Dutch Waterways cruises

Although it's located in Belgium rather than the Netherlands, this Flemish city features on many Dutch Waterways cruises. Ghent may be less polished than Antwerp or Bruges, but it has a character all its own. Cruisers are often drawn to its medieval legacy, from the luminous detail of The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb (one of Europe's most revered altarpieces) to the turrets of the Castle of the Counts. But there's plenty beyond the past, too: think 19th-century industrial warehouses transformed into trendy restaurants and bars, plus flea markets and shops where you can hunt for vintage treasures. 

Belgium's second city frequently features on Dutch Waterways cruises, and it's easy to see why. Often dubbed a 'capital of cool', Antwerp is an excellent stop for cultural exploration. Spend your day spotting Art Nouveau façades, hunting for treasures in the fashion district or visiting the open-air sculpture park Middelheim. And don't miss the library at the Museum Plantin-Moretus, a UNESCO-listed site that celebrates the city's printing legacy. 

Discover one of Europe's greenest cities, often considered the gateway to Veluwezoom National Park. Arnhem makes an excellent base for an afternoon of countryside cycling, with scenic bike paths just beyond the city limits. History enthusiasts will also find plenty to explore, particularly the legacy of the 1944 Battle of Arnhem, which inspired the war epic A Bridge Too Far. The Netherlands Open Air Museum is also of interest, especially in summer, for those sailing with children in tow. 

Discover the oldest city in the Netherlands, known for its distinctly youthful vibe. Set on the banks of the Waal, Nijmegen's history stretches back to Roman times, and there's plenty to explore. Museum de Bastei is especially intriguing, with secret passageways and even an ancient mammoth skull on display. Or take things at a more relaxed pace. Spend your time in port strolling through the Grote Markt and sipping wine from a local vineyard. 

Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ lively capital, famous for its historic canals and art museums. Cruising into the city reveals a network of waterways lined with tall, narrow houses with ornate gables, a hallmark of Dutch Golden Age architecture. The city’s past as a busy trading city can be seen in its harbour and historic buildings.Exploring on foot or by bike, visitors can check out world-class museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, alongside the poignant Anne Frank House. The city’s compact centre makes it easy to wander through charming neighbourhoods like Jordaan with its boutique shops, cafés and galleries.Despite its popularity, Amsterdam maintains a relaxed vibe with leafy canals and parks offering a peaceful break from the busy centre.

Often overlooked in favour of Amsterdam, Rotterdam is long overdue its flowers. Many now consider it the Netherlands' hippest city. Bombed heavily during World War II, it has spent the decades since reinventing itself as one of Europe's most compelling centres of modern architecture. Highlights include the playful Cube Houses by visionary architect Piet Blom and the 'Horn of Plenty', a swirling digital artwork across the ceiling of the Markthal. Take in sweeping views of the city from Euromast Tower before exploring the city's maritime roots at the excellent Maritime Museums. 

At this idyllic UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can see 19 authentic windmills set against the pancake-flat yet picturesque landscape. A hallmark of Dutch culture, these ingenious structures long played a crucial role in keeping the surrounding land (relatively) dry, acting as part of an innovative and highly effective water management system. While some of the windmills are still inhabited to this day, two are open to visitors, offering a glimpse into the lives of the millers who have operated them throughout history. 

Discover a Dutch Golden Age town steeped in history and charm. Within its old ramparts, you'll find 361 monuments, alongside cobbled streets, independent shops and laid-back cafés. Don't miss the open-air Zuiderzee Museum, which brings the region's maritime past to life through hands-on exhibits. The surrounding area is laced with picturesque cycling routes, while summer sees the town come alive with its much-loved annual jazz festival. 

Hoorn has plenty to please cruisers of all kinds. If you're in the mood for a scenic harbour-side stroll followed by a leisurely lunch in a sun-dappled square, this laid-back town sets the pace. Prefer something more active? Join a guided cycling tour through the surrounding countryside and take in wide horizons and pastoral scenes. Museum lovers have lots to enjoy, too. Options range from a family-friendly steam tram museum to the Museum of the 20th Century, great for a nostalgic deep-dive into daily life in the recent past. 

The capital of Zeeland has plenty to recommend it. During the Dutch Golden Age, Middelburg was a hub of maritime trade and innovation, and echoes of that prosperous past are still easy to spot. Wander its cobbled lanes to discover more than a thousand listed buildings and monuments, from its medieval abbey to the imposing town hall. Round off your day in port by treating yourself to some of the town's celebrated seafood or even a tour of a nearby oyster farm. 

