Netherlands Cruises: Sailings, Embarkations & Ports of Call
192 ships from 33 cruise lines
Netherlands cruises at a glance
Waterways Cruise lists 1,065 upcoming sailings on 192 ships from 33 cruise lines visiting Netherlands, calling at 39 places. Cruises can start in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, IJmuiden, Arnhem and Zaandam and end in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, IJmuiden, Arnhem and Zaandam. Of 1,067 upcoming sailings, 442 start in the Netherlands and 408 end there.
Reviewed and fact-checked by J. Richard · About this page · About us
Compare Netherlands cruise lines
See every Netherlands cruise line by ocean and river and by ultra-luxury, luxury, premium and contemporary style, with fares, cruise lengths, ships and ports.
About Netherlands
A journey through the Netherlands by river cruise offers a seamless blend of Golden Age history, cutting-edge design, and tranquil polderscapes. From Amsterdam's concentric canals to the windmills of Kinderdijk and the medieval town of Hoorn, every bend of the Rhine and Ijssel reveals a country that is compact yet endlessly varied. For the milestone traveler seeking authentic encounters without crowds, a river cruise along Dutch waterways provides intimate access to villages that larger ships cannot reach, while the flat terrain makes every excursion gentle and accessible. This package curates the essential ports, excursions, and cultural insights to ensure a sophisticated, unhurried voyage.
Typical routes
- Rhine Route: Amsterdam to Basel or vice versa, passing through Utrecht, Rotterdam (for Kinderdijk), and then continuing into Germany.
- IJsselmeer and Dutch Waterways: Circular itineraries exploring Amsterdam, Hoorn, Enkhuizen, and the islands of Marken and Volendam, sometimes venturing to the Wadden Sea.
Ports overview
The Netherlands is a core region for European river cruising. The country's extensive network of rivers, canals, and lakes allows ships to visit both major cities and quaint villages. Most cruises focus on the Rhine, which enters from Germany, and the IJsselmeer, a former inland sea. Ports are generally located close to town centers, allowing immediate exploration.
Cruise season
April to October is the peak season. Tulip season (mid-April to early May) is especially popular but crowded. Shoulder months (May, June, September) offer milder weather and fewer crowds. Some cruises operate in March and November with modified itineraries. Winter cruises are rare.
Find your Netherlands sailing
Upcoming sailings calling at Netherlands, earliest departure first.
8 Days One-Way from Amsterdam to Nuremberg
Starts in Netherlands. Also visits Germany
APT Ostara
18 Days One-Way from Vienna to Amsterdam
Ends in Netherlands. Also visits Austria, Switzerland, Germany
Avalon Panorama
14 Days One-Way from Basel to London-Greenwich
Visits Netherlands. Also visits Switzerland, Germany, France
Emerald Luna
Why Book With Waterways Cruise?
Four decades of expertise, one dedicated advisor, and every detail handled, from your front door to the gangway and back.
Cruise Concierge
A dedicated advisor who learns your name, your travel style and your preferences, then stays with you from the first conversation to the day you return home. Not a call center. Never a stranger.
100% Custom‑Built
No cookie-cutter packages. Flights, hotels, transfers and shore days are designed from scratch around how you actually like to travel, then refined until the trip feels like yours.
40+ Years in Travel
Founded by J. Richard, a four-decade veteran of the travel industry, and focused solely on premium river and ocean cruising. Decades of ship and itinerary knowledge go into every recommendation.
Book With Total Confidence
A travel agency that is a proud member of Signature Travel Network, CLIA, ASTA and IATA.
18 Days One-Way from Paris City to Budapest
Visits Netherlands. Also visits France, Germany, Austria
Scenic Crystal
17 Days One-Way from Lisbon to Copenhagen
Visits Netherlands. Also visits Portugal, Spain, France
Silver Spirit
15 Days One-Way from Budapest to Amsterdam
Ends in Netherlands. Also visits Hungary, Austria, Germany
Viking Lif
11 Days One-Way from Amsterdam to Milano
Starts in Netherlands. Also visits Germany, France, Switzerland
VIVA Inspire
15 Days One-Way from Amsterdam to Budapest
Starts in Netherlands. Also visits Germany, Austria, Hungary
Avalon Passion
22 Days One-Way from Amsterdam to Oltenita
Starts in Netherlands. Also visits Germany, Austria, Hungary
Avalon Passion
23 Days One-Way from Amsterdam to Bucharest
Starts in Netherlands. Also visits Germany, Austria, Hungary
Avalon Passion
25 Days One-Way from Amsterdam to Bucharest
Starts in Netherlands. Also visits Germany, Austria, Hungary
Avalon Passion
14 Days Amsterdam, Netherlands Round Trip
Starts and ends in Netherlands. Also visits Ireland, United Kingdom
Celebrity Eclipse
Where Netherlands cruises start and end
Embarkation ports (5)
Coastal and island ports
Amsterdam (870) (cruises from) · IJmuiden (58) (cruises from) · Rotterdam (205) (cruises from)
River ports
Arnhem (74) (cruises from) · Zaandam (14) (cruises from)
Ships by type: 59 ocean 132 river 3 expedition · a ship that visits several places here is counted once; an expedition ship that also sails as an ocean ship appears under both types.
Netherlands is also in: Western Europe, Northern Europe & the Baltics
Plan your Netherlands cruise
Netherlands cruise port guide
Cruise ports, what to see, history and practical advice.
Netherlands cruise port guide →Frequently asked questions about Netherlands cruises
How many places do cruises visit in Netherlands?
39 Netherlands places are visited by 192 ships from 33 cruise lines.
When is the best time to take a Netherlands cruise?
April to October is the peak season. Tulip season (mid-April to early May) is especially popular but crowded. Shoulder months (May, June, September) offer milder weather and fewer crowds. Some cruises operate in March and November with modified itineraries. Winter cruises are rare.
Sources and further reading
Background on Netherlands draws on these references. Sailing, fare and port data come from cruise line itineraries and are refreshed regularly.
- Lonely Planet: The Netherlands Travel Guide
- CIA World Factbook: Netherlands
- Waterways Cruise Journal: 2026 Netherlands River Cruises
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Kinderdijk-Elshout
Created by the Waterways Cruise content team and reviewed and fact-checked by J. Richard, Sr. Cruise Travel Agent and Founder of Waterways Cruise.
Published September 9, 2026 · Last updated October 31, 2026
Fares, availability and itineraries change often. Confirm current details with your cruise line or a Waterways Cruise agent before you book.
Cruise Disclosure
Good to know: Prices are quoted per person based on double occupancy and include all applicable taxes and fees. Availability and prices can change quickly, so please continue through the booking process to confirm the latest availability and pricing before you pay.
We work hard to make sure everything on this website is accurate and up to date. However, some information may be incomplete or inaccurate, including details supplied by third parties or otherwise outside our control, and we cannot be held responsible for such errors. We work with 0 cruise line operators, that are providing cruises on 0 ships visiting 0 ports across 0 unique cruises, creating 0 itineraries. This is a great deal of data to continually update daily from our suppliers. If a pricing error, misrepresentation, or omission occurs, we reserve the right to adjust the pricing, correct the information, or cancel or decline any booking made in error, with notice to you. Thank you for your understanding!