Planning Ahead for Spring 2026: A Look at 3 Gorgeous Tulip Time River Cruises
- Alicia at Evening Star Travel
- May 1
- 5 min read
There’s no better way to welcome spring than by cruising through the Netherlands during Tulip Time.
Picture it: meandering along peaceful rivers lined with windmills and storybook villages, while fields of tulips paint the landscape in a sea of colour. This short but spectacular season draws travellers from around the world—and for good reason.
If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing the charm of the Dutch countryside in bloom, spring 2026 is the perfect time to go. Below, I’m comparing three standout Tulip Time cruises from Avalon Waterways, AMA Waterways, and Scenic—each with its own personality, inclusions, and special touches.
Avalon Waterways - Tulip Time Cruise for Beer Enthusiasts
A fun and flavourful twist on the classic Tulip Time itinerary.
Avalon’s 8-day roundtrip from Amsterdam is designed specifically for beer lovers, blending Dutch history and natural beauty with the chance to taste local brews and learn about regional brewing traditions.
Highlights:
Special beer-themed experiences, including onboard tastings and brewery visits led by a beer expert.
Explore Keukenhof Gardens, Gouda, Antwerp, and Brussels, with a mix of guided and "Active & Discovery" excursion options.
Avalon's signature Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall windows that turn your cabin into an open-air balcony.
Choose from Classic, Discovery, or Active excursions daily, offering flexibility for your interests and pace.
AMA Waterways - Tulip Time Cruise
A well-rounded and culturally rich take on springtime river cruising.
AMA’s 7-night Tulip Time cruise offers a mix of iconic sights and local immersion, with AMA’s signature focus on wellness, culinary excellence, and small-group touring.
Highlights:
Guided visits to Keukenhof Gardens, Middelburg, Kinderdijk Windmills, and the charming town of Veere.
Tour the Royal Delft porcelain factory, stroll through Antwerp’s historic city centre, and enjoy Belgian chocolate and waffles.
Wellness programs onboard, including morning stretch classes and a fitness room, plus bikes available for exploring ashore.
Fine dining at The Chef’s Table, and complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
Scenic Cruises - Windmills, Tulips, and Belgian Delights
A luxurious, all-inclusive journey with a strong focus on personalized service and elegant experiences.
Scenic’s 8-day itinerary sails roundtrip from Amsterdam, covering the Dutch and Belgian highlights in both comfort and style.
Highlights:
Visits to Keukenhof, Veere, Antwerp, Ghent, and the iconic windmills at Kinderdijk.
Scenic Freechoice excursions, offering guests the ability to tailor each day’s experience—from active explorations to cultural deep-dives.
Scenic Enrich events like exclusive classical concerts in historical venues.
Truly all-inclusive luxury: butler service, top-shelf beverages, gratuities, and all excursions are included.
Ready to Plan Your Spring Getaway?
Each of these river cruises offers a different way to enjoy one of the most beautiful seasons in Europe. Whether you’re drawn to craft beer, cultural immersion, or all-inclusive luxury, there’s a Tulip Time itinerary that’s just right for you.
🌷 Tulip Time 2026 River Cruise Comparison
Feature | Avalon – Tulip Time for Beer Enthusiasts | AMA Waterways – Tulip Time | Scenic – Windmills, Tulips & Belgian Delights |
Cruise Length | 7 nights | 7 nights | 7 nights |
Start/End Cities | Amsterdam → Amsterdam | Amsterdam → Amsterdam | Amsterdam → Amsterdam |
Key Theme | Craft beer tastings & brewery tours | Classic cultural Tulip Time journey | Luxurious all-inclusive with Belgian flair |
Special Highlights | • Beer-focused excursions • Private tastings & onboard beer expert • Visit Keukenhof Gardens • Canal cruise in Amsterdam | • Visit Keukenhof Gardens • Hoorn, Willemstad, Ghent & Bruges • Guided bike tours • Dutch cheese tasting | • Visit Keukenhof Gardens • Antwerp, Ghent, Veere & Bruges • Scenic Enrich experience in Arnheim • Optional e-biking |
Included Excursions | Daily classic & beer-themed options | Daily tours (gentle, regular, active, or bike) | Scenic Freechoice & Enrich experiences included |
Dining | Regional specialties with local beer pairings | Multiple dining venues, including The Chef’s Table | All meals plus Scenic Epicure (cooking classes) |
Onboard Experience | Casual luxury, Panorama Suites® with Open-Air Balcony | Wellness programs, daily activities, included wine/beer with meals | Ultra-luxury, butler service, all-inclusive with top-shelf drinks |
Starting Price (per person, CAD) | $7,518 (Panorama Suite) | $6,112 (Twin Balcony BB) | $6,280 (Balcony Suite on the Sapphire Deck) |
Great For | Beer lovers, casual cruisers, first-timers | Active & cultural travelers, garden lovers | Luxury travelers, food & culture lovers |
Prices are listed in Canadian Dollars (CAD) and are per person, based on double occupancy. Pricing is based on lead-in balcony cabin categories as of the time of publication and is subject to change without notice. Availability is limited and subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Taxes, fees, port charges, airfare, travel insurance, and other additional costs may apply and are not included unless otherwise specified. Itineraries, excursions, and inclusions are subject to change by the cruise operator. Promotional offers, if applicable, may be capacity controlled and may be withdrawn or changed at any time without prior notice. Evening Star Travel is affiliated with Nexion Canada ULC, 380 Wellington St, Tower B, 6th Floor, London, ON N6A 5B5. TICO Registration Number: 1549342. All bookings are subject to the terms and conditions of the tour operator or cruise line and the applicable travel supplier. Please contact us to verify current pricing, availability, and full terms and conditions.
All three of these river cruises are fantastic options - but they may not be the right option for you. There are many other river cruise companies on the market. As your travel advisor, I will sit down to you to find out what's important to you, find out what type of traveller you are, and match you to the best river cruise line and itinerary that suits your needs.
If you’d like help comparing your options or securing early booking perks, I’d love to help you plan. Let’s make your 2026 spring getaway one to remember!
River cruises are very popular, and availability for the most sought-after itineraries can fill up quickly. Now is the best time to book your Tulip Time cruise for next year.
Flexible Booking Policies: Many cruise lines are offering flexible booking policies, allowing you to book with confidence and peace of mind knowing that you can make changes to your booking if needed.
Plan Ahead and Save: Early booking often comes with significant savings and added perks, such as onboard credits, complimentary excursions, and cabin upgrades.
Peace of Mind: Secure your dream vacation now and have something wonderful to look forward to. With the uncertainty of travel restrictions and availability, booking early ensures you can choose the perfect itinerary and travel dates that suit you best.
Embark on a journey of a lifetime and experience the magic of Europe’s enchanting waterways. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast, a nature lover, or a cultural explorer, there’s a river cruise waiting to fulfill your travel dreams. Don’t miss out on these amazing experiences – book your European river cruise for next year today!
To book your next dream vacation - when the time is right to travel - reach out to me through email at Alicia@EveningStarTravel.ca, or by calling 587 772 2525. I am located in Sherwood Park, Alberta (a suburb of Edmonton), and am a Travel Advisor specializing in River Cruising. I am the owner/operator of Evening Star Travel, and I book travel for clients all across Canada.
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