13-night Europe cruise: Amsterdam to Zurich on Emerald Destiny
The Rhine Castles & Moselle Vinyards with Lucerne & Zurich is a 13-night Europe cruise aboard Emerald Destiny, operated by Emerald Yacht Cruises. Departing Amsterdam on June 10, 2027 and arriving in Zurich on June 23, 2027, the voyage visits 16 ports including Rotterdam, Dordrecht, Nijmegen. Fares start from $6,486 per person.
Fixed editorial images from the places on this itinerary. They stay stable each time you return to this sailing.
Amsterdam
Few can resist the grand beauty of Amsterdam’s famous canals, which thread through this place of evocative beauty and thrilling contrast. Open-minded and tolerant, Amsterdam is a place for history buffs and hedonists alike, and its diverse neighbourhoods have something for everyone - whether it’s the beachside relaxation of Bloemendaal, nocturnal thuds of Buiksloterham, or characterful charm of Jordaan. 160 serene canals serve as the arteries of this city, imbuing it with its unique essence.
Cruise along concentric waterways, past cherry red and oak-wood cladded houseboats, as you learn of its Golden Age history. Culture is also deep in Amsterdam’s DNA, and the Van Gogh Museum – which pays tribute to the tortured genius of the Dutch post-impressionist artist - stands out among its leading museums and galleries. One of history’s greatest tragedies is also rendered in heart-breaking clarity at Anne Frank House. Visit the site where the precocious teenager hid from the Nazi regime for so long, and the room where she penned the most famous diary ever written. Compact and easily walkable, Amsterdam remains consistently postcard-perfect as you watch bright bicycles trundling over ornate bridges, and stumble across hidden, tulip-decorated courtyards. ‘Gezellig’ is the local word for Amsterdam’s unhurried outlook on life. No translation can quite do the concept justice, but you’ll recognise it instinctively as hours float by in a happy haze browsing De Negen Straatjes street’s independent shops, or as you sip coffee with gooey stroopwafel. Broodje haring - a raw herring sandwich - is Amsterdam’s must-try delicacy, but many visitors find tompouce, a delicious pastry topped with vivid pink icing, a little more to their taste.
Rotterdam
Your MSC cruise will lay anchor in the largest port in the world, Rotterdam, is a no-nonsense working-class city lying at the heart of a maze of rivers and artificial waterways that together form the outlet of the rivers Rijn (Rhine) and Maas (Meuse). After devastating damage during World War II, Rotterdam has grown into a vibrant, forceful city dotted with first division cultural attractions.
Your MSC cruise of Northern Europe will give you the opportunity to see that the immense land reclamation work hasn’t obliterated its earthy character though: its tough grittiness is part of its appeal, as are its boisterous bars and clubs.
Amongst the most interesting attractions to enjoy during your vacation in Holland, is Rotterdam’s Kunsthal, the museum of contemporary art, and the Boijmans van Beuningen Museum, which has an outstanding art collection including representative works from almost all the most important Dutch painters: both are in the city’s designated culture zone, the Museumpark.
Other interesting sites to visit on an MSC excursion are the Oude Haven, the city’s oldest harbour, ravaged during World War II but sympathetically redeveloped, and Delfs haven, an antique harbour that managed to survive the bombs pretty much intact. Rotterdam also boasts a string of first-rate festivals, including the much-lauded North Sea Jazz Festival and the colourful Summer Carnival.
The postwar period saw the rapid reconstruction of the docks and, when huge container ships and oil tankers made the existing port facilities obsolete, Rotterdammers promptly built an entirely new deep-sea port, the Europoort, jutting out into the North Sea some 25 km to the west of the old town. Completed in 1968, the Europoort is able to welcome the largest ships in the world, amongst which also the MSC cruise ships.
Dordrecht
The Dutch city of Dordrecht is a former trading town thanks to its location on the water. This past can still be felt in the place today. Be it in the historic city center, at the port or in one of the several museums. The "Grote Kerk" and the Augustinian monastery from the 13th century are also worth seeing. The best way to discover the history of the place is to stroll through Dordrecht.
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Navigating the rivers Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle; the Emerald Star, Sky, Sun, Dawn and Destiny can guide you through some of Europe’s most magical stretches of water and help you explore many of the continent’s most arresting and enchanting cities. The five sister vessels, boasting a modest capacity of 182 guests apiece, are all blessed with a selection of wonderful amenities and features.
At the very heart of every Star-Ship in the Emerald Waterways fleet is the Horizon Bar & Lounge. A contemporary, chic social space; the lounge is equipped with a comprehensively-stocked bar, skilled bartenders, help-yourself hot drinks facilities and a generous offering of plush seating and sofas. The Horizon Bar & Lounge is an ever-popular after-dinner retreat for guests looking to make new friends and share the day’s events with friends of old.
Dining aboard the five sister ships throughout a stay on the beautiful rivers of Europe provides an endless array of palate-pleasing sensations. From the Reflections Restaurant which offers a collection of highlight dinners during any given itinerary, to the chance to dine under the barmy European sky thanks to the Sun Deck’s Sky Barbecue; there are gastronomic offerings to suit every taste and every appetite.
The Sun Deck of the ships also boasts the wonderful retractable glass roof which provides seasonal protection for the pool, cinema and Riverview Lounge below. Whether you wish to undertake a few lengths before breakfast in the heated pool or enjoy a Hollywood classic in the cinema, this area of the ship is primed for relaxation when you’ve got a few upcoming hours of river navigation.
The Emerald Star, Sky, Sun, Dawn and Destiny all benefit from 72 generously-proportioned suites and 20 staterooms. Book the Emerald Panorama Balcony Suites, found on the Vista and Horizon Decks, and you’ll enjoy unparalleled views from the spacious private balconies – a truly invigorating start to another day on Europe’s beautiful waterways.
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