Tulip Time - Reporting on the go...

[franski]

Hi there - I said I would try to post on the way... So here goes.

 

We are in our hotel room in Amsterdam as I type this. We are in the Hotel Nadia - one of the hotels listed here on CC by someone who used to live in Amsterdam. Quirky little 2 star... totally unsuitable for anyone who cannot climb stairs. It is best described as college dorm retro. Rooms are small, but the linens are clean. There is a small bathroom, but it is private. Continental breakfast is included. The staff are wonderful - friendly, and willing to assist with anything you ask. Free WiFi. The location is absolutely fantastic. We are less than 5 minutes from the Anne Frank House.

 

We got a room with a balcony - and it has been so amazing to sit out and watch the world go by. Amsterdam is a great city to people watch in...

 

We went to the Anne Frank House this morning - timed entry. We also paid extra for the 1/2 hr lecture at the beginning - and we really enjoyed that. We did the WWII history walk this afternoon - and it was very good. We want to see the Resistance Museum, but will most likely do that after we get off the boat, as we have an extra part day here due to the time of our return flight.

 

The weather has been very accommodating. The forcast was calling for rain today - but it rained during the night. It wasn't sunny until the afternoon, but all in all quite a nice day. It did get cool this afternoon - but nothing too bad.

 

Amsterdam is a very walkable city. There are lots of buses and trams - but we have been walking most places. It is very easy to communicate - as most people do speak English.

 

We are planning on taking a canal cruise tomorrow morning - and then make our way to the Hotel Krasnapolsky - to meet the shuttle for the transfer to the boat.

 

Interestingly, we have met 2 couples who are also doing river cruises - boarding on Monday. We met the 1st couple at the airport - and rode the shuttle with them. This couple is travelling with Viking. We met another couple today on our WWII walk. We actually saw them at the Anne Frank House earlier in the day. They are travelling with AMA. Rather surreal that in a city this size, we actually run into 2 other couples who are doing river cruises. It is the 1st river cruise for both.... I have warned them that it is addictive.

 

I think that is it for now... I'll try to post after we get on the boat tomorrow. Not sure what the internet is like, but I guess we'll find out soon enough.

[pjtraveler]

Thanks, Franski! Can hardly wait 8 more days to fly to Amsterdam!:)

[beccy2011]

Excellent to hear its going well !! I'm keen to hear more about the cruise as I'm going next week with Scenic :)

 

Enjoy !!!

[nordski]

Great report. keep a safety eye pealed for those ubiquitous cyclists.

 

Really hope you get to the Resistance Museum. We considered it a memorable highlight.

[maltese mickey]

Hi there - I said I would try to post on the way... So here goes.

 

We are in our hotel room in Amsterdam as I type this. We are in the Hotel Nadia - one of the hotels listed here on CC by someone who used to live in Amsterdam. Quirky little 2 star... totally unsuitable for anyone who cannot climb stairs. It is best described as college dorm retro. Rooms are small, but the linens are clean. There is a small bathroom, but it is private. Continental breakfast is included. The staff are wonderful - friendly, and willing to assist with anything you ask. Free WiFi. The location is absolutely fantastic. We are less than 5 minutes from the Anne Frank House.

 

We got a room with a balcony - and it has been so amazing to sit out and watch the world go by. Amsterdam is a great city to people watch in...

 

We went to the Anne Frank House this morning - timed entry. We also paid extra for the 1/2 hr lecture at the beginning - and we really enjoyed that. We did the WWII history walk this afternoon - and it was very good. We want to see the Resistance Museum, but will most likely do that after we get off the boat, as we have an extra part day here due to the time of our return flight.

 

The weather has been very accommodating. The forcast was calling for rain today - but it rained during the night. It wasn't sunny until the afternoon, but all in all quite a nice day. It did get cool this afternoon - but nothing too bad.

 

Amsterdam is a very walkable city. There are lots of buses and trams - but we have been walking most places. It is very easy to communicate - as most people do speak English.

 

We are planning on taking a canal cruise tomorrow morning - and then make our way to the Hotel Krasnapolsky - to meet the shuttle for the transfer to the boat.

