MS Normandie
On joining this vessel you are immediately aware of the cosy and informal ambience on board. On the upper deck you will find the comfy panorama salon with its bar and the small sauna (advance booking at the reception only) on the main deck the comfortable restaurant (no direct access from the cabin-zone). On deck there are both deck chairs and ordinary chairs and tables, which encourage conversation and communal activity in fresh air. MS Normandie possesses altogether
two 1-bed-cabins and forty-nine 2-bed-cabins. They are all outside cabins, giving some 10-11 square metres of space (2-bed) and about 7 qm (1-bed). All 2-bed-cabins on main and upper deck are equipped with two lower beds, shower and WC, hairdryer, TV, safe (deposit), central air-conditioning and a picture window. Only on the upper deck the windows may be opened. 1-bed cabins have one lower bed and are otherwise equipped with same features.
Tour
Individual arrival in Rotterdam-Schiedam. Embarkation takes place at around 4 pm. Beforehand, it is well worth visiting the impressive Rotterdam Market Hall, often referred to by the Dutch as their “answer to the Sistine Chapel”. At around 6 pm, it is time to cast off! Your ship sets course for Dordrecht, the oldest city in Holland.
Early in the morning, your ship takes you to Willemstad, a charming little fortress town dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. With its historic atmosphere and freshly caught fish served in many restaurants, this peaceful town is a lovely place to linger. This is where your first cycling stage begins. Via the Volkerakdam, you cross the inland waters of the Haringvliet before continuing through open fields and picturesque farming villages to Hellevoetsluis, a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts.
Before you get on your bike, it is well worth taking a stroll through the extensive harbour and making a short detour to the old lighthouse in the south of the town. Afterwards, your cycling route takes you across the Haringvliet, through small villages such as Stellendam, agricultural towns like Melissant, and the popular water sports destination Herkingen with its large marina. Via the Grevelingendam, you finally reach the mussel village of Bruinisse.
Today, a visit to the Watersnood Museum is highly recommended along the way. Here, you will gain an impressive insight into the devastating flood disaster of 1953 and the “drowned” village of Viane, which was flooded and never rebuilt afterwards. You then continue to Zierikzee, considered one of the most beautiful historic monument towns in the Netherlands. From afar, you can already see the mighty “Dikke Toren”, rising high above the town. Afterwards, you cycle across the impressive Zeelandbrug to today’s destination, Veere. In this charming harbour town, where richly laden ships from Scotland once docked, elegant yachts now line the waterfront.
Your cycling tour takes you to the former artificial work island of Neeltje Jans, which was specially created during the construction of the impressive Oosterschelde Storm Surge Barrier, part of the world-famous Delta Works. Here, you can admire the enormous floodgates up close and, if you wish, even explore them from the inside. The adjacent Deltapark Neeltje Jans offers fascinating insights into the underwater world of the Oosterschelde and the lives of sea lions (optional).
Today, discover Middelburg, the capital of Zeeland. Steeped in history, the city was once the most important trading city in the Netherlands after Amsterdam and still enchants visitors today with its unique charm. Numerous shops, cafés, and historic buildings invite you to explore and linger. During an optional guided city walk, you can learn many fascinating facts about this delightful town. Afterwards, your route continues through the typically Dutch landscape of the Walcheren peninsula. Look forward to wide beaches, forests, and dunes.
Today, another real highlight awaits you: the famous windmills of Kinderdijk. The 19 well-preserved mills from the 18th century are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and rank among the most iconic landmarks in the Netherlands. Afterwards, you continue cycling along the Meuse to Rotterdam. There, you may take the opportunity to enjoy a harbour cruise through Europe’s largest deep-water port, with impressive views of the city’s skyline and modern architecture from the water.
After breakfast, your journey comes to an end with disembarkation in Rotterdam.
Itinerary and programme changes:
The planned route is always subject to possible changes due to nautical, meteorological or organisational reasons. If, for example, a route cannot be travelled due to low water, high water, bad weather or construction work, the captain reserves the right to change the route for your safety. This is not a legally valid reason for cancelling the trip free of charge. The same applies in the event of officially ordered lock or bridge repairs or in the event of engine or propulsion damage to the ship through no fault of the captain.
As your ship usually sails to the next harbour on the same day, your time frame for your own activities and sightseeing is limited. On some bridges, the clearance height is so low that the sun deck is closed for your safety.
Fuel surcharge:
A fuel surcharge, which may apply due to the sharp rise in fuel prices, is not included in the cruise price and must be paid in cash on arrival on board the ship. We will inform you of the amount of the surcharge, if any, approx. 4 weeks before arrival.
Prices / Dates
With the MS Normandie, you can also discover the Southern Route of Holland by bike and boat.
