river cruise from amsterdam

We did one on Scenic in April. We arrived a few days early and spent them in Bruges. Then we stayed a few days after and slept in Amsterdam but used the wonderful train system to visit some smaller towns (we’d been to A before). The cruise highlight of course was the tulips at Keukenhof Garden. Unbelievable! We also enjoyed our cruise stop in Antwerp more than expected. Instead of just a big city, it has a very interesting historic center. Otherwise, the river cruise pace is easy going and each day will afford you many tour options. Choices, choices.

Yes, we did the Amsterdam to Budapest route with Viking Cruises in May 2022. We enjoyed the cruise a lot. but don't be like the clueless Americans we encountered on the cruise. They didn't get Euros in advance, thinking that US dollars would be accepted everywhere. Viking includes a guided tour in each port, and some ports are not in the city center and they will bus you to the town center to start their tours. In Vienna, we did our thing, because the metro is close by and we knew what we wanted to see on our own for cheaper than the extra tours that were an additional cost.

Amsterdam is a great place to visit. Go in a couple days early. If you stay at the Doubletree, you are within walking distance to the cruise port dock and the hotel is a good location to catch the trams to the museum quarter or walk to the Jordan district or catch a train to other cities.

I’ve mentioned this here before, but the trams and trains couldn’t be easier. No tickets needed. We tapped in and out with a credit card.

I am not sure where you are going from Amsterdam, but we took an AmaWaterways river cruise from Zurich to Amsterdam pre-covid. We love river cruises because they are small and mostly take you to the heart of the city. I have been on 3 AmaWaterways cruises and have a 4th on coming up next month. I can highly recommend them. They divide the excursion groups in to three groups, gentle walkers, regular and active, so you can choose you pace. The food is very good and the fellow travelers were delightful.

thanks chale. I don't really care where I go. I'm just exploring the idea of a cruise after my week in amsterdam and trying to get information on the possibilities. I'll check this out. sue

I'll turn 78 in January and I'm also thinking about my next trip being a river cruise. I too am a solo traveler and it's a real challenge finding river cruises that give any breaks to solo travelers.

There was a previous thread where I whined about that and got this response, "LO - That's another reason we love Tauck -- there is NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT. We have a single friend who travels with us - she pays the same thing we do. Now, you have to book the Cat. 1 rooms, but, trust me - the rooms are great. Tauck is also ALL INCLUSIVE. We've been on Gate 1, Viking, AMA, Avalon, Uniworld, and Tauck - Tauck is our favorite."

And this: "Lo, I have been exploring some of the links given above and also taking a deep dive into Gate 1 River cruises for a cabin with single occupancy and they do offer single cabins on the main deck in the back of the ship with a lookout window (no balcony or Juliet balcony). So, very basic but is possible to travel solo on their Danube river cruise with no additional charge for single.

Edit: my search link didn’t work but here is the main site: https://www.gate1travel.com"

And this: "Lo, I've read that on occasion Viking offers options for single travelers but you’d need to call them to find out where/when. There's a guy on Cruise Critic who frequently travels with his partner and mother-in-law."

This is the link to the rather recent discussion: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/transportation/river-cruise-companies-in-europe-choices

I'm not sure if or when I'll go, but I've been pleased to see that in spite of traveling a lot in Europe and living in Nürnberg 1982-85, there are places river cruises go and experiences they provide that would not be repeats for me.

As you do your research, please keep us updated on what you decide.

Next river cruise consider Gate 1 Travel, their prices always beat Ama, Avalon, Viking, etc.

Thanks for the info. Gate 1 Travel did not have anything that would connect with my
april in amsterdam trip, but the do have several interesting trips at affordable priced to consider for the future. sue

check out youtuber TIPS FOR TRAVELLERS among others for some good tips

Hi, Sue, I'm a solo traveler as well who has always traveled independently, but in a about 18 months, I will be taking a tour/cruise to Egypt and Jordan with Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT). It was recommended highly by others on this forum. I do know they have cruises in Europe but not sure if they specifically go to Amsterdam.

However the reason that I mention them is that for many of their tours and cruises, they do not charge a single supplement. I know Lo mentioned Tauck, which also does not (Tauck is an all-inclusive tour company) but OAT was considerably less expensive than Tauck. Again, this may not be information you need at this time, but in case you are looking for future trips, I just wanted to give you this info.

Amsterdam, by the way, is one of my favorite cities and so easy to get around in, as Susan said. I think you would really enjoy it. And as Derek mentioned, definitely stay on for at least a few days (or start there early) as there is so much to see, and so many wonderful day trips available.

thanks Mardee, I'll check it out. I'll be in the Netherlands for a week - Amsterdam 5 days. looking forward to it!

We have taken several river cruises with Viking and AMAWaterways. AMAWaterways beats Viking in every category.

I went to Vietnam and Cambodia with AMA. Fantastic trip. I would recommend AMA.

We love Viking! Small, intimate ship with no nickel and diming Great food--they bring in local cuisine.