 

Interestingly, we have met 2 couples who are also doing river cruises - boarding on Monday. We met the 1st couple at the airport - and rode the shuttle with them. This couple is travelling with Viking. We met another couple today on our WWII walk. We actually saw them at the Anne Frank House earlier in the day. They are travelling with AMA. Rather surreal that in a city this size, we actually run into 2 other couples who are doing river cruises. It is the 1st river cruise for both.... I have warned them that it is addictive.

 

I think that is it for now... I'll try to post after we get on the boat tomorrow. Not sure what the internet is like, but I guess we'll find out soon enough.

Thanks for the report! We're taking Viking on Wed the 13th. How chilly is the weather?

We stay at Radisson Blu the 12th and "do"amsterdam that day.

[cormike1]

Great write-up Frankski....we did this a couple of years ago but reverse with Avalon and loved it. Amsterdam is a neat city eh. I hope you are going to see the tulips at Kukenhoff (sp. sorry) That was the reason we also went at this time of year. Looking forward to reading the rest of your postings. I haven't read too many river cruise postings, just usually the big ship postings so your will be interesting. Thanks and look forward to your next post. By the way, I don't know where in Ontario you are from but is is cool and rainy all the way from Toronto to Ottawa so it sounds like you would feel right at home right now in Amsterdam lol.

[gnome12]

While I admit that it is rainy Toronto was fairly warm; we were at 18 degrees celsius at 4 PM. (I'm not sure whether it was any warmer earlier; that was the first time I looked.)

[franski]

Had typed the next installment - only to discover that I had timed out when I hit "submit".. It is late, so am not going to re-type right now...

 

Internet is iffy when we are moving, but we are docked until late tomorrow evening - so will post in detail then.

 

So far, this is a great cruise. Lots of positives with Scenic. Weather is holding up --> projected to be 22 C (72F) tomorrow for our day in Antwerp.

[teemsum]

We're doing the same cruise with Scenic in 2012.

 

Looking forward to more posts.

 

 

Cruisingly Yours

[franski]

Hi there - Will try again...

 

Monday morning we took a canal ride. We booked our ride at the Boat House - down the street from the Anne Frank House. We did get a discount as we had booked our WWII walk with them. We toured some of the canals, and then part of the Amstel river. We did get out into the more open water behind the Central Station - and did see where the river boats were docked. Most of the players were there - Scenic, Viking, AMA, Tauck, A-Rosa, CroisieEurope - and a couple I didn't recognize. ObviouslyTulip TIme is big business here.

 

We took a taxi from our hotel to the Hotel Krasnapolsky (on Dam Square). The receptionist at the Hotel Nadia looked at us as if we were nuts to take a cab - as it is walkable - but I had no intention of dodging cars and bikes on the sidwalks while dragging a large suitcase.

 

I must admit, first impressions of Scenic weren't great. We were told to be there before 3:30 to catch the shuttle. It was late - and not big enough to take everyone. To be fair, I don't think they knew how many would be there, as we did not have a voucher.

 

When we arrived, my impressions changed. We were met at the door with a warm towel to wash our hands. We were asked to sit in the lounge before we registered, and were served a warm drink. There was a fruit basket on a side board - so we were able to have a piece of fruit. Check-in was quick an painless - and we were escorted to our room and given brief instructions on where things are.

 

We are in the lowest category cabin - and it is more than adequate. We have a window that is about shoulder height for me (I am 5'6") - almost the width of the room. The bathroom is one of the best we have had so far on river cruises. A fully enclosed glass shower, modern fixtures, and REAL vanity with drawers and cupboard doors. There is adequate cupboard/storage space. Our suitcases fit easily under the bed.

 

The colour scheme is quite neutral --> lots of beige with dark furniture. Towels are thick. Toiletries are L'Occitaine.

 

I think I will stop here. I will post on food and service on the next post. I am hoping that by keeping them a bit shorter that I won't have trouble with the internet. I am also posting part way through and then reviewing - hopefully to save as I go along...

[ARetiredGuy]

I am enjoying your notes. I try to do that on my trips.

 

One short cut that I do, is to type my notes on the computer's word processing program (usually WORD). I do my spell checking there and then copy the whole message. Then I log on to the internet and just paste the message. It saves a lot internet time and the frantic typing!!

