Join the MS Royal Crown in Rotterdam and discover the rural tranquillity of the Netherlands during our new and unique nine night journey. From celebrated cities to lesser-known havens along the Ijsselmeer and Wadden Sea, we will learn of the rich culture and fascinating history of the region, visit some picturesque and prosperous merchant towns, cruise through scenic landscapes and encounter highlights of the region’s glorious maritime past. This is true Holland as the native Dutch would describe it.
Travelling in comfort aboard the elegant, 100-passenger MS River Crown, we will glide effortlessly through the waterways of the Netherlands, discovering somewhere new each day. Highlights of our journey include Gouda, the country’s culinary capital, the picturesque town of Enkhuizen, beautiful Harlingen which is one of the oldest seaports of the Netherlands, the unique communities of the Zuiderzee including the island village of Marken and the marvellous windmills of Kinderdijk. We will wander Medieval streets lined with Renaissance facades, admire Gothic churches illuminated by centuries-old stained glass, and encounter remarkable feats of engineering that continue to protect and define the Dutch landscape. There will be much of the natural world to occupy us too including a visit to a stud to see the famed Frisian Horses, an excursion to the De Weerribben-Wieden National Park and the wonderfully colourful Botanical gardens at Fort Hoofddijk in Utrecht. We will also experience local traditions and regional specialities, from world-famous cheeses and ceramics to the enduring legacy of maritime heritage and hydraulic mastery.
River Crown
We are delighted to have chartered the elegant 100-passenger MS River Crown, a spacious and well-designed vessel which was built in 2008 and is undergoing a comprehensive upgrade in 2025. The atmosphere on board is friendly and informal and within days you will have made new friends in the open-seating restaurant, on the shore excursions or whilst relaxing in the comfortable public areas. You will find yourself amongst like-minded people in an English-speaking environment and for those who seek peace and quiet, there will always be the opportunity to find a secluded spot on the Sun Deck, in one of the relaxing public areas or to simply rest in your well-appointed cabin. Guest Speakers will provide a series of interesting talks and our Cruise Director will host informative port briefings. After a day exploring ashore, you will return to the comfort and peace of a well-run and exceedingly comfortable vessel.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS River Crown and embark. Enjoy welcome drinks on dinner on board this evening.
Day 2 Gouda.
Explore charming Gouda, one of the culinary capitals of the Netherlands. The city has a long history and boasts many Medieval and Renaissance buildings in the historic centre. During our guided walking tour we will see the 15th century town hall, the marvellous Gothic architecture and stained-glass windows of Sint Janskirk and the Medieval market squares. Of course, no visit to Gouda is complete without a sample of its namesake cheese, or for those with a sweet tooth, the city is also credited with the invention of the Dutch Stroopwafel. Return to the MS River Crown for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
Day 3 Enkhuizen.
Overnight we will enter the Ijsselmeer, the largest freshwater lake in the Netherlands, separated from the North Sea by a man-made dyke. Moor in Enkhuizen this morning, with its well-preserved buildings dating from the 15th to 17th century, and one of the largest marinas in the Netherlands. After breakfast we will visit the fascinating Zuiderzee Museum which is dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage and maritime history from the old Zuiderzee region. Here, lovingly preserved buildings display the traditional vocations and lifestyle of the inhabitants of the Zuiderzee. Learn the history of this interesting region, and its reliance on waterworks and shipping. After lunch on board, you can enjoy a leisurely afternoon to explore Enkhuizen independently.
Day 4 Harlingen & Leeuwarden.
This morning, we will explore beautiful Harlingen, one of the oldest seaports of the Netherlands, overlooking the Wadden Sea. During our walking tour we will discover this city full of merchant houses, inner harbours, bridges and canals and visit the Hannemahuis Museum, one of the oldest merchant houses in Harlingen which is now a museum dedicated to the history of the city. After lunch on board we will visit nearby Leeuwarden, the provincial capital of Friesland and home to a wealth of history and beauty. Stroll through the city streets exploring the merchant quarters and old city centre before visiting the National Ceramics Museum. Located in the 18th century Princesshof Palace, the museum contains an extensive collection of both Dutch and Global ceramics. Return to the MS River Crown for dinner and remain moored in Harlingen overnight.
Day 5 Harlingen.
