Cruising through the tulips

Photos by ANN N. YUNGMEYER | Special to The Roanoke Times

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Seven million blooming bulbs are planted at Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, the Netherlands.

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7 million blooming bulbs are planted at Keukenhof Gardens, the largest bulb flower park in the world.

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Biking near the quaint town of Willemstad, named for William the Silent.

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Top deck view from the AmaSonata docked in Rotterdam.

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The medieval town of Bruges, Belgium with its picturesque canals, is one of Europe’s most charming cities.

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Historic windmills at Kinderdijk, a UNESCO Heritage site.

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Picturesque riverbank homes in Ghent, Belgium.

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A tourist canal boat cruises along the quaint canals in Bruges, Belgium.

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Amsterdam’s 17th-century canals are a UNESCO Heritage site.

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Amsterdam: the land of bikes, boats and bridges.

If You Go

Considerations for Choosing a European River Cruise

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Considerations for Choosing a European River Cruise

River cruising as a way of travel is booming, and many cruise lines catering to North American tourists offer 7-14 day European river cruises – some with seasonal themes such as Christmas markets, wine and beer tasting, art, jazz and bicycling. Consider destination, timing, weather, budget and the number of days you want to spend.

The river cruise concept is made for sightseeing and geared for people who enjoy learning and discovery of new places, but relaxing onboard is always an option! Some itineraries lend themselves to exploring on your own in port cities, while others offer a myriad of group tours. Shore excursions are generally, but not always, included in the price.

Want a room with a view? Highly recommended for watching the world go by from your cozy bed or private terrace. River cruise ships generally offer a choice of lower deck or upper deck staterooms with full or French balconies.

Check the age of the vessel and updates to accommodations. The hardware of river cruise ships often looks similar, as the size is dictated by waterway parameters, and the styles may vary only slightly. Generally, newer ships have better amenities.

Service and cuisine are the key components of how cruise companies differentiate themselves. Some cruise lines place heavy emphasis on the dining experience, including AmaWaterways, a member of La Chaine des Rotisseurs, a prestigious international gastronomic society.

The fastest growing segment for European river cruise travel is with travelers age 50+. River cruising is popular with groups of friends or family members spending social time together, as well as couples seeking a romantic experience. Solo travelers can find special pricing on some cruises.

The Berlitz book, “River Cruising in Europe” by Douglas Ward offers a good source of industry research and ratings of cruise companies. And recommendation of a friend is always best.

Posted: Sunday, May 17, 2015 12:00 am

Cruising through the tulips

By Ann N. Yungmeyer
Special to The Roanoke Times

roanoke.com

Tulip time in the Netherlands, from late March to mid-May, is the most popular season for visitors. Amsterdam, its gardens, parks, museums and cafes are teaming with tourists, but even so, I was eager to join the crowd to see the annual tulip phenomenon and the dazzling display of color across the countryside.

Hometown friends who had recently returned from an AmaWaterways cruise on the Danube River told me about their enthusiasm for river cruising as a way to take in the beauty of the landscape and to “wake up in new place every morning without unpacking a suitcase every day.” They raved about extraordinary cuisine and joked about wanting to buy stock in the family-owned cruise line.

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Sunday, May 17, 2015 12:00 am.