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Regal Princess 2018 14-Day Transatlantic Cruise Review
Day 13                    Rotterdam, The Netherlands     
Scheduled Arrival:   7:00am                     Scheduled Departure:  5:30pm                              
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​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
Arrival in Rotterdam
Euromast - can ride to top for view of Rotterdam
Euromast - can ride to top for view of Rotterdam
Swan bridge
Swan bridge
View of Rotterdam from the ship
View of Rotterdam from the ship
View of Rotterdam from the ship
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.
Fields Of Tulips
Fields of tulips seen along the way
Fields of Tulips
Fields of tulips seen along the way
Windmill
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
The Hague - Ridderzaal, main building of 13th century Binnenhof
The Hague
The Hague - Binnenhof Square is where government meets
The Hague
The Hague - Little Tower - Prime minister's office
Delft - City Hall in Markt (Main) Square
Delft - City Hall in Markt (Main) Square
Delft - New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) in Markt (Main) Square
Delft - New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) in Markt (Main) Square
Delft - Houses along the canal
Delft - Houses along the canal
Kinderdijk - location of 19 windmills
Kinderdijk - location of 19 windmills
Kinderdijk - windmill museum
Kinderdijk - windmill museum
Tulips Gardens - located in Lisse, South Holland, Netherlands
Tulips Gardens - located in Lisse, South Holland, Netherlands
Seven-nine acres of beauty
Seven-nine acres of beauty
Tulips
Seven million spring flowering bulbs planted and then dug up at end of season each year
Tulips
Mid April is best time to see tulips
Beautiful colors
Beautiful colors
Flowers
Flowers everywhere you look!
Flowers
Flowers everywhere you look!
Flowers
Flowers everywhere you look!
Flowers
Flowers everywhere you look!
Trees all in bloom
Trees all in bloom
Hot Chocolate and Cookies
Had to have a hot chocolate and cookie break!
Flowers
More than tulips
Flowers
Beautifully landscaped
Flowers
Beautifully landscaped
Flowers
Beautiful flowers everywhere
Flowers
Beautiful flowers everywhere
Flowers
Beautiful flowers everywhere
Flowers
Beautiful flowers everywhere
Flowers
Beautiful flowers everywhere
Flowers
Beautiful flowers everywhere
Flowers
Beautiful flowers everywhere
Flowers
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!
Baked cheese appetizer
Baked cheese appetizer
Sorbet
Sorbet
Grilled fish
Grilled fish
Scallops
Scallops
Triple chocolate dessert
Triple chocolate dessert
Sugar free dessert
Sugar free dessert
​Continue To Day 14's Review 
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