Today, there will be a choice of tours. Take a short trip from Harlingen to the nearby town of Franeker to visit the Eise Eisinga Planetarium, the oldest working planetarium in the world. See exhibits on astronomy through the ages, and the marvellous original instruments used by Eise Eisinga to chart the movements of the cosmos. Following the visit we will take a walk through the charming town of Franeker before returning to the ship for lunch. Alternatively join a tour to a nearby stud farm to see the famed Frisian Horses. This majestic breed of horse is a joy to behold and has been highly valued since Roman times. During our visit we will learn about the history, breeding and culture of this distinctive purebred. Return to the ship in Harlingen and enjoy a relaxing evening sailing through the Wadden Sea and Ijsselmeer.
Day 6 Lemmer.
This morning, we set off for nearby Woudagemaal to see the Steam Pumping Station. It is exceptional as the largest and most powerful steam-driven installation for hydraulic purposes ever built and is a masterpiece of the work of Dutch hydraulic engineers and architects. Alternatively, for those who would prefer a tour with a focus on nature, there will be an excursion to the nearby De Weerribben-Wieden National Park. On arrival enjoy a guided boat trip of this beautiful wetland region. Shaped by peat extraction from the 15th century, today the area covers 6000 hectares of nature, including reed beds, meadows and dense swamp forests.
Day 7 Hoorn.
Arrive this morning in the attractive town of Hoorn, which flourished as a trading port through the 16th and 17th centuries as a base for the Dutch East India Company. See richly appointed merchants’ houses, bustling market squares, and historic buildings including the weighing house. After lunch on board we will head down the coast to visit some of the unique communities of the Zuiderzee. Visit the town of Edam, known for its quaint houses and canals spanned by drawbridges. Admire the wonderful facades, before continuing to the island village of Marken which was separated from the mainland of the Netherlands following a storm in the 13th century and continued to flood throughout the subsequent centuries. As a result, the houses here are built on stilts and raised mounds and the village has a unique feel.
Day 8 Utrecht.
We will explore Utrecht today, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. The Medieval centre of this famous university town is ringed by tranquil canals and offers an enticing blend of shops, museums and a lively café culture. This morning, we will visit Utrecht’s Botanical Gardens at Fort Hoofddijk, a unique natural treasure consisting of thousands of plant species. The colourful displays contain specimens from around the world in a variety of biomes. Return to the ship for lunch followed by an afternoon at leisure in this pretty town.
Day 9 Dordrecht & Kinderdijk.
We dock this morning in historic Dordrecht, the oldest city in the province of Holland. During our guided tour we will see the nearby marvellous Windmills of Kinderdijk, of which there are 19 in total, dating from 1740. We will then continue with a cruise around the waterways of Kinderdijk and see these quintessential symbols of the Netherlands from the water. The remainder of the day will be at leisure to explore Dordrecht with its old-world atmosphere, quaint shops, cottages and canals. Enjoy our farewell dinner on board, as we sail towards Rotterdam this evening.
Day 10 Rotterdam to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £500 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 30 May to 8 June 2027 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Premium with French Balcony Middle Deck | £4995 | £4495 |
| Premium with French Balcony Upper Deck | £5295 | £4795 |
| Deluxe with French Balcony Middle Deck | £5795 | £5295 |
| Deluxe with French Balcony Upper Deck | £5995 | £5495 |
| Queen Suite with Balcony Upper Deck | £6795 | £6295 |
| Standard Single with porthole | £4995 | £4495 |
| Premium with French Balcony Middle Deck for sole use | £5795 | £5295 |
Tour Reference Code: RCRC300527
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Nine nights aboard the MS River Crown on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner • Shore excursions • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Gratuities • Transfers • Port & airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Please be aware that our website does not display real-time availability. As a result, the categories and prices listed above are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please call us at 020 7752 0000 and speak with one of our experienced Travel Consultants.
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Deck Plan
River Crown
We are delighted to have chartered the elegant 100-passenger MS River Crown, a spacious and well-designed vessel which was built in 2008 and is undergoing a comprehensive upgrade in 2025. The atmosphere on board is friendly and informal and within days you will have made new friends in the open-seating restaurant, on the shore excursions or whilst relaxing in the comfortable public areas. You will find yourself amongst like-minded people in an English-speaking environment and for those who seek peace and quiet, there will always be the opportunity to find a secluded spot on the Sun Deck, in one of the relaxing public areas or to simply rest in your well-appointed cabin. Guest Speakers will provide a series of interesting talks and our Cruise Director will host informative port briefings. After a day exploring ashore, you will return to the comfort and peace of a well-run and exceedingly comfortable vessel.
