Weather Conditions:
Read full article Know Before You Go – River & Small Ship Cruising to learn more.
Included Highlights:
- Accommodations in all outside facing cabins in category of your choice.
- A total of 20 meals (7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners).
- Free flowing house wine, beer, soft drinks for dinner daily and 1 bottled water in cabins replenished daily.
- Captain’s welcome cocktail and farewell dinner.
- All on board lectures, games, quizzes and other entertainment arranged by the crew.
- Total of 7 included sightseeing tours with local English speaking guides, entrance fees and transportation.
- Services of professional English speaking Cruise Manager and Cruise Director throughout.
Not Included:
- Arrival/departure transfers (may be arranged for an additional fee).
- Optional excursions when offered by the ship (may require a minimum number of participants to operate).
- Meals and drinks other than those specified (additional drink packages may be purchased on board).
- Costs of a personal nature including; laundry, telephone, souvenirs and similar.
- WI-FI: Available for a fee.
- Tips: To local drivers/guides and ship crew not included. Suggested amounts will be advised.
- Travel Insurance: Not included but highly recommended.
Day 0 FLY USA – NETHERLANDS (0)
Services as per airline policy.
Day 1 AMSTERDAM, Holland Embark after 4 pm overnight (D)
WELCOME TO THE NETHERLANDS! Once on board, check in to your cabin and enjoy a welcome buffet. Then explore your floating hotel. An information meeting will be held prior to dinner.
Day 2 AMSTERDAM Set sail: 23:00 (B, L, D)
With its characteristic canals surrounded by narrow, low and crooked 17th-century houses, Amsterdam is, without a doubt, one of the most charming capital cities in Europe. With a rich cultural life and a wide range of entertainment, Amsterdam is a full-scale city, which has managed to retain its small-town feel. Your included walking tour will introduce you to all the major highlights of the city center, including Anne Frank’s House (outside), the marketplace and the many canals that crisscross the city. Return to the ship for lunch. The balance of the day is free to explore the city further on your own or take an optional tour. A welcome cocktail and crew introduction will precede dinner.
Day 3 ARNHEM 06:00 – 14:00 (B, L, D)
North of the port lies one of the biggest attractions of the Netherlands, the Open Air Museum of Arnhem. Here, completely reconstructed historical monuments are manned by volunteers who will immerse you into the life of the past. This included tour will take you back to a setting of merchant’s houses, 19th century farmhouses and mills of the golden age with samples of life on the farms, fields, factories, wine taverns, and shops. The people, dressed in authentic costumes and settings, will regale you with stories about their “way of life” and maybe serve you a cup of coffee or a pint of beer in ‘the good old way’. A lively and humorous presentation of old Dutch customs and habits. Sail on to Cologne.
Day 4 COLOGNE, Germany 6:00 – 21:30 (B, L, D)
WELCOME TO GERMANY! Your included walking tour of this fabulous city, will include the Hey Market, Festival Halls, Town Hall, Jewish Baths, Old Market, and famous Dom, the remarkable Gothic cathedral whose construction began in 1248 and was only completed in 1880! Return to the ship for lunch. The balance of the day is free for optional activities.
Day 5 KOBLENZ: 06:30-12:30 RUDESHEIM: 18:00-3:00 (B, L, D)
Koblenz: Enjoy a delightful morning walking tour of the Old Town including St. Castor’s Basilica, the Monument of Emperor Wilhelm I and the town’s landmark, the “Schängel” Fountain. This evening get ready for our fun “Pirate’s” dinner. Then explore Ruedesheim on your included guided walking tour through this ancient town of timber houses and cobblestone streets dating from the 1500 hundreds with wine tasting included!
Day 6 MANNHEIM 12:30 – 18:30 (B, L, D)
Located on the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers, this industrial city is home to Mercedes Benz and many other major corporations. After lunch on board, depart on your included excursion to Heidelberg. One of the oldest and most famous university towns of Germany, Heidelberg is also one of the country’s most endearing small cities, famous for its historical baroque center, spirited student atmosphere, beautiful riverside setting and ancient bridge crossing the Neckar River. The impressive hilltop castle is also home to the largest wine barrel in the world, holding over 220,000 liters of wine! Return to the ship for dinner.
Day 7 STRASBOURG (port of Kehl) 08:30-19:00 (B, L, D)
WELCOME TO FRANCE! Your morning bus/walking tour of this UNESCO’s World Heritage site will begin with a drive by the Palace de la Republique, Orangerie, EU Parilament, and Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame. This will be followed by a walking tour, offering unique views of half-timbered houses and impressive European institutions. This evening prepare for the Captain’s Farewell Dinner!
