Fly to Amsterdam from a choice of regional airports or take the Eurostar from London St Pancras International, arriving in Brussels approximately two hours later, where you change trains connecting to Amsterdam. On arrival, a coach transfers you to your five-star cruise ship moored near the city centre and railway station. The dedicated crew welcomes you aboard, ensuring you settle in to your extremely comfortable and well-appointed cabin. There’s time to familiarise yourself with your first-class floating hotel before experiencing the chef’s specially chosen menu for your first dinner on board.
Breakfast is an on-board institution and you’re always assured of an enticing range of choices. We’re moored in the heart of delightful Amsterdam, and there’s no better way to explore than taking a classic glass-topped boat tour through the network of canals that infuse every aspect of life here. The tour brings a real insight into the history and everyday life of Amsterdam, a maritime, financial and cultural powerhouse uniquely located facing both the sea and the heartlands of Europe. As we glide over the calm canal waters, you’ll see a fascinating variety of typically Dutch narrow gabled buildings, bustling streets and historic bridges immortalised by the great artists, and learn about its famous canalside residents, from the tragic Anne Frank, who wrote her diaries hidden in a merchant’s house, to Rembrandt, the Dutch Old Master. A splendid buffet lunch awaits our return as we slip away from the quayside towards the IJsselmeer, the enormous inland lake created when the Zuiderzee was cut off from the North Sea by a series of dykes and dams. Our port of call is Hoorn, once a prosperous port of the Dutch East India Company. Reminiscent of another age, it’s a charming mix of imposing buildings dating from the 15th century onwards, brick-built warehouses, cobbled squares and twisting alleys. Hoorn’s ships traded the world over, with one sailor even naming the southern tip of South America after his home town – Cape Horn. There’s time to explore this intriguing spot and its boat-filled harbour, dominated by the distinctive 16th-century Head Tower, before returning to our cruise ship to enjoy dinner and maybe a nightcap in the lounge.
One of the most famous and distinguished poets of the Victorian era, Alfred, Lord Tennyson was Poet Laureate for over 40 years, with well-known works comprising 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' and ‘Ulysses'. We are honoured to announce that the MS Lord Tennyson will be joining the Riviera Travel fleet in 2021. As with all of our river cruisers, the 135-metre MS Lord Tennyson is being built to the finest specifications and strict safety regulations by Scylla AG, world-renowned builders of the most contemporary river cruise ships in Europe.
Welcome aboard through the opulent lobby with its beautifully polished marble floor and modern lighting. As you make your way through the ship, marvel at the stunning craftsmanship throughout; with sustainable hardwood furniture, shining copper and brass fixtures and intricate wrought-iron work throughout. The floating boutique hotel is finished with buttery leather and elegant Italian fabrics to lounge back in as you enjoy the convivial ambience and five-star experience.
With 44 staff serving just 169 guests, the experience is far more intimate and enjoyable. There are 88beautifully appointed cabins and suites, which all feature an en suite bathroom with shower, individually controlled air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe, minibar, telephone and facilities for making tea and coffee. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship. For information about life on board our European river cruise ships, click here.