Entered into service in 2018, the AMADEUS Queen cruises the beloved and historic rivers of Europe in the same well-appointed style as her sister vessels have done for nearly a decade. 

History and adventure unfold along the Danube, Rhine, and Dutch and Belgian Waterways. Like royalty itself, the AMADEUS Queen shines her own light.  Her crown jewel is the blue mosaic indoor pool which transforms into a sky pool when the glass atrium opens. Indulge in an afternoon cocktail at the Amadeus Club, meeting new people while enjoying sweeping river views. Wherever you choose to spend time, you’ll experience the signature elegance and spacious style synonymous with the AMADEUS fleet. From the privacy of your cabin’s balcony where you can watch the ever changing landscapes to the lively Panorama Restaurant with sumptuous four-course dinners, discover a new pace to life. Is it luxury or simply living at its finest? Find the answer aboard the AMADEUS Queen.

Our Dutch adventure begins in Amsterdam, where you will embark the Amadeus Queen in the afternoon. Following a Welcome Cocktail and a celebratory Welcome Dinner. Capping the night off you will be treated to a performance on board by all the entertainers, setting the perfect mood for the days ahead.

Voted “greenest city in Europe“, Arnhem rebuilt itself after the famed 1944 battle immortalized in the film “A Bridge Too Far“, and is now a thriving artists‘ town with fine museums and beautiful parks. Choose to join the morning city tour to appreciate its beautiful sights and delve deeper into the history of World War II at the War Museum. Later in the day, choose between a trip to the Open Air Museum with views of charming Dutch buildings, industries and crafts of bygone times and the Kröller-Müller-Museum, housing the second-largest collection of Van Gogh paintings in the world. Relax on board in the evening, enjoying a delicious dinner as your vessel cruises onwards to Middelburg.

Your watch shows relaxation—and late morning. It's time for the charming capital of Zeeland province. Nearly 400 years ago, it was also a seat of the Dutch East India Company. 1,200 listed buildings tell the story of this and other fascinating histories. A journey through time is well worth it.

Join us on an exciting city tour. In the afternoon, embark on a culinary tour through the historic trading town of Veere or take a bike ride to Vlissingen, where you'll explore the picturesque Zeeland coastline on two wheels, enjoying the fresh sea breeze.

In the early evening, we set off for Belgium.

At night, our vessel will dock in Ghent, the ultimate medieval city, which you can explore in the morning. Admire architecture preserved since the late Middle Ages and visit 13th century residence of the Counts of Flanders, the Gravensteen or “Castle of the Counts“.

In the afternoon, join the excursion to Bruges, the capital of the province of West Flanders and enchanting its visitors with its cobbled streets, crooked bridges, meandering canals and World Heritage-listed medieval buildings. Bruges is famous for its brews, boutique chocolate-makers and canal-side bars. There’s also the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a double-decker chapel which has a Romanesque church down below and a neo-Gothic church up above.

Antwerp, the second-largest city in Belgium, welcomes you today. After breakfast, join the excursion to the politically and culturally significant city of Brussels. View the iconic Atomium, which was created for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair and, thanks to its popularity, was not torn down as originally planned.Visit the Cinquantenaire Park with its triumphal arch, built to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Belgium’s independence.

In the afternoon, explore Antwerp in a comfortable coach. Famous for its diamond trade, the city also boasts many cultural highlights such as the Cathedral of Our Lady with paintings by the famous Baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens. In the evening, enjoy dinner, while our vessel returns to the Netherlands.

Early morning, our ship will arrive in Rotterdam, the second largest city in the Netherlands. After lunch, explore the world–famous Keukenhof gardens fields of flowers. During dinner, the ship departs for the final leg of the cruise back to Amsterdam.

Amsterdam welcomes you back with its enchanting blend of old-world charm and contemporary allure. In the morning, cruise through the lovely, verdant canals of Amsterdam while learning more about the city’s history and significance.

After lunch, you can visit Waterland in North Holland, where you will stop in the charming fishing village of Volendam and the equally picturesque town of Edam. Renowned for its cheeses, this is the perfect spot for a cheese tasting (included in the excursion). Alternatively, you can actively explore the Dutch countryside on a bike tour through the idyllic surroundings of Amsterdam.

