A Week of River Cruising on the Rhine and in the Netherlands

Getting there

We flew from London Heathrow to Düsseldorf with Eurowings. Although we did not stay overnight, our flight times gave us enough time to explore the city before boarding the ship.

Düsseldorf is a lovely riverside city with a charming old town, plenty of cafés and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a great place to begin our holiday. Before long, it was time to board VIVA ONE and settle into our home for the week. 

Our home for the week

VIVA ONE feels modern from the moment you step on board. The décor is stylish without being over the top, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere throughout the ship.

Our Ruby Deck cabin on the middle deck was bright, comfortable and surprisingly spacious. It featured comfortable twin beds, plenty of storage and large panoramic windows, allowing us to watch the scenery drift by as we sailed along the Rhine.

If you know me personally, you will probably know that Connor has a very limited diet, both at home and when we are travelling. Naturally, I was a little apprehensive before we boarded, but I need not have worried. As soon as we arrived on the ship, the Hotel Manager came to introduce himself and personally reassured Connor that the chef had his meals completely under control.

That level of care immediately put us both at ease, and throughout the cruise nothing was ever too much trouble. It was a wonderful example of the personal service that makes river cruising such a pleasure.

If you are wondering whether a river cruise would suit a younger traveller, our experience certainly suggests it can. Connor was the youngest guest onboard this particular sailing, but that did not stop him having a fantastic time. River ships offer complimentary Wi‑Fi, so when he wanted a bit of downtime, he was more than happy relaxing with his iPad. At other times, he was playing UNO and chatting with some of the lovely people we met onboard.

Meanwhile, I could sit back with a coffee, enjoy the ever‑changing scenery and know he was having just as enjoyable a holiday as I was. It was a lovely reminder that river cruising is not defined by age – it is about enjoying the journey, discovering new places and sharing the experience.

Flexibility that suited us

One of the things that really suited us about VIVA Cruises was the flexibility. Shore excursions are not included as standard, which actually worked perfectly for us as we already knew the places we wanted to explore and enjoyed discovering each destination at our own pace.

For those who prefer a little more guidance, there is a range of excursions available to book for an additional charge, giving passengers the freedom to choose the style of exploring that works best for them.

VIVA ONE also offers an all‑inclusive experience onboard, covering full‑board dining, a selection of high‑quality alcoholic and non‑alcoholic drinks, daily minibar restocks, Wi‑Fi and onboard tips. It meant we could simply relax and enjoy the journey without constantly thinking about extra costs.

One of the things I particularly enjoy about river cruising – and this trip reinforced it – is that you are never far from the changing scenery. Whether you are enjoying breakfast, relaxing in the lounge or simply looking out from your cabin, there is always another picturesque village, historic building or riverside landscape passing by.

Amsterdam

Our first major stop was Amsterdam, the famous canal city of the Netherlands.

While many visitors head straight for the museums or explore by canal, Connor and I decided to spend our time at ARTIS Zoo, one of Europe’s oldest zoos and conveniently located right in the centre of Amsterdam.

It was a lovely way to spend the day, with beautiful gardens, fascinating animals and a surprisingly peaceful atmosphere considering its central location. Afterwards, we enjoyed wandering through the city, soaking up the atmosphere of the canals before heading back to the ship.

Enkhuizen

Enkhuizen is one of those places many people may not have heard of before taking a river cruise, but that is part of its charm.

This historic Dutch harbour town is full of character, with traditional houses, pretty streets and a fascinating maritime history. We enjoyed simply wandering and discovering the town at our own pace – something I really love about river cruising, as you can explore destinations without feeling rushed.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam could not feel more different from Amsterdam.

Known for its bold modern architecture and innovative design, the city was fascinating to explore. We visited the famous Cube Houses and spent time in the impressive Markthal, with its incredible artwork and fantastic selection of food stalls. Connor did not try anything, but I was in my element looking at all the options.

We also wandered through the beautiful park towards the famous Euromast, one of Rotterdam’s most recognisable landmarks. I have to admit, we did not go to the top because I am not the best with heights. Even from the ground, though, it is an impressive sight and a great feature of the city’s skyline.

Antwerp

Antwerp was another highlight of our cruise.

We visited Antwerp Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in Europe, but we could not not visit Antwerp Central Station (it is next door).

It is easy to understand why this incredible building is often referred to as the “Railway Cathedral”. The architecture is simply stunning and, even if you are not interested in trains, it is well worth a visit.

We also enjoyed wandering through Antwerp itself, with its beautiful buildings, lively squares and welcoming atmosphere.

Willemstad and Dordrecht

Both Willemstad and Dordrecht were lovely places to explore.

Willemstad’s impressive star‑shaped fortifications make it a fascinating stop, while Dordrecht’s historic streets, canals and beautiful old buildings created a wonderful atmosphere.

These smaller destinations really show the charm of river cruising – places that you might not necessarily choose for a city break, but that offer so much character when you arrive.

Nijmegen

Our final stop before returning to Düsseldorf was Nijmegen, believed to be the oldest city in the Netherlands.

Like many of the towns we visited, we enjoyed simply wandering the streets, discovering historic buildings, browsing shops and taking in the relaxed Dutch atmosphere before returning onboard for our final evening.

Why this cruise worked so well

What I loved most about this itinerary was the variety.

In one week we experienced:

• The modern architecture of Rotterdam
• The historic charm of Antwerp
• Beautiful Dutch harbour towns
• Vibrant city life in Amsterdam
• Relaxed riverside sailing through some of Europe’s most picturesque landscapes

River cruising allows you to unpack once while multiple destinations come to you. There is no need to worry about changing hotels, organising transport or constantly packing and unpacking – you simply wake up somewhere new each day.

Did I mention how good the wi-fi  is?  I even got some bookings done.

Would I recommend VIVA ONE?

Absolutely.

VIVA ONE offers a modern, relaxed style of river cruising that would appeal to both first‑time river cruisers and those looking for something a little different.

The ship was comfortable, the itinerary was excellent and the pace of the holiday was exactly what river cruising does best – allowing you to explore fascinating destinations while still having time to relax and enjoy the journey.

More than anything, though, this cruise gave Connor and me the chance to make some wonderful memories together. I had been promising to take him to ARTIS Zoo in Amsterdam for years, and this trip finally made it happen.

River cruising often surprises people who think it is only for a certain type of traveller. In reality, if you enjoy exploring new places, love waking up somewhere different each morning and appreciate travelling in comfort without the hassle of moving hotels, it is one of the most rewarding ways to see Europe.

Having now experienced VIVA ONE myself, I can say it is a ship I would happily sail on again, and an itinerary I would happily talk about for a long time to come.