Avalon Luminary
Ship Facts
Ship's Registry: Germany
Passenger Capacity: 138
Crew Members: 39
Year Built: 2010
Length: 361 feet
Passenger Decks: 3
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Tulips in Amsterdam
Netherlands All-Lesbian River Cruise 2016
April 19 – 26, 2016
Avalon Waterways Avalon Luminary
Ever wonder what fields of tulips look like when they're in bloom? Curious to see The Netherlands' extensive waterways and picturesque villages? Join us on an intimate, 138-passenger all-lesbian riverboat cruise, and expand your horizons with the women of Olivia.
Your embarkation point for this journey is Haarlem, near Amsterdam, where you'll take an excursion to view the abundant tulip fields before sailing to Enkhuizen, a quaint fishing town with one of the largest marinas in the country. Animal lovers will be happy to know you'll visit Friesland, home of Friesian cattle and black Friesian horses.
You'll learn the history of the Batavia Shipyard in Lelystad, and sample local cheese and genever (a type of Dutch gin) while sailing to Kampen.
In Arnhem, you can take an optional excursion to the Airborn Museum Hartenstein (dedicated to the Battle of Arnhem during WWII) or one of our favorites, the Kröller-Müller Museum, with its private collection of Van Gogh and Monet art, among others. After your visit, enjoy a picnic and or take a bike ride around this beautiful parkland.
While in Rotterdam, take in its modern architecture or join a guided excursion to Gouda, famous for its cheese, syrup waffles, clay pipes and city hall. On your final day in Amsterdam, enjoy a guided canal tour through the elegant grachten, lined with stately homes dating back to the city's Golden Age, and take an optional tour of Keukenhof Gardens, home to hundreds of varieties of colorful tulips in bloom.
Your Entertainment
Lisa Koch
Daft. Demented. #SNORT. Picture Tina Fey meets Bette Midler with Joan Jett guitar chops... and you've got Seattle's Lisa Koch. An irreverent singer/comedian, out lesbian and sober chick, Koch ("Coke") is a deliciously twisted mix of comedy, theater, and tunes. She has recorded four solo CDs, is one-half of quirky sketch comedy duo, Dos Fallopia, and has shared the stage with the likes of Janis Ian, Kate Clinton, The Indigo Girls, and Steve Martin. She composed the Off-Broadway musical "27, Rue de Fleurus", has been seen on LOGO and Olivia Cruises, and actually had one of her songs sampled by Jay-Z. Lisa brings to Olivia her guitar, her wacky songs, and her musings on being a woman… from middle age to mammograms to singing vulvas.
Barbara Higbie
 A Grammy-nominated, Bammy award winning composer, pianist, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Barbara Higbie has performed on more than 65 albums, including Carlos Santana's 2007 release. Her latest CD, "Scenes from Life", a collection of cinematic instrumentals, will be released Oct. 21, 2014 on A-Train Entertainment. Higbie has 12 recordings to her credit as well as contributions to 10 compilations that have sold in the millions. Her two CDs with singer-songwriter Teresa Trull on Olivia/Second Wave and Slowbaby Records have won critical acclaim, a GLAMA Award and a devoted nationwide following. She is currently producing a piano concert series in Berkeley featuring her favorite pianists (such as Olivia recording artist Mary Watkins) in an intimate setting.
Your Ship - Avalon Luminary
The Avalon Luminary, brand new in 2010, is one of the latest additions to the Avalon Waterways river cruising fleet. This beautifully-designed ship features elegant polished metal and glass throughout, panoramic picture windows for easy sightseeing, and carries a maximum of 138 passengers. Avalon Luminary staterooms and suites are spacious and well appointed, with floor-to-ceiling windows on two decks. They feature a minimum of 172 square feet of space and are the largest of the European rivers today. After a day of sightseeing, relax in the lounge, or enjoy the whirlpool on the Sky Deck. The ship also boasts a fitness center, library, hair salon, bar, Wi-Fi hotspots, and spacious decks for sitting and sunning.
