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Amsterdam Pride 2025 Rhine River All-Gay Cruise
11 days from Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam, Netherlands
July 25 August 04, 2025
Emerald Cruises Emerald Destiny
Join us cruising to one of our favorite cities in the world for one of the biggest parties in Europe... Pride Amsterdam! We’ll start in Switzerland and cruise along the Romantic Rhine, touring the charming towns of France and Germany before arriving in time for the big show in Amsterdam. Once in Amsterdam, we’ll have a front row seat for all the biggest events, including the Drag Queen Olympics, Closing Party and the world-famous Canal Parade. Come with us and celebrate your Pride like nowhere else on Earth!
Arrive in Amsterdam during the height of Amsterdam Pride, one of the best known and exciting Pride celebrations in the world. The festival attracts over half a million visitors each year and is one of the largest events in Europe. Pride Amsterdam includes unique exhibitions, cultural and sporting events along with countless street parties throughout the city. Today is yours to let your pride flag fly and dive head first into one of the largest parties on the planet!
All Included, All Inclusive! All Meals & Alcoholic Beverages Included! All Shore Excursions Included!
Amsterdam city has long been a centre of gay culture and travel in Europe, boasting some of the best gay clubs, bars and hotels in the world. Amsterdam is rich with cultural heritage that is waiting to be explored.
Amsterdam is known as "Venice of the North" because of its historic canals that criss-cross the city, its impressive architecture and more than 1,500 bridges. There is something for every traveler’s taste here, whether you prefer culture and history, serious partying, or just the relaxing charm of an old European city.
There is a strong LGBT community, and numerous gay-owned or gay-friendly hotels, nightclubs and cafés. Nowhere else in the world will you find so many gay attractions per square meter as in the city centre of Amsterdam. The city is home to a plethora of gay clubs and bars that will suit all tastes and interests.
Your Ship - Emerald Destiny
The Emerald Destiny is specially designed to traverse the Rhine River in style with tasteful and modern décor visible throughout the ship. The Reflections Restaurant on the Vista Deck is the center of our dining experience, where oversized windows offer excellent views of the passing landscapes. For a more intimate experience, head to the contemporary Horizon Bar & Lounge, where our cruise entertainment will be enjoyed by all.
Reception Your warm welcome onboard begins in the main reception area, the heart of our ship and main point of information while you are sailing. Here, your friendly crew will be happy to help you get the most from your time with us, whether before leaving for the day’s excursions or arranging for any special requests you may have. With tasteful and modern décor, the three-tiered atrium in the center of the reception area allows natural light to pour in and illuminate the interior.
Reflections Restaurant Get set for a gastronomic adventure in Reflections Restaurant, your go-to dining area for sumptuous local dishes expertly prepared by skilled chefs. Spacious and contemporary, with flexible seating options, this is your space to discover the local tastes of the season. Located on the Vista Deck, the restaurant comfortably seats all our cruisers at tables which vary in size with a panoramic view. The atmosphere is casual but elegant. The selection and presentation of the food is outstanding, and you’ll find the quality of service is unmatched.
Terrace Cafe An idyllic spot for breakfast and light lunches, the Terrace Café is a unique indoor/outdoor dining area located just forward of the Horizon Lounge. With a commanding position at the very front of the ship, inspiring views are guaranteed. This open-air bow seating and eating area has electric doors that make it easy to carry a drink or meal outside for a unique snack experience... snacks that are available throughout the day near the ship’s lounge at the end of the bar.
Onboard Fitness
If you stick to a daily fitness regime at home, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t keep it up on your holiday. The onboard gym has everything you need to work up a sweat on your travels, so you can justify one more delightful dish or extravagant cocktail. The gym has a workout bike, free weights and a treadmill. If the fitness center isn’t where you want to be, then take advantage of the ship’s track. The jogging track encircles the perimeter of the Sun Deck, so you can kill two birds with one stone... exercise and enjoy the view.