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Ship Directory
Ship Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the ship or click on the adjacent Directory to download.
VESSEL TECHNICAL DETAILS
Passengers: 100
Length: 135 metres
Width: 11.40 metres
Draft: 1.60 metres
Year built:2008 / Refurbished: 2025
Cruise speed: 22 km/h maxAIR-CONDITIONING
Cabins/suites and public areas are heated and have air-conditioning.
ALARM
An alarm will be sounded in the event of an emergency. Please follow the instructions provided on board for what to do should an emergency occur.
CABIN SIZES & FACILITIES
All cabins/suites are spacious and welldesigned and feature an en-suite bathroom, individually controlled air-conditioning, ample storage space, writing/dressing table, television, telephone, safety deposit box, hairdryer and mini-bar.
The five Standard Single Cabins are located on the Main Deck and measure 12 square metres. These cabins feature a single bed and portholes that do not open.
Premium Cabins are located on the Middle and Upper decks and measure 15.5 square metres. They feature a double bed with two separate mattresses that be configured as twin or double. Premium cabins benefit from a French balcony providing wonderful views and access to fresh air. The bathroom has a shower and sliding doors of frosted glass.
Deluxe Cabins are located on the Middle and Upper decks and measure 22 square metres. The fixed double bed is located diagonally to the front of the window and there is a separate seating area. The spacious marble bathroom has a shower and a natural light window.
Queen Suites are located on the Upper Deck and measure 30 square metres. The suites feature both a French balcony and a separate balcony with chairs and a table, and a living room area with a separable sliding door. The fixed double bed is located diagonally to the front of the window. The spacious marble bathroom has a separate bath and shower as well as a double wash basin.
THE CLUB
The Club area on board comprises of two small lounges on the Upper Deck and is the perfect location if you are seeking somewhere quiet to relax with a good book and a tea or coffee whilst admiring the passing scenery.
DAILY PROGRAMME
A daily programme, detailing the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities, is produced on board and delivered to your cabin each evening.
DRESS CODE
During the day, comfortable and casual attire is appropriate. Evening attire is smart casual though you may like to bring something a little dressier for the welcome and farewell dinners.
DRINKS
Complimentary house wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner on board. Water is provided during breakfast, lunch and dinner and bottled water is available in your cabin and replenished daily. Tea and Coffee is available 24-hours day in the Atrium Lobby.
ELECTRICITY
Voltage is 220V and sockets accept European-style two round pin plugs. In the bathroom there is a 110V socket which may be used for electric razors only. We recommend that you bring an international adaptor. For safety reasons, the use of electrical irons or other devices such as kettles, are not permitted on board.
EMERGENCY & SAFETY PROCEDURES
In the unlikely event of an emergency during your cruise, please remain calm and follow the instructions of the crew. We request that all guests carefully review the safety instructions on the inside of their cabin door.
FIRE SAFETY
On your cabin door is a deck plan displaying your closest (and all other) emergency exits. Emergency exits are marked in green and fire extinguishers are fitted in all corridors. Should you detect fire or smoke please alert the reception desk immediately and await instructions from the crew.
FIRST AID
A number of the crew members are fully trained and certified to provide First Aid.
GRATUITIES
Gratuities have been included in your holiday price.
HOUSEKEEPING
Your cabin will be cleaned once a day and you will be provided with an evening ‘turn down’ service.
LAUNDRY
Laundry service is available on board. Laundry bags and a price list can be found in the closet of your cabin. Once you have filled out the laundry form, please include it in the bag and place it on your bed in the morning before you go to breakfast. Laundered items will be returned the next day. Dry cleaning services are not available on board.
LIBRARY
A selection of fiction and travel literature is available in the book cases located in the Atrium Lobby. A selection of fiction and travel literature is available on a self-serve basis.
LIFT
There is a lift on board that services the Upper and Middle decks.
LOUNGE & BAR
The Lounge & Bar is located on the Upper Deck and is open from 10.00 am until at least midnight offering a fine selection of drinks and bar snacks. Floor-to-ceiling panorama windows, beautiful rosewood panelling and warm and inviting decor provide a convivial atmosphere for conversation among fellow travellers. Relax in the comfortable sofas and chairs and listen to the onboard lectures or the musician playing background music on the piano.
