Waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium

Amsterdam combines the unrivaled beauty of the 17th-century Golden Age city center with plenty of museums and art of the highest order, not to mention a remarkably laid-back atmosphere. It all comes together to make this one of the world's most appealing and offbeat metropolises in the world. Built on a latticework of concentric canals like an aquatic rainbow, Amsterdam is known as the City of Canals—but it's no Venice, content to live on moonlight serenades and former glory. Quite the contrary: on nearly every street here you'll find old and new side by side—quiet corners where time seems to be holding its breath next to streets like neon-lit Kalverstraat, and Red Light ladies strutting by the city's oldest church. Indeed, Amsterdam has as many lovely facets as a 40-carat diamond polished by one of the city's gem cutters. It's certainly a metropolis, but a rather small and very accessible one. Locals tend to refer to it as a big village, albeit one that happens to pack the cultural wallop of a major world destination. There are scores of concerts every day, numerous museums, summertime festivals, and, of course, a legendary year-round party scene. It's pretty much impossible to resist Amsterdam's charms. With 7,000 registered monuments, most of which began as the residences and warehouses of humble merchants, set on 160 man-made canals, and traversed by 1,500 or so bridges, Amsterdam has the largest historical inner city in Europe. Its famous circle of waterways, the grachtengordel, was a 17th-century urban expansion plan for the rich and is a lasting testament to the city’s Golden Age. This town is endearing because of its kinder, gentler nature—but a reputation for championing sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll does not alone account for Amsterdam's being one of the most popular destinations in Europe: consider that within a single square mile the city harbors some of the greatest achievements in Western art, from Rembrandt to Van Gogh. Not to mention that this is one of Europe's great walking cities, with so many of its treasures in the untouted details: tiny alleyways barely visible on the map, hidden garden courtyards, shop windows, floating houseboats, hidden hofjes(courtyards with almshouses), sudden vistas of church spires, and gabled roofs that look like so many unframed paintings. And don’t forget that the joy lies in details: elaborate gables and witty gable stones denoting the trade of a previous owner. Keep in mind that those XXX symbols you see all over town are not a mark of the city's triple-X reputation. They're part of Amsterdam's official coat of arms—three St. Andrew's crosses, believed to represent the three dangers that have traditionally plagued the city: flood, fire, and pestilence. The coat's motto ("Valiant, determined, compassionate") was introduced in 1947 by Queen Wilhelmina in remembrance of the 1941 February Strike in Amsterdam—the first time in Europe that non-Jewish people protested against the persecution of Jews by the Nazi regime.

Welcome to the Netherlands and the historic Dutch capital, Amsterdam. Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and then transferred for a short distance northward, to Zaandam. Here, you’ll be greeted on board your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship by our friendly team. This evening, meet your fellow guests and enjoy a welcome dinner on board.

Your first stop is the nearby neighbourhood of Zaanse Schans: a picturesque open-museum and recreation of a traditional Dutch village from the 18th century. Stroll among the quintessential windmills and wooden houses reflected in canals and artisan workshops, then learn how this historically significant village helped power the Netherlands’ transformation into an industrial leader.

From cheese-making and wooden clog-carving to early manufacturing innovations, Zaanse Schans village presents a unique blend of traditional, heritage and progress. Your guided morning tour offers a fascinating perspective on Dutch culture – the past, present, and future – from the old sailboats exhibited at the museum and preservation methods to the use of historic windmills for various industries.

Included Excursion
Zaanse Schans – from tradition to innovation

DiscoverMORE
Alkmaar cheese market & tasting (extra expense)

Today, your included tour takes you to the world-famous Delta Works: a modern marvel derived from centuries of resilience and a prime example of how the Dutch have mastered their eternal battle with the sea. With its impressive system of dams, sluices and barriers to ensure the land is protected from the encroaching waters, the Delta Works ranks as one of the most ambitious flood defence projects ever built. This guided tour offers a marvelous opportunity to learn about the history of water management pioneered by the Dutch, from windmill-powered drainage to cutting-edge engineering that protects millions today and how necessity has shaped change and development.

Alternatively, embark on an EmeraldACTIVE guided e-bike tour through Veere, a charming Dutch town renowned for its rich history, monumental heritage buildings and picturesque marina.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of the Delta Works

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour of Veere

Begin your day with some free time to explore the quaint historical town of Willemstad, famed for its well-preserved fortifications. If you are feeling rather active, however, you may join a guided e-bike tour on an EmeraldACTIVE excursion. In picturesque Willemstad, pedal along the quaint canals, historic ramparts, and charming streets lined with classic Dutch architecture.

