Flights
Flights are currently possible from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Stansted, Bristol, Liverpool and Edinburgh airports subject to availability at time of booking the flights, and a supplement may apply. Alternative UK departure airports may become available, we will look at all options when you book.
• Flights include 1 checked in bag (usually no more than 20kgs) and 1 carry on bag per person – weight/size subject to airline rules.
• Flight duration around 1 hour.
• Transfer time Amsterdam Schipol Airport to ship around 40 mins each way subject to traffic.
Please call us on 01895 83 33 33 to discuss your flight requirements.
4-star Dutch Bulbfields & Amsterdam Cruise
5 days by Rail or Air, April 8th 2024, from £999 per person
Itinerary
Day 1: UK to Amsterdam
Mid-morning, escorted departure from St Pancras on the direct train to Amsterdam arriving mid-afternoon. Or depart from your chosen airport to Amsterdam. On arrival transfer to the MS Carmen. Dinner, free drinks and entertainment on board. Overnight in Amsterdam.
Day 2: Amsterdam to Enkhuizen
Morning at leisure in Amsterdam, or choose an optional guided walking tour or canal cruise. Amsterdam continues to enthral visitors with its maze of canals and waterways, distinctive architecture and cafe culture. With the world’s highest museum density, the city is home to the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, Hermitage Amsterdam and the Rijksmuseum with Rembrandt’s world- famous Nightwatch. Midday sailing with lunch to Enkhuizen, arriving mid afternoon. In Enkhuizen see the traditions of the Dutch fishing lifestyle from days gone by and perhaps visit the Zuiderzee folklore culture museum. Dinner, free drinks and entertainment on board. Overnight in Enkhuizen.
Day 3: Enkhuizen to Hoorn
Short sailing to Hoorn, arriving mid-morning. This historic city has a unique waterside location with an atmospheric and diverse shopping centre. Lunch on board. Optional (included) afternoon coach excursion to the quaint port of Volendam where the harbour is still busy with working boats. Overnight in Hoorn. Dinner, free drinks and entertainment on board. Overnight in Hoorn.
Day 4: Keukenhof & Amsterdam
After breakfast we join the coach for the included excursion to Keukenhof – departing from Hoorn and returning to Amsterdam. Lunch is not included on this excursion. These world famous gardens are where more than 7 million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths fill over 32 hectares with colour and fragrance. You can even cruise through the bulbfields in electric powered ‘whisper boats’ (not included). We rejoin the ship in Amsterdam. Those who do not want to visit Keukenhof can cruise from Hoorn to Amsterdam on MS Carmen. Dinner, free drinks and entertainment on board. Overnight in Amsterdam.
Day 5: Amsterdam to UK
After breakfast we disembark the ship and transfer to Amsterdam Central station to take the direct train to London St Pancras. Alternatively, transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.
Optional Excursions
• Amsterdam canal cruise £25pp
• OR Amsterdam guided walking tour £20pp
Note: Order and times of events and excursions may be subject to change.
Entertainment
Nancy Ann Lee is best known as “Little Miss Sixties” where she has received rave reviews for being one of the liveliest tributes to the 60s divas including Lulu whose songs make a huge contribution to the show. Remember Shout, Relight My Fire, Teardrops, The Man Who Sold the World, To Sir With Love and more.
Multi-talented Keith Slater has been a professional musician since 1981 and sings hits from the 60s to present day. He has performed with well known artistes Malcolm Stent, Don Maclean and in award winning bands Inheritance and Vivo.
Accommodation
MS Carmen
GN Holidays & Voyages is chartering the four-star MS Carmen & MS Otello for four exclusive cruises in 2024. The Carmen and her sister ship Otello, were built in 1995, completely renovated in 2017 by former owners Uniworld and further updated by present owners in 2023. They are identical in size and space and can accommodate up to 126 guests in a variety of well-equipped, en-suite cabins with hotel style beds.
The impressive Reception on the Upper deck gives access to the welcoming lounge and bar, with bar stools, easy chairs, booth style seating, a dance floor and state of the art entertainment equipment. The Sun deck has sun loungers, chairs and a panoramic, conservatory style bar so you can enjoy 360 degree views no matter the weather.
The restaurant features large picture windows and is light and airy with modern decor, furnishings and a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Diners can enjoy generous buffet breakfasts, three course lunches and four course dinners.
Facilities – Wifi is available throughout the ship, there is a coffee station available to guests 24/7 and a shop on board.
Ship’s stats – Length: 110 metres • Breadth: 11.40 metres • Max passenger Capacity: 126 • Passengers decks: 3
Note: MS Carmen shares its name with, but is not the MS Carmen we chartered before 2022.
Decks & Cabins
On the Upper deck you’ll find the reception, lounge and bar, plus *French Balcony suites, doubles and single (with double bed) cabins.
On the main deck is the restaurant and coffee station, plus standard double and single (with double bed) cabins – all with picture window.
There is a stair lift between the upper deck reception and the main deck.
Cabins all have a double hotel style bed, TV, Wifi, safe, hair dryer, individually controlled heating and cooling system, shower and WC.
*’French Balcony’ is a sliding patio door with a railing at waist height placed directly behind the glass – there isn’t a separate space/balcony you can walk out onto.
Please note: When docking ships can be moored side by side so views from the cabin may be obscured.
What Our Customers Say
Just to say how much we all enjoyed the Danube Fortunes Cruise. Our first holiday with you and our first river cruise, won't be the last. We've recommended your company to friends. Read more “‘Fortunes’ River Cruise”
Swiss Pearl is the best GN cruise we've been on - would certainly book a holiday on her again. Excellent crew, amazing food quality. Drinks inclusive was great - helps towards planning a more relaxed holiday. Read more “Swiss Pearl”
We have had a wonderful 4 day stay onboard the "Swiss Pearl". Everything has been great, with Sheena and Gareth looking after us. the ship's crew and GN Voyages staff have been marvellous in providing all we need for a very enjoyable holiday. Read more “Swiss Pearl”
