AmaWaterways’ “Tulip Time” cruises promise far more than tulips

From March through May, the Netherlands dazzles with its annual display of tulips and other flowers, which is where AmaWaterways’ Tulip Time itinerary comes in.

The annual river voyage promises to “satiate any flower lover,” but also goes well beyond the blooms, offering guests an authentic experience, the company says.

From the medieval architectural treasures of Bruges and Ghent to the chocolates, waffles and cheeses of Belgium to the canals of Amsterdam, the eight-day sailing fills the days with a myriad of experiences.

More than 30 departures run from March 13 through May 5, 2025 at fares starting at US $2,560 / CAD $2,330 (with applicable savings offers). Savings offers include stateroom savings of up to 20% and waived single supplements on select departures.

Tulips certainly take center stage as AmaWaterways opens the doors to several renown gardens: Flevoland, Netherland’s newest province and the largest non-natural island in the world, where fields of Lelystad, Dronten, Zeewolde and Noordoostpolder are bursting with colour; the annual spring flower show at Antwerp’s Floralia, featuring one million bulbs hand-planted each year; and the best known and one of the world's largest flower gardens, Keukenhof, with its millions of flowering bulbs on 32 hectares.

Interspersed between the flowers are excursions, bike tours and extensive sightseeing.

Highlights include a stroll among the thatched-roof farmhouses in the canal-laden village of Giethoorn, nicknamed the “Dutch Venice”; a guided tour of the medieval harbour town of Zierikzee where guests can choose visiting Oosterschelde Kering, the largest storm surge barrier of the Delta Works or learn the history of the Delta Works at the Flood Museum; a full-day tour of Bruges, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe; an excursion to Delft, known as the home of the painter Johannes Vermeer, Delft Blue earthenware and the Royal House; and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk, renowned for having the country’s greatest concentration of windmills, all dating from the 18th century.

Sweets lovers and those who enjoy active options can enjoy a glass of champagne in Ghent while a master chocolatier talks about the history of chocolate; indulge in chocolate, waffles and beer on a culinary tour of Antwerp; cycle through the Dutch countryside near Kampen; bike around Antwerp, taking in the city’s Steen Castle, Grote Market, Brabo Fountain, and the UNESCO-designated Cathedral of Our Lady; or combine the two options with a walking tour of Rotterdam, nicknamed the "Gateway to Europe,” while tasting local specialties.

Guests wishing to spend more time in Amsterdam are welcome to add a two-night pre-cruise stay at a five-star hotel in the city of canals and enjoy guided tours of the charming city and a scenic cruise along the canals of Haarlem.

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