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 Amsterdam, Netherlands Round Trip
Starts and ends in Netherlands. Also visits Belgium
Scenic Crystal
10 Days One-Way from Antwerp to Amsterdam
Ends in Netherlands. Also visits Belgium
SS Audrey
10 Days One-Way from Amsterdam to Basel
Starts in Netherlands. Also visits Germany, France, Switzerland
Avalon Envision
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10 Days Amsterdam, Netherlands Round Trip
Starts and ends in Netherlands. Also visits Belgium
Scenic Jade
17 Days One-Way from San Juan to Amsterdam
Ends in Netherlands. Also visits Puerto Rico, Portugal, France
Star Pride
11 Days One-Way from Amsterdam to Brussels
Starts in Netherlands. Also visits Belgium
Scenic Jade
8 Days Amsterdam, Netherlands Round Trip
Starts and ends in Netherlands. Also visits Belgium
Scenic Jade
11 Days One-Way from Basel to Amsterdam
Ends in Netherlands. Also visits Switzerland, France, Germany
SS Victoria
10 Days Amsterdam, Netherlands Round Trip
Starts and ends in Netherlands. Also visits Belgium
Scenic Opal
8 Days One-Way from Bergen to Amsterdam
Ends in Netherlands. Also visits Norway, Denmark
Viking Astrea
43 Days One-Way from Civitavecchia-Rome to Stockholm
Visits Netherlands. Also visits Italy, France, Spain
Oceania Sonata
11 Days One-Way from Brussels to Amsterdam
Ends in Netherlands. Also visits Belgium
Scenic Jade
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.
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