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Which cruises start from Amsterdam Royal Caribbean?

  • Cruisefinderpro
  • 2 December 2025

Royal Caribbean Departures From Amsterdam

Why Amsterdam Is a Popular Royal Caribbean Homeport

Amsterdam offers an unbeatable combination of accessibility, history, and stunning scenery. It is well-connected to the rest of Europe by air, rail, and road, making it a favorite for travelers embarking on cruises. Royal Caribbean uses the city primarily for Northern Europe and fjord itineraries, as well as occasional Baltic and longer repositioning sailings.

With cruise terminals located close to the city center, passengers can enjoy the perfect blend of exploration and convenience. Whether you're sailing for a week or setting off on a lengthy adventure, Amsterdam's vibrant atmosphere sets the tone for an unforgettable journey.

Royal Caribbean Ships That Cruise From Amsterdam

Seasonal Deployment in Amsterdam

Royal Caribbean adjusts its ships based on seasonal demand, routing, and itinerary planning. Over the years, the following ships have been deployed from Amsterdam:

Jewel of the Seas

A Radiance Class ship known for:

  • Panoramic glass walls

  • Outdoor viewing decks

  • Intimate atmosphere

  • Excellent Northern Europe itineraries

Serenade of the Seas

A sister ship to Jewel, featuring:

  • Expansive ocean views

  • Relaxing lounges

  • Perfect fleet size for smaller ports in Norway

Brilliance of the Seas

A Radiance Class favorite offering:

  • Floor-to-ceiling windows

  • Comfortable cabins

  • Great dining options

These midsized ships are perfect for navigating fjords, narrow channels, and ports where larger ships cannot dock—making them ideal for Northern Europe sailings.

Major Itineraries Starting From Amsterdam

Royal Caribbean serves a wide variety of destinations from Amsterdam, with itineraries ranging from quick getaways to extended adventures. These routes showcase Northern Europe's dramatic beauty, charming coastal towns, and historic capitals.

Norwegian Fjords Cruises from Amsterdam

One of the most sought-after cruises from Amsterdam is the Norwegian Fjords itinerary, offering stunning landscapes, quiet villages, and UNESCO-listed scenery.

Typical Ports on Fjord Sailings

  • Geiranger – breathtaking waterfalls

  • Flam – world-famous scenic railway

  • Bergen – colorful waterfront & mountains

  • Alesund – art nouveau charm

  • Olden – glaciers & serene lakes

Why Choose a Fjords Itinerary

  • Cooler summer climate

  • Nature-rich experiences

  • Majestic views from deck and shore

For travelers wanting calming scenery, photography opportunities, and a slower pace, fjords itineraries are unbeatable.

Northern Europe Cruises from Amsterdam

These itineraries explore the diverse cultures of Northern Europe, offering historic capitals, modern coastal cities, and a mix of arts, architecture, and culinary experiences.

Common Ports on Northern Europe Sailings

  • Copenhagen – canals, palaces, and modern culture

  • Oslo – Viking history & fjord panoramas

  • Helsinki – unique Scandinavian design

  • Tallinn – medieval old town charm

  • Stockholm – archipelago beauty

Highlights of These Journeys

  • Multi-country itineraries

  • Smooth sailing waters

  • Ideal blend of nature and vibrant city life

Northern Europe cruises are perfect for culture lovers, families, and cruisers wanting a blend of urban exploration and scenic sailing.

Baltic Cruises From Amsterdam

Although Royal Caribbean adjusts its Baltic deployment each season, Amsterdam has historically been a major departure point for Baltic adventures.

These voyages combine medieval towns, modern cities, and centuries of history into a single itinerary.

Expected Stops on Baltic Routes

  • Stockholm, Sweden

  • Tallinn, Estonia

  • Riga, Latvia

  • Klaipeda, Lithuania

  • Helsinki, Finland

Why Baltic Itineraries Stand Out

  • Immersive historical discovery

  • Distinct cultures across close distances

  • Unique architecture and heritage

Baltic cruises are among the most educational and globally enriching itineraries available from Amsterdam.

Detailed Overview of All Itinerary Categories From Amsterdam

Short Northern Getaways (5–7 Nights)

These are ideal for travelers seeking a quick holiday without long travel days.

