Rhine Cruises from Amsterdam
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10 best Rhine river cruises from Amsterdam
Compiled by
MelissaAmsterdam travel expert at TourRadar
- Romantic Rhine, Netherlands and Alsace Crucevita Superior
- Romantic Rhine, Netherlands and Alsace Crucevita Main Cabin
- Rhine Getaway Amsterdam to Basel
- Romantic Rhine (Southbound) 2025
- Jewels of the Rhine & Glacier Express 2025
- Rhine Highlights with Switzerland 2026 - 12 Days
- Romantic Rhine with 2 Nights in Lucerne (Southbound) 2025
- Romantic Rhine & Moselle 2026 - 15 Days (10 destinations)
- Romantic Rhine & Moselle 2026 - 15 Days (14 destinations)
- Holland and the Romantic Rhine Valley
Journey starts at Amsterdam's Coenhaven port, cruising 65km along Rhine Valley to Mainz. Visit Netherlands' oldest city Nijmegen, iconic Cologne Cathedral, and French Strasbourg, with overnight sailing between ports aboard MS Crucevita.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France Age Range up to 85 year olds River Rhine Operator Europamundo From
- NZ$4,264
Embark MS Crucevita at Amsterdam's Coenhaven port for an 8-day Rhine journey. Cruise through Nijmegen to Cologne's Cathedral, past UNESCO Rhine Valley castles, visiting Strasbourg's historic center before ending in Mainz.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France Age Range up to 85 year olds River Rhine Operator Europamundo From
- NZ$3,771
Rhine Getaway Amsterdam to Basel
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The food on board was incredible. I have never been so well fed. The staff were all cheerful and friendly and they worked very hard to make us all happy.”
Jennifer, traveled in June
Viking longships navigate the Rhine River from Amsterdam to Basel, showcasing UNESCO sites Kinderdijk and Cologne Cathedral. The trip includes tours of medieval Marksburg Castle and Black Forest traditions, with river-view staterooms and regional cuisine.
From $5,751
44% Off- NZ$3,193You save $2,558
An 8-day adventure from Amsterdam spans 4 countries along the Rhine. The route passes 400 feet below ancient castles through the UNESCO Rhine Gorge. Basel marks the final stop, after visiting Cologne, Rüdesheim, Strasbourg, and the Black Forest.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Ships Avalon PanoramaAvalon VistaAvalon EnvisionAvalon View River Rhine Operator Avalon Waterways From
44% Off- NZ$6,673+$350 upfront costs
The voyage starts in Amsterdam with UNESCO canal tours, continues to Cologne's Gothic cathedral, then reaches medieval Koblenz's Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. The route winds through the Rhine Gorge's castle-topped cliffs to Strasbourg, ending with a scenic Swiss rail journey.
Duration 11 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France Age Range up to 90 year olds Ships Emerald DestinyEmerald Sky River Rhine Operator Emerald Cruises From $17,454
52% Off- NZ$8,452You save $9,002
Rhine Highlights with Switzerland 2026 - 12 Days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“A credit to the ship, nothing was too much trouble, lots of fun.”
Michaeljohnson, traveled in September
Duration 12 days Destinations Amsterdam, Koblenz, Baden, Basel, Montreux, Vevey, Lake Geneva, Geneva, Gstaad, BernSee all destinations Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Ships Scenic JasperScenic Opal Scenic RubyScenic Pearl River Rhine Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $9,050
14% Off- NZ$7,750You save $1,300
Amsterdam's canal cruises open this voyage, followed by Cologne's twin-spired cathedral. The itinerary includes Rhine Gorge's hilltop castles, visits to Rüdesheim and Strasbourg, before concluding in Basel for Swiss adventures.
Duration 10 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range up to 99 year olds Ships Avalon VistaAvalon View River Rhine Operator Avalon Waterways From
14% Off- NZ$8,263+$350 upfront costs
The UNESCO canal district of Amsterdam connects to Utrecht's Domtoren and Veere's historic harbor. Marksburg Castle and medieval Cochem line the Rhine route to Basel for Zurich transfer. Forty hilltop castles grace the Rhine Gorge.