Following breakfast, we are sad that our journey has ended.  We will bid you "tot ziens"  and wish you safe travels with the hope that you join us again on another one of Joanie Madden's Adventures!  Thank you for adding your magic to the trip and trusting us with your vacation!  Safe Travels Home!

🌸 Seasonal Tips

• Tulip Time: April is prime season for tulips in the Netherlands—if your itinerary allows, make time for Keukenhof Gardens or local flower fields.

• Weather: Expect cool and sometimes damp spring weather (around 45–60°F / 7–15°C). Bring layers, a waterproof jacket, and a compact umbrella.

🧳 Packing Tips

• Layers are key: Pack sweaters, a light coat, and a rain-resistant jacket. The ship itself is cozy, but excursions can be chilly.

• Comfortable walking shoes: Cobblestones in historic cities like Amsterdam, Cologne, or Ghent can be tricky.

• Smart casual attire: The Amadeus Queen is elegant but not overly formal—bring one nicer outfit for the Captain’s Gala Dinner.

• Accessories: A scarf or wrap is handy both for warmth and for modesty when visiting churches.

🚢 Onboard Tips

• Observation Lounge & Sun Deck: Spring landscapes are especially scenic with blooming flowers and fresh greenery—don’t miss time on deck with a camera.

• Heated Indoor Pool: The Amadeus Queen has a unique indoor pool with a retractable floor—perfect for relaxing after a day of touring.

• Dining: Meals onboard showcase regional dishes. Try the local wines and beers paired with dinner.

💡Practical Tips

• Daylight: Days are longer in April—great for sightseeing (sunset is around 8–9 PM).

• Currency: You’ll need euros in most ports; a small amount of cash is handy even though credit cards are widely accepted.

• Power: Cabins have both European 220V sockets and some ships provide USB outlets—bring a converter if you have U.S. electronics.

• Local Events: If your cruise overlaps with King’s Day (April 27) in the Netherlands, expect big street festivals, orange everywhere, and lively crowds.

Amsterdam

• Stroopwafels – Thin waffle cookies with caramel syrup filling, best fresh and warm from street vendors.

• Haring (Dutch herring) – Typically served raw with onions and pickles (“Hollandse Nieuwe” in season).

• Poffertjes – Mini fluffy pancakes with butter and powdered sugar.

• Dutch cheese – Gouda and Edam are classics, but Amsterdam markets have dozens of artisan varieties.

• Arnhemse Meisjes – Local specialty cookies made with puff pastry and sugar, crunchy and sweet.

• Erwtensoep (Split pea soup) – A hearty Dutch comfort dish, especially good if the weather is chilly.

• Kroket or Bitterballen – Deep-fried meat ragout snacks, great with mustard and a local beer.

• Mosselen (Mussels) – Zeeland is famous for its mussels, usually steamed with herbs and served with fries.

• Oosterschelde lobster – A local delicacy, especially prized in spring.

• Bolus – A sweet pastry roll with cinnamon and brown sugar, very popular in Zeeland.

• Seafood pancakes – Dutch-style pannenkoeken filled with shrimp or mussels.

• Waterzooi – A creamy stew, traditionally made with fish or chicken, vegetables, and potatoes.

• Cuberdons (“neuzekes”) – Cone-shaped raspberry-flavored candies unique to Ghent.

• Gentse stoverij – A Flemish beef stew slow-cooked in dark beer.

• Tierenteyn mustard – A spicy, sharp mustard sold in a historic shop right off Ghent’s main square.

• Handjes – Hand-shaped butter cookies or chocolates, symbolizing the city.

• Filet d’Anvers – Smoked, cured beef, usually thinly sliced and served as a snack.

• Frites with Belgian mayonnaise – Antwerp is a fantastic place for authentic Belgian fries.

• Belgian beer & chocolate – Try pralines from chocolatiers like Neuhaus, Leonidas, or local artisan shops.

• Kapsalon – A modern Rotterdam invention: fries layered with döner meat, melted cheese, salad, and sauces.

• Fresh herring & seafood – Rotterdam’s port status means top-quality fresh fish.

• Satay skewers – Reflecting Rotterdam’s Indonesian influence, thanks to Dutch colonial history.

• Appeltaart – Traditional Dutch apple pie, best with whipped cream.

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