A big thank you to Viva Cruises for hosting my trip so I could write this detailed review of my experience.
Relax while you are vacationing! What a concept! I had one week to enjoy Europe and I needed to relax, so I decided to forgo train journeys and city stays and instead take a river cruise aboard Viva Enjoy, which involved navigating through the many waterways and rivers of the Netherlands with a sojourn into Belgium.
I cruised aboard Viva’s newest ship, the Enjoy. A Viva Enjoy river cruise in the Netherlands offers a unique and peaceful way to explore its charming cities and scenic countryside while sailing along smooth rivers. River cruising offers a slower, more relaxed way to experience Dutch and Belgian culture.
1. The People
On Viva Enjoy, there are 190 guests and 30 crew members. During my time on board, I met crew members from Indonesia, Italy, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands and Serbia. Their warmth and professionalism made me feel like I was traveling among friends, perfect for solo travelers or even a family reunion. Also on Viva cruises, the passengers are from around the world with only 15% being American. It was fun meeting people from Norway, Israel, Thailand, Germany, England and the Netherlands.
2. See the Country Like a Local
The Dutch have a centuries-old relationship with water and many of their cities are built around canals and rivers. A river cruise allows you to navigate these waterways much like the locals do, by boat. As you drift through the Dutch countryside or into canal-lined cities (we did a canal tour in a smaller boat in Amsterdam), you gain a cultural perspective that is both authentic and immersive.
We spent nights moored in the exciting cities of Amsterdam and Rotterdam to medieval places like Antwerp, Dordrecht, Enkhuizen and Nijmegen. Every day was a new adventure.
While navigating along the River Waal, I spotted cows and herds of wild horses from the sun deck.
3. Access Both Iconic and Hidden Destinations
Unlike large ocean liners, river cruise ships can dock in smaller lesser-known ports. This gives you access to both famous sites like Amsterdam and Rotterdam and hidden gems such as Kinderdijk, Dordrecht and Enkhuizen.
Each stop includes at least one complimentary guided excursion. In addition to guided tours, I recommend exploring on your own as well.
In Antwerp (now my favorite “old” city), I went on my own to visit the cathedral in the morning featuring Rubens’ paintings and really old crypts, enjoyed a Viva “chocolate tour” excursion across four specialty shops in the afternoon and ended the day on our own at a 500-year-old pub called Bar de Kat, where, despite the cat being long gone, the local flavor remains vibrant. I even discovered my new favorite beer: Kriek Lambic, a cherry-flavored brew from Mort Subite (“Sudden Death”). Everyone in our group loved it.
4. Unpack Once, Travel Often
One of the joys of river cruising is convenience. You unpack just once while your floating hotel transports you to a new destination each day. There’s no need to worry about trains, taxis or repacking.
My stateroom was on the top level and featured floor-to-ceiling glass doors that opened two-thirds of the way (with a safety railing). The room was stunning: a king-sized bed with luxurious white duvets and pillows, a Nespresso machine, a mini-fridge stocked with complimentary drinks and a spacious bathroom with a rain shower and mood lighting. It was so comfortable, I almost didn’t want to leave.
5. Witness the Netherlands in Bloom
If you cruise during the spring (typically mid-March to mid-May), you’ll be rewarded with a stunning display of tulips in full bloom. The countryside comes alive with vibrant stripes of red, yellow, purple and pink.
Many cruises stop at the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens where over 7 million bulbs bloom annually. A magical and peaceful experience that I will never forget was strolling through acres of tulips, peonies and irises while listening to a symphony of birdsong. On the way back to the ship, our guide pointed out stork nests perched on man-made platforms, a perfect ending to a perfect day.
6. Step Into History
The Netherlands is steeped in history from the Dutch Golden Age to World War II. Our river cruise included guided tours of major historical places like modern Rotterdam (thanks to the incredible destruction during WWII), ancient Nijmegen and the UNESCO-listed windmills of Kinderdijk.