Duration 15 days Destinations Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland Age Range up to 99 year olds Ships Scenic Opal Scenic Amber Scenic RubyScenic Pearl River Rhine Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $9,845
30% Off- NZ$6,845You save $3,000
A 15-day Rhine odyssey flows from Amsterdam's UNESCO canals to Basel's medieval center, spanning 492 miles. Highlights include Cologne's Gothic cathedral, the castle-rich Rhine Gorge, and Moselle Valley vineyards, plus Koblenz's fortress and Strasbourg's timber-framed Petit France district.
Duration 15 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France Age Range up to 99 year olds Ships Scenic Opal Scenic Amber Scenic RubyScenic Pearl River Rhine Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $9,845
30% Off- NZ$6,845You save $3,000
A scenic route from Amsterdam's harbor leads through Dutch waterways to the Rhine River, visiting Nijmegen and Cologne before reaching Strasbourg. The romantic Rhine Valley unfolds between Rüdesheim and Koblenz, featuring scenic views and historic ports.
Duration 7 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France Age Range up to 99 year olds Ships MS Gerard SchmitterMS La BohèmeMS LafayetteMS Mona LisaMS SymphonieMS France River Rhine Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
30% Off- NZ$3,843
What people love about Rhine Cruises from Amsterdam
- Classic Rhine Cruise (Amsterdam-Mainz) MS Crucevita
We had a wonderful time! The staff were excellent. Riverboat cruising is the perfect way to see Europe.
Price great….cruise director excellent…food just so so…6 English speaking thankful for at least four others English speaking…..we had to have our own guide’s. They should have American coffee and always ice. And free wine and beer at dinner
Treasures of the Rhine cruise (Amsterdam-Basel) MS Crucevita
What our customers ask about Rhine Cruises from Amsterdam
What's the typical duration of Amsterdam Rhine river cruises starting in Amsterdam?
Rhine river cruises departing from Amsterdam last between 7 to 15 days with most travelers choosing 8 to 10-day journeys. The Avalon View offers 8-day routes from Amsterdam to Basel along the Rhine Valley. More extensive options include 15-day voyages on vessels like the Avalon Imagery II which adds ports in Belgium and the Netherlands. Recent travelers often note that 8 days provides enough time to experience key Rhine destinations while beginning and ending in Amsterdam's rich cultural setting.
What are the best hotels to stay at before or after an Amsterdam Rhine cruise?
The area around Amsterdam Centraal Station and the IJ River where cruise ships dock has several well-located hotels. The Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam set in a historic shipping house provides waterfront accommodations close to departure points. The NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace stands steps from Centraal Station making it practical for cruise access. Both properties put guests within walking distance of departure points while offering easy access to Amsterdam's main attractions.
What is the best time of year to start an Amsterdam Rhine cruise?
The main sailing season spans April through October with each period offering distinct experiences. Spring cruises in April and May coincide with Keukenhof Gardens' tulip displays near Amsterdam. Summer months from June through August bring warmer temperatures ideal for exploring Amsterdam's waterways and Rhine Valley ports. Travelers often choose spring departures to combine tulip viewing with Rhine Valley exploration or summer dates for the best outdoor sightseeing weather.
What are the typical embarkation points for Rhine cruises starting in Amsterdam?
Rhine cruise ships in Amsterdam mainly use terminals along the IJ River behind Centraal Station including the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam and Amsterdam Cruise Port. Most vessels dock at either De Ruijterkade or Veemkade piers. These points are accessible by taxi or public transit from anywhere in central Amsterdam with clear signage directing passengers to their specific vessel.
What unique day trips are available from Amsterdam before starting the Rhine cruise?
The region around Amsterdam offers several distinctive excursions before Rhine cruises begin. Travelers can visit the windmills of Zaanse Schans the fishing community of Volendam or Alkmaar's cheese market. Keukenhof Gardens draws visitors from March through May during tulip season. The historic city of Haarlem located just 15 minutes away by train provides another popular pre-cruise destination.
How many cities do Rhine river cruises typically visit after departing Amsterdam?
After leaving Amsterdam Rhine river cruises generally stop at 6 to 8 major destinations. Standard ports include Cologne with its Gothic cathedral Koblenz at the Rhine and Moselle confluence Rudesheim known for wine production and Strasbourg in France. Week-long trips concentrate on main attractions while 15-day journeys extend to places like Basel and Lucerne. Ships like the MS Crucevita balance visits between large cities and smaller medieval towns along the route.