Regal Princess 2018 14-Day Transatlantic Cruise Review
Day 13 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Scheduled Arrival: 7:00am Scheduled Departure: 5:30pm
Click Any Photo To Make It Larger!
Day 13 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Scheduled Arrival: 7:00am Scheduled Departure: 5:30pm
Click Any Photo To Make It Larger!
Rotterdam: Rotterdam is the 2nd largest city in The Netherlands and the largest port in Europe. It began as a fishing port when the dam of the Rotte River was built in the 13th century. It developed into a center for trade and shipping before it was largely destroyed during the Rotterdam Blitz in World War II. Today it is a mix of the old and new following the rebuilding efforts after the war. There are many ways to get around Rotterdam, but from the ship it is possible to see much of Rotterdam by a harbor tour on a Spido boat. Other modes of transportation to see the harbor and other Rotterdam sights are a Splash water/land vehicle and a Waterbus which is the public transport ferry system. A coach tour was also offered by Princess to give you a narrated drive through Rotterdam. The day we were there was Kings Day which is a huge celebration of the King’s birthday. Most everything was closed down and everyone was either dressed in orange clothing, had orange hair, or wore orange crowns because the reigning dynasty is the House of Orange.
Arrival in Rotterdam
|
Euromast - can ride to top for view of Rotterdam
|
Swan bridge
|
View of Rotterdam from the ship
|
View of Rotterdam from the ship
|
View of Rotterdam from the ship
|
Excursions: Several of the excursions took you to The Hague, known as an “international city of peace and justice”, which is the 3rd largest city in The Netherlands and is located on the North Sea. The government is located in The Hague with more than 100 consulates and embassies located there.
Another excursion was to Delft which is a lovely old town important for making porcelain and beer. The town had many canals which supplied the people with their drinking water. As the canals became polluted, they started making beer. Later the old brewery was used for a factory to make porcelain which was decorated with the famous Dutch “blue” designs.
Another choice for an excursion was to see the 19 windmills at Kinderdijk which makes it the largest collection of windmills in The Netherlands. Most of the windmills are still working and families live in them and are responsible for the upkeep of their windmill. One of the windmills is a museum.
Another excursion was to Delft which is a lovely old town important for making porcelain and beer. The town had many canals which supplied the people with their drinking water. As the canals became polluted, they started making beer. Later the old brewery was used for a factory to make porcelain which was decorated with the famous Dutch “blue” designs.
Another choice for an excursion was to see the 19 windmills at Kinderdijk which makes it the largest collection of windmills in The Netherlands. Most of the windmills are still working and families live in them and are responsible for the upkeep of their windmill. One of the windmills is a museum.
Fields of tulips seen along the way
|
Fields of tulips seen along the way
|
Windmills seen along the way
|
Our Excursion: We chose to go to the Keukenhof Tulip Festival. It was a quick but scenic drive to the gardens which are located in Lisse , South Holland. Along the way we passed a few windmills and many fields of tulips. Ninety percent of the world’s bulbs are grown in Holland on old land or land reclaimed from the sea. At Keukenhof Gardens, which is the world’s largest flower garden with 7 million flower bulbs planted each year on 79 acres, the sight was magnificent! We had visited Keukenhof several years ago, but it was too early in the season for the tulips to be in bloom. Since mid April is the best time to visit, everything was in bloom. What a sight to see!!
The Hague - Ridderzaal, main building of 13th century Binnenhof
|
The Hague - Binnenhof Square is where government meets
|
The Hague - Little Tower - Prime minister's office
|
Delft - City Hall in Markt (Main) Square
|
Delft - New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) in Markt (Main) Square
|
Delft - Houses along the canal
|
Kinderdijk - location of 19 windmills
|
Kinderdijk - windmill museum
|
Tulips Gardens - located in Lisse, South Holland, Netherlands
|
Seven-nine acres of beauty
|
Seven million spring flowering bulbs planted and then dug up at end of season each year
|
Mid April is best time to see tulips
|
Beautiful colors
|
Flowers everywhere you look!
|
Flowers everywhere you look!
|
Flowers everywhere you look!
|
Flowers everywhere you look!
|
Trees all in bloom
|
Had to have a hot chocolate and cookie break!
|
More than tulips
|
Beautifully landscaped
|
Beautifully landscaped
|
Beautiful flowers everywhere
|
Beautiful flowers everywhere
|
Beautiful flowers everywhere
|
Beautiful flowers everywhere
|
Beautiful flowers everywhere
|
Beautiful flowers everywhere
|
Beautiful flowers everywhere
|
Beautiful flowers everywhere
|
Afternoon Activities: We got back to the ship around 1:30pm and were able to grab a quick lunch. Although there were many fun things going on all around the ship, we chose to rest after walking for several hours through the gardens. There was time for tea and then get ready for dinner.
Dinner and Entertainment: Dinner was again delicious (I know I keep saying this, but every dinner has been great)! The entertainment for the evening in the Princess Theater was a comedian, Richie Minervini, who has appeared in Comedy Central, Showtime and King of Queens. Funny guy! After the show, the talented musicians of the Princess Orchestra were giving everyone a musical journey in the Piazza, Deck 5 Midship. Beautiful music!
Dinner and Entertainment: Dinner was again delicious (I know I keep saying this, but every dinner has been great)! The entertainment for the evening in the Princess Theater was a comedian, Richie Minervini, who has appeared in Comedy Central, Showtime and King of Queens. Funny guy! After the show, the talented musicians of the Princess Orchestra were giving everyone a musical journey in the Piazza, Deck 5 Midship. Beautiful music!
Baked cheese appetizer
|
Sorbet
|
Grilled fish
|
Scallops
|
Triple chocolate dessert
|
Sugar free dessert
|