LOST PROPERTY
Lost property can be handed into the ship’s reception. Please ensure you have all your belongings with you before you return home. Should you leave any items on board the ship, please contact Noble Caledonia. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection and to advise of any associated costs.
MEALS
The restaurant is located on the Upper Deck and features floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows so that you can enjoy the passing scenery as you dine. All meals on board are prepared by the highly skilled Executive Chef and his team and consist of European-style food. The restaurant has open seating, allowing you to sit where and with whom you like at each meal.
In the morning for early risers, tea, coffee and pastries are available from 06.30 am. Breakfast is served buffet style, lunch is a combination of a delightful buffet and hot dishes served to order and dinner is a served four course meal. In addition, house wine, beer and soft drinks are included at both lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is also provided with a choice of cakes and, to finish the day, snacks are available in the lounge in the late evening. If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian, low salt, gluten free and low cholesterol, please notify the Reservations Department.
We regret that not all dietary requirements can be guaranteed. If you have any specific or special foods that you require, we recommend that you take some with you although we will endeavour to accommodate your needs. Once on board please speak to the Chef or Maitre D’ at dinner on your first night on board to reconfirm your needs.
MOORING
Docking space is allocated by the local river authorities. Views from cabins may occasionally be restricted. On occasion other river cruise vessels may dock alongside the ship. This may restrict cabin views, and you may find that embarking and disembarking necessitates walking through another ship’s reception area, and/or for their passengers to do the same.
PAYMENTS ON BOARD
The ship offers a cash-free system during your cruise and purchases are charged to your onboard account. The day before your cruise ends you will receive an itemised invoice for any onboard charges incurred. Please review the invoice carefully before settling your bill. All onboard charges will be in Euros, payable with Visa, Mastercard, debit cards or cash at the end of the cruise. Personal cheques are not accepted. Regrettably, the ship is not able to offer a money-changing service on board as this would be contravening official regulations.
QUESTIONNAIRES
We are always looking for ways to improve our holidays and the services provided and in order to do this we welcome feedback from our guests. Your comments are important to us therefore we request that you complete the questionnaire that will be provided to you on board.
QUIETVOX/AUDIO SYSTEM
Noble Caledonia has arranged for all passengers to have access to a ‘Quietvox’ audio system for use during the shore excursions. Further details shall be provided to you following your embarkation.
RECEPTION
Reception can be contacted 24 hours a day, except when the crew member on night watch duty is doing their intermittent security round during which a sign will be replaced at Reception.
SAFE
Your cabin is equipped with a small safe for your personal use. We recommend placing valuables in the safe whenever you are away from your room.
SUN DECK
There are loungers and armchairs available on the Sun Deck as well as a putting green and a giant chess board. To ensure your safety, the Sun Deck area may be closed in the evenings and when sailing through sections of the river where bridges are low. Please also note that the Sun Deck and its steps may become slippery if the weather is cool or dew forms.
SMOKING
Smoking in your cabin or in any of the vessel’s public areas is strictly prohibited. Smoking is only permitted on the Sun Deck in designated areas.
TELEPHONE
To make an internal call please dial the corresponding cabin number. To make an external call, please contact Reception who will advise of the rates.
TOILETRIES
A selection of toiletries are provided including shampoo, shower gel, soap and tissues.
WELLNESS CENTRE
This is located on the Middle Deck. There is a spa area with a hairdresser as well as a sauna, Jacuzzi and shower area. The small gym has a variety of exercise equipment available for use.
WI-FI
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the cabins and public areas. There may be times when the internet connection is slow or not available such as when the ship sails through rural areas or locks.
Please note: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
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Deck Plan
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Deck Plan
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Deck Plan
Travelling with You
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Dr Sophie Oosterwijk
Sophie was born in Gouda (Netherlands) and studied English at Leiden and Medieval Studies at York; she has two doctorates in Art History (Leicester) and English Literature (Leiden). She is a recognised specialist in European art, especially of the medieval and baroque periods, and previously taught art history at the Universities of Leicester, Manchester and St Andrews.
Since her return to the Netherlands, Sophie has been working as a freelance researcher, tour leader and guest lecturer for the University of Cambridge, The Arts Society (formerly NADFAS), and other organisations. She is also Vice President of The Church Monuments Society and has published widely, especially on death, the danse macabre and commemorative art. Sophie is a lively and entertaining speaker who enjoys sharing her insights in European art within its historical and cultural context.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000