Wellness Area Your space for relaxation and rejuvenation, the onboard Wellness Area provides everything from facial treatments to massages, delivered by a trained beauty therapist. Downstairs on Riviera Deck is the hairdresser, where you can get haircuts, head and neck massages, and other services. Be sure to book quickly at the front desk when you embark because availability is limited.
Cinema
Some nights, the pool at the back of our ship is converted into a cinema. The transformation happens when the pool floor rises to deck level. After the floor has been mopped dry, crew members set up chairs and lower a large movie screen. Popcorn is available, and you can order drinks from the bar or grab a specialty coffee or tea from the self-service machine.
Indoor Pool
The indoor pool is located aft on Horizon Deck. It’s surrounded by a glass-walled lounge area with chairs, tables, dressing rooms, and a bar with a self-service machine for coffee drinks and tea. The heated pool, complete with a retractable roof, is the perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening, soaking with friends while watching the incredible scenery of the Rhine drift by.
Sun Deck The Sun Deck is much more than the place to savor a hot chocolate or specialty coffee. It’s also the perfect way to spend your afternoon enjoying a panoramic view of the magnificent rolling landscapes. The Sun Deck has a gorgeous outdoor living area and a huge canopy midship, perfect for cruisers who prefer a little cover as we sail along the Rhine. Whether golf’s your game or you prefer a game of tic-tac-toe, lazy afternoons on the river are never boring with the games area and putting green.
Horizon Lounge
The tastefully decorated Horizon Lounge, located at the front of the ship, was named for the superb views of the passing vistas that guests will enjoy courtesy of the oversized windows. Intimate seating areas are peppered throughout the open floor plan, allowing you the choice of going all in with the group or enjoying a little private time between you and a smaller gathering of friends. The lounge also has a self-service beverage station with a machine that dispenses espresso, capuccino, mochaccino, hot chocolate, and hot water for a selection of teas...
Horizon Bar Enjoy a cocktail at the Horizon bar with us while watching a spectacular sunset together. Located within the Horizon Lounge, you’ll find originality and innovation, with a new twist on the ol’ purveyors of gin and tonics and buckets of beer. This is the place where you’ll spend an enjoyable evening nursing a cocktail with great friends, old and new! Whether you’re in the mood for a mixed drink or glass of wine, we invite you to join us and enjoy one of best bars on the river with your fellow cruisers. Order your favorite summer cocktail you’ll savor after a long day exploring our stops along the Rhine River.
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Amsterdam Pride 2025 Rhine River All-Gay Cruise Itinerary
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Date |
Port |
Arrive |
Depart |
25 July |
Basel, Switzerland |
4 PM |
9 PM |
26 July |
Breisach, Germany |
8:30 AM |
2 PM |
27 July |
Strasbourg, France |
10 AM |
7 PM |
28 July |
Heidelberg (Ludwigshafen), Germany |
9 AM |
3 PM |
29 July |
Koblenz, Germany |
9 AM |
3 PM |
30 July |
Cologne, Germany |
9 AM |
5 PM |
31 July |
Amsterdam, Netherlands |
11 AM |
Overnight |
01 Aug |
Amsterdam, Netherlands |
|
Overnight |
02 Aug |
Amsterdam, Netherlands |
|
Overnight |
03 Aug |
Amsterdam, Netherlands |
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Overnight |
04 Aug |
Amsterdam, Netherlands |
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10 AM |
Day 1 - Basel, Switzerland
Today we’ll start our Amsterdam Pride river cruise. After boarding our ship and settling into your staterooms, we’ll introduce your gay cruise hosts and our ship’s crew during our welcome cocktail. We’ll enjoy dinner on board getting to know your fellow travelers as we set sail along the Rhine to France.
