***IMPORTANT NOTE*** Please note that certain countries like the Netherlands are attempting to reduce tourism overcrowding by instituting new rules such as banishing most river cruise ship from downtown Amsterdam to outlying ports like Zaandam, Coenhaven or Haarlem. The same situation applies to Rotterdam with alternate ports of Kinderdijk and Utrecht available. The local river authorities determine where the ships can park and these decisions may be made last minute. In anticipation of possible changes to port locations, our ship and land operators will make every attempt to provide the same sightseeing as outlined in the itineraries or will offer alternatives of the same or similar quality.
Highlights:
1 night first class hotel stay in Amsterdam
Stroll through the vibrant floral Kuekenhof Gardens
Cruise through the canals of Amsterdam
On board lectures and entertainment arranged by the crew
Welcome and Captain’s farewell dinner with drinks
7 Sightseeing Tours and Shore Excursions:
AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND: Half day tour of Keukenhof Gardens
AMSTERDAMN, HOLLAND: Walking tour through Amsterdam’s city center
ROTTERDAM, HOLLAND: Walking Tour includes the hanging Cubic town houses & the steamship “Rotterdam”
GHENT, BELGIUM: City tour including the famous 3 tower row featuring the Belfry, St. Bravo’s Cathedral, & St. Nicholas Church
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM: Bus and Walking Tour includes St. Michael’s Cathedral, the Chinese Pavilion, Japanese Tower, King’s Square, Royal Palace, & European Parliament building
ANTWERP, BELGIUM: Morning Tour in Antwerp, home to famous painter Pieter Paul Rubens
DORDRECHT, HOLLAND: Walking Tour includes canals, city harbors, & Dutch houses
Included Features:
Arrival and departure transfers (included if airfare purchased through us)*
Accommodations for 7 nights in a river-view cabin category of your choice
1 night at a first class hotel with full breakfast and all taxes included (Novotel, Moevenpick or similar)
20 meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
NEW: Free house wine, local beer, soft drinks, juices, etc included from 10am to 11pm daily!* (*excludes high end liquor, champagne, brand name wine, custom coffee, and alcoholic cocktails)
Captain’s Welcome cocktail, Farewell dinner and Farewell cocktail
Total of 7 included sightseeing excursions including transportation, entrance fees, and local English-speaking guides
All on board activities, themed dinners, and special services including early riser breakfast, afternoon cakes & tea, 24/7 coffee station, late night snacks and live music each evening
Services of professional English-speaking Cruise & Tour Director
Audio units included on all tours and excursions
Not Included:
International airfare (can be priced separately)
Port fees and cruise fuel surcharges (listed separately in Pricing & Departures)
Transfers if purchasing Cruise Only (must be arranged and paid for in advance)
Any travel and document fees including Visa requirements
Optional tours as outlined in itinerary (minimum number of people required to operate)
Costs of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone, liquor, souvenirs, etc.
Tips to Crew, Cruise Directors, local guides and other staff along the route (suggested Tipping amounts will be advised)
Any increases in costs due to unforeseen circumstances such as: additional fuel surcharges, exchange rates or Government imposed taxes and fees not known at this time
Your exciting journey begins as you board your overnight flights to Europe. Meals and services per airline policy.
Day 1 AMSTERDAM, Netherlands (O)
Welcome to the Netherlands! On arrival, transfer to your hotel. Check-in after 3pm. The balance of the day is free. Amsterdam offers plenty of opportunities to explore and dine on your own. (Novotel, Moevenpick or similar)
Day 2 AMSTERDAM: Keukenhof Gardens, Embarkation after 4pm (B, D)
After breakfast, check-out and depart on your half day tour of the magnificent Keukenhof Gardens, home to more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths spread out over 79 acres. After a break for lunch (on own) transfer back to the port (Zaandam/Haarlem/Coenhaven) to board your floating hotel. Check in to your cabin and explore the ship prior to an information briefing followed by your first delicious dinner.
Day 3 AMSTERDAM: Boat & Walking Tour, Set Sail 23:00 (B, L, D)
After breakfast, your sightseeing of the city will begin with a canal cruise followed by a walking tour of the city center introducing you to major highlights including Dam Square, Anne Frank’s House (exterior), Museum Square, the Flower market and other attractions! Return to the ship for lunch. The balance of the day is as leisure.* Tonight, a welcome cocktail and crew introduction will precede dinner. *Depending on your port location, an afternoon optional tour of Zaandam and/or Zaanse Schans Windmills may be available for purchase on board.
Day 4 ROTTERDAM*, Holland 07:00 – 19:00 (B, L, D)
This morning explore one of the largest harbors and commercial ports in the world! Your walking tour will include the harbor front, the whimsical architecture including the hanging Cubic town houses and the steamship “Rotterdam,” once the flagship of Holland America Line. The afternoon is free for optional pursuits including the optional tour to Delft and the Hague. *In case of port overcrowding, the ship may dock in nearby Kinderdijk or Utrecht.
