Cruising the Waterways That Shaped the Netherlands & Belgium

Travelling through the Netherlands and Belgium by river cruise offers a uniquely relaxed and enriching way to explore two of Europe’s most captivating countries. With their dense network of rivers and canals, these low-lying landscapes were made for waterborne travel, allowing visitors to glide directly into the heart of historic cities and storybook towns. With Emerald Cruises & Tours, the waterways become your front-row seat to history, innovation, and everyday life, all experienced in refined comfort aboard Emerald Cruises’ luxury Star-Ship.

One of the greatest benefits of a river cruise is effortless access. Ships dock centrally, often just steps from medieval squares, canals, and cultural landmarks. There’s no need for long transfers or constant packing and unpacking — you settle in once and wake up each day in a new destination. A river cruise also provides a front-row seat to the scenery. From Dutch windmills and tulip fields to Belgian waterways lined with Gothic architecture, the journey itself becomes part of the experience. Slow cruising offers time to absorb the landscapes, watch daily life along the banks, and enjoy uninterrupted views that you simply can’t get by car or train. River cruising delivers a calm, intimate travel style. Smaller ships, fewer guests, and a slower pace create a more personal experience than large-scale tourism. It’s ideal for travellers who want comfort, cultural depth, and the joy of discovery without the stress.

An extraordinary new 11-day river cruise invites you to explore the heart of The Netherlands and Belgium along the rivers that have shaped their heritage, commerce, and communities. Beginning and ending in Zaandam, this exclusively curated itinerary is designed for travellers who want more than sightseeing—those who seek meaningful encounters, authentic experiences, and a deeper connection to place.

From the moment you embark, the advantages of river cruising are clear. Unpack once and glide effortlessly between destinations, waking each day to a new city, town, or pastoral landscape. The waterways offer a unique perspective, revealing historic trading routes, vibrant riverfront cities, and countryside scenes punctuated by iconic windmills and modern engineering marvels.

The journey opens with a visit to the Zaanse Schans, a remarkable open-air museum that brings the Netherlands’ pioneering spirit to life. Traditional windmills, wooden houses, and artisan workshops showcase how innovation and craftsmanship have long been woven into Dutch culture. This balance between past and progress continues throughout the cruise, as you witness first-hand how the region is embracing sustainable lifestyles and greener urban spaces.

Engineering brilliance takes center stage at The Delta Works, one of the most ambitious flood defence projects ever built. This vast system of dams, sluices, and storm surge barriers stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring relationship between the Dutch people and water—a relationship that makes river travel here especially meaningful.

Emerald Cruises’ thoughtfully designed excursions allow you to experience destinations in ways that are both engaging and environmentally conscious. Guided walking and cycling tours encourage a slower, cleaner connection with each place. In Amsterdam, the inspiring “Green Light Experience” offers insight into the city’s innovative approach to sustainability, while Antwerp reveals a different side of urban renewal at PAKT, a former industrial site transformed into a thriving green oasis.

The cruise also highlights cities leading the way toward a sustainable future. Discover The Hague, one of Europe’s greenest cities, actively working toward becoming climate-neutral, and marvel at Rotterdam’s world-first floating farm—a bold response to urban food production and climate challenges that perfectly reflects the region’s forward-looking mindset.

History lovers will delight in the timeless charm of cities like Dordrecht and Liège, where cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and centuries-old stories invite you to step back in time. These historic ports once thrived on river trade, and their rich past is inseparable from the waterways that still flow through them today.

No journey through The Netherlands and Belgium would be complete without celebrating their culinary heritage. Along the way, savour authentic regional tastings that bring local traditions to the table—from the creamy complexity of Dutch cheeses to the indulgent craftsmanship of Belgian chocolate. These flavours, rooted in place and history, add another layer of discovery to the voyage.

As the cruise comes full circle, it returns to Zaandam, the gateway to Amsterdam. The Dutch capital’s artistic heritage, lively atmosphere, and World Heritage-listed canal network provide a fitting finale to an unforgettable journey—one that seamlessly blends culture, innovation, sustainability, and comfort.

The classic season for Dutch and Belgian river cruising is spring, when tulips and blossoms frame every horizon and the canals shimmer like ribbons of colour. 

Waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium
11 days Zaandam (Amsterdam) Roundtrip
Available dates: March 16, March 20, March 26 & March 30, 2027

Emerald Cruises’ Star-Ships are designed for seamless luxury and relaxed exploration. Suites and staterooms often feature larger windows to bring the waterways right into your living space. Public lounges and deck areas provide ideal vantage points for sipping local wine as the scenery glides by. Dining aboard celebrates regional influence, too: Dutch and Belgian flavours — from bitterballen to rich chocolates — are woven into menus that pair perfectly with included beverages. Each day concludes with elegant meals, laid-back entertainment, and conversations with fellow guests recounting the day’s discoveries. 

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned explorer, this route offers a refreshing contrast to traditional ocean cruising — slower in pace, richer in cultural context, and deeply connected to the landscapes and lifestyles of Western Europe.

Emerald Cruises' Early Release Sale is now on 2027 departures. Enjoy free airfare on 11+ day Europe river cruises when you book by March 31, 2026.

Contact your Travel Professional for details or visit emeraldcruises.ca