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Dutch Waterways with a Dog, MS CLASSICA

Dog-friendly river cruise through Holland from/to Cologne

River cruise
8 Days / 7 Nights
Self guided
easy
from
€1,399
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from
€1,399
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The essentials at a glance

Dog-friendly river cruise through Germany and the Netherlands aboard MS CLASSICA. The route follows the Rhine and Meuse rivers, visiting Duisburg, Arnhem, Rhenen, Wijk bij Duurstede, Tiel, Nijmegen, Cuijk, Emmerich, Wesel, Düsseldorf, and Zons. All-inclusive dining with beverage package included. Dogs up to 25 kg or 50 cm shoulder height permitted. On-board dog trainer and special dog relief area on sun deck. Leash required in all guest areas.

Holland’s Waterways with Your Dog

This special river cruise combines peaceful river scenery, historic towns and adventures on four paws. During this week-long cruise through the Netherlands, discover varied waterways, charming Dutch towns and the vibrant cities of Arnhem and Nijmegen. Beautiful natural surroundings, Dutch hospitality and diverse excursions ashore make this holiday a memorable getaway for you and your four-legged friend.

Dutch Waterways with a Dog, MS CLASSICA
easy
River cruise
8 Days / 7 Nights
Self guided
from
€1,399
Calculate price
Book now
Book

Tour Details

Board the ship in Cologne together with your four-legged friend. Embarkation begins at 3:30 p.m., and your relaxing river cruise starts at around 5 p.m. Make yourself comfortable on board and enjoy your first few hours together on the Rhine while the scenery gently passes by. At around 10 p.m., your ship arrives in Duisburg.

In the morning, your ship departs from Duisburg and sets course for the Netherlands. Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Rhine before arriving in Arnhem in the afternoon.

With its green parks and riverside promenade, this Dutch city offers wonderful opportunities for longer walks with your four-legged friend. The extensive Sonsbeek Park, with its old trees, ponds and waterfalls, is particularly inviting for exploring together. The city centre, with its charming streets and squares, is also easy to discover on foot. Your ship remains in Arnhem overnight.

In the morning, you say goodbye to Arnhem and continue to Rhenen. At around noon, your ship docks in this small Dutch town. Rhenen enjoys an attractive location on the Lower Rhine and is surrounded by nature. During a walk with your dog, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and admire the striking Cunera Church, which can be seen from afar and dominates the town’s skyline.

In the afternoon, the cruise continues to Wijk bij Duurstede. This historic small town welcomes you with typical Dutch charm. Narrow lanes, old houses and the famous windmill on the outskirts provide a lovely setting for a relaxing evening walk with your four-legged friend. Your ship remains in Wijk bij Duurstede overnight.

In the morning, your ship departs from Wijk bij Duurstede and arrives in Tiel at around 11 a.m. This small town lies in the heart of the Betuwe, the Netherlands’ renowned fruit-growing region, and is ideal for a leisurely walk through the centre or along the waterfront.

In the afternoon, you continue your journey through the varied Dutch river landscape, with its dykes, meadows and small towns. At around 6 p.m., you arrive in Nijmegen. The oldest city in the Netherlands combines a vibrant centre with beautiful paths along the River Waal. The riverside promenade is particularly inviting for a walk together and offers lovely views of the river and the distinctive Waal Bridge. Your ship remains in Nijmegen overnight.

The morning is yours to continue exploring Nijmegen. During a walk through the historic city centre, discover charming squares, narrow lanes and numerous traces of the city’s long history. If you and your four-legged friend prefer spending time outdoors, you will also find plenty of lovely walking routes around the city.

At around 1 p.m., your ship departs from Nijmegen and sets course for Cuijk, where you arrive in the afternoon. Situated directly on the River Meuse, Cuijk looks back on a long history dating to Roman times. The riverbanks and paths around the town offer plenty of opportunities for a relaxing walk with your dog. You spend the evening in Cuijk.

In the morning, it is time to say goodbye to the Netherlands. Your ship departs from Cuijk at around 9 a.m. and heads back towards Germany. Sit back, relax and enjoy the passing river scenery once more before arriving in Emmerich in the afternoon.

This town on the Lower Rhine is best known for its long riverside promenade. It is a wonderful place to walk with your four-legged friend while watching the activity on the river. Cafés and restaurants line the promenade and invite you to take a short break. The impressive Rhine Bridge, one of the town’s landmarks, also offers beautiful views of the river. Your ship remains in Emmerich overnight.

Your ship departs from Emmerich early in the morning and cruises upstream along the Rhine towards Wesel. At around 10 a.m., it docks here for a short stay. Take the opportunity to enjoy some fresh air with your dog before your river cruise continues towards Düsseldorf.

In the afternoon, you arrive in the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia. Düsseldorf is particularly enjoyable to explore during a walk along the Rhine promenade. From here, it is only a short distance to the Old Town with its narrow lanes and historic buildings. The extensive green spaces along the Rhine also offer your four-legged friend plenty of room for a longer walk.