Day 8 MAINZ, Germany Disembarkation 09:00 (B)
As all good things must come to an end, after breakfast, bid your crew goodbye and disembark with a suitcase full of memories! (Services end with breakfast)
*All stops and times shown are subject to change and alteration based on sailing conditions and other factors.
Day 0 FLY USA – GERMANY (Frankfurt) (0)
Services as per airline policy
Day 1 MAINZ, Germany Embark after 4 pm (D)
Welcome to Germany! Once on board, check in to your cabin and explore the ship prior to dinner and an information meeting.
Day 2 MANNHEIM 07:00 – 14:00 (B, L, D)
Located on the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers, this industrial city is home to Mercedes Benz and many other major corporations. After breakfast, board your bus for your included excursion to Heidelberg. One of the oldest and most famous university towns of Germany, Heidelberg is also one of the country’s most endearing small cities, famous for its historical baroque center, spirited student atmosphere, beautiful riverside setting and ancient bridge crossing the Neckar River. The impressive hilltop castle is also home to the largest wine barrel in the world, holding over 220.000 liters of wine! Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon as the ship sails onto Strasbourg.
Day 3 STRASBOURG (port of Kehl) 5:00-22:00 (B, L, D)
WELCOME TO FRANCE! After breakfast on board, hop on the bus for your included tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site, beginning with a drive by the Palace de la Republique, Orangerie, EU Parliament, and Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame. This will be followed by a walking tour, offering unique views of half-timbered houses and impressive European institutions. The balance of the day is free to explore on your own. Depart for Worms late in the evening.
Day 4 WORMS: 9:00-14:00 RUEDESHEIM: 17:30-overnight (B, L, D)
Worms walking tour: Along with Speyer, Worms is one of the oldest cities in Germany, and is renowned for its Romanesque Cathedral as well as the place where in 1521 Martin Luther refused to recant his beliefs and was proclaimed a “heretic”. (Depending on sailing conditions, Worms may be substituted with a stop in Speyer where a walking tour will be included). Back on board for lunch, sail on towards Ruedesheim.
Day 5 RUEDESHEIM: 00:00-11:00 KOBLENZ: 15:30-22:00 (B, L, D)
Ruedesheim: After breakfast on board, explore this lovely riverside town on your own or partake in the optional walking & wine tasting tour through this ancient town of timber houses and cobblestone streets dating from the 1500 hundreds with wine tasting included! Return to the ship and sail onto Koblenz. On the way to Koblenz, sail through the Lorelei Passage. According to a popular legend, Lorelei was the name of a young maiden who jumped to her death from the rock due to an unfaithful lover. Then, she became a siren who bewitched the hearts of the sailors with her hypnotizing voice and when they looked up to the rock, their boats crashed and were engulfed in the deep waters. The legend says that, if you listen carefully, Lorelei’s voice can be heard even today.
Koblenz: Take off on your delightful walking tour of the Old Town including St. Castor’s Basilica, the Monument of Emperor Wilhelm I and the town’s landmark, the “Schängel” Fountain. This evening get ready for our fun “Pirate’s” dinner followed by a musical evening in the lounge.
Day 6 COLOGNE, Germany 03:30 – 22:00 (B, L, D)
Your morning walking tour will include the Hey Market, Festival Halls, Town Hall, Jewish Baths, Old Market, and Cologne’s the Dom, the remarkable Gothic cathedral whose construction began in 1248 and was only completed in 1880. The afternoon is free for optional pursuits. In the evening, try your luck at our unique and fun CruceCasino! Depart for Amsterdam in the evening.
Day 7 AMSTERDAM 15:00 – overnight (B, L, D)
Enjoy morning activities on board including Bingo and/or a piano concert in the lounge! On arrival depart on your included walking tour of central Amsterdam, without a doubt, one of the most charming cities in Europe. Featuring a rich cultural life and a wide range of entertainment, Amsterdam is a full-scale city, which has managed to retain its small-town feel. Here you will see most of the major sights, including Anne Frank’s House (outside), the marketplace and the many canals that crisscross the city. Tonight prepare for our Captain’s Farewell dinner.
Day 8 AMSTERDAM, Holland Disembarkation 09:00 (B)
As all good things must come to an end, after breakfast, bid your crew goodbye and disembark with a suitcase full of memories! (Services end with breakfast)
*All stops and times shown are subject to change and alteration based on sailing conditions and other factors.
