As we have recently entered fall, you’ll notice that not only has the weather grown cooler throughout most of North America, but also the foliage has begun to make its yearly transition. Of course, it is during this time the attention of many individuals turn towards preliminary planning for end-of-the year holiday festivities (all of which is strategically nudged on with the assistance of advertisements from major retailers). However, it is during this period that well-seasoned travelers begin investigating and planning their upcoming spring getaway. European river cruising remains a very popular and cost-effective option to experience popular locales. While there are numerous well-established river cruise companies that have a presence within the continent, there’s only one that has an immersive National Geographic Society experience.

As a unit of Disney’s Signature Experiences, National Geographic Expeditions provides its participants with upmarket accommodations that are blended with National Geographic sensibilities. Every spring, National Geographic Expeditions partners with AmaWaterways to provide an exclusive seven-night National Geographic-curated voyage through key cities in the Netherlands and Belgium via its “Holland and Belgium in Springtime by River Cruise.” (The 2024 sailing is April 15-22.)

The pre-cruise experience

In the weeks leading up to your voyage, you will receive specific details about your trip. In true Disney style, a National Geographic Expeditions care package consisting of a backpack, insulated beverage bottle, luggage belt, and much more will be delivered to your home. Once you arrive in Amsterdam, a National Geographic Expeditions greeter will meet you and assist with your ground transportation needs. Pro tip: Opt for  a pre-cruise overnight in Amsterdam in order to avoid having to rush from the airport to the cruise ship at the Port of Amsterdam.

The ship

AmaWaterways is a leading river cruise company that has earned numerous awards for its on-board service, as well as its environmental mindfulness. In 2024, its AmaMora cruise ship will once again set sail for National Geographic Expeditions’ “Holland and Belgium in Springtime by River Cruise.” Launched in 2019, this German-built vessel that is registered in Switzerland accommodates a maximum of 152 guests within 78 guest rooms. Voyagers are treated to comfortable surroundings within a modern design aesthetic. This is particularly of note within the never-crowded Main Lounge & Bar, which is the de facto gathering place for most events on-board, including lectures, quiz games, live music, silent disco, all-day tapas and coffee service, and afternoon tea.

Every stateroom has a view, and many layouts include both French and outside balconies. Rooms can be configured with twin bedding or one king size bed. In addition to comfortable bedding and bathrooms with showers and thoughtful amenities, each stateroom is outfitted with flatscreen TVs, on-demand entertainment, free WiFi, freshly-bottled purified water, and much more. And since these ships are in Europe, a nightly turndown service with chocolate on the pillow is included every night of your cruise. While there’s only one main dining room (where resort casual attire is ideal btw), the menu isn’t reflective of this singularity. Each evening, you are presented with a dinner menu that changes daily, and unique breakfast choices are offered each morning. However, dining within The Chef’s Table restaurant is a gastronomic wonder and formal dinner experience that you need to take advantage of. While reservations are required, no surcharge applies at The Chef’s Table.

On the open-air Sun Deck, you can enjoy wellness classes, swim in the pool, take a stroll along the walking track, and much more. And you will be happy to know, the AmaMora has its own fleet of bicycles, which are useful during the port stops.

Ports & activities

As you’re traveling with National Geographic Expeditions, the on-board experience is further enhanced with the inclusion of notable lecturers and National Geographic photographers. These special guests are handpicked by National Geographic Expeditions to share anecdotes about their unique and exciting travel experiences. Opportunities will be provided for National Geographic photographers to share some of their skills to provide guidance to those who want to take more meaningful photographs. This level of access to these National Geographic experts is unparalleled.

Here’s a sample of what you can expect throughout this exclusive National Geographic cruise:

The Netherlands

• Amsterdam: As this is the city where your voyage will commence and end, there are a plethora of sightseeing options for you to consider: Explore some of the many popular museums such as the Van Gogh, Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk and especially Anne Frank Huis. You can also learn more about Amsterdam’s storied history and architecture via a canal cruise. And be sure to take time on your own to experience some of the highly rated international restaurants that are prolific throughout Amsterdam. On that note: Ashoka (no relation to the new Disney+ series) is a fantastic Indian restaurant that consistently rates well due to their flavorful menu offerings and beverages (FYI – There are 2 branches of this restaurant in the city).
• Kinderdijk: A trip to this region of The Netherlands without seeing windmills up close and personal, is an incomplete journey! Once your sailing reaches to Kinderdijk (which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site), you will have the opportunity to visit its lowlands to view and examine numerous windmills that date back to the 18th century. And as an option, you may want to take a guided bike tour through the region to get photos of the windmills from a panoramic viewpoint.

• Rotterdam: While biking throughout one of the most bicycle-friendly metropolitan cities in the region, you will quickly find that Rotterdam is a city that is both eclectic and historic. There’s so much to do here including learning about how Delft pottery is made, sampling local cheeses (particularly Gouda and Edam) and if you are a gamer, you should take advantage of a 2-hour experience at the Dutch Pinball Museum where your entry fee not only allows you to view all types of unique pinball machines, you are able enjoy game play on most of the pinball machines that are from the 1960s – onwards! Pro tip: Please plan to make a reservation before visiting this museum as walk-up entries are sometimes not possible.

• Middelburg: Known for its contribution to lens crafting during the Scientific Revolution, this city of roughly 48,000 residents sits in the Zeeland province. While here you should consider taking a countryside bike tour, or cycle on your own where you can go at your own pace and makes stops at historic medieval villages or enjoy cheese from a local farm. You may also want to consider taking a tour of Delta Works in Ouwerkerk to learn about their methods to create flood mitigation measures (Most of the region sits below sea level; Both in in 1953 and 1995, the region experienced decimating floods).

• Hoorn: As one of the most quintessentially Dutch cities, Hoorn is the place where you can experience it all! Take a bike tour to experience its historic villages and windmills in the countryside, and then be sure to visit the beautifully landscaped and curated Keukenhof Gardens which is the largest and most immersive arboreta experiences in the world. Every Spring, the vibrant colors of Keukenhof’s vast collection of more than 7 million tulips, roses, hyacinths, irises and other flowers come alive! It is quite the feast for the senses.

Belgium

• Antwerp: Do you want to enjoy authentic Belgian waffles, Belgian beer and Belgian chocolate? Then Antwerp is the place for you! While you’re here, take a bike tour to experience the Tudor and neoclassical architecture – or take a walking tour of the old city where you can see ancient castles, cathedrals and, of course, tulips!

• Ghent: During the medieval period, Ghent was one of Europe’s most affluent cities – and today, it continues its heritage as a place that is a center of the finer things in life. This is especially evidenced when you visit Van Hecke Chocolates. As one of the region’s top chocolatiers, this fourth generation, family-owned establishment is driven by its passion to create the finest chocolates containing only the very best ingredients. A stop at Van Hecke’s quaint chocolate factory will give you an opportunity to experience chocolate-making firsthand with its owners. And once you’ve completed your course, you will be able to taste some of the resulting chocolates along with a glass of delicious champagne.

• Bruges: The architecture of Bruges is a major draw for travelers to visit the city. Its 13th Century architecture is just the tip of the iceberg. You are in for quite a visual treat as you stroll along its cobblestone streets alongside its swan dominated canals. The views are spectacular!

National Geographic Expeditions’ “Holland and Belgium in Springtime by River Cruise” is indeed a travel experience that is worthwhile and memorable. If you have never visited the Netherlands or Belgium, this is the ideal way to sample what both countries have to offer while enjoying the serene river cruise experience. In addition, the opportunity to have National Geographic (through the brilliance of Disney) as your perpetual tour guide is truly a treat!