Some of the features and amenities you'll enjoy onboard:
• Access & Wi-Fi hotspots
• Elegant polished metal & glass throughout
• Onboard lectures, activities & nightly piano music
• Panoramic picture windows for landscape viewing
• Hair salon
• Fitness center
• Spacious Sky Decks with shade system for sunning
• 6-person whirlpool
• Lounge & Bar
• Complimentary coffee & tea available throughout the day
• Fine dining
• Buffet breakfast items are conveniently color coded to indicate foods that are low calorie, low fat/low calorie, high fiber, low cholesterol, and high energy
• Complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks included with all onboard dinners
• Open seating throughout the dining room for all meals
• Internet Corner
• Fitness Center
• Hair salon (manicures available)
• Lounges and upscale bar serving premium spirits
• Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees
• Onboard movie nights
• Avalon Choice cruising experience
• Behind-the-scenes ship tour
• Choice of Leisurely, Traditional or Independent sightseeing options
• Use of Nordic walking sticks
• Local Favorites onboard experiences with local chefs, entertainers, artisans & experts
• English-speaking TV channels with over 100 free movie options
• Sky Deck game area
• Fresh fruit available throughout the day
• Well-stocked library
• Selection of Local Favorites to bring the customs, cultures, and tastes of your destination to life
Dining:
• Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees
• Captain's reception with sparkling wine & canapés
• Welcome dinner
• Five-course farewell dinner
• Spacious, open-seating dining room
• Daily early-riser breakfast
• Daily late-riser breakfast
• Full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine and made-to-order egg station
• Complimentary juices with breakfast
• Sky Bistro on the Sky Deck
• Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
• Lunch buffet with carving and pasta stations
• Breakfast buffets with foods that are low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, and high energy
• Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
• Social hour and drink specials in Panorama Lounge
• Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
• Chef-inspired regional & Western recipes
• Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
• Complimentary wines, beer, or soft drinks with dinner
• Complimentary soft drinks with lunches
• Night Fare served at 10:30 pm
• Room service for Continental breakfast & beverages (service fee applies)
• Upscale bar serving premium spirits
• Healthy meal options
• Tastings - sample the destination's famous delicacies
• Coffee or tea after dinner
• Alternative light lunch
Deluxe Staterooms & Suites Amenities:
• Flatscreen satellite TV & radio
• Comfortable, hotel-style beds
• Comfortable beds that can be configured as two twins or one queen
• European-style duvets
• Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
• Private bathroom with shower
• Large closets
• Minibar, hairdryer & safe
• Individual climate control
• Royal Deck passengers can order Continental breakfast to their staterooms
• All staterooms are outside and those on Royal and Sapphire Decks have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and French balconies
• Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors in most staterooms
• French balconies in most staterooms
What is included?
• Transfer from our host hotel in Amsterdam to the ship on embarkation day, April 19, 2016
• Accommodations for 8 days/7 nights on one of the finest river boat cruises in Europe
• All meals while on board
• Cheeses from the regions each evening as a dessert option
• Local wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner and soft drinks during lunch
• Coffee, tea, juices during all meals
• Headsets for guided tours
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and internet corner
• Bottled water replenished in cabin daily
• Included sightseeing tours in each port
• Gratuities to ship crew & Avalon Cruise Director
• Two Olivia entertainers and Olivia programming
• Olivia Staff assistance throughout
What's not included?
• Transfer from the Amsterdam airport to the host hotel April 19, 2016
• Transfer from the ship to the airport on April 26, 2016
• Optional tours
• Porterage at host hotel in Amsterdam before included transfer to the ship (when dropping off luggage)
• Alcoholic beverages, additional bottled water and soft drinks (except where indicated)
• Tips to local guides
• Phone/Fax/Internet (wireless is included on board)
• Salon Services
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Tulips in Amsterdam
Netherlands Lesbian Cruise Itinerary
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Date |
Port |
Meals |
| 19 Apr |
Amsterdam - Haarlem, Netherlands |
D |
| 20 Apr |
Haarlem - Enkhuizen, Netherlands |
B, L, D |
| 21 Apr |
Friesland, Netherlands |
B, L, D |
| 22 Apr |
Lelystad - Kampen |
B, L, D |
| 23 Apr |
Gelderse Ijssel - Arnhem |
B, L, D |
| 24 Apr |
Rotterdam, Netherlands |
B, L, D |
| 25 Apr |
Amsterdam, Netherlands |
B, L, D |
| 26 Apr |
Amsterdam, The Netherlands |
B |
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Arrive into Amsterdam prior to 2:00pm. Transfer from the Olivia host hotel in Amsterdam to the ship is included and will depart at approximately 3:00pm. The ship is approximately 30 minutes from Amsterdam.
Flights can be for anytime on April 26 since the ship docks in Amsterdam near Central station the night prior (April 25, 2016).
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Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Transfer to Haarlem (Embarkation)
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
 Welcome to Amsterdam! The Netherlands's capital is sophisticated and modern, extremely lesbian- and gay-friendly and has a rich and fascinating history. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. Today, you'll meet at the Olivia Host Hotel for your included transfer to the ship in Haarlem at approximately 4 pm and meet your Olivia staff and ship's crew at a welcome reception with dinner.
