCO-listed canal ring. Full board dining includes live-cooking stations, plus unlimited wine and beer during bar hours, with special New Year's celebrations onboard. Free e-bikes are available so you can check out Nijmegen's Roman ruins and Antwerp's medieval Grote Markt at your own pace.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Belgium, Netherlands Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Operator A-ROSA From
50% Off- US$1,931
S.S. Victoria takes you through Belgium and Netherlands' waterways to Bruges, Ghent, and Maastricht. Holiday festivities include Christmas markets, Chocolate Nation in Antwerp, and Maastricht's underground caves, with unlimited beverages aboard.
Duration 8 days Destinations Belgium, Netherlands, Germany Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From
50% Off- US$4,399
Tulip Serenade (Amsterdam - Amsterdam)
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The ship was clean and the staff very helpful and friendly. The cruise directors were excellent.”
Waltraud, traveled in May
Sail the waterways of Belgium and Netherlands aboard the AMADEUS Riva or AMADEUS Cara, passing UNESCO-listed Bruges and visiting Ghent's medieval Gravensteen fortress. The Atomium in Brussels and the 79-acre Keukenhof gardens await, where over 7 million tulips bloom each spring. Antwerp's diamond district and the Cathedral of Our Lady showcase Rubens paintings worth seeing. You'll pass the 19 UNESCO-protected windmills of Kinderdijk, then try cheese tastings in Edam. Amsterdam's canals provide the backdrop while free-flowing European wines accompany dinner.
Duration 8 days Destinations Amsterdam, Arnhem, Middelburg, Ghent, Antwerp, Rotterdam Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From
50% Off- US$1,820
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
50% Off- US$5,199
Two-wheeled adventures await on this river cruise blending cycling with cultural immersion. Easy-rated routes wind through historic towns and scenic countryside of both nations.
Duration 8 days Destinations Amsterdam, Oude Wetering, Gouda, Dordrecht, Zierikzee, Middelburg, Vlissingen, Ghent, Bruges Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Feniks Charter From
50% Off- US$1,629
MS Crucevita glides through Belgium and Netherlands, featuring Antwerp's diamond quarter and Rotterdam's museums. Regional cuisine and Koninck beer complement French balcony cabins and elegant public spaces with fireplace.
Duration 6 days Destinations Brussels, Antwerp, Dordrecht, Willemstad, Ghent Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Portuguese, Spanish Operator Crucemundo From
50% Off- US$1,646+$76 upfront costs
The Avalon Visionary winds through Dutch and Belgian waterways, visiting historic ports like Middelburg's spice trading hub and Rotterdam's modern harbor. Local culture comes alive through oyster farm visits and Delft pottery workshops, viewed from 200-square-foot suites with wall-to-wall windows.
Duration 8 days Destinations Amsterdam, Middelburg, Ghent, Bruges, Brussels, Antwerp, Rotterdam, Delft Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
50% Off- US$4,099+$231 upfront costs
What our customers ask about Belgium and Netherlands River Cruises
What are the best times of year to take a Belgium and Netherlands river cruise?
Spring (March-May) stands out as the prime season for Belgium and Netherlands river cruises especially during tulip season. The Keukenhof Gardens display over 7 million tulips daffodils and hyacinths across 70 acres. Summer (June-August) brings warm days ideal for exploring Amsterdam Antwerp and Bruges. Fall cruises (September-October) offer scenic routes with autumn foliage along the waterways. As one TourRadar traveler noted about their springtime cruise: "The tulip gardens were absolutely breathtaking and the weather was perfect for exploring the charming Dutch villages."
What types of cabins are available on Belgium and Netherlands river cruise ships?
Ships like the S.S. Victoria and Avalon Imagery II provide accommodations ranging from Deluxe Staterooms to Royal Suites. Standard features include handcrafted Savoir® Beds Egyptian cotton linens and L'Occitane amenities with individual climate control. The 200-square-foot Panorama Suites showcase wall-to-wall windows that open to create Open-Air Balconies. A TourRadar traveler mentioned "The Panorama Suite on Avalon was exceptional - waking up to floor-to-ceiling views of the Dutch countryside was unforgettable."
What are the main ports and destinations visited on these cruises?
The routes connect major ports like Amsterdam Rotterdam and Antwerp while exploring smaller towns along the way. Stops typically include Kinderdijk's 19 historic windmills medieval Bruges with its canals Ghent's St. Bavo's Cathedral and the Keukenhof Gardens. Ships navigate scenic waterways including the Dutch Delta and IJsselmeer. A TourRadar traveler highlighted: "Visiting both major cities and small villages gave us a perfect mix - from Antwerp's diamond district to the working windmills of Kinderdijk."
What kind of dining experiences are offered on board?
The onboard dining combines regional specialties with international dishes. Vessels like the River Princess serve local favorites such as Belgian waffles Dutch cheese tastings and North Sea seafood. Most ships feature multiple dining venues. The S.S. Victoria for example offers three restaurants including a rooftop bar and private dining room. A TourRadar reviewer of Uniworld noted: "The dining was exceptional - we enjoyed local specialties like traditional Dutch stampot and Belgian chocolate desserts, paired with regional wines."
What shore excursions and activities are typically included?
Each port offers included excursions and optional activities. Common experiences range from Amsterdam canal tours and guided city walks to visits with Belgian chocolate makers and Dutch countryside bike rides. Cultural programs feature cheese tasting in Edam and tours of Antwerp's Cathedral of Our Lady. Most vessels provide bikes at no extra cost. One TourRadar traveler shared: "The variety of excursions was fantastic - from active bike rides to cultural walking tours and food tastings."
What is the typical duration of Belgium and Netherlands river cruises?
These river cruises typically span 7-11 days balancing time between cities and small towns. Avalon Waterways runs 8-day Amsterdam to Brussels journeys while Uniworld offers 11-day trips with extended Bruges stays. Routes often combine Rhine River sailing with Dutch and Belgian waterways. A TourRadar reviewer commented: "Our 8-day AmaWaterways cruise was the perfect length to experience both countries without feeling rushed."