Day 5 GHENT, Belgium 10:00– 20:00 (B, L, D)
Today, delight in exploring Ghent, Belgium’s hidden treasure! Exuding a unique mix of ancient cultures combined with a lively modern student scene, bustling shops and gastronomic restaurants, Ghent will impress you with its winding canals, the famous 3 tower row featuring the Belfry, St. Bravo’s Cathedral and St. Nicholas Church, its art and architecture. The balance of the day is free to explore on your own or take an optional excursion to Bruges, the unofficial capital of west Flanders and UNESCO world heritage site.
Day 6 BRUSSELS, Belgium 09:00-20:00 (B, L, D)
Your guided bus and walking tour of Belgium’s capital will highlight all the major attractions including St. Michael’s Cathedral, the Chinese Pavilion, Japanese Tower, King’s Square, Royal Palace and of course, the imposing offices of the European Parliament building. You will end the tour with a walk through the beautiful Grote Market. The balance of the day is free.
Day 7 ANTWERP Belgium 03:00 – 19:00 (B, L, D)
This morning enjoy a tour of Belgium’s second largest city, home to famous painter Pieter Paul Rubens. The tour will include the cities medieval heart with café-filled cobblestone lanes, a riverside fortress and the impressive Cathedral of our Lady featuring original paintings of Antwerp’s famous “son”. The afternoon is free to explore on your own.
Day 8 DORDRECHT, Holland 04:00-13:00, Arrive Amsterdam 22:30 (B, L, D)
Located on an island surrounded by wide rivers, Dordrecht was the country’s earliest trading post. Your guided walking tour will include views of beautiful inner city harbors, quaint canals, wooden bridges and typical Dutch houses. Back on board, enjoy a farewell cocktail followed by the Captain’s Farewell dinner!
Day 9 AMSTERDAM – HOME Disembarkation 9am (B)
As all good things must come to an end, after breakfast, bid your crew goodbye and disembark with a suitcase full of memories. BON VOYAGE!
Delft is a city well known for its ties to the royal family and to Dutch master Johannes Vermeer (Girl with the Pearl Earring). Delft is most famous for its blue and white pottery. You’ll also have the opportunity to experience the incredible historical monuments the city has to offer. From there, we move on to The Hague, the seat of Dutch government and home to the royal family. The city center is easily accessible by foot and contains architecture from the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. The Hague has already merged with the coastal Scheveningen, a fishing village in the past, and a resort suburb today as evidenced by the magnificent building at the Kurhaus and the picturesque strip of sandy beach.
The beautiful city of Bruges is one of the best preserved medieval cities of Europe. It has played an integral role in western trade as well as in Europe’s artistic and architectural evolution, this has become one stop in Belgium you simply can’t miss! With this excursion we will discover one of the pearls of the Low Countries. This gorgeous city has the whole city center designated as an UNESCO world heritage site. During the bus transfer to Bruges, your guide will inform you about the history and tradition of the city and of the country. On arrival, you will start your walking tour and discover all the highlights of the city including Saint John’s Hospital, Our Lady Church, the Market Square with the Belfry, the old City Hall and the Holy Blood Chapel, and much more. After some free time, return to your ship.
Visit chocolate shops in this beautiful city and taste the flavors of the locals! Taste chocolate in the form of the Cathedral, a chocolate in the form of a hand (which happens to be the logo of Antwerp), and a cookie in the form of a hand. Depending on the weather, either hot chocolate or more chocolate pieces will be available. In addition to tasting all the chocolate, a guide will teach you everything there is to know about chocolate and what makes it so mouthwatering. Minimum of 20 passengers needed for tour to run
This lively guided tour takes you into the lovely Dutch country-side. The Zaanse Schans is a unique part of the Netherlands, full of wooden houses, mills, barns and workshops. Located 25 km from Amsterdam, it is an open-air museum housing more than 30 houses built in 16-17 centuries, all of which invite you to discover the country-side life of Medieval Holland. More than a thousand windmills were built along the Zaan river but only 6 remain. The village has preserved old Dutch traditions of house building, clog making and old fashioned cheese production – which you will have a chance to not only see but sample as well!. Nearby is Volendam, a fisherman village, well-known for its delicious shrimps, eels and herring. Enjoy some free time to explore this authentic town with its own culture, language and locals wearing national dresses. IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to time limitations in Amsterdam, to avoid disappointment, this tour should be pre-ordered.
Keukenhof is the most beautiful spring garden in the world. More than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths cover over 32 hectares with magnificent color and fragrance!