Optional Excursions
[/fusion_tab][fusion_tab title=”Pricing and Departures” icon=””][/fusion_tab][fusion_tab title=”Cruise Ships” icon=””]M/S Crucevita
This gorgeous vessel, formerly named the Da Vinci, was purposefully built to be able to navigate the sometimes variable water levels that can occur on all the major European rivers. Renovated in 2019 and renamed the Crucevita,
she features only 2 decks and a low draft of only 1.30 m which allows her to sail under bridges when waters are high and pass though shallow waters when the rivers are low, which many larger ships cannot navigate.
Another unique benefit is her maximum passenger capacity of only 110 which provides a wonderful and cozy atmosphere and an old world ambiance with such highlights as a wood enhanced lobby with a unique fireplace, and leather chairs reminiscent of an English country club. A lovely lounge with full floor to ceiling windows includes a bar and dancing podium, where you can enjoy an afternoon cocktail while observing the beautiful passing vistas. The charming restaurant, located on the Main deck, seats all passengers at once and serves delicious international cuisine along with local specialties from some of the areas you will be sailing through. A small exercise room, an elevator that connects the 2 decks and a huge partially shaded sun deck complete her public areas.
The cabins are small but functional at 14 sq m (approximately 150 sq ft). The Main deck cabins feature 2 big panorama windows that cannot open and 2 twin beds that can be flipped into the wall (like Murphy beds) during the day to allow for more space. Note that the price difference between C and B categories reflects the better position of the B category cabins which are quieter and closer to the restaurant and elevator, but otherwise the Main deck cabins are all the same. The Upper deck cabins feature 2 beds that can be moved together to form a queen or separated into 2 twin beds and are highlighted by floor to ceiling French balconies that can slide open allowing for fresh air and magnificent views*. All cabins include a full bathroom with an enclosed shower and hair dryer, a flat screen TV, adjustable heat/cooling, a mini safe and ample storage space. The passengers are catered to by an international crew of 32 along with English speaking Cruise Director and our own Tour Leader. The interiors are all non-smoking, the on board currency is the EURO and Visa/Mastercard are accepted for on board expenses singed and billed to your cabin and paid a day prior to disembarkation. For photos of the ship please see our web site.
*Please note that while in ports, up to 4 ships can park next to each other thus obstructing views and requiring that passengers pass through other vessels to disembark.
Public Areas
Cabins
Category A: Upper Promenade Deck with French Balcony 14 m2 (150 sq ft)
- Located on the Promenade Deck
- Floor to ceiling windows with French Balconies
- Spacious cabins with fitted beds that can be stowed away for more space to relax on the 2 comfortable chair
- Private bathroom with glass-enclosed shower and hair dryers
- Choice of bath amenities with bath towels
- Efficient closet space
- Sitting area with table
- Individually controlled air conditioning and heating system
- Flat-screen TV offering several European & International channels
- Internal telephone
- PIN-coded safe
- Located on the Main Deck
- Panorama window to ensure a great ocean view
- Spacious cabins with fitted beds that can be stowed away for more space to relax on the 2 comfortable chair
- Private bathroom with glass-enclosed shower and hair dryers
- Choice of bath amenities with bath towels
- Efficient closet space
- Sitting area with table
- Individually controlled air conditioning and heating system
- Flat-screen TV offering several European & International channels
- Internal telephone
- PIN-coded safe
- Located on the Main Deck
- Spacious cabins with fitted beds that can be stowed away for more space to relax on the 2 comfortable chair
- Private bathroom with glass-enclosed shower and hair dryers
- Choice of bath amenities with bath towels
- Efficient closet space
- Sitting area with table
- Individually controlled air conditioning and heating system
- Flat-screen TV offering several European & International channels
- Internal telephone
- PIN-coded safe
Download the detailed list of Tips on Tulip and Rhine Cruises.