Typical Ports

  • Bruges (Zeebrugge)

  • Hamburg

  • Oslo

  • Copenhagen

Best For

  • First-time cruisers

  • Weekend and short-break travelers

  • Families and couples wanting an easy escape

Norwegian Fjords Explorations (7–12 Nights)

These sailings provide a deep dive into Norway’s natural wonders.

What You Can Expect

  • Scenic mountain sailing

  • Glacial lakes

  • Awe-inspiring cliffs

  • Laid-back Nordic ports

Why Choose This Route

  • Cool summer temperatures

  • Relaxing yet adventure-filled

  • Photogenic landscapes

Baltic Capitals (10–14 Nights)

Baltic routes offer some of the richest cultural experiences.

Journey Highlights

  • Medieval old towns

  • Unique Scandinavian and Eastern European influences

  • Rich art, music, and culinary traditions

Who Will Love It

  • History enthusiasts

  • Architecture lovers

  • Cultural explorers

Arctic Circle & Icelandic Routes

Some seasons feature Arctic and Iceland voyages—truly bucket-list journeys.

Ports May Include

  • Reykjavik

  • Akureyri

  • Honningsvåg (North Cape)

  • Tromsø

What Makes Them Special

  • Midnight sun (seasonal)

  • Volcanic landscapes

  • Geothermal wonders

  • Rare wildlife sightings

British Isles Cruises

Amsterdam-based ships sometimes sail around the British Isles in multi-country loops.

Common Ports

  • Dublin

  • Belfast

  • Glasgow

  • Liverpool

  • Edinburgh (Leith or South Queensferry)

Why This Is a Great Pick

  • Rich history

  • Celtic and British cultures

  • Varied landscapes and iconic cities

Transatlantic Sailings from Amsterdam

Occasionally Royal Caribbean offers repositioning cruises from Amsterdam to North America.

Typical Ports Include

  • UK coastal towns

  • Iceland

  • Greenland (seasonal)

  • Canada

  • Northeastern USA

Reasons to Choose a Transatlantic Cruise

  • Many relaxing sea days

  • High-value pricing

  • Unique route across the ocean

Why Choose Amsterdam as Your Cruise Starting Point?

Seamless Travel Experience

Amsterdam is one of Europe's most efficient cities, making embarkation incredibly easy.

Key Advantages

  • Well-connected airport (AMS)

  • International train hub

  • Modern cruise terminals

  • Easy access to hotels & city attractions

A Perfect Pre-Cruise City

Travelers often extend their stay to discover Amsterdam.

Popular Pre-Cruise Activities

  • Canal tours

  • Anne Frank House

  • Van Gogh Museum

  • Rijksmuseum

  • Bicycling through the city

Beautiful Sail-Away Views

Departing Amsterdam is a scenic highlight.

Expect To See:

  • Historic waterfronts

  • Traditional Dutch architecture

  • Windmills and green countryside as you exit the river IJ

Tips for Choosing the Best Amsterdam Cruise

Identify Your Travel Style

Relaxation Seekers → Norwegian Fjords

Cool weather, calm ports, relaxing nature.

History Lovers → Baltic Capitals

Deep cultural significance and ancient towns.

Explorers → Arctic or Iceland Routes

Raw, untouched natural landscapes.

Select by Cruise Length

Shorter routes focus on Northern ports; longer ones cover multiple regions.

Short (5–7 nights)

Quick European getaways

Medium (7–12 nights)

Fjords & Northern Europe

Long (10–16 nights)

Baltic, Arctic, or transatlantic

Consider Ship Features

Radiance Class ships offer:

  • Glass-themed architecture

  • Excellent ocean views

  • Ideal size for fjords and smaller ports

Perfect for scenic destinations.

Cruises Starting From Amsterdam Offer Some of Royal Caribbean’s Best European Itineraries

If you're researching which cruises start from Amsterdam Royal Caribbean, the answer is wonderfully diverse. Amsterdam acts as a gateway to Norway’s majestic fjords, the cultural capitals of Northern Europe, the dramatic landscapes of Iceland, and even long-distance transatlantic journeys. With its convenient location, modern terminals, and stunning waterways, Amsterdam provides one of the most scenic and enjoyable cruise embarkation experiences in Europe.

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or seasoned traveler, Royal Caribbean’s Amsterdam departures deliver the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and comfort—making them an excellent choice for your next ocean holiday.

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