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Amsterdam Pride 2025 All-Gay River Cruise
8 days from Rotterdam, Netherlands to Brussels, Belgium
July 31 – August 7, 2025
Van Loon Cruises The Gentleman
Jump onboard an unforgettable journey through some of Europe's most picturesque and vibrant cities on our Netherlands & Belgium all-gay, all-inclusive European river cruise. Starting with a full weekend at the iconic Amsterdam Pride (yes, the one with the boat parade!), our journey will take us through the bustling port of Rotterdam, then we'll explore the iconic windmills of Kinderdijk, the historical charm of Dordrecht, and the medieval beauty of Bruges before concluding our adventure in the heart of Belgium, Brussels. Each stop promises a unique blend of culture, history, and fun, making this voyage a perfect mix of relaxation and exploration.
Our ship is brand spanking new, her very first guest welcomed onboard in 2024. Our cuisine is to die for, curated and prepared by celebrity chef Chef Todd (winner of Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay). Our entertainment is unforgettable, with nightly performances which include local drag stars and a resident DJ. And with 40 staff members on board, including activity staff, a cruise director, several gay cruise trip leaders, and more, we are certainly well taken care of.
This is an all-inclusive trip, which means all meals, drinks, transfers, activities, and on-board entertainment are all included in your package.
What's Included?
• Full board, with custom menu curated by Chef Todd Erickson
• Free-flow beverages (Coffee, tea, bottled water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and house-brand spirits)
• Welcome & farewell cocktail receptions
• At least 3 gay cruise trip leaders plus up to 50 ship crew members
• Unlimited Wi-Fi
Complimentary use of ship's e-bikes
• Fitness and wellness center
• Onboard entertainment - Pianist/vocalist, pre-dinner, and afternoon sailings
• DJ (nightly/post-dinner)
• Regional drag performer (1 show)
• Morning stretching and yoga sessions daily
• Multiple shore excursions including transport and 3 guided tours
• Daily housekeeping and turndown service
• Roundtrip airport transfers (arrival Rotterdam/Amsterdam, departure Brussels)
• Snacks and coffee served throughout the day at The Bistro including late-night snacks untill 1:00am
What isn't Included?
• Port charges of 299 USD per person
• Shipboard staff gratuities $154 per person per cruise
• Optional massage treatments onboard
• Onboard laundry and pressing service
• International airfare to/from start/end of trip
• Activities outside of the those listed in itinerary
Welcome Aboard Brand New River Cruiser The Gentleman
The Gentleman is a river cruiser that – contrary to other ships – was designed from the inside out. It is fitted
with all the luxury any guest could ask for, with a sporty, yacht-like appearance.
Where naval architects often work from the inside out, an interior with a ship around it, at Van Loon Cruises we work
exactly the other way around. The Gentleman streamlined shape is leading, giving the ship an elegant and dynamic yacht appearance.
As a passenger you do not have to make any concessions. The set-up is such that you can enjoy every luxury on board.
Tranquility and Warmth Creating designs with tranquility and warmth are important in spaces where
people come together. Natural fabrics in calm colours and in different
textures contribute to a contemporary balance. Large art walls with great
memory value give intimacy and a nice atmosphere at any time of the day.
Luxurious Atmosphere The contemporary balanced design is filled with elements of surprise. The
interior parts are sophisticated and reveal aesthetic language in the choice of exclusive materials such as; wood,
marble, glass, bronze metal and leather. Matching handcrafted accessories give the lounge an exiting and luxurious atmosphere.
Attractive and Ergonomic To achieve a natural feeling, round shapes and flowing lines are
used. Curves break through straight and symmetrical lines. The playful effect
creates an attractive and ergonomic interior. Biophilic design is bringing nature into our interior. By bringing the outdoors in, a
calming atmosphere is created.
Truly Remarkable Experience In conclusion, The Gentleman offers a truly remarkable river cruising experience. Its
modern yacht-like design, use of premium materials, and attention to detail make
it an enticing choice for travelers seeking adventure and luxury. The ability to open
floor-to-ceiling windows on the middle and upper decks adds to the immersive
experience of taking in the breathtaking scenery. Furthermore, the ship’s expansive
sun deck caters to both relaxation and active pursuits.
Memorable Journey The onboard amenities leave nothing to be desired, with a
spacious and elegant panorama salon, a luxurious lounge at
the stern, a stylish restaurant, a welcoming hotel reception, a
dedicated tour leader’s desk, and the convenience of an elevator
connecting all decks. The Gentleman promises not just a cruise,
but a lavish and memorable journey along the river.
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Amsterdam Pride 2025 All-Gay River Cruise Itinerary
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Date |
Port |
Arrive |
Depart |
31 Jul |
Rotterdam, Netherlands |
|
4 PM |
01 Aug |
Amsterdam, Netherlands |
AM |
Overnight |
02 Aug |
Amsterdam, Netherlands |
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Overnight |
03 Aug |
Amsterdam, Netherlands |
|
PM |
04 Aug |
Kinderdijk / Dordrecht, Netherlands |
AM |
PM |
05 Aug |
Ghent / Bruges, Belgium |
AM |
PM |
06 Aug |
Brussels, Belgium |
AM |
Overnight |
07 Aug |
Brussels, Belgium |
10 AM |
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Day 1 - Rotterdam, Netherlands
Our adventure begins in Rotterdam, a city that masterfully blends modern innovation with rich maritime history. Known for its cutting-edge architecture and vibrant art scene, Rotterdam offers an exciting start to our journey. Whether you’re strolling through the bustling Markthal, taking in the views from the iconic Erasmus Bridge, or exploring the vibrant street art, Rotterdam’s energy is sure to captivate you.
