The Perfect “Pre-Boarding” Base: Hotel Estherea and Amsterdam’s Greatest Hits (and Bites)
Before we even stepped foot on our Longship, our group spent a few days in Amsterdam. While many travelers opt for the large chain hotels near the station, we tucked ourselves into Hotel Estherea on the Singel canal.
It’s a 17th-century gem that feels more like an eccentric relative’s luxury estate than a hotel. Between the crystal chandeliers and the velvet-clad library, it was the perfect place to gather our group of 16 for a glass of wine before heading out.
The Secret: They offer complimentary coffee, tea, and Dutch sweets all day in the lobby—a lifesaver when you’re fighting jet lag before the cruise begins.
Book the deluxe room for extra space and request breakfast, it was incredible.
We kept our Amsterdam days packed but balanced. We did the “Must-Dos”: the Anne Frank House (book your tickets months in advance—no joke!), the Rembrandt House, and a classic canal cruise to see the city from the water level. We even timed it perfectly for the tulips at Keukenhof Gardens.
But the real highlights were the dinners. If you want a break from Dutch pancakes, head to Il Panorama. It’s a cozy Italian spot right on the Herengracht canal with incredible pasta. For something with a bit more “vibe,” we loved Mata Hari in the heart of the city. It has this hip, bohemian energy and a history as a former gambling house—definitely a spot that makes you feel like a local, not a tourist.
5 Hidden Secrets of the Viking Longships
Once we finally boarded the ship, the real “learning curve” began. For first-timers, these five tips will change how you cruise:
1. The “BYOB” Freedom (No Corkage!)
One of the best-kept secrets is that Viking has zero corkage fees. We picked up local bottles of wine while exploring the Nine Streets in Amsterdam and brought them right to the dinner table. The staff will open them for you at no charge.
2. The Aquavit Terrace: The Best Seat in the House
Most people head to the main dining room for breakfast and lunch. Instead consider the Aquavit Terrace at the bow of the ship. It offers the same food but with indoor-outdoor seating. Because it’s at the very front, you get a 270-degree view of the Rhine castles that you simply can’t get from the side windows of the dining room.
3. The “Hidden” Heated Bathroom Floors
It sounds like a small thing until you wake up on a chilly morning in the Rhine Valley. Every cabin has heated bathroom floors. Look for the small dial near the door—it’s often overlooked, but it’s the ultimate luxury after a long day of walking on cobblestones.
4. The “Easy Walkers” Group
Traveling with 16 people means everyone has different energy levels. Viking offers an “Easy Walkers” group for every excursion. They take the elevators, avoid the steepest hills, and move at a gentler pace. It’s the best way to see the sights without feeling like you’re in a marathon.
5. The “Double-Docking” Reality Check
River cruise ports are narrow! Often, ships will park side-by-side (double-docking). You might open your curtains and find yourself looking directly into the cabin of another ship.
The Pro Tip: Check the daily program for docking times. If you’re docked for the afternoon, keep your sheers closed if you’re planning on changing clothes!
Final Thoughts
A river cruise is the most seamless way to see Europe, especially with a group. We were able to visit 4 countries within 7 days and only unpack 1 time. By the time we reached the end of our journey, our group of 16 felt like a small family. If you’re looking for a trip that balances the deep history of places like the Anne Frank House with the simple luxury of a heated floor and a glass of local wine, the Rhine is calling.