Haarlem - Enkhuizen
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
 Tulip fields abound in this part of the country. This morning, an excursion takes you along the growing areas that look from afar like carpets of color. Take pictures and learn more about these flowers and how they were introduced into Holland from the Ottoman Empire (Turkey) in the 17th century. Rejoin your ship and over lunch, sail to Enkhuizen, situated at the most easterly point of North Holland. Enkhuizen is a quintessential fishing town with cobblestoned streets, a quaint town center, and one of the largest marinas in the Netherlands. It owes its prosperity to the Zuider Zee (now known as the IJsselmeer) during the "Golden Age." This afternoon, you have the choice to visit the Zuiderzee Museum, dedicated to the culture and history of this area. The museum focuses on the past and present of the IJsselmeer, and features living history, heritage, and crafts combining works from the past with works from the present. Alternatively, you may wish to join a "Dutch Experience" to meet some of the locals.
Friesland
Thursday, April 21, 2016
 Cruise across the IJsselmeer to southwest Friesland, a province rich in history and legends. As you sail, enjoy the scenic rural landscape along the river. Dock in Lemmer, from where our Friesland excursion departs. Primarily an agricultural region with a long history, Friesland is best known internationally for its famous black-and-white Friesian cattle and black Friesian horses. Visit the 18th-century Royal Eise Eisinga Planetarium, which has been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rejoin your ship in Sneek, where you dock overnight.
Lelystad - Kampen
Friday, April 22, 2016
 Today, enjoy a peaceful morning of cruising through this delightful area of Friesland. Spring is in the air, and the lush green landscape is coming alive. After docking in Lelystad, visit the Batavia Shipyard, where ships that were important to the Netherlands' maritime industry during the "Golden Age" are faithfully reconstructed by hand. Then, board the Batavia itself. Originally built in 1628 to sail to and from the East Indies, the Batavia wrecked on its maiden voyage on June 4, 1629 off the coast of Western Australia. It took 10 years—from 1985 to 1995—for a crew to reconstruct the ship using traditional construction materials. Back on board, we'll introduce you to local cheese and genever, traditionally drunk neat from a shot glass, as you sail to Kampen, where you dock overnight.
Gelderse Ijssel - Arnhem
Sarurday, April 23, 2016
 Another relaxing morning on board as you sail along the IJssel River, also known as the Gelderse IJssel, which is a branch of the Rhine River. Learn more about Holland at an onboard lecture and taste a sweet local specialty. After lunch, the choice is yours: perhaps visit the Airborne Museum Hartenstein, dedicated to the Battle of Arnhem, one of the major tragedies of WWII, or visit the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo with its world-renowned collection of mainly 19th- and 20th-century visual art. In the late afternoon, rejoin your ship in Arnhem.
Rotterdam
Sunday, April 24, 2016
 This morning, sail through the harbor of Rotterdam, said to be the world's busiest port. Leveled by German bombs in WWII, Rotterdam now has a modern, high-tech look. After an early lunch you may opt to join a guided excursion of Gouda, famous for its cheese, syrup waffles, clay pipes, and elaborate city hall. It is a typical Dutch city with many old buildings and pretty canals. Alternatively, you may wish to visit the gardens of Keukenhof near Lisse, which encompass over 70 acres of parkland with lakes, sculpture gardens, greenhouses, and a windmill to explore. Every year, 7 million flower bulbs are planted, and you have the opportunity to see the spectacular display of colors not only from the tulips, but also from hyacinths, daffodils, and more. Garden enthusiasts may opt to spend all day in Keukenhof.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Monday, April 25, 2016
 After breakfast, arrive in Amsterdam, where guided sightseeing is provided by canal boat. Cruise through the elegant grachten, lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam's "Golden Age." This afternoon is free or you may choose from a selection of optional excursions to make the most of your last day in Holland.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Disembarkation)
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. You may even plan to stay for our post-cruise vacation stretcher to enjoy King's Day, a national holiday in The Netherlands!
Traveler Info
Being Gay in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a very gay-friendly city. The Netherlands was the first country to legalize gay marriage. You can feel very secure holding hands and being yourself while walking the streets. We often work with "Pink Point," the main kiosk near the Homo monument to let them know we are arriving, and you will see many store fronts with Olivia signs, welcoming you all to Amsterdam!
Food
Traditional Dutch cuisine includes raw herring, meat, potatoes and oliebol (fried dough with currants and powdered sugar). Cheese, along with butter and buttermilk, are in abundance because dairy farms saturate the countryside. Cheeses such as Gouda, Edam and Leyden (cumin-infused) can be found in many markets in Amsterdam. Dutch colonization brought Indonesian immigration and cuisine to Holland and Turkish restaurants dot the city. Along the "walking" route, there are several pastry shops, pizza and Chinese food restaurants. There are also many Indian and Thai food choices as well.
