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Spring in the Netherlands: Amsterdam & the Tulips Discovery Cruise

Spring in the Netherlands: Amsterdam & the Tulips Discovery Cruise

About This Cruise

The Netherlands is a place where windmills fill the sky, tulip fields paint the landscape, and canals weave through towns like pages from a storybook. 

Imagine the Netherlands unfolding like a well‑loved fairytale: windmills turning, tulips blooming, and Dutch waters carrying you from one chapter to the next. Colour takes centre stage in spring, when tulips, hyacinths and daffodils bloom in painterly swirls at Keukenhof and another page opens on everyday life from bygone eras in the Zuiderzee open‑air museum. Then there’s Amsterdam – its 17th‑century canals, moored houseboats and tall gables, the echoes of Anne Frank, markets to rummage, and galleries to get delightfully lost in. Evenings onboard are warm with conversation and regionally inspired dinners.

Each moment is crafted for discovery, camaraderie, and a touch of whimsy. This is travel for the curious – perfect for those who love both history and nature. And as the final page turns and the lights of the city shimmer on the water, you’ll close the book on your Dutch adventure with memories that feel truly magical.  

Who Is This Cruise For?

  • Couples

    Luxury service and an intimate, small-ship feel

  • Over 50s

    A gentle pace with daily excursions and no sea days

  • Solo travellers

    Riviera Travel offers dedicated solo cabins or solo fares

Type

River, Luxury

Ship

MS William Wordsworth

Departure Date

9 April 2028

Cruise Line

Riviera Travel

Duration

4 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type
Select your cabin type
Call Us at 01 6874149

Itinerary

Netherlands

Zaandam

Zaandam - Arrive in Zaandam and board your ship in the late afternoon. If you're here before then, enjoy free time in Zaandam – celebrated for its green-painted wooden houses and charming windmills.A warm and attentive crew will greet you on board, ensuring a smooth check-in and guiding you to your elegant, generously sized cabin. From the moment you arrive, comfort and sophistication set the tone for an unforgettable experience.

Netherlands

Huizen

Zaanse Schans & Huizen - Travel from Zaandam to Zaanse Schans, where the soft thrum of turning mills welcomes you into a pocket‑sized Netherlands. Timber houses, quaint canals, little bridges, and workaday windmills set the scene. Follow the sweet scent of Dutch pancakes and fresh timber, pause to watch sails catch the breeze, and wander between workshops where time seems to have politely slowed its pace. It’s an easy morning of gentle exploring and as many photo‑worthy angles as your camera can hold. Cast off over the broad, ink‑blue stretch of the Markermeer. The shoreline glides past like scenes from a moving picture, each view unfolding into the next: reed beds, church spires, the odd heron supervising proceedings. High tea is served on board – cups that clink, cakes that disappear a little too quickly, and enchanting riverside scenery. We arrive in Huizen with time to stretch our legs before dinner. Stroll the harbour where neat little boats bob on the water and fishermen’s cottages stand shoulder‑to‑shoulder. It’s the sort of place where you catch yourself walking more slowly, just to make the moment last longer. With the arrival of the first course at dinner, the ship slips into the broad expanse of the old Zuiderzee. As you sail towards Enkhuizen, the horizon transforms – its blues giving way to copper tones in the fading light.

Netherlands

Enkhuizen

Keukenhof & Enkhuizen - This morning, we take the drive through the Dutch countryside to Keukenhof – the Netherlands’ legendary flower garden, sprawling across nearly 80 acres. 7 million blooms – tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and more – unfurl in ribbons, swirls, and painterly mosaics. Wander through themed gardens, past lakes and pavilions, where the artistry of planting reaches its crescendo. It’s a spectacle that leaves even seasoned gardeners wide-eyed. As the morning’s kaleidoscope lingers in your mind, you’re free to chart your own course. Return to the ship for lunch, then set out for the Zuiderzee open air museum – a time capsule of Dutch life, with over 140 historic buildings, from humble homes to a bustling shipyard. Meander through cobbled lanes and step inside stories from centuries past.Or linger longer in Keukenhof, letting curiosity lead you through hidden corners and quiet glades and enjoy lunch at leisure. Later this afternoon, we’re back in Enkhuizen. The town invites you to explore its winding streets, harbourside charm, and local secrets. Later, gather for a dinner crafted by our chef, each dish a nod to the region’s flavours and traditions. It’s a meal that celebrates the day’s adventures – colourful, inventive, and served with a generous helping of Dutch hospitality.