Day 2 - Breisach, Germany We’ll spend the afternoon in Breisach, gateway to the Black Forest. We'll explore this charming town with a brief walking tour past the town’s landmark St. Stephen's Cathedral. We'll spend the rest of the afternoon on our own visiting the many shops and cafés before returning to our ship docked nearby.
Day 3 - Strasbourg, France This morning we arrive in Strasbourg, situated on the banks of the Rhine. You’ll tour this charming little city and visit the interior of the city’s famed cathedral. The afternoon is free to further explore this Alsatian city’s blend of French and German cultures, resplendent churches, medieval covered bridges, verdant parks and handsome art nouveau and modernist architecture.
Day 4 - Heidelberg (Ludwigshafen), Germany
This morning we will discover Heidelberg, the idyllic UNESCO City of Literature that has inspired the likes of Mark Twain and famed British artist William Turner. A guided tour of the town will unveil its rich history, starting at the Renaissance ruins of Heidelberg Castle, where the carefully curated gardens host serene water features, sculptures and colorful flowerbeds. It's easy to see why visitors head straight for the castle, set high up on a hill overlooking the Neckar River. Together with the Old Bridge, it is among the most impressive sights in Germany.
Day 5 - Koblenz, Germany
After sailing along the Rhine, we’ll disembark for a walking tour of Koblenz, one of Germany’s oldest and most beautiful cities. You’ll visit the famous Deutsches Eck, or German Corner, where the Rhine and Moselle converge. During our tour, we’ll see vineyards, forests and the four mountain ranges that form the unique backdrop to this 2,000-year-old city.
Day 6 - Cologne, Germany
Today we’ll take a guided tour of Cologne, the crossroads of Europe since the Middle Ages. We’ll see the immense, Gothic cathedral... the tallest twin-spire church in the world and the most visited landmark in Germany. We’ll then head over to the Old Town to stroll the streets and pass in front of the famous Farina Fragrance Museum. Enjoy some free time before returning to the ship. After our tour, we’ll be transferred to Düsseldorf by coach to meet our ship.
Day 7 - Amsterdam, Netherlands
This morning we’ll take a canal tour of Amsterdam, one of the most unique and extraordinary cities in the world. Enjoy a highlight tour of all the major sites from its famous canals, including the tallest windmill in the Netherlands, the De Gooyer. Tonight, Pride Amsterdam is in full swing... so go out and celebrate your Pride however you choose! We’re here for all the famous events including the Drag Queen Olympics and world famous canal parade.
Day 8 - Amsterdam, Netherlands
The weekend is yours to enjoy how you see fit, a 'Choose Your Own Pride Adventure' if you will. Get a seat up front for the Canal Parade. The Canal Parade happens on Saturday and runs along the Oosterdok, Nieuwe Herengracht, Amstel, Prisengracht and Westerdok canals. Arrive early to get a great spot and enjoy the amazing floats and carnival atmosphere.
Day 9 - Amsterdam, Netherlands
Pride Amsterdam is one of the most popular gay pride celebrations in the world. Thousands come to Amsterdam every year to be part of the magical and colorful celebration that takes place across the city. The weekend wraps up with the Closing Party in Dam Square, just a 10-minute walk from where our ship will remain docked throughout the weekend.
Day 10 - Amsterdam, Netherlands
Discover the historic Anne Frank House. Visit one of the many famous museums like the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum. Take a bike ride through the tulip fields or tour one of the many operating windmills... it's your Pride, your way!
Day 11 - Amsterdam, Netherlands
This morning we say “tot ziens” to the city of Amsterdam and our epic Amsterdam Gay Pride river cruise. Spend your final hours exploring more of the city’s elaborate canal system and narrow houses with gabled facades, legacies of the Amsterdam’s 17th-century Golden Age. Take one last stroll through Dam Square in the heart of city, or head over to the Museum District which houses the Van Gogh Museum, works by Rembrandt and Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum, and modern art at the Stedelijk. However you choose to spend your time in Amsterdam, know that it will always be memorable!
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