[LHT28]

Thanks Fran looking forward to more reports

[Windy56]

I am so happy that your trip is going well, Franski, and that Scenic has been a good choice for you. I am following your thread with great interest. Anything you post is always well written, well thought out and above all - fair and balanced.

 

I hope you and your husband have a fantastic cruise! I'm green with envy! I think I'll google tulip images, close my eyes and do a lot of pretending!

 

Cathy

[franski]

So thought I would do a quick post before we set sail. Internet is much better when we aren't moving...

 

A couple of non-connected observations that I wanted to make before I forgot...

 

1) Although the bathroom is the best we have had on a river cruise so far, I must also admit it is the loudest flushing toilet. Sort of like a turbo boost on an engine when you flush.

 

2) Internet is a bit pricey - but I really need to stay in touch as we have a few things going on at home. It is 29.95 euros for the entire cruise.

 

3) Different demographic this cruise. Previous cruises have been at least 50% American passengers - with Canadians, Brits, Aussies and others on board to complete the mix. This cruise, there is exactly 50% from Britain (80 of 160 passengers on board...). The next group represented are Canadians (40+ passengers) then the Aussies (30+). There are only 8 Americans on board. But, as mentioned before on CC, Scenic hasn't really marketed in the US to date.

 

4) I was a bit surprised the 1st night to find that dinner was a mix of buffet (soup, salad and dessert) and ala carte (main course). However, this may be because it was the 1st night - as this hasn't happened again.

 

5) Meals so far have been good. Breakfast buffet not as "robust" as on Uniworld. Lunch a mixture of buffet and ala carte (as with AMA). Dinner is good - although the desserts aren't spectacular. I did have a creme caramel this evening (diiferent name, but that is what it was...) that was good, but the helping was small. Cheese offered at lunch and dinner --> and am really enjoying that...

 

Think that is it for now...

[franski]

I am going to try to recap the included excursions so far... I seem to have got a bit behind in my posting, so will try to catch up.

 

First day was a trip to Arnhem to see the Airborne museum. We did have a bus tour before we got to the museum - and it was interesting, but the guide did not seeem to have the indepth knowledge of fine details we have experienced in the past. For example, she pointed out different memorials, but did not explain why they were designed the way they were, or who arranged for them to be erected. The museum was very interesing, and there is an "Airborne Experience" exhibition in the basement. We cruised to Dordrecht in the afternoon - and it was good to have some down time. We did walk around the town after dinner. Nice town - but quite deserted in the evening.

 

Second day we went to Antwerp. This is a lovely town - and we had an amazing guide. We bought chocolates (and very fresh soft nougat) at Leonidas - it was recommended that this was the best place for quality chocolate at a good price. We came back to the ship for lunch, and went back in the afternoon to shop and walk around. We did walk *under* the Schelt river - as there is a tunnel that goes from one side to the other. The trip is 500 metres each way - but if you don't want to do the walk, the trip down on the wooden escalators was quite interesting. We went to the waterfront after we walked over - to take pictures of Emerald from the other side.

 

While in Antwerp, I struck up a conversation with people in the chocolate store, and they were on a Viking cruise. Actually saw them again today when we were in Brugges.

 

Today started with a trip to Brugges. This was a wonderful surprise - as it was not on the original itinerary. We had an amazing guide - George - who just retired after working a number of years with Trafalgar Tours and Globus. He has a passion for Brugges - and a wicked sense of humour - so it was a great excursion.

 

Back to the boat for lunch, and then a short trip into Ghent. We didn't find it as interesting as Brugges - but we did walk around. The cathedral is quite lovely --> beautiful statuary, but rather a disappointing gift shop. I tend to buy postcards of the interiors of churches or cathedrals - as the professional shots are usually better than I can produce - especially if they have a "no flash" rule.

 

**********************

My thanks to "ARetiredGuy" for the hint on composing as a word document. I could not log on last night - so did jot down this post and have done a quick copy & Paste so that I can get this up before we head out. In Middelburg today...lovely weather yet again. Off to tour the Delta Works this afternoon...

[LHT28]

Thanks Fran

We went to Dordrecht one day from a cruise it was a lovely town we had a nice lunch in the town square

 

We loved Brugge

 

Looking forward to further reports

 

Lyn

[franski]

Today we arrived in Middelberg - for a walking tour in the morning. Middelberg is a lovely little town. Very walkable, lots of history. Our guide - Mary Ann - was great. We had her again this afternoon when we went to the Delta Works.

