Sharron & the Dutch bulbfields

Sharron’s First River Cruise – And Why It Won’t Be Her Last

After over 40 years in the travel industry, Sharron finally experienced her very first river cruise – and it’s safe to say she’s already wondering why she didn’t do it sooner.

Setting sail with Riviera Travel, this unforgettable journey took her through Amsterdam, Enkhuizen, Kinderdijk, Rotterdam and the stunning Dutch bulbfields, combining scenic beauty with effortless travel.

Day 1- A Seamless Start in Amsterdam

The trip began with an easy 55-minute flight to Amsterdam. On arrival, the Riviera hosts escorted us by coach, and half an hour later we were boarding the MS Geoffrey Chaucer. I was fortunate to have a beautiful cabin on the diamond deck suite.

One of the biggest perks? Everything was taken care of, even finding my luggage waiting for me in my suite, making it a completely stress-free experience.

Unpacking just once and letting the journey unfold.

Day 2 – Stepping Back in Time in Enkhuizen

Enkhuizen had plenty of charm, with the Zuiderzee Museum feeling more like a time-travel experience than a typical museum. Between wandering old streets, spotting traditional crafts in action and soaking up the waterfront views, it was easy to forget what century you were in…no time machine needed.

Day 3 – Windmills & Modern Marvels

Kinderdijk, in particular, stood out. The peaceful setting, with its famous windmills and tranquil waterways, created a moment to slow down and truly take it all in.

After soaking in the calm beauty of Kinderdijk, the day took a lively turn as we headed to Rotterdam. The town added a modern contrast, with its striking cube houses and contemporary architecture providing something completely different from the traditional towns along the route.

Day 4 – A Blooming Beautiful Finale 🌷

Anyone who knows me knows my love for flowers, even making sure there are fresh flowers in the office all year round! So, it’s no surprise that the highlight of the trip was the Keukenhof Gardens. The bulbfields really are an incredible sight, and with over seven million tulips spread across acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, it completely lived up to my expectations.

Life On Board

From the moment we boarded the MS Geoffrey Chaucer, the ship itself became part of the experience.

With elegant interiors, light-filled spaces and a calm, boutique hotel feel, it was the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring. My cabin was spacious and beautifully designed, complete with a comfortable bed, seating area and thoughtful touches that made it easy to unwind.

Food, Drink & Evenings

Dining quickly became a highlight. With an all-inclusive drinks package and a choice of dining in either the main restaurant or the bistro, every meal felt like a treat – fresh, well-presented and genuinely enjoyable.

Evenings had a relaxed and sociable atmosphere, with live music and entertainment in the lounge providing the perfect way to wind down after a busy day.

The Little Extras

It’s the extra touches that really elevate a river cruise experience. From spa, gym and wellness facilities to a small pool and even photography classes, everything is designed to make you feel completely looked after.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this was a truly standout trip.

River cruising offers a wonderfully relaxed way to explore multiple destinations without the usual rush. It’s all about ease, comfort and letting the journey come to you.

For me, this first river cruise has set the bar high – and it certainly won’t be my last.

A huge thank you to Cheryl from Riviera Travel and the team on board the MS Goeffrey Chaucer for hosting 10 travel agents.