Atlas Ocean Voyages offers intimate yachting expeditions of the highest quality, taking each passenger on the cruise of a lifetime. Founded in 2019, Atlas operates with three custom-designed ships – World Navigator, World Traveller and World Voyager – that each focus on famed cruising styles; expedition, classic ocean and epicurean. Regardless of whether you seek culinary excellence or a lesser-travelled paradise, Atlas has you covered with unrivalled comfort and unchallenged style.

With more than 175 years of know-how behind it, this heritage brand has the expertise to deliver quality cruising with strong, customer-friendly value. It's known for its ideally sized ships and caters to a broad range of guests, including couples, solo travellers and families. It also offers a wide selection of carefully curated itineraries, from no-fly mini cruises from the UK to mystery cruises in the Mediterranean.

When searching for a luxury yacht expedition cruise, there’s one name above all else that you need to know – Ponant Cruises. Founded in 1988 by former French Merchant Navy officers, Ponant combines succulent luxury with authentic adventures on all seven continents. From classic Mediterranean itineraries and Caribbean sailings, to bucket-list expeditions around Greenland and Antarctica, Ponant cruises proudly counteract the banality of mainstream voyages with a unique take on the concept of small-ship cruising. It’s the absolute trip of a lifetime.

Explora Journeys aim to create a relaxed energy within their passengers. Through exemplary service and high-quality surroundings, their itineraries are specifically designed to inspire exploration and discovery, broaden your horizons and trigger new connections. Your journey will be characterised by calm, unity, elegance, and joy – also known as The Ocean State of Mind, an elusive and sought-after mantra.

Swan Hellenic cruise line takes pride in providing elegant cruises that sail their guests to far-flung destinations across the world such as New Zealand and the Arctic. With over 70 years of experience, enjoy a sophisticated and comfortable atmosphere onboard Swan Hellenic cruises, with some truly remarkable visits to less-accessible polar regions and plenty of lesser-visited ports worth seeing.

Specialising in fun-filled family holidays, Carnival Cruises traverse the seas of Europe and North America with a fleet of more than 20 sleek cruise liners. Founded in 1972 and based in the United States, Carnival strives to entertain travellers of all ages, offering a veritable smorgasbord of facilities and activities. Ultimately casual but packed full of excitement, Carnival Cruises are ideal for passengers looking for a livelier holiday.

Regent promises to deliver The Most Inclusive Luxury Experience, offering an all-inclusive, ultra-luxury experience that is Unrivalled at Sea™. Guests will be able to explore more than 550 destinations around the world while enjoying the unrivalled space, elegance, and comfort of The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet®. Regent will tend to every detail of their journey from start to finish, so guests can be pampered by the warm, Heartfelt Hospitality™ delivered by the crew. 

Founded in 1844 as the Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company,  P&O Cruises can claim to be the world’s oldest cruise company. It’s also the largest British cruise line specialising in no-fly sailings from Southampton.

Oceania Cruises has built a reputation for its approach to small ship luxury. Onboard its intimate, upscale vessels, food sits firmly at the centre of the experience, with refined dining that ranks among the best at sea. Beyond that, the adults-only line is known for its destination-led itineraries, favouring lesser-visited ports and longer stays ashore.   

Wellness should be about balanced indulgence, not self-sacrifice - that's the philosophy behind Silversea's new programme called Otium, named after the Roman leisure time dedicated to bathing, talking, singing, drinking, eating and relaxing. The easygoing regime includes a 24-hour room-service menu of comfort food, as well as new spa treatments, relaxing baths and hot chocolate served on your balcony.

SeaDream led the industry down a path of post-lockdown recovery during a Norwegian cruise. However, the line's two 112-passenger ships are more at home in the Med and Caribbean, where they can offer a "champagne in the surf" experience. Dining and sleeping are offered on deck, thanks to an outdoor restaurant and a series of Balinese beds. Champagne, strawberries and towel swans add to the romance.

Emerald Cruises offers a modern, relaxed, super-premium all-inclusive cruising experience, with contemporary and elegant ships and bucket-list destinations. Onboard, guests are able to dine at four all-inclusive and unique outlets, enjoying free-flowing alcoholic beverages at mealtimes. Flexibility is key, with its range of shore excursion packages, and every aspect of the trip is taken care of – including flights and transfers.