This afternoon, you’ll arrive in Dordrecht, the oldest city in The Netherlands and of strategic importance in Dutch history. Once a thriving trading hub with its network of canals and vital connections to other ports, Dordrecht’s affluence originates from its formidable maritime past. During your canal tour of Dordrecht, known as the ‘Venice of Holland,’ explore the winding waterways and tranquil quays and admire the historic warehouses and gabled houses – evoking tales of maritime power and prosperity.

Included Excursion
Canal tour of Dordrecht, the Venice of Holland

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour of Willemstad

Rotterdam is a city that's a long way removed from most people's stereotypical notion of the Netherlands. There are few, if any, canals to be found here nor are there any quaint windmills. There is, however, a thriving modern city which is one of the busiest ports in the entire world.

Today you will have a rare opportunity to visit the world’s first floating farm in Rotterdam, anchored in the Merwehaven Harbour. Established as recently as 2019, the Floating Farm Rotterdam is no mere dairy farm, but a pioneering vision of urban food resilience and a model of smart design, climate -adaptive living and sustainable agriculture.

On this fascinating included tour, learn about the floating farm’s circular food system and eco-technology in action, along with the water-resilient build and open design. Currently, there are around 40 resident cows who produce up to 320,000 litres (84,535 gallons) of milk annually and dairy products, such as yoghurt, cheese and butter, all processed on site.

EmeraldPLUS
Visit to the World’s First Floating Farm

DiscoverMORE
Visit to Paleis Het Loo (extra expense)

Rotterdam is a city that's a long way removed from most people's stereotypical notion of the Netherlands. There are few, if any, canals to be found here nor are there any quaint windmills. There is, however, a thriving modern city which is one of the busiest ports in the entire world.

Today, your included morning tour uncovers a surprising side to The Hague. Besides its world-wide status as the seat of the Dutch government and UN International Court of Justice, The Hague is also renowned as one of The Netherland’s greenest cities, home to green parks, forests and a beautiful coastline.

The Hague has a growing reputation for its progressive urban lifestyle that extends to eco-friendly roofs, energy-efficient buildings and one of Europe’s most extensive bicycle path networks. Residents who live in this ‘green city by the sea’ enjoy a high quality of life with clean air and smart urban design, especially as The Hague is actively working towards a climate-neutral future – part of the European mission ‘100 Climate Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030.’

Included Excursion
The Hague - the ‘green city by the sea’

DiscoverMORE
Visit to Royal Delft pottery factory (extra expense)

Welcome to Liège, a vibrant city along the Meuse River in Belgium’s French-speaking Wallonia region. This morning, embark on an EmeraldPLUS guided tour of this delightful city, celebrated for its rich heritage and culture. Strolling along the quaint streets and alleys of the historic Old Town, you’ll pass numerous landmarks dating back to the medieval era, as well as ornate churches and atmospheric squares, such as Place Saint-Lambert.

You will also learn more about Liège’s storied industrial heritage. Once one of the most important river ports in western Europe, Liège was a powerhouse during the Industrial Revolution; these days, it’s a major hub for technology and engineering, in part, due to its esteemed university.

En-route, as part of our immersive experiences, you’ll stop and savour a tasting of one of Belgium’s most beloved treats and the city’s delicious speciality, the Liège waffle – an authentic local taste.

For those seeking an energised perspective on the city, join an EmeraldACTIVE guided walk through Liège.

EmeraldPLUS
Liège tour with waffle tasting

EmeraldACTIVE
 Active walk in Liège

Welcome to Brussels, where you’ll enjoy an insiders walking tour of the Belgian capital, venturing behind the scenes and its more familiar façade. Discover backstreet alleyways, hidden courtyards and creative neighbourhoods that reveal another dimension to the city. En-route, discover Brussels’ deep roots to caricature and comic art – from rebellious 19th-century satire to its world-famous comic strip murals featuring Tintin, Spirou and many more.

Enjoy the charms of the big city but off the beaten track, with hidden artisan chocolate shops selling world-renowned, Belgian chocolates and vibrant local street art. Your knowledgeable guide will enthral you with insider tales of art, heritage and social intrigue that have long walked hand in hand in this city of contrasts.

Back on board your Star-Ship, gain insight into the whimsical world of caricature drawing during an interactive EmeraldPLUS experience led by a renowned Belgian artist celebrated for his playful portraits of famous figures. You will be invited into his creative process, sharing personal stories, artistic influences, and the journey that led him to a life of caricature. As he brings faces to life with just a few expressive lines, you’ll learn what to observe in a subject, how to exaggerate features with charm, and the key steps to building a caricature from sketch to character. This is a rare opportunity to engage with one of Belgium’s most distinctive artistic voices in an experience that’s as inspiring as it is entertaining.