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 walking tour of the city center will introduce you to highlights including the famous market place, Dam Square, the Central Station, and the unique medieval houses built along the vast system of canals that criss-cross the city!
Rotterdam is truly a world city. The impressive skyline can be seen from afar, enhancing the city’s imposing appearance characterized by such landmarks as the Euromast observation tower and the swan-like curve of the Erasmus Bridge. Rotterdam is known in the Netherlands and abroad as a city of great architecture, featuring many examples of innovative construction. The 800-metre long Erasmus Bridge spans the Maas River and links the northern and southern parts of Rotterdam. The suspension bridge has a 139-metre high steel pylon, which is secured with 40 cables. The shape of the pylon gave the bridge its nickname, ‘The Swan’. The Erasmus Bridge is the icon of Rotterdam. The Euromast Tower is the highest observation tower in the Netherlands. At 100 metres, the tower provides a fantastic panoramic 360° view of the city and much further afield. The cube houses were designed by Piet Blom, who saw his design as a tree and the entire complex as a forest. Blom wanted to develop a village within a large city; a safe haven where various different functions could take place.
Discover the history and the hidden secrets of one of the most beautiful towns in Belgium – Ghent. You’ll be mesmerized by the outstanding beauty of its quays, churches and squares. Every house has its own history and every facade is hiding some legends behind. You’ll learn not only the history of the city, its ups and downs, but also the urban myths, the jokes the citizens have about their town, the adventures of the university students and how these young party-people are giving life to the city. The tour is about 2 hours and it covers the main highlights of the city including the Old Market, central square with the 91m Belfry and the beautiful Cathedral of St. Bavo, home to famous paintings of the great Flemish masters including Frans Pourbus and Peter Paul Rubens.
Despite its European dimension and despite all the different languages spoken on the corner of every street, Brussels is still inspired by a very “village-like” spirit. Of course, it’s well known for its Grand-Place, its Atomium, its Manneken-Pis, its Gueuze and its Kriek, its waffles and its chocolates… You’ll discover a Brussels that’s in the spirit of the times, a capital that’s relaxed and comfortable, as much in its history as in its present-day reality. Headquarters of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (N.A.T.O.), Brussels is an international financial center and home to the European headquarters of over two thousand multinationals attracting thousands of visitors each year.
It is hard to describe Antwerp in a single word. This historic city has so much to offer: a beautiful cathedral and numerous imposing churches, a magnificent Central Station, the ground-breaking Museum on the River (MAS), the tranquil Rubens House, a delightful sculpture garden (Middelheim), a zoo with a history and so much more. Antwerp is also Belgium’s fashion capital, home to many internationally renowned designers. That is why in the Scheldt city you will find dozens of exclusive boutiques, rubbing shoulders with fun bric-a-brac shops where you can browse for hours. Not surprisingly, the local ‘Antwerpenaars’ – who are fairly loud by nature – are extremely proud of their city. Welcome to Antwerp, the most self-confident city in Belgium!
The Dutch city of Dordrecht is located on an island, surrounded by wide rivers. With its position at a river confluence, Dordrecht was the country’s earliest trading port and grew wealthy with important commercial, military and private boat building since the 14th century. Today you can still sense these prestigious times as you walk through the town. Besides the beautiful inner city harbors, quaint canals, wooden bridges, typical Dutch houses, the many monuments and huge churches, this city has a fantastic atmosphere that gives it the character of an age-old port.
DISCLAIMER: All optional excursions are shown for information and planning purposes. They are subject to change do to holidays, attraction black-out dates or other reasons. Some, if not all optional excursions may require a minimum number of participants to operate. Prices are quoted in Euros. Final list of availability and costs will be confirmed upon arrival to your vessels at the initial information meeting.
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
Category B: Main Deck with Panorama Windows (windows do not open), 14 m2 (150 sq ft)
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
Category C: Main Deck, 14 m2 (150 sq ft)
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
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.
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 2018 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
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 level of signal may vary depending on sailing itinerary and location of ports.
The EURO is the accepted currency in all countries on this cruise as well as on board the ship.You will then have ample opportunity to change either Euro/dollar to local currencies. Important note: For optional excursions and tips to the crew (shared by all) only Euro CASH can be accepted. The reasons is that optional excursions are booked last minute based on passenger interest and operated by outside local travel agents who cannot clear credit cards within the given timeframe. The tipping for the crew is also only in cash because the crew members are seasonal and not full time employees of the ship. Due to currency, taxes and other regulations there is no method for the ship to charge for tips and return them to the crew. Therefore, we suggest passengers bring along enough Euro cash to cover optional excursions and tipping. Tipping guidelines will be sent with your final documents. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.
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. Please check in advance and remember – cash is still “king” in most Eastern European countries. 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!)
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.
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.
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.
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.
