Across two iconic destinations, travellers will find themselves drifting down centuries-old canals, sampling world-renowned cheeses, perfecting the art of chocolate-making, and discovering the delicate beauty of Dutch pottery. Here’s why this cruise is the ultimate blend of culture and cuisine.
The waterways of Amsterdam & Ghent
Few cities do canals like Amsterdam. With its labyrinth of waterways lined by gabled Golden Age townhouses, the Dutch capital is a floating gallery of architectural brilliance. A canal cruise here isn’t just a scenic delight; it’s an intimate peek into the city’s heart, where 17th-century merchants once ruled and modern life now unfolds with the same effortless charm. Glide past the iconic Anne Frank House, the stunning Rijksmuseum, and under picturesque stone bridges that have watched over the city for centuries.
Not to be outdone, Belgium’s Ghent offers its own aquatic allure. This medieval city, often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbours, is a hidden gem of Gothic spires, riverside cafés, and a fairy-tale ambiance that feels almost untouched by time. A boat ride along the Lys River is the best way to soak in Ghent’s enchanting skyline, where castle turrets and cathedral towers rise above the water like something out of a Flemish painting.
The art of Dutch dairy in Rotterdam
Holland’s rich dairy tradition is legendary, and no trip to the Netherlands is complete without a deep dive into its cheese culture. A short journey from Rotterdam takes you to Gouda, where the namesake cheese has been crafted since the Middle Ages. Here, visitors can stroll through the historic cheese market, watch artisans create wheels of golden deliciousness, and, of course, taste the creamy, nutty flavours that have made Gouda a staple on cheeseboards worldwide. Paired with a crisp Dutch beer or a glass of locally produced wine, it’s an experience as rich as the cheese is itself.
Bruges: where chocolate is an art form
Bruges is the kind of place that feels too perfect to be real—cobblestone streets, dreamy canals, and medieval buildings that look like they belong in a storybook. But for those with a sweet tooth, the city’s greatest treasure isn’t its fairy-tale aesthetic; it’s its chocolate. Home to some of the world’s finest chocolatiers, Bruges invites visitors to step into artisan workshops, where delicate pralines, truffles, and ganaches are crafted with meticulous precision. Whether you join a hands-on chocolate-making session or simply sample your way through the city’s famed chocolatiers, it’s a sensory experience that’s impossible to resist.
Delft Blue: a craft steeped in tradition
For lovers of fine craftsmanship, a visit to Delft—just a stone’s throw from Rotterdam—is a must. The city is world-famous for its exquisite blue-and-white pottery, a craft dating back to the 17th century when Dutch artisans began imitating Chinese porcelain. Today, the Royal Delft factory still produces these iconic ceramics, using time-honoured techniques that turn raw clay into delicate works of art. Watching a master painter at work, transforming a blank tile into an intricate design with a few deft brushstrokes, is nothing short of mesmerising.
A journey of taste, tradition, and timeless beauty
This isn’t just a cruise; it’s a voyage through some of Europe’s most artful and delicious traditions. From the grandeur of Amsterdam’s canals to the indulgence of Bruges’ chocolates, from the golden wheels of Gouda to the elegant strokes of Delft Blue pottery, this journey is a feast for the senses. Whether you’re drawn by architectural wonders, artistic craftsmanship, or the simple pleasure of a perfect bite, this Celebrity Cruises experience is a celebration of life’s finer things—served with a side of spectacular scenery.