Spring is the perfect time of year to immerse yourself in the cultural and horticultural splendours of Belgium and the Netherlands and our itinerary is a well balanced mix of horticulture, history, art and culture. For art lovers we have included the fine establishments of The Hague and Nuenen, home of the Van Gogh Village Museum, whilst we will also visit the horticultural splendours of Keukenhof. Not forgetting the beautiful Flemish cities, we spend time in Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges where we will explore the historic canals, cobbled streets and Medieval buildings. We also visit Southern Zeeland’s charming and lesser known ports of Middelburg and Veere. From the comfort of the elegant, 100-passenger MS River Crown, we will criss-cross the intricate network of rivers and waterways that make the Low Countries such a unique region and will witness the gentle landscape and picturesque cities and towns which so inspired the Old Masters.
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 Brussels, Belgium.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS River Crown for embarkation. Moor overnight.
Day 2 Brussels.
After breakfast we take a panoramic drive around Belgium’s capital city where we will see the most important landmarks before exploring the city centre on foot. See the stunning Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its Town Hall and Guild Houses. Our tour will end with a tasting of the well-known Belgian beer. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon sailing and this evening meet your fellow travellers for welcome drinks and dinner.
Day 3 Antwerp.
Spend the day in the charming city of Antwerp. In the mid-16th century it was one of Europe’s most important cities and home to Baroque painter Pieter Paul Rubens. Today, Antwerp retains an intriguing Medieval heart alongside a vibrant café culture, a riverside fortress and a truly impressive Gothic cathedral. Our morning tour here will include a visit to the delightfully restored Rubens House and St Jacobskerk. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon is free to explore ashore further or join a tour to the Museum Plantin-Moretus which has acquired UNESCO World Heritage status; an astonishing place that is home to the world’s oldest printing press and priceless manuscripts. Sail this evening towards Ghent.
Day 4 Bruges.
This morning we drive to Bruges which was one of the largest and finest cities in Europe. The 15th century Belfry still dominates the centre and the Town Hall, St John Hospital and the Begijnhof border the narrow canals. We will see some of the most important places and buildings which survive from the Middle Ages including the Basilica of the Holy Blood, City Hall, the Begijnhof, Minnewater and the Belfry and Church of Our Lady. Return to the MS River Crown and moor overnight.
Day 5 Ghent.
After breakfast today we will explore the highlights of this Flemish gem including St Bavo’s Cathedral, home to the unique altarpiece ‘The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’, painted by the Van Eyck brothers in 1432. We also visit the ancient port at Graslei with its unique row of historic buildings, St Nicholas’ Church and those feeling active can explore the grandiose Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen). Return to the ship for lunch and sail.
Day 6 Nuenen, the Netherlands.
Arriving into the Netherlands we drive this morning to Nuenen where Van Gogh lived between 1883 and 1885 and where he painted his first major work ‘The Potato Eaters’. We will visit the Van Gogh Village Museum which depicts his time in the city and its influence on his painting styles. We will also see some of the locations in Nuenen painted or sketched by the artist. Return to the ship for lunch and the afternoon is free for relaxation or independent exploration.
Day 7 Dordrecht & Kinderdijk.
Dordrecht will be our base to see the nearby marvellous Windmills of Kinderdijk, of which there are 19 in total, dating from 1740. Return to the ship for lunch and the remainder of the day is free to explore Dordrecht with its old world atmosphere and quaint shops, cottages and canals.
Day 8 Rotterdam, The Hague & Delft.
From Rotterdam we depart for a full day tour. Our first stop will be The Hague for a visit to the beautiful Mauritshuis Museum with its marvellous collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings. Afterwards continue on to Delft, birthplace of Vermeer. We will have lunch in a local restaurant followed by a walking tour of this pretty town and a visit to see the Delft Blue Pottery.
Day 9 Keukenhof Gardens.
After breakfast drive to Keukenhof Gardens for a morning in this extraordinary horticultural heaven. With 32 hectares of flowers, more than seven million bulbs in bloom and 800 varieties of tulips, this is a truly unique and unforgettable experience. Return to the ship for a late lunch and the remainder of the afternoon is free for independent sightseeing in Rotterdam. Sail in the late afternoon.
Day 10 Middelburg & Veere.
Today we explore Southern Zeeland, starting with the lovingly restored Medieval town of Middelburg whose 12th century abbey is one of the oldest in the Netherlands. Join a guided walking tour this morning before returning to the ship for lunch after which we sail on to the 13th century town of Veere. Formerly a seaport but now within a lake due to the Delta works carried out in the 1960s, it is a charming place with well preserved houses and a marina. Enjoy free time here to explore at your own pace. This evening join farewell drinks and dinner on board as we sail back to Brussels.
Day 11 Brussels, Belgium to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our 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
| 17 to 27 April 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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 | £6295 | £5795 |
Tour Reference Code: RCRC170426
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 10 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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Stella Lyons
Stella Grace Lyons is a freelance Art History lecturer, speaker and writer accredited with The Arts Society. She has lectured across the UK, Ireland, Spain, Norway, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy and Malaysia. Stella gained her BA in the History of Art with a 1st class in her dissertation from the University of Bristol and her MA in History of Art from the University of Warwick. She spent a year studying Renaissance art in Italy at the British Institute of Florence and three months studying Venetian art in Venice. In addition, she attended drawing classes at the prestigious Charles H. Cecil studios in Florence, a private atelier that follows a curriculum based on the leading ateliers of nineteenth-century Paris. Stella runs her own online lectures, Stella Talks, which frequently attract listeners from across five continents, from California to Singapore. Stella is a sought-after lecturer for art societies, travel companies, private members’ clubs in London—such as the RAC, The Hurlingham Club and The Travellers Club—as well as boutique cruise lines. Stella has also lectured for the University of South Wales. She has written about art for several publications, including The Arts Society Magazine, where her feature on Norwegian art was chosen for the cover. Her recent article for the publication explores the work of Swedish painter Anna Boberg. In 2024, she wrote the Introduction for David Griffiths: Portraits, a book about the renowned Welsh portrait painter and chaired an event about Welsh Art for the Penarth Literary Festival 2024. Additionally, she spent many years modelling for the acclaimed Wales-based artist, Harry Holland. For more information about Stella’s talks and to read a selection of testimonials, please visit www.stellagracelyons.co.uk
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Book with Confidence
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