[toggle Title=”Will I need to obtain a visa for the Radiant Rhine Cruise?”] No. Visas are not required for US citizens traveling on this program.[/toggle] [toggle Title=”Are transfers included?”]If you have purchased your air tickets through us, your transfers will be included. However, transfers are still available for those who would like to arrange their own airfare, for a fee. For more information about transfer rates for this program, please call our office at (714) 556-8258 or toll free (800) 795-1633.[/toggle] [toggle Title=”Which ship will be used for the 2020 Radiant Rhine Cruise?”]M/S Crucevita. This elegant, luxurious, boutique style vessel, the M/S Crucevita was designed in an old world grand yacht style. Superb public areas, accented in oak and leather, include a panorama restaurant, cozy bar and lounge, a fire-place, a gym, sauna, library, and sun deck! The cabins area spacious 14 sq m (150 sq ft) and are fitted with beds that are stowed away during the day to create extra space to relax. All cabins include air-conditioning/heating that can be regulated individually, a multi-channel satellite TV with remote control, a mini safety deposit box, a telephone and a hair dryer. The luxury bathroom contains a toilet, enclosed shower, and a stylish wash basin. Cabins on Main deck have panorama windows while cabins on the upper Promenade deck will have new French balconies (renovation scheduled for 2019 winter-season) The decks are interconnected by a regular elevator suitable to carry up to 4 persons. The Sun Deck is accessible from the Promenade Deck by an outside chair lift. Maximum capacity 110 passengers serviced by a young and vivacious crew of 36. Non-smoking interiors. Currency: Euro[/toggle] [toggle Title=”Will I be able to make phone calls and check emails while aboard the ship?”]There are no telephone lines for outgoing calls on our vessels. Communication from ship to shore can only be done through the Captain’s radio. However, you may bring your US cell phone to use – just please make sure it is “unlocked” by your US provider in order to use it. Wi-Fi is available for a fee and computers are provided near the bar. The service is free, but the level of signal may vary depending on sailing itinerary and location of ports.[/toggle] [toggle Title=”What is the currency should I be prepared to use?”]For the rate of exchange to the US dollar, please check online a few days prior to your departure as some of these currencies fluctuate daily. Due to varying foreign currency laws, our ships do NOT have exchange offices on board. Therefore, we highly recommend that you BRING A SUFFICIENT QUANTITY OF EUROS OR DOLLARS in CASH prior to your departure. You will then have ample opportunity to change either Euro/dollar to local currencies.[/toggle] [toggle Title=”What methods of payment are accepted on board and on shore?”]While on board the ship, all costs are quoted in Euros. Direct payments are accepted in cash (Euros) or signed to your cabin and paid at the end of the navigation by cash or credit card (Visa or MasterCard only). However, a service may be applied to credit card transactions. Personal and Traveler Checks are not accepted.Due to strict foreign currency laws, here are important notes regarding on shore expenses:
Cash: is accepted and preferred. (Euros & USD)
Credit Cards: are accepted, VISA OR MASTERCARD ONLY! (Limited use outside of urban areas.)
*Credit Card Note: As of May 2014, European credit card processors require credit cards with chips and a 4-digit PIN code. Your USA magnetic strip cards may NOT work at local ATM’s requiring a PIN. Ask your bank for a chip card and/or bring along a debit card with your PIN (or enough cash to cover your expenses!)[/toggle]
[toggle Title=”If cash is still “king,” any recommendation of how much I should bring?”]Although everyone is different, we suggest that you set aside at least 700 Euros/$1000 USD per person – to cover your optional tours and shopping expenses. If you are planning on purchasing more expensive items you may want to bring more.[/toggle]
[toggle Title=”Are optional tours offered in this program?”]Yes, a number of optional excursions will be offered for sale during your cruise. These optional services are priced in Euros. They may be signed to your cabin and paid at the end of the cruise with cash or via Visa or Matercard.[/toggle]
[toggle Title=”What if I have special dietary needs or food allergies?”]Special meal requests are possible. If you have any food allergies or special dietary needs, please be sure to notify our office at least 90 days prior to your departure. We and the restaurant staff will make every effort to arrange for special meals, however, if you have strict dietary restrictions, you may want to bring some non-perishable snacks, crackers, dried fruits, dietary sweeteners, or other items that will compliment the limited variety of special meals.[/toggle]
[toggle Title=”Anything else I should make sure to pack?”]For a complete list of suggested items to bring, please read our detailed Tips on Tulip and Rhine Cruises. But here are a few important items that often get overlooked!
Electrical current in hotels and on the ship is 220 volts/50MHZ. In order to use appliances, including shavers, hair-dryers, chargers for movie cameras, etc., you will need to bring:
1) Universal Transformer: to convert from US 110 Volts to 220. (Note: recent electronic equipment such as laptops and cameras MAY automatically convert. Please check your individual item.)
2) Universal Adapter Plugs: Round pins for sockets that are different than at home. Since there are no supplies of converters/ adapters, we recommend you purchase a transformer/ adapter plug set at any electronics or appliance store before you leave.
PLEASE DO NOT FORGET: Medications which are vital to your health. A letter should accompany these from your doctor (signed and dated), certifying that such medications are vital to your health. Dosage should be indicated. Always pack any personal medications in your carry-on luggage, not in your checked baggage. Additionally, those passengers with lighter physical disabilities must report them to us at the time of booking.[/toggle][/fusion_tab][/fusion_tabs][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]