Springtime in the Gardens of Holland & Belgium 2020

Coach via Dover

On many of our cruises you can take advantage of our convenient and FREE regional coach departures aboard our modern executive coaches from a town or city near you to the port of departure and onwards to meet the ship.

Ferry crossing at Dover or Newcastle

When you travel by coach or car, you will join a ferry at Dover, depending on your chosen cruise, and cross over to Europe. Our coach will then take you to meet our ship at the embarkation point as shown in the cruise itinerary.

Overnight hotel in Dover or Ashford

Travel at your own pace, in the comfort of your own vehicle and stay overnight at Dover or Ashford, in accommodation close to the port of departure and be collected/returned by our coach. Prices start from £55 per person per night on a bed and breakfast basis and include parking for one vehicle for the duration of your cruise.

Eurostar from London St Pancras

Enjoy the benefits of rail travel – boarding at London St Pancras International, you will be whisked effortlessly along by Eurostar whilst relaxing in your reserved seat. You have the freedom to stretch your legs whenever the mood takes you and purchase drinks and snacks from the buffet carriage.

By Air from London Heathrow

Air travel is included as an air inclusive option with flights and return transfers to the ship included. Regional flight options are available, call our Holiday Advisors for details.

Join at the Ship

Make your own travel arrangements at your convenience to join your selected cruise, simply board your cruise ship at the embarkation point.

Keukenhof Gardens

Included

Keukenhof is spring at its most beautiful; where all the best floral features of the season are brought together to form stunning displays which are reflected in the still waters of the surrounding lakes.

Amsterdam Canal Cruise with Cheese & Wine

£39

No visit to Amsterdam is complete without a cruise along its canals. Enjoy a selection of cheeses washed down with a glass of wine as our chartered cruiser, accompanied by English commentary, highlights the sights and places of interest.

Aalsmeer Flower Auction

£29

Visit the largest trading centre for plants and flowers in the world, where you can experience the hustle and bustle of the auction floor, watch traders bidding against the clock and be amazed at the quantity of beautiful flowers traded daily from more than ten countries. You can also visit the Historic Garden which takes you all the way back to 1650 with wonderful displays of plants and tools from a bygone era. Please note: The best time for the auction is early in the morning; therefore we leave our ship around 6.30am following a light breakfast.

Appeltern Gardens

£33

A walk through this 23-hectare park is an experience for all the senses. There is a free audio tour if you are interested in the story behind Appeltern and want an extra explanation about the gardens, or you can simply enjoy the quiet, the space and the nature. Whichever you choose, you’re almost certain to come away with some fantastic ideas for your own garden.

Windmills of Kinderdijk

£9

No trip to the Netherlands is complete without visiting these beautiful wooden windmills, which date back to the 1500s.We visit the Museum Windmill Nederwaard and the Museum Windmill Blokweer and gain fascinating insight from both.

Floralia Flower Show

Included

This spectacular show is held in the grounds of Château de Grand-Bigard, where well over a million bulbs have been hand-planted by the castle’s gardeners. Tulips, hyacinths and daffodils are among the 400 varieties on show, along with extremely rare types. There are also displays in the greenhouses, and beautiful arrangements in the chapel and the tower, plus bulbs can be purchased at the entrance to the castle.

National Botanic Gardens of Belgium

£22

This is one of the largest botanic gardens in the world, with endless promenades that lead you through beautiful open air collections of medicinal and herbaceous plants, shrubs, trees and conifers. There’s also the Plant Palace, an enormous glasshouse with more than 10,000 plant species from around the world.

Package Price

£132 per person

You can book our excursions individually or as a package, but they are subject to availability so we recommend you book early!

Premium Package

£120 per person

Our Premium Package is a great way to add a touch of something special to your MS Arena river cruise experience. This exclusive package is a pre-bookable addition available across all cabin grades, and includes drinks with your meals, 10% off excursions, a welcome basket of fruit on arrival, water delivered to your cabin, a selection of complimentary toiletries and free use of the wellness and fitness suite aboard MS Arena. For more information call our Holiday Advisers.