Heart of Belgium & Holland (Northbound, MS Grace, Brussels to AMS)
I will take Heart of Belgium & Holland on the MS Grace in August 2026. Some posts in this forum seem to basically describe a very similar, if not exactly, the same itinerary, but by a different name. As noted in those similar itineraries, and in mine, Day 8 is all about departure from AMS with no touring, Day 7 is spent in Amsterdam. I was wondering whether the boat docks in AMS the night of Day 6. I ask because I have been to Amsterdam many times including just a couple of years ago, and might enjoy just flying home on Day 7. This would require the boat to dock either the night of Day 6 or very early on Day 7. Any experience or thoughts? Thanks so much.
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As a preface, I really wanted to take the Hidden Waterways tour but it was short-lived. It appears the “Heart of…..” has some of the same cities.
I looked at the itinerary and it appears the ship will leave Rotterdam in the evening of day six (6) and will be docked in Amsterdam when you awake on day seven (7). Nothing precludes you from flying home that day, but you will miss the farewell festivities that evening.
We all have different priorities but, with respect, I would never miss the opportunity to linger longer in one of my favorite European cities.
Looking at the tour you will be sailing from Rotterdam and most likely arriving overnight or early morning before 7. But that is not set in stone. Tauck may be able to confirm the time. The docking is based on the harbor master’s schedule. The boat docks on either side of the Centrall station. If you are not interested in the excursion choices, you can easily grab a train to other cities such as Haarlem, Leiden, The Hague, or Utrecht when you are in Antwerp, a great side tour if you have free time or skip the beer and museum is to take a tour of the Cathedral of our Lasy which can be booked through the cathedral website. It’s a little more extensive than on your walking tour. You can opt to climb the tower tour which gives you spectacular views
Ben, thanks for the suggestions for alternative sightseeing while in AMS.
I took the Hidden Waterways cruise last year; it was wonderful - sad to see it discontinued.