A Tulip Time River Cruise in Holland is a popular way to experience the beauty and culture of the Netherlands during the springtime. The cruise typically takes place in April or May, when the tulips are in full bloom and the weather is mild. During the cruise, you'll travel along the scenic waterways of the Netherlands, passing by picturesque towns and cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Delft. You'll also have the opportunity to visit historic sites and cultural landmarks, such as the Keukenhof Gardens, which is home to more than 7 million flowers including countless tulips.

One of the highlights of the Tulip Time River Cruise is the opportunity to see the famous Dutch tulip fields in bloom. These vibrant fields of tulips stretch out across the countryside in a rainbow of colors, providing a stunning backdrop for your river journey.

Aboard an AmaWaterways river cruise, you can expect a luxurious and comfortable experience as you journey along some of the world's most picturesque rivers. AmaWaterways is known for its high-quality service, attention to detail, and focus on providing immersive cultural experiences. Here's what it's like aboard an AmaWaterways river cruise:

Staterooms: Depending on the ship and category of stateroom you choose, you can enjoy features like French or twin balconies, both, or panoramic windows. I was lucky enough to have both a French balcony and outside balcony. This room was a good size for two friends sharing a room. We were able to separate our beds to make them into two twins and there was enough room for both of us to get ready for the day. We spent very little time in the room as we were often in port exploring or spending time with others in the lounge. Check out my room:

Atmosphere: The atmosphere on an AmaWaterways river cruise is generally relaxed and casual. There is no formal dress code, and most guests opt for comfortable attire during the day, with slightly dressier options for evening meals. The onboard ambiance is often warm and sociable, with opportunities to mingle with fellow travelers and enjoy entertainment such as live music or cultural performances.

Onboard Amenities: AmaWaterways ships offer a range of amenities to enhance your adventure. You can find facilities like fitness centers, sun decks with loungers, whirlpools, walking tracks, spas, hair salons, and even pools. The AmaMora had all these amenities. It was a bit too chilly on this sailing to enjoy the pool. There are also cozy lounges and bars where you can relax, socialize, and enjoy panoramic views of the passing scenery.

Excursions and Activities: AmaWaterways is committed to providing enriching experiences both on and off the ship. They offer a variety of included shore excursions led by knowledgeable local guides. On board there was nightly entertainment from local violists (amazing) to dance parties to silent discos. Tammy and I got the silent party disco started and helped a few guests get their headphones working properly and out on the dance floor.

AmaWaterways includes select excursions at each port stop. We took advantage of many of the tours. We did a walking tour in Middleburg, took a class on making Belgian chocolates, visited a tulip factory, toured the windmills of Kinderdijk, and visited the most impressive gardens in the world at Keukenhof. We also had an opportunity to explore on your own or request to use a bike if there wasn’t a bike tour going on at that port. There were so many options designed to meet many different activity levels.

Dining: The culinary experience aboard AmaMora was pretty great. The AmaMora had multiple dining venues, including a main restaurant, specialty restaurant, and lounge. The menus often feature regional specialties to provide an authentic taste of the destinations you visit. We often ate breakfast and lunch in the lounge area and dinner in the Main Dining room. While the menu was limited in the lounge, there were always plenty of options available. The lounge also offered late night snacks as the nightly entertainment was winding down. As you can see we tried many dishes throughout the week.

One of my favorite dining experiences was the Chef’s Table specialty restaurant. This was the best meal of the week. They somehow made beets delicious. The Chef’s Table is included with your cruise and everyone on board can experience it at least once. Once on board, you make your reservation at the 28 person restaurant. The menu and service was top notch. The menu is the same all week so no matter which day you dine you will get the same dishes as everyone else. We reserved our table as to not miss the Captain’s gala and the special dining menu night in the Main Dining room.

Service and Staff: The crew on the AmaMora were wonderful. The crew members are well-trained, knowledgeable about the destinations, and eager to assist you with any inquiries or requests. When there are less than 160 guest on board, they get to know you by name. Most times our preferred drinks were in our hands before we could get comfortable (thanks Ivan) and the dining staff learned out food preference from the start of the cruise. When you must have the cinnamon ice cream from the night before at lunch, someone will track it down for you.

Overall, a Tulip Time River Cruise in Holland is a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty, culture, and history of the Netherlands and Belgium during one of the most beautiful times of the year. I look forward to exploring other river cruise destinations with AmaWaterways.