When I became a vacation specialist in 2005, I’d been cruising the oceans for twenty years and loving it. Shortly after that, I learned about another mode of vacation travel – river cruising. I’m a firm believer in learning as much about the industry and travel products as possible in order to best serve my clients. One of the ways I learn is by experiencing the products first-hand. I booked my first river cruise for Tulip Time in Holland and Belgium. I’m happy to say there have been several more since then as well.
You might be wondering what’s so special about river cruising and what are some of the benefits. A river cruise allows you to travel easily between different cities and countries without having to worry about packing and unpacking or navigating public transportation. You can simply relax and enjoy the journey while your ship takes you to your next destination. More importantly, River cruising allows you to immerse yourself in the culture of the regions you visit. You'll have the opportunity to explore charming towns and villages, taste local cuisine, and learn about the history and traditions of the places you visit. One of the biggest advantages of a river cruise is the stunning scenery. You'll be able to enjoy breathtaking views of picturesque towns, historic castles, and stunning landscapes along the river.
My Tulip Time river cruise began in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It was a gorgeous Easter Sunday when we departed Amsterdam. Our excursion took us into the town of Volendam which was filled with families celebrating the holiday and the gorgeous weather. From there we took a ten-minute motorcoach ride to the charming village of Edam, famous for cheese. Edam’s ancient streets and tranquil canals are lined by beautiful 17th-century buildings, including the leaning Carillon tower, the Big Church, and the former town hall. Most famous in Edam beyond any doubt is the public weighing house, where the famous Edam Cheese Market is held on Wednesday mornings during July and August.
Docking near the heart of Arnhem, several of us walked to St. Eusebius Church. When entering the church, the first thing you see is the main pipe organ, the Strümphler organ, which dates back to 1795 and is the replacement of the Wagner organ from 1770 which was destroyed completely in WWII. The church was extensively damaged during the Second World War following Operation Market Garden in 1944. Arnhem was definitely one of the highlights of our Tulip Time cruise. History buffs will definitely enjoy the visit.
Be sure to visit Keukenhof Gardens to see fields with every color of tulip you can imagine. During my visit there was a display of tulips that formed the Statue of Liberty which could be viewed from a raised platform. Beware – if anyone loves to photograph flowers in your group, you could lose them there.
Old meets new in Kinderdijk which gives you the extraordinary opportunity to visit a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here you can see 19 windmills from the 18th century and even go inside one to see what it was like to live there. You’ll also see the modern water pumping stations, plus dikes and reservoirs that control flooding in the region. Complete your visit with a ride on one of the canal boats amongst the windmills.
Besides the Netherlands, a Tulip Time river cruise visits Belgium. No trip to the region is complete without some world-famous chocolate. For a real treat, purchase a Liege waffle topped with white or dark chocolate, strawberries, or other toppings from a street vendor. These sweet waffles are a convenient snack while you are touring and can be enjoyed any time of day. Friends and family will love you if you bring home some Belgium chocolate.
Europe is a World of Waterways waiting to be explored by you. River cruises are typically smaller and more intimate than ocean cruises, which allows for a more personalized experience. You'll have the opportunity to get to know your fellow passengers and crew, and the on-board activities and excursions can be tailored to your interests. I love talking about my river cruises and those that I’m still longing to take some day. Call me today to learn more about the various options and to plan your dream vacation.