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27 June 2025 by Pippa McCarthy
It’s always a thrill to spend time in Amsterdam – such a vibrant and dynamic city, sliced up into countless picturesque neighbourhoods by an intricate network of 165 canals and about 1,200 bridges. My most recent trip to the Dutch capital was sure to be all the more exciting, as I would be embarking on my first ever luxury river cruise aboard Uniworld's five-star boutique ship, S.S. Victoria, sailing along the Rhine from Amsterdam to Antwerp.
Arriving in Amsterdam
Spring is definitely one of the best times of year to travel to this fascinating part of Northern Europe, with its wildflowers and tulips in full bloom, adding vivid splashes of colour to the windmill-dotted landscapes that have become so synonymous with this part of the world.
My two-night trip began at London St Pancras International station with a smooth Eurostar direct service to Amsterdam, travelling in Standard Class. The journey time is just over four hours, and although Standard Class is perfectly adequate, I do always recommend travelling in Eurostar Plus to enhance your experience. The seats are noticeably more comfortable with extra legroom and a complimentary meal and drinks included in the price.
Breakfast at Anantara Krasnapolsky is a special experience
On arrival at Amsterdam Central Station, it was a mere eight minute walk to my hotel, the five-star Anantara Krasnapolsky on Dam Square. That’s part of the beauty of Amsterdam – it’s incredibly easy to get around on foot, or indeed by bike, as so many of the locals do. I was made to feel like a VIP guest at the luxurious Hotel Anantara Krasnapolsky, which overlooks the National Monument and faces the Royal Palace. The reception staff were exceptional and service was first-class throughout my stay.
The excellent concierge at the Anantara Krasnapolsky will gladly help with any restaurant bookings and local recommendations, but I decided to explore Amsterdam on foot and look for a small off-the-beaten-track restaurant for dinner. I found the lovely Sebastian Restaurant, serving home made delicious pasta and pizza near Prinsengracht – a great find!
The highlight of my stay at the Anantara Krasnapolsky was the beautiful Belle Epoque 'Wintergarden', where a lavish breakfast is served daily. It’s genuinely one of the best hotel breakfasts I’ve ever had, made even more special by the addition of Champagne – the most indulgent way to start your day.
On board Uniworld’s S.S. Victoria
Uniworld's S.S Victoria – much like a luxury, floating hotel
The following morning, I arrived early at the dock in Amsterdam, very much looking forward to my luxury river cruise from Amsterdam to Antwerp in Belgium. From the moment I set foot on Uniworld's S.S. Victoria, I sensed straight away how incredible my first time on a river cruise was going to be. The sheer ease and speed of my check in on board and my welcome glass of Champagne in the lounge was the perfect way to start.
The S.S. Victoria is a luxury boutique river cruise ship which can carry up to 110 guests with 41 staff, and operates on Europe’s Rhine and Moselle rivers. It’s very well appointed with two incredibly spacious Royal Suites as well as ultra-comfortable Suites and Staterooms.
Suite accommodation on S.S. Victoria
The beautiful central lounge has floor-to-ceiling windows which let in plenty of natural light, and there’s also a stylish bar with plenty of comfortable seating and a piano for evening entertainment. There are even board games and books for guests to enjoy while relaxing on board.
The Bistro next door has a coffee machine and snacks and the top deck has ample space to soak up the sun while enjoying a drink at the Vista Bar and watching the delightful scenery go by. Guests also have access to a small pool and a gym, while Uniworld offers a multitude of daily excursions that showcase the many captivating destinations throughout each journey.
The lounge on S.S Victoria
The dining experience on board was outstanding at every meal – a huge choice of dishes, skillfully prepared by the resident chefs using only the finest locally sourced ingredients. Every meal truly felt like I was dining in a five-star restaurant! Uniworld offers a huge choice of dishes and caters for every dietary requirement, including healthier options with their ' Travelling lite' menu.
For my first ever river cruise, Uniworld's S.S. Victoria certainly exceeded all my expectations and I will be sure to return again to discover and experience more of their European and worldwide collection. I thoroughly recommend travelling with Uniworld as a really seamless and luxurious way to explore many fascinating places on a single trip – all from a totally unique vantage point.