It's here that our jouney together will begin. Officially, we'll kick things off in style at 4:00pm, but you're welcome to board your home away from home any time after noon on this day. Coming in from Amsterdam? Great idea. Not only is it a fabulous city, it's also only 45 minutes away, and we'll have transportation options available to get you from there to the ship on this day.
Our first evening together will set the tone in style on board our gorgeous and modern ship that just set sail on her maiden voyage in May 2024 making her one of the newest ships on the whole continent. You'll meet your ship mates, all your gay cruise leaders, and dozens of on-board staff, all sure to be part of the amazing adventure in store for you.
Days 2, 3, and 4 - Amsterdam, Netherlands & Amsterdam Gay Pride 2025
Amsterdam, with its charming canals and vibrant neighborhoods, is a city like no other. We’ll spend three unforgettable days here during Pride weekend, when the city is alive with color, celebration, and joy. From exploring the historic Anne Frank House to cruising along the iconic waterways, there’s something for everyone. And, of course, we certainly won't miss the chance to join in the Pride festivities, where the streets and even the canals come alive with parades, parties, and an atmosphere of pure inclusivity and love.
Even if you've been to Amsterdam before, you've surely not done it like this! While there's an endless number of things to keep busy within the city especially on pride weekend, we've also got our gorgeous home base docked in the city center with our rooftop loungers, our own restaurant in full operation, and activity staff keeping the onboard entertainemnt options going. Think of it as your own oasis in the heart of the city, always open for you to retreat back to after enjoying the city and the pride celebrations.
We're here for the weekend, from Friday morning until Sunday evening, to make sure we soak in the best time to be in Amsterdam, before setting off to our next stop on the itinerary - Kinderdijk.
Day 5 - Kinderdijk & Dordrecht, Netherlands
We'll journey to Kinderdijk overnight before waking up in this UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases the Netherlands’ iconic windmills. With 19 beautifully preserved windmills set against a backdrop of tranquil waterways, Kinderdijk offers a serene and picturesque stop on our itinerary. You’ll have the opportunity to step back in time and discover how these engineering marvels have kept the land dry for centuries. It’s a perfect spot for photography, leisurely walks, and soaking in the peaceful Dutch countryside. A nice followup to our busy weekend in Amsterdam, that's for sure.
After checking out this area through the morning, we'll gently cruise down the river to nearby Dordrecht, where history seems to come alive on every street corner. Wander through the well-preserved medieval streets and discover hidden gems like the Grote Kerk and the picturesque harbor. Dordrecht’s rich history and charming architecture provide a perfect setting for an afternoon of exploration. We certainly won't forget to indulge in some local delicacies as we stroll through the vibrant markets and cozy cafes.
Day 6 - Ghent & Bruges, Belgium
Crossing into Belgium today, we arrive in Ghent, a lively and historic city that seamlessly blends the old with the new. Known for its vibrant student population and stunning medieval architecture, Ghent offers a unique and energetic atmosphere. Visit the impressive Gravensteen castle, stroll along the Graslei and Korenlei, and soak in the city’s artistic vibe. Ghent’s eclectic mix of history, culture, and modernity makes it a must-see stop on our journey through Belgium. Our ship is docked right in the center of town which makes exploring the town incredibly easy.
But that's not all. Just a short 1-hour land transfer from our dock in Ghent is Bruges, often referred to as the “Venice of the North.” With its cobbled streets, medieval buildings, and winding canals, Bruges feels like stepping into a fairy tale. We'll travel there together and explore the city’s rich history, including a visit to the stunning Belfry tower.. Be sure to indulge in some of Belgium’s finest chocolates and waffles - after all, what’s a visit to Bruges without a sweet treat?
We'll head back to Ghent for the afternoon before we continue our cruise towards Brussels while enjoying the onboard entertainment and fabulous food and drinks that we've enjoyed through our voyage.
Days 7 & 8 - Brussels, Belgium
Good morning, Brussels! We've arrived in the vibrant capital of Belgium and the capital of the EU, which offers a delightful blend of unique history, great little shops and restaurants, and even a great gay scene too. There's plenty to see and experience here, including the iconic Grand Place, a stunning square surrounded by ornate guild houses and the impressive Town Hall. Stroll through the nearby Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert for upscale shopping and charming cafes. Don’t miss Manneken Pis, the quirky statue embodying the city’s playful spirit. For a taste of local cuisine, you absolutely must try some waffles, chocolates, and mussels with fries. Explore the European Parliament area if you're interested in politics, or wander through the beautiful Parc du Cinquantenaire. End your visit with a drink in the lively Ixelles or Saint-Géry neighborhoods, soaking in Brussels' unique atmosphere.
Brussels offers the perfect finale to our unforgettable river cruise and it's here that our journey concludes on the morning of our 8th day. Are you staying longer here in Brussels? Great idea! There's plenty to explore. But if you're departing from Brussels airport today your airport transfer from the ship is included. We'll be saying our goodbyes together and disembarking the ship by 10:00am on this day, full of memories of a fabulous time together.
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