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SAVE $500 per person on select 2011 Cruises

Pay in full at time of booking on or before October 31, 2010 to SAVE $500 per person off cruise/tour rate on suites or category 1 and 2 staterooms.

Overview

Seas of flowers, picturesque windmills, and the balmy days of spring combine for a memorable cruise

All the things that come to mind when you think of the Netherlands and Belgium—colorful canals, whimsical windmills, vibrant tulips, rich maritime history, the art of Rubens and Rembrandt—are yours to experience in all their real-life glory.

This perfectly paced springtime cruise takes you to the historic windmills of Kinderdijk, the Belgian treasure of Bruges, the 70-acre Keukenhof Gardens with more than seven million flowers, and museums rich in art by the famed Dutch Masters. While visiting Enkhuizen and Hoorn, you’ll discover the impressive maritime history of days gone by. Stroll through cosmopolitan Amsterdam and trendy Antwerp, and learn about Dutch art, WWII history, and the Netherlands’ struggle against the sea on three guided museum visits.

Along the way, you’ll indulge in the famous treats of the region. Sample delicate, handmade Belgian chocolates that are among the finest confections in the world. Feast on warm waffles with berries and cream. Taste delicious cheeses along with hearty beer—all while savoring the storybook atmosphere of some of Europe’s most charming towns.

Who will enjoy this cruise:Flower lovers can experience the exquisite Keukenhof Gardens, which are open only nine weeks out of the year. Artists can discover treasures from the Golden Age of Dutch art in the Rijksmuseum. WWII historians can get a first-hand account of the war during a visit to the Liberation Museum. And those who simply love delicate chocolates and hearty cheeses will certainly enjoy this cruise.

Itinerary

Day 1: Amsterdam (embark)

Arrive at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport where you’ll be transferred to the ship. (D)

Day 2: Amsterdam

Featured Excursion: Amsterdam city tour, including canal cruise and Rijksmuseum visit

Spend your first full day in the Netherlands’ largest city, Amsterdam, which boasts history, art, architecture, bridges, canals, cobblestone streets, museums, bicycles, and narrow alleys. Even the simplest of shops has a distinctive charm here, and every street has a story to tell. See Amsterdam’s unique appeal from a different perspective while touring aboard a canal boat. Then, visit one of the most prestigious museums in the world—the Rijksmuseum—which offers the world’s largest collection of Dutch and Flemish art and artifacts. On display is one of Rembrandt’s most famous paintings, The Night Watch, as well as Vermeer’s The Kitchen Maid. (BB, L, Captain’s Welcome Gala)

Day 3: Amsterdam, Volendam

Featured Excursion: Keukenhof Gardens

Visit the Keukenhof Gardens, one of the most impressive public gardens in the world, with more than seven million bulbs planted on a 70-acre site. There are literally millions of beautiful, colorful blooms—narcissi, hyacinths, and tulips, among others—to see and smell. The Netherlands knows its flowers. And, once you visit these incredible gardens, you’ll understand why more than 90% of the world’s flower supply comes from here. Your next port of call is Volendam, a small town where you can experience early Dutch life. Spend your afternoon at leisure exploring this quintessentially Dutch fishing village on the IJsselmeer. (BB, L, D)

Day 4: Volendam, Hoorn, Enkhuizen

Featured Excursion: Hoorn walking tour

Enjoy a walking tour through Hoorn, where you’ll uncover a rich seafaring history, evident in the town’s old harbor and admiralty buildings. Your guide will point out and explain the markings on Medieval buildings noting the former inhabitants’ trades. You’ll also visit the old harbor, Rode Steen square, and new harbor. Your next port of call is Enkhuizen, a lively trading center since the 17th century. Walk around Old Town and learn about the Drommedaris—a magnificent tower built in 1540 to keep watch over the port. (BB, L, D)

Day 5: Nijmegen

Featured Excursion: Liberation Museum

Spend the morning cruising to Nijmegen, considered the oldest city in the Netherlands. From here, you will head to the Liberation Museum situated in nearby Groesbeek. During your guided visit, get a firsthand account of WWII by experiencing the occupation, celebrating the liberation, and witnessing the rebuilding of the Netherlands and Europe after the war. (BB, L, D)

Day 6: Nijmegen, Kinderdijk, Rotterdam

Featured Excursion: Kinderdijk windmills

Arrive in Kinderdijk in the morning, where you’ll discover 19 astonishingly well-preserved, UNESCO World Heritage-designated windmills dating back to the 1500s. Your guide will provide a detailed explanation of why windmills are so important to this region, including how they harness the power of the wind. They are also an iconic emblem of the Netherlands; at one point, there were more than 10,000 in the country. Were it not for the mighty windmill, this region would have surrendered to water a long time ago. Later in the day, sail to Rotterdam and cruise through its harbor, the world’s third largest after Shanghai and Singapore. Enjoy leisure time while in Rotterdam. (BB, L, D)Note: If docking in Kinderdijk is not possible, the excursion will be arranged by motorcoach from Rotterdam.

Day 7: Veere

Featured Excursion: Delta Works

Enjoy a morning visit to the engineering marvel known as the Delta Works, where you’ll learn about the Netherlands’ 2,000-year history of fighting back the sea. Learn how technology has evolved, and witness the striking modern methods employed today. Spend the early afternoon in charming Veere before cruising the picturesque Zeeland area. (BB, L, D)

Day 8: Temeuzen (Bruges)

Featured Excursion: Full-day Bruges with canal cruise

Visit Bruges, one of the best-preserved Medieval cities in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy its intimate cobblestone streets and bucolic public gardens. Perhaps the city’s most distinctive sight, the Belfry Tower (Belfort) located in Market Square and features a stunning octagonal tower and the lovely music of a carillon. Then see the town as its original visitors did—aboard a canal boat—and discover why Bruges is often calledthe “Venice of the North.” (BB, D)

Day 9: Antwerp

Featured Excursion: Antwerp walking tour and Cathedral of Our Lady visit

Spend a full day in the exciting diamond capital of the world, Antwerp. You’ll be guided to the Cathedral of Our Lady, which houses four masterpieces by Peter Paul Rubens, who was born in Antwerp. You’ll visit Market Square, where you’ll see the Brabo Fountain, and you’ll discover charming hidden side streets with delectable chocolate shops. (BB, L,Captain’s Farewell Dinner)

Day 10: Antwerp (disembark), transfer to Brussels airport

Featured Excursion: Disembark the ship in Antwerp and transfer to the Brussels airport for your flight home. (CB or BB)

Pricing Details Per Person

*On these dates cruise operates from Antwerp to Amsterdam.

†Prices exclude additional port charges of $144 and are per person, cruise-only based on double occupancy. Other restrictions may apply

A limited number of singles are available for an additional supplement

To upgrade to a higher category, add per person the following prices below:

Suite $1,625

Category 1 $875

Category 2 $675

Category 3 $475

Category 4 $195

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