- Cruises
- Mini Cruises
- To Amsterdam
Our Guide To Amsterdam Mini Cruise Breaks in 2024 & 2025
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with exciting mini cruises to Amsterdam in 2024 & 2025 . These short yet delightful cruises offer the perfect getaway, combining luxury and convenience. Setting sail from various UK ports, although primarily from Southampton, you'll experience a seamless journey across the North Sea. The cruises feature various durations, catering to both quick escapes and leisurely voyages. 3 night mini cruises can be the ideal length for a short break or taster cruise if you've never been on one before.
Onboard, you'll find a blend of modern facilities and top-notch services, ensuring your journey to Amsterdam is nothing short of spectacular. From gourmet dining to live entertainment, every aspect of the voyage is designed to provide an exceptional experience. Whether you're seeking a romantic retreat or a fun family holiday, mini cruises to Amsterdam are the perfect choice for a memorable trip.
Popular Cruise Lines To Amsterdam
Several of the big cruise lines offer mini breaks to Amsterdam, including Cunard, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, MSC, P&O Cruises and Royal Caribbean. Most offer sailings out of Southampton, although the odd one or two like Ambassador will set sail from Tilbury near London. There is also the DFDS ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam, and advertise the route as a mini cruise. The ferries do have cabins on board, however, it's a far more stripped back version. You can add on extras like the buffet breakfast or buffet dinner, or a meal at the a la carte restaurant, as well as adding on things like bus transfers from the port to the city centre. These are 3 day/2 night trips which give you a few hours in the Netherlands on day 2.
A Quick Guide To The City Of Amsterdam
Where You Arrive
When you embark on a mini cruise to Amsterdam, you typically arrive at either the port of Rotterdam or IJmuiden. Rotterdam, Europe's largest port, is known for its modern architecture and bustling maritime activity. A short journey from Amsterdam, it offers a unique blend of urban charm and nautical efficiency. IJmuiden, closer to Amsterdam, is a gateway to the city's rich cultural tapestry. From IJmuiden, it's a brief transfer to the heart of Amsterdam, where the city's iconic canals and historic streets await. Both ports provide efficient transfer services, ensuring your journey from ship to the Amsterdam's city centre is seamless and comfortable.
Tours & Excursions
Amsterdam, a city teeming with culture and history, offers a plethora of tours and excursions that cater to every interest. From the moment your mini cruise docks, you're spoilt for choice. Take a canal tour to see the city from its famous waterways, providing a picturesque view of the centuries-old houses and bridges. Art enthusiasts can delve into the world of Van Gogh or Rembrandt with guided museum tours. For a taste of history, the Anne Frank House and the historic Jewish Quarter offer poignant insights. Food tours are a delight for gastronomes, showcasing local cheeses, herring, and stroopwafels. Bike tours are also popular, giving you a true Amsterdam experience. Each trip immerses you in the essence of the city, ensuring your time in Amsterdam is as enriching as it is enjoyable.
Overnight Stays
Sometimes, a cruise ship will stay in a port of call overnight. This can be for logistical reasons, but also to allow you to spend more time in the destination. This is also the case for Amsterdam. Some cruise lines spend the night in port, so that you can go of and enjoy the evening and nightlife on offer in the city, or you can simply stay on board and continue to enjoy the huge range of facilities, restaurants, bars and entertainment on offer.
Things To Do When You Visit Amsterdam
Most cruise holidays here will only stop for a day, but there's so much to enjoy in Amsterdam City Centre and on the outskirts, from the Van Gogh Museum to the cafes, bars and restaurants. Here are a few of the key things to do in Amsterdam during your stay.
Take A Wander
Simple, but you'll see, experience and enjoy so much of the city, just by taking a wander around. You could even join a walking tour with guide.
Rijksmuseum
For all things Dutch, head to the Rijksmuseum which is the National Museum of the Netherlands with over 800 years of history to be discovered inside.
Escape The City
Head out to the suburbs and even further to enjoy the beautiful tulip fields and windmills that the Netherlands is so famous for.
Vondelpark
If you're visiting in summer and it's a little crowded, head to the gorgeous Vondelpark for a walk, cycle or just to enjoy a picnic in the sunshine.
The On Board Experience
Discover unparalleled comfort and entertainment on these short breaks. As you embark on your journey for a few nights, immerse yourself in an array of exceptional amenities designed to make your voyage as enjoyable as possible. State-of-the-art ships boast luxurious cabins, from cosy interior cabins to balcony cabins and spacious suites with stunning sea views. Indulge in a culinary adventure at the onboard restaurants, offering a blend of international and local cuisines. Evening entertainment is abundant; whether you fancy a quiet night at the cinema or a lively evening at the dance floor, there's something for everyone. For relaxation, the spa and wellness centres provide a serene escape, complete with spa treatments and fitness facilities. A 3 or 4 night mini cruise to Amsterdam can be just enough time to enjoy all the facilities on board, or settle in to a taster cruise too.
Where Is IJmuiden
Located about 30km west of Amsterdam, the port city of IJmuiden is the frequent stopping point for ships offering guests the chance to visit the city. While Rotterdam, an alternative port of call in the Netherlands, is further away, IJmuiden makes it very convenient to reach the city, either by car or public transport via Haarlem. Cruise lines will sell excursions onboard the ship, allowing you to enjoy a relaxed and hosted excursion into the city or the surrounding countryside (visiting the tulip fields and windmills outside of the city can also be fun).
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