Netherlands

Amsterdam

Amsterdam - Begin your day with the gentle rhythm of the ship gliding across the Markermeer, leaving Enkhuizen behind as the water stretches out in every direction. The morning is yours to savour– whether you’re curled up with a book, sharing stories over coffee, or simply watching the Dutch landscape drift by. It’s a peaceful passage, with time to reflect and enjoy the easy camaraderie of life on board. After an early lunch, we take the short drive to Amsterdam’s storied heart. A guided walking tour takes you through cobbled lanes, past centuries-old houses, and beside tranquil canals – a network of 165 canals, built in elegant rings during the 17th century. Your guide brings the city’s tales to life – artists, merchants, and dreamers all leaving their mark. The city’s past is ever-present: you might glimpse the former homes of Rembrandt, the Dutch Golden Age master, or Anne Frank, whose diaries echo with hope and resilience. Afterwards, you’re free to wander at your own pace: perhaps browsing a quirky shop, pausing for a slice of apple tart, or simply soaking up the city’s vibrant energy. As evening settles, gather for farewell drinks – a chance to raise a glass with new friends and reminisce about shared adventures. Dinner follows in the ship’s restaurant, where the flavours of the region are served with a side of good company. And as the city lights shimmer on the water, the night is wrapped in familiar melodies, courtesy of a guitar performance that brings a gentle, joyful close to your journey.

Netherlands

Zaandam

Zaandam - Flight time permitting, enjoy free time in Zaandam before your journey home.

Overview

The Netherlands is a place where windmills fill the sky, tulip fields paint the landscape, and canals weave through towns like pages from a storybook. 

Imagine the Netherlands unfolding like a well‑loved fairytale: windmills turning, tulips blooming, and Dutch waters carrying you from one chapter to the next. Colour takes centre stage in spring, when tulips, hyacinths and daffodils bloom in painterly swirls at Keukenhof and another page opens on everyday life from bygone eras in the Zuiderzee open‑air museum. Then there’s Amsterdam – its 17th‑century canals, moored houseboats and tall gables, the echoes of Anne Frank, markets to rummage, and galleries to get delightfully lost in. Evenings onboard are warm with conversation and regionally inspired dinners.

Each moment is crafted for discovery, camaraderie, and a touch of whimsy. This is travel for the curious – perfect for those who love both history and nature. And as the final page turns and the lights of the city shimmer on the water, you’ll close the book on your Dutch adventure with memories that feel truly magical.  

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Suite

Deluxe Balcony Suites - Diamond Deck

For a little extra space, the Deluxe Balcony Suites on the Diamond Deck are a wonderful choice. At 25 square metres (269 square feet), they are around 50% larger than standard suites, giving you a more generous living area and an even greater sense of comfort on board.

Each suite also has a private exterior balcony with a table and chairs — just right for a quiet coffee, an al fresco breakfast, or a pre-dinner drink as the river scenery slips by.

Inside, you’ll find the same thoughtful fittings as our standard suites, all designed to make your stay feel relaxed and well-considered, with soft cotton bathrobes and slippers included for that pleasing final touch.

Features

  • Individual climate control
  • Floor to ceiling windows with outside balcony
  • Twin beds which can be configured as double
  • Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
  • Spacious ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
  • Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
  • Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
  • UK plug sockets & 2 USB charging points
  • Table and chairs
  • Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
  • Safe & mini fridge
  • Turn down service
Suite

Stern Superior Suite - Diamond Deck

For more room to stretch out, you may wish to upgrade to a Stern Superior Suite on the Diamond Deck. At 23 square metres (247 square feet), these suites are more spacious, with a modest seating area.

You can expect the same timeless furnishings and tasteful fittings as our standard suites, along with panoramic floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that make the most of the panoramic views. It’s a great way to enjoy some extra space on board.

Features

  • Individual climate control
  • Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
  • Twin beds which can be configured as double
  • Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
  • Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
  • Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
  • Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
  • UK plug sockets & 2 USB charging points
  • Table and chairs
  • Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
  • Safe & mini fridge
  • Turn down service

Suite

Superior Suite - Diamond Deck

For a little more room to relax, you may wish to upgrade to a Superior Suite on the Diamond Deck. At 23 square metres (247 square feet), these suites are noticeably more spacious, with the additional room devoted to the living area.

You’ll find the same comfortable furnishings and thoughtful fittings as our standard suites, along with panoramic floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that make the most of the river views. It’s an elegant way to enjoy a little extra space on board.

Features

  • Individual climate control
  • Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
  • Twin beds which can be configured as double
  • Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
  • Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
  • Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
  • Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
  • UK plug sockets & 2 USB charging points
  • Table and chairs
  • Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
  • Safe & mini fridge
  • Turn down service
Suite

Superior Suite - Ruby Deck

Bringing your cruise to another level, why not upgrade to a Superior Suite available on the Ruby and Diamond decks. Substantially larger at 23 square metres (247 sq. feet) and with the additional space devoted to the living area, you will immediately notice the benefit as you relax in your stylish surroundings. Of course the identical high quality furnishings and fittings as the standard suite are evident throughout, again with stunning views from the panoramic floor to ceiling sliding glass doors.