Included Excursion
Brussels behind the scenes

EmeraldPLUS
Caricature artist on board

DiscoverMORE
Chocolate-making workshop (extra expense)

DiscoverMORE
Belgian Beer Tasting (extra expense)

Explore Antwerp, Belgium's second city. Known for its diamond cutting industry, fashion and the many great artists that lived in its vicinity, Antwerp is a city focused on art and culture.

The Belgian port city of Antwerp is world-famous for its centuries-old Diamond District and distinctive Flemish Renaissance architecture. On today’s included walking tour, you will have the chance to explore another of the city’s gems – a unique urban oasis known as PAKT, hidden away in the heart of the city.

More than just a green space, PAKT is a bold example of urban living where Antwerp breathes, thrives and progresses. The focus on this themed tour is seeing first-hand how community, creativity and sustainability all seamlessly come together. Once a cluster of old warehouses, this revitalised space is now home to rooftop farms and greenhouses, organic gardens, and eco-conscious venues.

Meet passionate locals and entrepreneurs who share their vision about the forward-thinking PAKT project and reintroducing nature back into the city – a remarkable regeneration of Antwerp.

Included Excursion
Visit to PAKT Green Oasis

DiscoverMORE
Full day excursion to Bruges (extra expense)

As your journey come to an end you will get to discover an alternative side of Amsterdam and its creative scene, joining the ‘Green Light Experience’ tour – a powerful contrast to the Dutch capital’s infamous Red Light District.

On this fascinating guided tour, you’ll learn how this historic canal city is building a brighter, cleaner future, transforming its identity with creativity, social conscience and green initiatives and morphing its focus from a storied past to future possibilities, with communities initiating this change. Witness first-hand how Amsterdam is leading in innovations and green urban living, from solar-powered architecture and circular design hubs to floating communities and rooftop farms.

Alternatively, join an EmeraldACTIVE guided e-bike tour to Waterland on the outskirts of Amsterdam, cycling past quintessential Dutch villages and windmills and fields bursting with colour.

Included Excursion
Green Light experience

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour to Waterland

This morning after breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests, crew and Star-Ship, leaving with exceptional memories of regional culinary flavours and inspiring local encounters.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.

Amsterdam combines the unrivaled beauty of the 17th-century Golden Age city center with plenty of museums and art of the highest order, not to mention a remarkably laid-back atmosphere. It all comes together to make this one of the world's most appealing and offbeat metropolises in the world. Built on a latticework of concentric canals like an aquatic rainbow, Amsterdam is known as the City of Canals—but it's no Venice, content to live on moonlight serenades and former glory. Quite the contrary: on nearly every street here you'll find old and new side by side—quiet corners where time seems to be holding its breath next to streets like neon-lit Kalverstraat, and Red Light ladies strutting by the city's oldest church. Indeed, Amsterdam has as many lovely facets as a 40-carat diamond polished by one of the city's gem cutters. It's certainly a metropolis, but a rather small and very accessible one. Locals tend to refer to it as a big village, albeit one that happens to pack the cultural wallop of a major world destination. There are scores of concerts every day, numerous museums, summertime festivals, and, of course, a legendary year-round party scene. It's pretty much impossible to resist Amsterdam's charms. With 7,000 registered monuments, most of which began as the residences and warehouses of humble merchants, set on 160 man-made canals, and traversed by 1,500 or so bridges, Amsterdam has the largest historical inner city in Europe. Its famous circle of waterways, the grachtengordel, was a 17th-century urban expansion plan for the rich and is a lasting testament to the city’s Golden Age. This town is endearing because of its kinder, gentler nature—but a reputation for championing sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll does not alone account for Amsterdam's being one of the most popular destinations in Europe: consider that within a single square mile the city harbors some of the greatest achievements in Western art, from Rembrandt to Van Gogh. Not to mention that this is one of Europe's great walking cities, with so many of its treasures in the untouted details: tiny alleyways barely visible on the map, hidden garden courtyards, shop windows, floating houseboats, hidden hofjes(courtyards with almshouses), sudden vistas of church spires, and gabled roofs that look like so many unframed paintings. And don’t forget that the joy lies in details: elaborate gables and witty gable stones denoting the trade of a previous owner. Keep in mind that those XXX symbols you see all over town are not a mark of the city's triple-X reputation. They're part of Amsterdam's official coat of arms—three St. Andrew's crosses, believed to represent the three dangers that have traditionally plagued the city: flood, fire, and pestilence. The coat's motto ("Valiant, determined, compassionate") was introduced in 1947 by Queen Wilhelmina in remembrance of the 1941 February Strike in Amsterdam—the first time in Europe that non-Jewish people protested against the persecution of Jews by the Nazi regime.