the air feels fresher, the colors seem brighter, and time slows just enough to take it all in. That’s exactly the kind of serenity I found aboard VIVA Cruises’ newest vessel, the VIVA ENJOY, on their Sea of Tulips itinerary through the Netherlands and Belgium this May.

We embarked in Amsterdam, where the VIVA ENJOY was docked right in the heart of the city. After checking in and being welcomed onboard, I had the afternoon to explore Amsterdam’s charming chaos. With bikes buzzing by in every direction, canals that looked painted by the old masters, and stroopwafels as sweet as spring itself, the city served as the perfect send-off into our flower-filled voyage.

Enkhuizen – a Dutch Fairytale Village
Our first stop was Enkhuizen. I wasn’t expecting this little port town to steal my heart, but with cobblestone streets, vintage sailboats rocking in the harbor, and flower boxes bursting from every windowsill, it felt like stepping into a Dutch fairytale. What truly made the day unforgettable, though, was the hospitality. On our included excursion, we were divided into small groups to tour with locals who additionally welcomed us into their homes for homemade snacks and conversation. My group visited the lovely Margriet and her husband, Martin. Over espresso and a thick, spoon-served Advocaat topped with sweet raisins and cream, we chatted about everything from tulips to travel. By sundown, we were back onboard dancing to live music with Daniel in the lounge, bellies full and spirits lifted.

Touring in the Netherlands
In Nijmegen, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, our guide led us down winding alleys rich with Roman history and stories from centuries past. From there, we traveled to Groesbeek for a delightful wine tasting in a local vineyard. The tasting room overlooked rows of vines just beginning to bud, and our glasses were never empty. Later that afternoon, the ship’s once-per-cruise High Tea was set up in the lounge. Oh, what an amazing experience for all the senses – featuring towers of tiny mousse cups, flaky scones, delicate sandwiches, and puff pastries that make your tastebuds smile.

Visiting Antwerp and Bruges in Flanders
From there, we arrived in Antwerp, where we docked for the next two days. On our free morning, I wandered into the Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten, a stunning mix of contemporary boldness and Old-World reverence. That afternoon, we embarked on a chocolate tour that I am still dreaming about. Led by the charismatic Gerta, we ducked through secret passageways, sipped on sumptuous milkshakes, tasted macarons that melted like butter, and capped the tour off with a robust Belgian beer at a cozy local pub. From mussels and fries to waffles with every imaginable topping, Antwerp fed both our souls and stomachs. The following day we ventured to Bruges – a city so postcard-perfect it’s hard to believe that it’s real. We wandered its ancient streets, admired gingerbread houses and canals, and sampled – you guessed it – more waffles.

Exploring More of the Netherlands – Modern Cities and Windmills
Rotterdam greeted us with its architectural audacity. Nearly flattened during WWII, the city has been rebuilt into a showcase of futuristic design. We marveled at the angular Cube Houses, crossed the elegant Erasmus Bridge, and devoured fresh stroopwafels at the bustling Markthal food market.

In Dordrecht, our excursion to Kinderdijk introduced us to the iconic Dutch windmills. Viewing them by both boat and foot offered a double perspective and we got the chance to explore inside one too. That evening, the city buzzed with energy thanks to National Liberation Day festivities. Music and laughter echoed through the narrow streets, and we even bumped into our cheerful Kinderdijk guide, Sven.

On our final day, we returned to Amsterdam, though this time we toured the city via its waterways. A scenic canal tour offered a whole new lens on the city’s beauty. Later, we headed to the grand finale: Keukenhof Gardens. Described as the “Garden of Europe,” Keukenhof spans nearly 80 acres and is home to seven million flowers in bloom. It’s a sensory overload in the best way possible. Every turn revealed a new mosaic of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in candy-colored rows. Some arranged into patterns, others spilling across lawns in wild elegance. It was the ultimate celebration of spring and a fitting end to a week that felt dipped in color and joy.

About the Ship: VIVA ENJOY
The VIVA ENJOY, the third new build from VIVA Cruises, felt more like a boutique hotel than a river vessel. With a capacity for just a cozy 190 passengers, the ship offers an intimate, relaxed atmosphere, paired with all the perks of a VIVA Cruises signature all-inclusive offerings. Think – RITUALS beauty products in every bathroom, Nespresso machines in every cabin, a daily stocked minibar, and a genuinely cheerful crew who seemed to know our names by day two.

From gourmet multi-course dinners to casual snacks, the dining onboard was exceptional and flexible. No strict seating times, no stuffy dress codes – just delicious food, your choice of wine or cocktails (all included), and panoramic views from the dining rooms or upper lounge.

The ship glides so smoothly through the water, I often forgot we were moving. That’s the beauty of river cruising: no seasickness, no tender boats, no stress. Just one beautiful port after another and always returning to a cabin that felt like home.

VIVA’s motto is “Enjoy the Moment” and on this unforgettable Sea of Tulips journey, we truly did.
For more information or to make a booking visit: www.viva-cruises.com