5 Reasons You’ll Love a Dutch Tulips River Cruise with VIVA Cruises

VIVA Enjoy river cruise ship — A tulips river cruise on VIVA Cruises to the Netherlands and Belgium brings travelers to beautiful and historic towns and cities. (Photo by Kelly McDaniel)

By Kelly McDaniel, correspondent

A tulips cruise on the Dutch Waterways in spring time captures so much of what we really love about river voyages.

The weather is warm — but not too hot. The flowers are in bloom, and the mood is upbeat. These trips can feel truly magical, as you can spend the days relaxing and enjoying the sights, foods and beverages.

Or, add in a little more activity to fill your days with amazing and memorable experiences.

A cruise during this time of year in the Netherlands and Belgium offers the chance to see historic cities, taste world-class chocolate and immerse yourself in the most spectacular tulip fields. I went on a trip with VIVA Cruises on Viva Enjoy and embraced every bit of the charm, flavor and culture this region has to offer — all from the comfort of my luxurious river ship.

Here are five reasons why you’ll also fall in love with a tulips cruise with VIVA Cruises:

1. Historic and Beautiful Cities

The Great Market Square in Antwerp, Belgium — The Great Market Square in Antwerp is just one of the dozens of fascinating places to visit on your journey. (Photo by Kelly McDaniel)

Every stop feels like a new postcard come to life.

Amsterdam is a vibrant blend of old-world charm and modern cool. Ride a bike through its iconic canals, wander into world-class museums, and grab a stroopwafel (more on that later). Nature lovers can head to Vondelpark, where you can enjoy a jog, a picnic or just relax under the pretty trees.

Enkhuizen is a hidden gem that feels like stepping back in time. Visit the Zuiderzee Museum to explore the maritime history that once made this fishing town a key port in the Middle Ages.

Bruges is one of Europe’s most beautifully preserved medieval cities. Think gothic churches, cobbled streets and romantic canal rides. The historic Belfry and medieval guild halls make you feel as if you’ve been written into a storybook.

Antwerp mixes historic charm with creative energy. It's the hometown of painter Peter Paul Rubens, and you can see his influence in everything from the churches to the city’s museums. Refresh with a delicious Belgian beer at a café near the dazzling main plaza at night.

2. Fantastic Food at Every Turn

Bring your appetite — these cruises are a dream for foodie.

Start with Belgian waffles, crisp on the outside, fluffy inside and often topped with decadent extras. Then, there’s the world-famous Belgian chocolate — rich, smooth, and lovingly made by artisans in both tiny shops and grand chocolate houses.

Prefer savory treats? You’ll love Belgian mussels and fries, especially when dipped in creamy mayo (trust us on this one). And don’t skip the Dutch stroopwafels — thin caramel-filled waffle cookies that are best when freshly made and still warm.

3. You’re Surrounded by History and Culture

The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam — The Rijksmuseum is a must-visit site for art lovers who come to Amsterdam. (Photo by John Roberts)

In Europe, history surrounds you.

You can spend your time strolling past medieval guild houses in Bruges or touring grand churches filled with masterpieces. Active travelers can choose to cycle through Amsterdam’s historic neighborhoods or along the well-maintained paths on the canals and rivers. From the Dutch Masters to Flemish architecture, every stop includes optional VIVA Cruises excursions that immerse you in centuries of culture, art and tradition.

Make time to visit Museum Square in Amsterdam, where you have easy access to a beautiful park and the Rijksmuseum, the national museum of the Netherlands, which is filled with works from great Dutch artists such as Rembrandt and Vermeer. Nearby is the Van Gogh Museum.

4. You’ll Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Get your camera ready! Some of the best experiences on these trips are the multiple UNESCO-listed treasures you can get to during one sailing.

Amsterdam’s Canal Ring offers 62 miles of waterways and more than 1,500 bridges. You can walk the city to see many of the charming areas or take a boat tour in the canal.

The Belfries of Belgium: These medieval towers — like the Belfry in Bruges or the one flanking Antwerp’s Cathedral of Our Lady — are symbols of civic pride and architectural brilliance.

Kinderdijk’s Windmills: Walk among 19 picture-perfect windmills, an iconic image of the Dutch landscape and learn how they’ve shaped the country’s history.

5. Europe in Full Bloom Is Unforgettable

Tulips at Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands — VIVA Cruises offers a tulips season itinerary with excursions to the legendary Keukenhof gardens when the tulips are showing their brightest bloom. (Photo by Kelly McDaniel)

These cruises are incredibly popular for good reason.

From mid-March to mid-May, tulip fields across the Netherlands explode in rows of red, yellow, pink and purple. The exact timing of peak bloom depends on the weather, but no matter when you go in season, you’ll see dazzling floral displays everywhere.

Start in Amsterdam at the floating flower market, where you can shop for fresh tulips or pick up bulbs to bring home. Then venture out to Keukenhof, one of the world’s most breathtaking flower gardens. With more than 7 million bulbs in bloom, themed gardens and walking paths, it's a floral paradise you’ll never forget.

Keukenhof botanical garden in the Netherlands — The vibrant colors of Keukenhof botanical garden. (Photo by Kelly McDaniel)

A tulips cruise with VIVA Cruises isn’t your typical river cruise. This itinerary really is a feast for the senses, as you’re taking part in a springtime celebration while wandering through history. Whether you would pick this sailing for the flowers, the food, the cities or the culture, you’ll come home with unforgettable memories.