29th May – 4th June 2022
The Overseas River Cruise Congress in Spring 2022, sponsored by First for Bridge will take place against a botanical backdrop through Holland and Belgium’s most beautiful gardens. Bookings can be made via the First for Bridge website.
Bridge Programme
Join us on this once-in-a-decade Floral Extravaganza Green Pointed Bridge Congress
Once every 10 years in the Netherlands, we are treated to the world's ultimate flower show in a spectacular festival of flowers. In 2022, the Floriade World Horticultural Expo takes place in the Dutch town of Almere and will be spread over five themed zones across an enormous 66 hectares and is also a celebration of plants, vegetables, fruit and produce.
The Expo’s theme, Growing Green Cities, will focus on the Green City of the Future. The sub-themes are green, food, energy and health. The Expo will be situated in a unique Green City Arboretum. It will cover the entire site and feature a stunning collection of trees, plants, crops and flowers - in a seemingly unending spectrum of amazing colours and scents. Join us and be part of this once-in-a-decade celebration of the world’s most innovative horticulture.
The Cruise will include:
- Six nights cruise on a full board basis
- Four visits included to Amsterdam, Kinderdijk, Dordrecht, Antwerp
- Excursion: Floriade, Windmills of Kinderdijk & National Botanic Gardens
- Welcome drink and Captain’s Gala Dinner
- Morning and afternoon tea/coffee and a late evening snack
- On board entertainment every evening
- Services of a Cruise Manager
To enter
Attendance at the congress is exclusive to delegates booking their accommodation with First for Bridge. For further details please see here. Members of other national bridge organisations are welcome.
Bridge fees should be paid to the EBU - but please book with First for Bridge first to ensure there is accommodation available.
| Date | Afternoon | Dinner | Evening | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29-May | Arrival | 6:45pm | Welcome Pairs. 8:30pm – 11:00pm (Approx 16 - 18 boards) | |
| 30-May | Floriade all day | 6:45pm | 8:30pm – 11pm Pairs (18-boards) | |
| 31-May | Kinderdijk am / Dordrecht pm | 2pm – 4:30pm Bridge on demand / leisure time. | 6pm | 7:45pm – 10:45pm Swiss teams session 1 (3 x 7 board rounds) |
| 01-Jun | Cruising | 2pm – 5pm Mens’ Ladies and Mixed Pairs (22 boards) | 6pm | 7:45pm – 10:45pm Swiss teams session 2 (3 x 7 board rounds) |
| 02-Jun | Antwerp and Botanic gardens | 2pm – 4:30pm Bridge on demand / leisure time. | 6pm | 7:45pm – 11pm Pairs qualifier (approx. 24 boards) |
| 03-Jun | Antwerp | 2pm – 4:30pm Bridge on demand / leisure time. | 6pm | 8pm – 11:15pm Pairs finals (approx. 24 boards). Prize giving |
| 04-Jun | Departure |
| Congress Bridge Fees | Entry fee (per player) |
|---|---|
| £154 |
Master Points
The Swiss Pairs and the Swiss Teams are fully Green Pointed. Other events are Blue Pointed on the National Congress scale.
Agreements
Level 4 agreements are permitted.
Venue and Tariff
7 days from £1,075pp
Please contact First for Bridge to book accommodation on this cruise. Tel: 01473 917309 before booking your bridge sessions via My EBU or email comps@ebu.co.uk
Dates:
29th May 2022: 7 days
Prices:
LOW DEPOSIT OFFER - SECURE YOUR SPACE FOR £50PP*
Holiday prices are per person and exclude flights
Standard double/twin cabin to share, Main Deck: £1075
Standard double cabin for sole use, Main Deck: £1275
Superior double/twin cabin to share, Main Deck: £1250
Superior double cabin for sole use, Main Deck: £1475
Superior double/twin cabin to share, Upper Deck: £1300
Superior double cabin for sole use, Upper Deck: £1675
Deposit: £175
Travel Options:
- Meet us at the ship: For complete flexibility, make your own transport arrangements to and from the ship. We will provide you with times and locations as well as some useful information for you to make your own arrangements to join your cruise. If you require any further information to assist with your travel plans, please contact our Holiday Advisors who will be happy to help.
- Include Eurostar from the UK: If you would prefer to book your holiday with Eurostar travel included from the UK, our friendly Holiday Advisors would be happy to check availability. Adding travel from the UK to your holiday package will be subject to an administration fee plus the cost of travel.
- Include flights from the UK: If you would prefer to book your holiday with flights included from the UK, our friendly Holiday Advisors would be happy to check availability from your preferred departure airport. Adding travel from the UK to your holiday package will be subject to an administration fee plus the cost of travel.
What's Included (full details on First for Bridge website here):
- 6-night full board cruise aboard MS Arena in your chosen cabin
- Welcome drink and Captain’s Gala Dinner
- Morning and afternoon tea/coffee and a late evening snack
- On board entertainment every evening
- Services of a Cruise Manager
Plus the following excursions:
- Full day at Floriade - the worlds ultimate flower show that takes place every 10 years
- Visit to the windmills of Kinderdijk
- Half-day tour of the National Botanic Garden of Belgium (Meise) and the Plant Palace
If you are looking for a partner or team mates for this congress, please email comps@ebu.co.uk
Please note: A standby pair will be available, so all pairs can be matched up for teams competitions.