At around 7 p.m., your ship departs from Düsseldorf and begins the final stage of the journey to Zons, where you arrive late in the evening. This medieval former customs stronghold, with its well-preserved town wall, old towers and narrow lanes, provides an atmospheric conclusion to your cruise.

In the early morning, your ship departs from Zons and sets course for Cologne one last time. Enjoy breakfast as you cruise along the Rhine before returning to your starting point at around 9 a.m.

Disembarkation in Cologne takes place between 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., followed by your individual journey home with many wonderful holiday memories to share.

 

Tour Character

Map showing cycling route from Cologne through Düsseldorf, Duisburg, Wesel, Emmerich, Arnheim, Nijmegen, Cuijk, Tiel, Rhenen to Wijk bij Duurstede along Rhine and Waal.

Ihr Schiff

Prices and dates

Prices per person in EUR

Services & Information

Included services

  • Dog-friendly river cruise aboard MS CLASSICA ☀️☀️☀️+ according to the itinerary
  • 7 nights in the selected cabin category in an outside cabin with shower/WC
  • Luggage transfer from the ship’s landing stage to your cabin and back
  • All-inclusive dining on board: 7 breakfasts, 6 four-course lunches, 6 afternoon coffee/tea services with pastries, 6 four-course dinners, 1 five-course gala dinner and 7 light midnight snacks
  • Beverage package: House wine, draught beer, alcohol-free beer, soft drinks, juices, coffee/tea and mineral water from 8 a.m. to midnight
  • On-board cruise director
  • Dog trainer on board

Services not included

Travel to and from Cologne, parking fees, transfers, charge for a second dog, dog food, muzzle, admission and sightseeing fees, excursions, city maps, travel insurance, gratuities, additional beverages and personal expenses.

Important information about travelling with a dog

One dog with a maximum weight of 25 kg or a shoulder height of up to 50 cm may travel in each cabin.

If two dogs are accommodated in a standard cabin, both must have a shoulder height of less than 30 cm. Two dogs may also travel in the Junior Suite and cabin 223 (triple cabin), subject to the standard requirements stated above.

Dog breeds classified as dangerous under the regulations of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia cannot be accepted on board.

Dogs must be house-trained and sociable. Female dogs in heat may be excluded from the cruise if they significantly disrupt the daily routine.

Each dog requires an EU pet passport, a valid rabies vaccination and a microchip for identification. We also recommend bringing a muzzle in case it is needed due to increased stress, particular circumstances or local regulations ashore.

Dogs must be kept on a lead while on board. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs.

Life on board with your dog

Everyone on board is committed to ensuring that you and your dog enjoy a wonderful holiday. With many dogs travelling together, a few house rules naturally need to be observed. Dogs are welcome in all guest areas on board provided they are kept on a lead. However, we recommend that you do not bring your dog into the restaurant. The wellness area with indoor pool and sauna is reserved for dog owners.

Fresh drinking water is available both in the public areas and in your cabin. Please bring your dog’s usual food with you. Fresh or raw food (BARF) can be refrigerated or frozen on board. Treats are available at reception and during the complimentary dog-training sessions. The cruising schedule has been specially arranged to allow for regular walks ashore. A small grassed relief area for dogs is available on the sun deck while the ship is sailing. The turf is watered throughout the cruise and completely replaced once a week.

Embarkation from 3:30 p.m.

Disembarkation between 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.

Minimum number of participants 100 guests, to be reached no later than 21 days before arrival

Excursion programme Excursions can only be booked directly on board. Brief descriptions will be provided with your travel documents.

Changes to the schedule and programme may be necessary. If a section of the route cannot be navigated due to low or high water levels, adverse weather conditions or similar circumstances, the captain reserves the right to alter the itinerary for your safety. Such changes do not entitle passengers to cancel the cruise free of charge. The same applies to officially ordered lock or bridge repairs that were not announced in advance.

Additional information Please bear in mind that your river cruise ship is both your “floating hotel” and a working vessel. It is powered by engines and must be operated continuously, including at night and when passing through locks or beneath bridges. Guests who are particularly sensitive to noise are advised to bring earplugs. Some disturbance when passing through locks is unavoidable.

Travel documents EU citizens without special circumstances, such as dual citizenship, permanent residence abroad or provisionally issued travel documents, require a valid identity card or passport for this cruise. The document must remain valid for at least six months after the end of the cruise. If you hold a different or more than one nationality, or if special legal provisions apply to you, please contact the relevant consulate for information about visa and entry requirements. This cruise is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility.

We recommend taking out travel health insurance that includes repatriation, as well as accident, baggage and trip cancellation insurance.

Pia Blechschmidt with long brown hair wearing a blue hoodie, smiling at camera in a modern office space with large windows.

I would be happy to help you plan your trip!

Pia Blechschmidt

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