Brussels to Amsterdam All-Lesbian River Cruise 2023
April 02 – 09, 2023
Avalon Waterways Avalon Artistry II
Celebrate the bounty of spring with Olivia and enjoy tulip season in Belgium and Holland! Sail from Brussels to Amsterdam and watch unfold the stunning landscape of windmills, waterways, and rows of blooming color. With ports of call in Ghent, Middelburg, Kinderdijk, and Haarlam, this all-lesbian cruise offers the opportunity to discover the rich Dutch legacy of medieval commerce and art, sample Belgian chocolate and other delicacies, tour WWI monuments, cycle past windmill farms, explore tulip gardens, and more! You’ll end your trip in the LGBTQ haven of Amsterdam, with its iconic canals, gabled homes, and cobblestone lanes.
Make your visions of tulip season in Holland and Belgium come into view! Cruise from Brussels to Amsterdam for quintessential scenes of windmills, waterways, and rows of blooming color. Embark in Brussels and sail to Ghent—“The Diamond of Flanders.” Visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral with its stunning Flemish artwork. Sail to Bossuit for moving battlefield remembrances, including In Flanders Fields Museum and the Last Post Ceremony. On to Holland for a visit the former Dutch East India Company trading port. You’ll tour the Delta Works in Veere—a marvel of flood-protection. In Kinderdijk, see 19 windmills built in 1740 for water management, and in Rotterdam the Erasmus Bridge. You’ll see why windmills are a symbol of Holland!
Take in the tulips and other flowering bulbs in the flower farm regions of Zaandam and Haarlem, and conclude your river cruise through Belgium and Holland with a visit to Amsterdam. Take a guided canal cruise past bridges and homes of a golden age.
Your Ship - Avalon Artistry II
Cruise on Europe's most loved rivers with views that become part of your suite. The Avalon Artistry II delivers an intimate setting, along with two full decks of suites featuring Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform the living space into a unique Open-Air Balcony. Enjoy unmatched, seamless views of passing landscapes from your window-facing Comfort Collection bed for the ultimate in European river cruise views. With 200 square feet, Panorama SuitesSM are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, giving you the rare opportunity to wake each morning to the enchanting scenery and fresh breezes. Onboard amenities include complimentary computer use in public areas and Wi-Fi access, a Fitness Center, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, shade system, whirlpool, and the delightful Sky Bistro.
Some of the features and amenities you'll enjoy onboard:
• Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows
• State-of-the-art fitness center
• Convenient Elevator Service
• Outside viewing deck
• English-speaking friendly crew, staff & professional Cruise Director
• Onboard lectures, activities & entertainment
• Sky Deck whirlpool
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access
• Onboard Adventure Center with active gear, bikes, Nordic walking sticks, watercraft & maps
• Light lunch & casual dinner in the Panorama Bistro
• Choice of Leisurely, Traditional or Independent sightseeing pace options
• Onshore & Onboard experiences with regional customs, cultures & tastings with local artisans, experts & entertainers
• Well-stocked library with books, cards, and board games
• Full-size closet mirror
• Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, shade awnings, & outdoor deck game area
• Non-smoking staterooms & ship interior
• Elegant, contemporary design
• Headsets for guided shore excursions
• Sightseeing with Expert Local Guides
• Room service for Continental breakfast & beverages (service fee applies)
• Complimentary computer use in public areas
• Additional biking excursions available in Amsterdam, Breisach and Bernkastel
• Sky Deck game area
• Nordic walking sticks available onboard for complimentary check-out
• Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, including decaf options
• Complimentary bottled water, fresh fruit, and cookies available throughout the day
Dining:
• Olivia's welcome reception with sparkling wine and canapés
• Avalon Fresh healthy cuisine options at every meal
• Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, including decaf options
• Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
• Welcome dinner
• Five-course farewell dinner
• Spacious, open-seating dining room
• Daily early-riser breakfast
• Daily late-riser breakfast
• Full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine and made-to-order egg station
• Lunch buffet with carving and pasta stations
• Al fresco lunch in the Sky Grill
• Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
• Healthy Corner options including low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, and high energy choices
• Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan and allergy-free selections
• Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
• Happy Hour every evening including featured drink specials
• Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
• Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
• Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
• Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Room service for Continental breakfast & beverages (service fee applies)
• Night Fare served at 10:30 pm
• Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
• Healthy meal options
• Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
• Tastings - sample the destination's famous delicacies
• Light lunch & casual dinner in the Panorama Bistro
• Coffee or tea after dinner
Deluxe Staterooms & Suites Amenities:
• Comfort Collection Beds
• Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
• Soft & firm pillows
• Choice of bed configuration
• Bedside tables with reading lamps
• L'Occitane bath products
• Easy under-bed luggage storage
• Alarm clock
• Bathrobes & slippers
• Complimentary bottled water
• Individual climate control
• Large mirror in bathroom
• Two windows
• Writing desk
• Memory foam mattress toppers
• European-style duvets
• Extra blankets
• Nightly turn-down service
• Hairdryer
• Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
• Flatscreen satellite TV with movie channel
• Direct-dial telephone
• Well-stocked minibar
• In-room safe
• Elegant, contemporary design
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Full shower with glass door
• Vanity
Brussels to Amsterdam All-Lesbian River Cruise 2023 Itinerary
Date
Port
Meals
02 April
Brussels, Belgium
D
03 April
Ghent, Belgium
B, L, D
04 April
Bossuit, Belgium
B, L, D
05 April
Middelburg / Veere, The Netherlands
B, L, D
06 April
Kinderdijk / Rotterdam, The Netherlands
B, L, D
07 April
Zaandam / Haarlem, The Netherlands
B, L, D
08 April
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
B, L, D
09 April
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
B
Brussels, Belgium (Embarkation) Sunday, April 02, 2023
Welcome to Belgium! Flights into Brussels must arrive by 2 pm and guests must be on the ship by 5 pm. After check-in, enjoy your first dinner on board as you sail for Ghent this evening. Note: Guests must be on board by 5 pm.