There are few women-owned restaurants to enjoy; one we have visited for the past 4 years, Bistro Bij Ons, offers up local treats like stampot and boerenkool at affordable prices (we suggest you get a local to help you with pronunciation!). Run by Carla and Esther, this popular lesbian spot seems to have more people than tables, so make sure to call ahead for reservations.
Languages
Dutch (but many people speak English!)
Travel documentation and identification
You will need a passport that is valid for six months past the date of the trip. You DO NOT need to get a visa for travel to The Netherlands. If you are not a U.S., or EU citizen, please check with both your country's consulate and the consulates of the countries we will be visiting to make sure that you do not need an entry visa or other additional documentation.
Where to fly into/out of
You will need to fly into and out of Amsterdam-Schiphol International Airport. We encourage all passengers to extend their trip with our pre-trip stretcher to enjoy all Amsterdam has to offer, as well as to avoid the stress of unexpected delays.
Suggested arrival/departure times
We will be offering a 2- and 3-night pre-trip extension April 17-19 and April 16-19, 2016 in Amsterdam. You should arrive into Amsterdam by 1:00pm on April 17, but note the rooms may not be available for check-in until 3:00pm. We will do everything possible to get you into your rooms when you arrive, but this is completely up to the hotel's occupancy/cleaning schedule.
Cruise embarkation April 19, 2016
Arrive into Amsterdam prior to 2:00pm. You will need to make your way to Olivia's host hotel in Amsterdam. An included group transfer from the Olivia host hotel in Amsterdam, Doubletree by Hilton Amsterdam Hotel, to the ship is included and will depart at approximately 3:00pm. The ship is approximately 30 minutes from Amsterdam.
End of Cruise Departure out of Amsterdam, April 26, 2016
Flights can be for anytime on April 26 since the ship docks in Amsterdam near Central station the night prior (April 25, 2016). Transfers will be available to arrange and purchase on board.
Luggage allowances
While there is no luggage limit on the cruise itself, airlines often restrict (or charge) for excess baggage. Because each airline is different, and the regulations change over time, please check with your airline for baggage allowances. For travel in Europe, we recommend no more than one large piece and a smaller carry-on for ease of travel.
Transfers and Meeting up with Olivia
Getting to the ship
Please note that the docking locations for the ship vary and are not easy for taxi drivers to find. For this reason, we are offering a direct transfer to the ship from our host hotel - Doubletree by Hilton Amsterdam Hotel
A taxi from the airport to the hotel will run approximately €40-€55, depending on traffic. If they do not have a meter, be sure this is negotiated beforehand.
Hotel shuttles are available for approximately €12-15 and can be purchased directly at the airport upon arrival. Amsterdam has an excellent train system from the airport. Our host hotel is located just minutes from Central Station.
Check-in
Check-in will begin at 4:00pm on April 19, 2016.
Dining
Fine dining on board offers European cuisine.
Electricity
The cabins have 220-volt electricity. Adapters for 220-volts should be European 2-round prongs.
Excursions
A walking and/or city tour is included in each of the ports visited. Optional tours are available to book on board that range from approximately €34 to €50.
Gratuities
Gratuities are included in the cost of the cruise. Gratuities are provided for your cabin steward, dining room steward, bus person, maître d', Avalon Cruise Director and other-behind-the-scenes crew members. Tipping is not included for the local guides.
Below is a suggested guideline:
Local Guide: ½ day - €2-€3 or full day €4-€5
Bus driver: €1
Internet / e-mail / fax
There is a complimentary Internet center on the ship. Guests may also bring their own phones/laptops and use the complimentary wireless Internet plan.
Laundry and dry cleaning
Laundry and pressing service is available. Check on board for pricing.
Medical services
The ship is minutes away from hospitals when we are docked or close to local towns along the river. The ship does not have an onboard doctor.
Smoking policy
The ship has entirely non-smoking interiors and balconies. A smoking area will be designated on the top deck, starboard side, only accessible by stairs.
Solo travelers
We will have a solos program on board led by a solos coordinator who will ensure you have a great time.
Money: Paying for things on board
The currency is €Euros. All purchases made on the ship will be charged to your onboard account, which you create when you first check in. Please check with the front office on the ship for further details.
After Your Trip
Transfers to the airport
Transfers to the Amsterdam airport the morning of April 26, 2016 will be available to arrange and purchase on board. Flights can be made for anytime the morning or afternoon of April 26, 2016 because the ship will be docked in Amsterdam the night prior (April 25, 2016). For those continuing on by train, the ship will be docked a short walk from Central Station.
Vacation Stretchers
We will have optional 2- and 3-night pre packages available to extend your visit in Amsterdam, April 17-19 or April 16-19, 2016, and a special King's Day Celebration Hotel 2-night post package, April 26-28. Please visit Vacation Stretchers page for more information.
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