Services / Info
- 7 nights in outside cabins in the booked cabin category
- Itinerary as per the travel plan from/to Rotterdam-Schiedam
- Full board (7 breakfasts, 6 packed lunches or afternoon snacks, 6 afternoon coffee and tea breaks, 7 three-course dinners)
- Welcome drink
- Daily cabin cleaning
- Bed linen and towel changes as needed
- All port, bridge, and lock fees
- Onboard tour guide
- Daily bike tour briefing
- Digital route guidance via smartphone app
Below you will find specific information about the bike and boat tour in Zeeland. If you have further questions about this trip, you simply call us: Phone: 06421 – 886890.
Arrival by train
Rotterdam is easily accessible by train. You can conveniently find current schedule and fare information at www.bahn.de. You will receive the exact arrival platform for your travel date with your travel documents approximately two weeks before arrival.
Train Information
Arrival by car - Valet Parking
If you are travelling by car, we recommend that you use the Valet Pakring service, which we offer with pick-up and drop-off service. You will receive a registration form with your travel documents.
With valet parking, you drive your own car to the ship, from where your car is driven by a driver to a supervised parking area. A driver will be waiting for you in front of the ship to help you with your luggage. The driver, who is familiar with the area and the vehicle, will take your car to a car park where your car will be parked under constant camera surveillance. When you return from your journey, your car will be at the docking point in Amsterdam within approx. 30 minutes of your call, so that you can get in and drive off straight away.
Advantages of the Holidaysextras parking service
No waiting times, no loss of time, no bus journey to get on/off/change buses, no need to carry luggage. As you book in advance, you can be sure that a parking space is available. You will be at your destination immediately, without having to take a taxi or public transport. Your car is parked safely and guarded. Reliable and responsible drivers with the appropriate documents will take care of your vehicle. Holidaysextras is cheaper than many public car parks in Rotterdam and is available around the clock.
What does the Holidaysextras valet parking service cost?
Valet Parking: For approx. €190.00 (May 2026) you park your vehicle (car) securely and guarded for a week including 2 x transfer service of your car.
On Saturdays, arrivals are possible from 1.00 pm to 5.00 pm and departures from 7.30am to 9am. Arrivals and departures outside the regular operating hours are only possible with advance notice and at an extra charge. The surcharge is €80,00 (payment on site).
Please select "Valet Parking" in the booking form and be sure to enter the ship name of your booked trip under "Ship name" so that valet parking can be made possible. This is only possible after the payment process.
Information and booking Valet Parking
Luggage
For reasons of space, we would like to ask you to refrain from luggage with a hard shell, the storage space in the cabin is very limited!
Condition of the cycle paths
The large number of cycle paths makes Zeeland a paradise for cyclists. The routes are generally flat and can be classified as easy. Occasionally, the wind may add a slightly sporty challenge, but from a technical point of view, the routes are mostly easy to ride.
Available rental bikes
So-called unisex bikes are available (suitable for men and women). They have a 7-speed gear shift with coaster brake and are available in different frame sizes. Please enter therefore your weight when booking the tour. On request and extra charge some electric bikes can be made available.
Bring your own bikes
Due to the limited space available on the sun deck, it is only possible to take your own bike on board on request and only to a limited extent. Please note that only e-bikes with a removable battery can be taken on board.
Extra costs which are not included in the tour price
Arrival and departure, parking fees, transfers to the pier, drinks and coffee and tea after 4 pm, rental bikes, entrance fees and excursion fees, ferry fees and fees for the Waterbus, personal insurance, tips and personal expenses are not included in the tour price.
A fuel surcharge, which may apply due to the sharp rise in fuel prices, is not included in the cruise price and must be paid in cash on arrival on board the ship. We will inform you of the amount of the surcharge, if any, approx. 4 weeks before arrival.
7-days hotline service
In case of chain breakdown, flooding or other bad surprises that makes a continuation of your tour impossible: no problem, we also work during weekends and you can reach us 7 days a week in case of emergency.
Passport and visa requirements
For EU citizens, there are no special passport or visa requirements and no health formalities to be considered for this trip.
Travel insurance
The tour price already includes the statutory insolvency insurance. In addition, we recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance upon receipt of your travel confirmation in order to protect yourself against financial disadvantages in the event of travel cancellation, interruption of travel, illness or accident.
Velociped can withdraw from the tour twenty-one days before the starting date of the tour, at the latest, in case the minimum number of participants stated under the tour description is not attained. You will duly be informed without any delay in case of a withdrawal. Velociped will of course refund the paid tour price immediately. Please note our General Terms and Conditions.
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Siri Nuphim