At Kinderdijk, I met a miller who shared insights into how these windmills operated for centuries. I climbed a ladder up several floors all the way to the top and saw the simple living quarters where entire families once lived. Later that evening, we docked in Dordrecht, considered the Netherlands’ oldest town, just in time to enjoy Dutch Liberation festivities (marking the liberation of the Netherlands from the Nazis) in the town square, complete with live music, local beer and friendly locals (including our Kinderdijk guide).
7. Savor Dutch Culinary Delights
While the onboard cuisine is gourmet and internationally inspired (white asparagus soup, goat cheese mousse with beets, squid ink fettuccine), this cruise also highlighted regional dishes such as stroopwafels, poffertjes (mini pancakes), fresh herring and artisanal cheeses like Gouda and Edam and battered cod. In Enkhuizen, we shopped boutiques, sipped coffee with a local, found a cheese store to take home aged Gouda and lingered in an outdoor café to end the afternoon with Dutch beer, raspberry Hoegaarden.
Some excursions even include market visits. Our Rotterdam guide took us to the modern food hall where we sampled more Dutch specialties.
Viva Enjoy features three dining venues. My favorite was the Riverview Restaurant where every seat offers a panoramic view of the water. Each evening included a selection of different European red or white wines, a salad bar and rotating multi-course menus.
The Bistro is a restaurant on the aft third floor with casual favorites like burgers, fish and chips, and a local favorite flammkuchen. Another boutique restaurant called Moments was located on the ground level and featured an antipasti bar and Italian specialties each night. The gorgeous modern lounge offered top-shelf and imaginative cocktails like the Basil Gin Smash and Blue Paradise. Every cruise includes the much anticipated “High Tea”.
8. Experience Sustainability Firsthand
8. Experience Sustainability FirsthandThe Netherlands is a global leader in sustainability and Viva river cruises reflect that ethos. Low-emission ships, bike-based excursions and eco-conscious tours all contribute to a greener way of traveling. For instance, Viva Cruises furnish every passenger with a reusable water bottle with filtered and sparkling water stations located throughout the ship, thus eliminating plastic waste. Their new ships have all been awarded the Green Award Certificate because they comply with U-Stage-V emission standards.
You’ll be cruising through a country where water management, renewable energy and green innovation are not just concepts—they’re daily life. It’s a trip that inspires a deeper awareness of sustainable travel while learning about Dutch engineering.
The Dutch have long battled the sea and their engineering feats are nothing short of astonishing. On a river cruise, you can see dikes, locks, sluices and pumping stations up close. One highlight was visiting the ship’s wheelhouse with the captain, gaining an entirely new perspective on river navigation.
Learning about reclaimed land (called polders) offers a fascinating window into how the Netherlands manages to thrive below sea level. These innovations are vital to the country’s survival and deeply impressive to witness in person, something I had no knowledge of before this trip. I went up on the sun deck and watched the ship go through the locks. It was so interesting that I found myself watching it later on the live cam on my room TV.
9. Combine Cycling and Cruising
The Netherlands is one of the most bike-friendly countries in the world. Bring your most comfortable shoes for cycling and walking as I logged an average of 18,000 steps a day.
On Viva Enjoy, bicycles were readily available, just ask a crew member to place one on the wharf for you.
10. Relax and Recharge
Most importantly, a river cruise allows you to unwind. No airport lines, no traffic jams, just the slow drift past grazing sheep, wildflowers and skies that inspired painters like Rembrandt and Van Gogh. Whether you’re reading on the deck, sipping a cocktail in the hot tub or enjoying panoramic views from your room, the experience is designed to soothe your soul.
A river cruise through the Netherlands and Belgium offers a beautiful blend of culture, history, nature and relaxation. The guides were so impressive, I felt like I received a crash master’s course in Dutch and Flemish history. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, seeing this region from its waterways reveals a side of it that is serene, authentic and unforgettable.
From tulip fields and storybook villages to culinary treats, it’s a journey that appeals to every traveler. So if you’re looking for an experience that combines relaxation, entertainment and renewal, a Dutch river cruise aboard Viva Cruises should be high on your list.
It may have been my most favorite vacation yet.
Love this colorful and comprehensive piece. I think river cruising is quite underrated! I agree that Antwerp was a terrific discovery. Hope to learn more about smaller cities as well as the big ones.