Features

  • Individual climate control
  • Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
  • Twin beds which can be configured as double
  • Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
  • Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
  • Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
  • Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
  • UK plug sockets & 2 USB charging points
  • Table and chairs
  • Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
  • Safe & mini fridge
  • Turn down service

Suite

Standard Suite - Diamond Deck

Your 17-square-metre suite is thoughtfully designed for comfort, with a generous seating area, individually controlled air conditioning, flat-screen TV, safe, minibar, hairdryer, telephone and tea and coffee-making facilities. The marble bathroom features a fully glazed shower, complimentary toiletries and soft towels. Twin beds with individual bedding can be moved together or kept separate, with crisp cotton linen and evening turndown. Diamond and Ruby Deck suites also feature French balconies with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors.

Features

  • Individual climate control
  • Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
  • Twin beds which can be configured as double
  • Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
  • Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
  • Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
  • Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
  • UK plug sockets & 2 USB charging points
  • Table and chairs
  • Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
  • Safe & mini fridge
  • Turn down service
Suite

Standard Suite - Ruby Deck

Our Standard Suites are 17 square metres (183 square feet), with full floor-to-ceiling glass doors and a French-style balcony that brings the river views beautifully close.

Inside, warm décor, soft lighting and a comfortable seating area create a calm space to relax. The ensuite has a walk-in shower, toiletries, towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer, with turndown service each evening.

Features

  • Individual climate control
  • Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
  • Twin beds which can be configured as double
  • Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
  • Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
  • Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
  • Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
  • UK plug sockets & 2 USB charging points
  • Table and chairs
  • Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
  • Safe & mini fridge
  • Turn down service
Suite

Standard Suite - Emerald Deck

Our Emerald Deck Suites are slightly smaller than our other suites, at approximately 16 square metres (172 square feet), and feature fixed windows.

Calm and comfortable, they offer a well-designed space to unwind, with warm décor, soft lighting and a practical seating area with table and chairs. The ensuite includes a walk-in shower, toiletries, towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer, with turndown service each evening.

Some Standard Suites are available for sole occupancy; supplements may apply.

Features

  • Individual climate control
  • Fixed window
  • Twin beds which can be configured as double
  • Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
  • Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
  • Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
  • Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
  • UK plug sockets & 2 USB charging points
  • Table and chairs
  • Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
  • Safe & mini fridge
  • Turn down service

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varies

Main Restaurant

The ship’s main restaurant is located on the Ruby (middle) Deck and here you will experience not only exceptional first class cuisine, but also the most attentive yet discreet service from the ship’s highly professional crew. So just sit back with a well-deserved glass of wine from the carefully selected wine list and delight in the wonderful elegance of your surroundings; beautifully laid tables for just 4 or 6 guests, crisp linen, deep wool carpets and warm wood panelling abound to offer a delectable dining experience of the highest order.

casual

Riverview Kitchen

At the Riverview Kitchen with its large panoramic windows, enjoy a more intimate dining experience whilst taking in the fantastic views. Here in the evenings the chef presents in the open kitchen a selection of locally inspired dishes which you can enjoy with your fellow guests; this intimate dining experience can be reserved on board at no extra charge. When the weather allows the panoramic windows may be fully opened on to the terrace to allow a delightful al fresco dining experience.

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Bar, Lounge

Panoramic Observation Lounge & Bar

The Diamond Deck is where you will find the very heart of the ship - the superb panoramic observation lounge and bar; a lounge in every sense of the word, complete with plenty of comfortable leather armchairs and sumptuous sofas where you can sink into warmly colourful cushions in beautiful quality fabrics with a freshly made cup of tea. A thick wool carpet feels lovely underfoot and the tasteful contemporary lighting above creates a welcoming and refined ambience, further complemented by the discreet and intuitive service resplendent of the finest five-star hotels. So just sit back with your favourite cocktail and take in the truly mesmerising view. After a superb dinner in the restaurant perhaps it’s time for a digestif accompanied by the soothing tones of the ship’s pianist. 

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Sun Deck

Sun Deck and Terrace

Head on up to this truly spectacular deck and what could be better than watching life ashore slip by from the comfort of a sun lounger, perhaps under shade if the weather gets too hot! There’s always the refreshing splash pool too or why not try your hand on the putting green. Then take a refreshingly long drink and that book you’ve been meaning to read for ages on to the lovely terrace area at the fore of the ship, located right in front of the wheelhouse where you can view the Captain and his team skilfully navigating the twisting river and enjoy truly ‘driving seat’ views. Take a deep breath and relax into the pace of river cruise life – now you’re really on holiday!

Please note: The Sun Deck is only accessible by stairs.

Shop

Souvenir Shop

The Souvenir Shop can be located on the Diamond deck.

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Spa, Gym, Wellness

Fitness Centre & Spa

On the Emerald (lower) Deck is the fitness centre, perfect for working off all those delicious meals or for something less strenuous treat yourself to a relaxing massage. So you will always look your best there is a hairdresser’s too which also offers manicure and pedicure treatments.