Feenstra Rijn Lijn

Since September 2025, Feenstra Rijn Lijn has operated under the name Feenstra Riviercruises, combining Dutch river-cruise traditions with voyages on the Rhine, Moselle, through the Netherlands and Belgium, and on the Main and Danube. Based in Arnhem, the company acts as an intermediary between travelers and the respective ship owners. The vessels featured in its travel program include the Serenade II.

Captain-Owners and Ships

Feenstra Rijn Lijn grew out of an alliance of captain-owners. Early members included Koudenburg with the Azolla, Reitsma with the Solaris, Nooitgedacht with the Patria, and H. van Dodewaard with the Avanti. This combination of ship operation and entrepreneurial responsibility shaped the young company. Today, travelers encounter the brand as a provider and broker of river cruises: the ships belong to various shipping companies, while Feenstra puts together the travel packages and acts as an intermediary between ship owners and guests. Ships featured in Feenstra’s program include Serenade 2, Serenade 1, Salvinia, Rembrandt van Rijn, Horizon, and Johann Strauss.

History

Feenstra’s river cruises began in 1949, when Willem Feenstra made his ship Tijdgeest available for a holiday trip organized by office workers. In the early years, voyages departed from Leeuwarden; as the focus shifted to Rhine cruises, the departure point moved to Arnhem. After the former Feenstra shipping company ceased operations, captain-owners joined forces in 1981 to form Feenstra Rijn Lijn; the company was established in Arnhem. In September 2025, the company continued the Feenstra Rijn Lijn brand under the name Feenstra Riviercruises.

Destinations and Onboard Experience

The 2026 program groups cruises along Dutch and Belgian waterways, the Rhine and Moselle, and the Main and Danube. Seasonal highlights include spring cruises, Christmas market trips, and holiday cruises. Specific examples range from the five-day spring cruise “Nederland in bloei” through Zeeland and Flanders to a 13-day Rhine cruise to Basel. The duration and vessel are specified for each individual itinerary; departures from Rotterdam also provide access to routes linking Dutch waterways with the Rhine. The 2027 program includes a cruise from Rotterdam to Rüdesheim aboard the Serenade 2, scheduled for September 14. The cruise experience includes full board and a Dutch-speaking tour guide; depending on the itinerary, shore excursions complement the time spent ashore. Current cruises from Feenstra Riviercruises.