Spring in the Netherlands: Amsterdam & the Tulips River Cruise

Your journey starts as you step aboard your cruise ship in the picturesque town of Zaandam, celebrated for its green-painted wooden houses and charming windmills. A warm and attentive crew greets you, ensuring a smooth check-in and guiding you to your elegant, generously sized cabin. From the moment you arrive, comfort and sophistication set the tone for an unforgettable experience.  

Travel from Zaandam to Zaanse Schans, where the soft thrum of turning mills welcomes you into a pocket‑sized Netherlands. Timber houses, quaint canals, little bridges, and workaday windmills set the scene. Follow the sweet scent of Dutch pancakes and fresh timber, pause to watch sails catch the breeze, and wander between workshops where time seems to have politely slowed its pace. It’s an easy morning of gentle exploring and as many photo‑worthy angles as your camera can hold. 

Cast off over the broad, ink‑blue stretch of the Markermeer. The shoreline glides past like scenes from a moving picture, each view unfolding into the next: reed beds, church spires, the odd heron supervising proceedings. High tea is served on board – cups that clink, cakes that disappear a little too quickly, and enchanting riverside scenery. 

We arrive in Huizen with time to stretch our legs before dinner. Stroll the harbour where neat little boats bob on the water and fishermen’s cottages stand shoulder‑to‑shoulder. It’s the sort of place where you catch yourself walking more slowly, just to make the moment last longer. 

With the arrival of the first course at dinner, the ship slips into the broad expanse of the old Zuiderzee. As you sail towards Enkhuizen, the horizon transforms – its blues giving way to copper tones in the fading light. 

This morning, we take the drive through the Dutch countryside to Keukenhof – the Netherlands’ legendary flower garden, sprawling across nearly 80 acres. 7 million blooms – tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and more – unfurl in ribbons, swirls, and painterly mosaics. Wander through themed gardens, past lakes and pavilions, where the artistry of planting reaches its crescendo. It’s a spectacle that leaves even seasoned gardeners wide-eyed.  

As the morning’s kaleidoscope lingers in your mind, you’re free to chart your own course. 

Return to the ship for lunch, then set out for the Zuiderzee open air museum – a time capsule of Dutch life, with over 140 historic buildings, from humble homes to a bustling shipyard. Meander through cobbled lanes and step inside stories from centuries past.

Or linger longer in Keukenhof, letting curiosity lead you through hidden corners and quiet glades and enjoy lunch at leisure. 

By mid-afternoon, we’re back in Enkhuizen. The town invites you to explore its winding streets, harbourside charm, and local secrets. Later, gather for a dinner crafted by our chef, each dish a nod to the region’s flavours and traditions. It’s a meal that celebrates the day’s adventures  – colourful, inventive, and served with a generous helping of Dutch hospitality. 

Begin your day with the gentle rhythm of the ship gliding across the Markermeer, leaving Enkhuizen behind as the water stretches out in every direction. The morning is yours to savour– whether you’re curled up with a book, sharing stories over coffee, or simply watching the Dutch landscape drift by. It’s a peaceful passage, with time to reflect and enjoy the easy camaraderie of life on board. 

After an early lunch, we take the short drive to Amsterdam’s storied heart. A guided walking tour takes you through cobbled lanes, past centuries-old houses, and beside tranquil canals – a network of 165 canals, built in elegant rings during the 17th century. 

Your guide brings the city’s tales to life – artists, merchants, and dreamers all leaving their mark. The city’s past is ever-present: you might glimpse the former homes of Rembrandt, the Dutch Golden Age master, or Anne Frank, whose diaries echo with hope and resilience.  

Afterwards, you’re free to wander at your own pace: perhaps browsing a quirky shop, pausing for a slice of apple tart, or simply soaking up the city’s vibrant energy. 

As evening settles, gather for farewell drinks – a chance to raise a glass with new friends and reminisce about shared adventures. Dinner follows in the ship’s restaurant, where the flavours of the region are served with a side of good company. And as the city lights shimmer on the water, the night is wrapped in familiar melodies, courtesy of a guitar performance that brings a gentle, joyful close to your journey.