We will be offering Pre-Cruise Vacation Stretchers in Belgium. More information will be available approximately 9 months prior to the trip.
Ghent, Belgium Monday, April 03, 2023
Explore the canals, cobbled streets, and medieval buildings of “The Diamond of Flanders.” A stop in Ghent warrants a visit to St. Bavo’s Cathedral which houses an impressive collection of Dutch masterpieces.
Bossuit, Belgium Tuesday, April 04, 2023
Tour the In Flanders Field Museum in Ypres dedicated to WWI. In the evening, experience the Last Post Ceremony under the arches of the Menin Gate and pause for a minute of silence.
Middelburg / Veere, The Netherlands Wednesday, April 05, 2023
Stroll along the winding cobblestones and canals of Middelburg, the heart of the Dutch Golden Age. Discover the 15th-century Gothic Town of Halland, once the thriving hub of the international spice trade.
Kinderdijk / Rotterdam, The Netherlands Thursday, April 06, 2023
Take a tour or ride a bicycle to the splendid windmills of Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage site; attend one of the workshops to learn how the Dutch have been managing their water supply for over 1000 years. Take a tour of Rotterdam, the largest seaport in Europe and a thriving commercial and artistic center. In the evening, enjoy live entertainment onboard.
Zaandam / Haarlem, The Netherlands Friday, April 07, 2023
Explore the quintessential Dutch town of Zaandam and visit the stunning Keukenhof gardens where more than 7 million tulip and flower bulbs are planted every year.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands Saturday, April 08, 2023
Explore the Dutch countryside past polders, dykes, and quaint centuries-old villages or discover the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands Sunday, April 09, 2022
Your cruise ends with breakfast in the morning.
We will be offering Post-Cruise Vacation Stretchers in Amsterdam. More information will be available approximately 9 months prior to the trip.
What's Included?
• Accommodations for 8 days/7 nights onboard the 128-passenger Avalon Artistry II, part of Avalon's award-winning fleet of Suite Ships
• All meals and snacks on board with complimentary in-room dining available for breakfast and dinner
• Sparkling wine with breakfast; coffee, tea, and juices with all meals; beer, wine, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Standard wifi in all cabins and public areas
• Olivia entertainment and programming, as well as local entertainment
• Included sightseeing tours in each port
• Gratuities to ship crew and Avalon cruise director
Brussels to Amsterdam Lesbian River Cruise 2023 Rates
Category
Description
Reg. Rate US $
Early Bird US $
Availability
RS - Royal Suite
Located on the Royal deck, The Royal Suite features floor to ceiling windows, Comfort Collection bed can convert to 2 singles, soft & firm pillows, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, flat-screen satellite TV with movie channels, telephone, mini-bar, bathroom with marble counter and two sinks, robes, slippers, writing desk and chair, sofa, and full-length closets. 300 sq. ft.
$ 7,669
$ 5,899
P - Panorama Suite
Royal Deck. Panorama Suites features floor to ceiling windows, Comfort collection bed can convert to 2 singles, soft & firm pillows, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, flat-screen satellite TV with movie channels, telephone, mini-bar, bathroom with marble counter, robes, slippers, writing desk and chair, sofa, and full-length closets. 200 sq. ft.
$ 6,499
$ 4,999
A - Panorama Suite
Sapphire Deck. Panorama Suites features floor to ceiling windows, Comfort collection bed can convert to 2 singles, soft & firm pillows, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, flat-screen satellite TV with movie channels, telephone, mini-bar, bathroom with marble counter, robes, slippers, writing desk and chair, sofa, and full-length closets. 200 sq. ft.
$ 6,399
$ 4,899
B - Panorama Suite
Sapphire Deck. Panorama Suites features floor to ceiling windows, Comfort collection bed can convert to 2 singles, soft & firm pillows, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, flat-screen satellite TV with movie channels, telephone, mini-bar, bathroom with marble counter, robes, slippers, writing desk and chair, sofa, and full-length closets. 200 sq. ft.
$ 6,299
$ 4,799
D - Deluxe Stateroom
Indigo Deck. Deluxe Stateroom features small windows above the water-line, Comfort collection bed can convert to 2 singles, soft & firm pillows, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, flat-screen satellite TV with movie channels, telephone, mini-bar, full shower with glass doors, robes, slippers, writing desk and chair, and full-length closets. 172 sq. ft.
$ 4,799
$ 3,699
E - Deluxe Stateroom
Indigo Deck. Deluxe Stateroom features small windows above the water-line, Comfort collection bed can convert to 2 singles, soft & firm pillows, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, flat-screen satellite TV with movie channels, telephone, mini-bar, full shower with glass doors, robes, slippers, writing desk and chair, and full-length closets. 172 sq. ft.
We will be offering Pre-Cruise Vacation Stretchers in Belgium and Post-Cruise Vacation Stretchers in Amsterdam. More information will be available approximately 9 months prior to the trip.
Special Airfares
Rates: Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Pricing does not include airfare, insurance, fuel surcharge or NDA of $499 per person (subject to change).
Early bird prices valid until September 30, 2022.
Availability updated weekly and is provided for informational purposes only. The accuracy is not guaranteed. Olivia & HappyGay Travel will not be held responsible for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies. It is advised for guests to check information provided on this site with an HappyGay Travel Travel Consultant.
