Solo, Scenic & Serene: My River Cruise Adventure Through the Netherlands
Amsterdam: The Perfect Starting Point Amsterdam is a solo traveller’s dream. Before boarding Scenic Jasper, I wandered the canals, got lost in the masterpieces at the Rijksmuseum, and enjoyed people-watching over a strong Dutch coffee. Once on board, I instantly felt at home. The crew were warm and attentive, and the small-ship atmosphere made it easy to relax — and to connect with other travellers, if I felt like it.
Exploring Hoorn Our first stop, Hoorn, felt like stepping into a charming storybook. I loved wandering its historic harbour, where old ships bobbed gently on the water, and narrow streets were lined with gabled houses. Travelling solo meant I could linger as long as I liked, soaking up the town’s rich maritime history and cosy cafés.
Tulips, Tulips, Everywhere Timing my trip for spring meant one thing: tulip season! Cruising through the Dutch countryside, I was surrounded by endless fields of colourful blooms — a living postcard. Visiting Keukenhof Gardens solo was a dream; I took my time meandering along the pathways, photographing the vibrant displays, and simply soaking in the floral magic with no agenda but my own.
A Stroll Through Nijmegen Nijmegen — the oldest city in the Netherlands — was another unexpected highlight. Its blend of ancient Roman history and lively modern culture made it fascinating to explore. I spent the morning visiting ruins and museums, then found a sunny terrace where I enjoyed coffee and watched the world go by — a solo travel classic.
Windmills and Timeless Landscapes One of the most peaceful moments of the cruise was drifting past the windmills of Kinderdijk. Seeing these historic giants up close was like stepping into another era. I joined a guided tour, but also took time to explore solo — appreciating the calm, the views, and the chance simply to be.
Dordrecht: Historic Charm In Dordrecht, one of the Netherlands' oldest cities, the maze of canals and grand merchant houses made for a dreamy solo wander. I meandered through art galleries and antique shops, and enjoyed getting pleasantly lost in its historic streets — one of my favourite ways to discover a new place.
A Seaside Pause in Veere Veere was pure magic — a small town that feels almost suspended in time. Walking its peaceful harbour, past pretty brick houses and sailboats swaying in the breeze, was the perfect slow travel moment. I found a little café by the water, ordered a coffee, and simply enjoyed being exactly where I was.
A Surprise Favourite: Antwerp, Belgium Though this was primarily a Dutch cruise, the stop in Antwerp added a splash of Belgian charm. I strolled the medieval streets, admired the art of Rubens in the cathedral, and treated myself to far too much chocolate. Solo travel means no one judges when you order waffles for lunch — and yes, I absolutely did.
Sailing Back to Amsterdam As we cruised back towards Amsterdam, I found myself deeply grateful. River cruising as a solo traveller was everything I didn’t know I needed: safe, easy, enriching, and full of those little moments that make travel meaningful. With Scenic Jasper, I had the freedom to be independent, whilst always knowing support was there if I needed it.
Final Thoughts This trip reminded me why I love travelling alone: the flexibility, the quiet joy of discovery, and the space to truly connect with a place. If you’re a solo traveller considering a river cruise, let this be your sign — especially in the springtime Netherlands. Tulips, windmills, seaside villages, and a little solo serenity? Yes, please.
