Tulip Time
Rhine River Cruise
Sailing in the Spring with Emerald Cruises on their specialty Tulip Time River Cruise from Amsterdam offered a delightful journey through the Netherlands' iconic tulip fields and charming towns. Here are the highlights and activities that we enjoyed along the way:
Amsterdam: We started our cruise in the vibrant capital city of the Netherlands, Amsterdam. We had free time to explore the picturesque canals lined with historic buildings, visit iconic landmarks such as the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Rijksmuseum, and wander through the charming neighborhoods of Jordaan and the Nine Streets. If you go, don't miss the chance to take a scenic canal cruise to admire the city from the water.
During our sailing we spent an extra day in Amsterdam. That gave us an opportunity to visit Zaanse Schans. The historic village is renowned for its well-preserved windmills, wooden houses, and traditional Dutch crafts. It's a popular destination for experiencing Dutch culture, tasting local delicacies like cheese, and seeing first-hand how wooden shoes are crafted.
The Hague: The Hague is the seat of the Dutch government and home to many international organizations. It's famous for its stately buildings, including the Peace Palace, and its beautiful parks and beaches. The Mauritshuis is a renowned art museum in The Hague, housing a world-class collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings, including Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring" and Rembrandt's "The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp." It's a must-visit for art enthusiasts seeking to experience masterpieces from the 17th century.
Rotterdam: Rotterdam is Europe's largest port city and a hub of modern architecture and design. We spent a great day exploring the innovative architecture of the Markthal, the Cube Houses, and the Erasmus Bridge. If you have more time you could visit the Maritime Museum to learn about Rotterdam's maritime heritage, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top of the Euromast tower. Instead, we enjoyed a food tour and strolled through the market - held weekly on Tuesday and Saturday. The number of vendors is dazzling and they sell everything from flowers and fish to furniture and clothes.
Willemstad: This picturesque town is known for its well-preserved 16th-century fortifications, charming Old Town with cobblestone streets, and a picturesque harbor lined with sailboats. Visitors can explore the historic Grote Kerk, enjoy water activities, and sample traditional Dutch cuisine. With its rich maritime heritage and quaint atmosphere, Willemstad offered a delightful afternoon stop during our cruise.
Antwerp: Antwerp, our only stop in Belgium, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, thriving cultural scene, and dynamic port. It's famous for its stunning architecture, including the Cathedral of Our Lady with its towering spire and Rubens House, once home to the renowned painter Peter Paul Rubens. Antwerp is also a fashion and design hub, with trendy boutiques and avant-garde galleries. Visitors can explore the historic Grote Markt square, indulge in Belgian cuisine and chocolates, and soak in the lively atmosphere of this cosmopolitan city. While there we also chose to conduct a head-to-head waffle taste test. Three out of four in our group preferred the Brussels Waffle (light and airy) to the Liege Waffle (caramelized sugar and chewy texture).
Nijmegen: We docked here instead of the usual Arnhem as the dock in Arnhem is being updated. However, we still were able to visit the Paleis Het Loo. Paleis Het Loo is a magnificent palace located in Apeldoorn, Netherlands, surrounded by beautiful gardens and extensive grounds. Built in the 17th century, it was originally a royal residence and hunting lodge for the House of Orange-Nassau. The palace features stunning Baroque architecture and luxurious interiors, offering visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Dutch royalty. The meticulously landscaped gardens, complete with fountains, sculptures, and meticulously trimmed hedges, provided a picturesque backdrop to the beautiful palace.
Keukenhof Gardens: Our cruise ended back in Amsterdam on opening weekend of the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens. We spent an extra day onboard as part of our sailing to allow us to visit. This is one of the main attractions during Tulip Time and is located near Lisse. These gardens are a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, featuring millions of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and other spring flowers. If you can visit in the Spring, it is well worth a stroll through the meticulously landscaped gardens to visit the pavilions showcasing different floral displays and capture stunning photos of the blooming flowers.
Throughout our Tulip Time cruise we had the opportunity to participate in guided shore excursions, led by knowledgeable local guides, providing insights into the history, culture, and traditions of each destination in the Netherlands and Belgium. We also had plenty of time to relax onboard and enjoy the scenic views as we cruised through the picturesque Dutch countryside.