Avalon Cruise Review: Tulip Time on the Dutch & Belgian Waterways

An Avalon Waterways Tulip Time cruise through the Netherlands and Belgium during peak spring blooms is a memorable way to experience Europe’s waterways. With a choice of shore excursions and a relaxed onboard atmosphere, this itinerary is well-suited for travelers seeking a comfortable, high-quality river cruise without a heavy luxury focus.

In this review, I’ll share a detailed look at the itinerary, excursions, staterooms, dining, and overall experience sailing with Avalon on the Dutch & Belgian Waterways.

Pre-Cruise Stay in Amsterdam

We began our journey with a one-night pre-cruise stay in Amsterdam, which allowed time to adjust to the time zone and explore the city at a relaxed pace before embarkation. Even a short pre-cruise stay enhances the overall experience and helps ensure a smoother start to any Amsterdam river cruise.

Day 1: Amsterdam & Zaanse Schans

Before boarding the ship, we joined a pre-cruise excursion to Zaanse Schans, a four-hour tour just outside Amsterdam. This open-air village brings 18th- and 19th-century Dutch living to life and features some of the last working windmills in the world.

Highlights included learning how traditional wooden clogs are made (now with modern machinery), sampling a wide variety of Dutch cheeses, and browsing local shops for souvenirs. It was a wonderful introduction to Dutch culture.

Later that afternoon, we boarded the ship, unpacked, and settled in over dinner while meeting fellow guests we’d spend the next week getting to know.

Day 2: Keukenhof Gardens

Although our port stop was Rotterdam, the highlight of the day was the excursion to Keukenhof Gardens, one of the world’s most famous spring gardens.

We were slightly early in the season for vast tulip fields in bloom, instead seeing daffodils and hyacinths outdoors. Inside the Keukenhof pavilions, however, there were plenty of tulips on display, offering a beautiful preview of peak tulip season.

Day 3: Ghent, Belgium

Crossing from the Netherlands into Belgium, we arrived in Ghent, a charming and walkable city filled with medieval architecture.

We enjoyed a guided walking tour through the historic center and had time to sample Belgian specialties along the way. I can personally confirm that Belgian waffles with chocolate spread live up to the hype!

Day 4: Antwerp, Belgium

Up until this point, the weather had been excellent. Our arrival in Antwerp brought cooler temperatures, so winter coats came out for our walking tour of this historic city, which dates back to the Middle Ages.

We arrived early enough that the streets were quiet and nearly empty, giving us a rare opportunity to experience Antwerp before shops opened—and stayed late enough to see the city come to life.

Day 5: Middelburg & Veere, Netherlands

This day featured two ports of call, which added welcome variety to the itinerary.

In the morning, we explored Middelburg, once an important trading city for the Dutch East India Company. Wandering through its streets and narrow alleys offered a wonderful sense of old-world charm.

After lunch, we sailed to Veere. While many guests opted for the Delta Works excursion (a massive storm surge barrier system), I chose one of Avalon’s active excursions—a bike ride through the countryside, small towns, and out to the beach. Unexpectedly, part of our route even took us onto a bridge that is part of the Delta Works itself.

Days 6: Willemstad, Netherlands

As we made our way back toward Amsterdam, our next-to-last stop was Willemstad. A walking tour revealed the town’s unique star-shaped layout, which is clearly visible from aerial views above the town.

In the town center, we stopped at the Reformed Church for an organ recital. This church is notable for being the first newly built Protestant church in the Netherlands and for its octagonal design.

Days 7: Back to Amsterdam (& Muiderslot Castle)

While I’ve visited Amsterdam multiple times, I was surprised to learn there’s a castle just outside the city.

Muiderslot Castle, surrounded by water and gardens, dates back to 1285 and is one of the oldest and best-preserved castles in the Netherlands. Visiting it provided a fascinating contrast to Amsterdam’s urban energy.

Days 8: Amsterdam Disembarkation

Disembarkation day is always a bit bittersweet—saying goodbye to new friends while looking forward to returning home. It was a smooth departure and a fitting end to a wonderful week.

Avalon River Cruise Experience: Onboard Review

Staterooms & Ship

We sailed aboard the Avalon Impression. Most cabins are approximately 200 square feet and feature a contemporary design. Staterooms are spread across three decks, and all but the lower deck feature French balconies with panoramic windows that open wide for unobstructed views. I found the room spacious and comfortable, with ample space to move around the bed.

The mattress could be adjusted to soft or firm, and a pillow menu was available to customize sleep comfort. Storage was adequate for two people, and the bathroom was well-sized with granite finishes. A thoughtful touch I appreciated was the use of two different towel colors, making it easy to keep track of whose towel was whose.

Public spaces included a forward lounge and bar, a rear game room stocked with snacks and flavored water, tea, and coffee throughout the day, and a top deck offering multiple seating areas and a heated whirlpool for those looking for a quick dip.

Excursions

Avalon does a very good job with excursions, offering two or three choices per port, including active options like biking and hiking tours.

Guides were knowledgeable, group sizes were small, and logistics were well-organized. Where Avalon differs from ultra-luxury river cruise lines is in the lack of small, extra inclusions that can elevate excursions further.

Dining & Service

Breakfast and lunch were served buffet-style, while dinner was a seated three-course experience with multiple options per course.

For a more casual atmosphere, lunch and dinner were also offered in the lounge. I particularly enjoyed dining there in the evenings, as access to smaller portions made it easier to sample more than one dish.

Dining is highly subjective. While I found breakfast and lunch consistently delicious, some dinners lacked depth of flavor for my personal taste. That said, many fellow passengers raved about the food, reinforcing how individual preferences vary.

Service throughout the cruise was friendly and attentive.

Is an Avalon Tulip Time Cruise Cruise Worth It?

An Avalon Tulip Time cruise is an excellent choice for travelers who value comfortable accommodations and flexible excursion options without paying ultra-luxury pricing.

Avalon shines in its spacious staterooms with window-facing beds, panoramic windows, active excursion choices, and relaxed onboard atmosphere. While it may not offer the same level of luxury touches as higher-end river cruise lines, it delivers strong value, well-organized itineraries, and memorable destinations—especially during tulip season.

For travelers seeking a well-rounded spring river cruise in the Netherlands and Belgium, Avalon’s Tulip Time itinerary offers a rewarding and enjoyable experience.