 

We went to the site of the storm surge barrier --> saw a movie (a bit outdated, but interesting...) then walked out to the storm surge barrier itself. The project took 30 years to complete, and really is an engineering marvel.

 

Tomorrow is the Keukenhof...

 

I want to touch a bit today on the crew here on the Scenic Emerald. This is a very cohesive group. They work really well as a team. For breakfast and lunch they work as one large team - picking up plates, serving tea/coffee/ wine. A request for a beer or soft drink (included with lunch and dinner...) is addressed quickly. They work in zones for dinner - and when your table is ready for the next course, your"main" waiter/waitress will arrive with one or two other people in tow so that all can be served at the same time.

 

The staff at the main reception are very pleasant - no request appears to be a problem. A morning wake-up call has a real person on the other end - although, I must admit that I would like to have an alarm clock in my cabin so that I wouldn't have to have a wake-up call every morning.

 

Our cabin is kept clean - and we have had towel animals on 2 mornings (something that I thought only happened on big ships). Toiletries are replenished promptly - and (as with all cruises0 we d get turndown with chocolate on the pillows. No loyalty to any one copany --> tonight we had mini Mars bars. I must admit that I am a bit surprised that the chocolate isn't Belgian given that we just spent 2 days in Belgium...

 

Anja (our cruise manager) is just amazing. No request is too big or too small. Ask about the canals we will be travelling, and she sources out maps. Ask about currency conversion rates, and it is added to the itinerary for the next day. Of course, you have no control over the cruise manager you will get - but I think that this single variation has the largest potential to affect your vacation. I am assuming that Anja is an employee of Scenic - as tips are all inclusive (vs being on contact, and relying on gratuities for your income...) But, this is speculation on my part. However it works, Scenic got it right when they brought her aboard.

 

i think this is enough for tonight... Will try to post tomorrow after we get back from the Keukenhof.

[Bowie MeMe]

Thanks for the report. Taking a packing break tonight to read about your adventures. We leave for Amsterdam on Monday.:D What kind of coat would you suggest for right now. It turned today in MD from high in the 60's to a bitterly cold and rainy/foggy low 40's. So now I'm thinking heavier coat. Getting whip lash on the coat decision. TIA

[franski]

Had a report typed out – and then hit some key on the keyboard that erased everything....Not completely adept on the small keyboard on this netbook.... Will try again....

 

 

Saturday was the Keukenhof. We were docked in Rotterdam, so the bus ride was 90 minutes as we had a tour of Rotterdam before be headed out to the gardens. Rotterdam was almost completely destroyed during WWII, so does not have any of the "old town" feel we have experienced along the way.

 

 

We were to have been back on board for lunch, but it was recognized that we needed more time to really see the gardens - so buses were available to return to the boat at both 1:30 and 2:30. We did see lots of colour in the fields on the way out - mostly hyacinths, narcissi and daffodils. Our guide walked us into the middle of the gardens (to the Wilhelm Alexander pavilion, and then we were on our own. Because we were gone over lunch, we were all offered a bag lunch if we wanted one... and a generous lunch it was. Sandwich, drinks, fruit and granola bars were in each bag. DH and I ate early as the bags were heavy to carry around.

 

 

The gardens are beautiful. Lots of colour, and more to come. There were early tulips as well as hyacinths, anemones, narcissi, daffodils etc. There is also quite a bit of statuary in the gardens - so lots to see. Of course, there are always those who do not feel that rules apply to them, and it is very rude to walk on (or picnic on!!) the grass when there are signs asking you to keep off. There are a number of pavilions to visit as well. The Wilhelm Alexander has the most amazing tulips and other spring flowers. The Beatrix pavilion has orchids - but so many people that we didn't stay. We finally found the Brandenburg Gate flower bed – but it is still growing, so not much to see. Once again the weather was beautiful. Sunny with a breeze. There are lots of places to sit and just enjoy the ambiance.... a wonderful way to spend an afternoon when the weather cooperates.

 

 

We set sail for Amsterdam around 4 pm. There was an ice cream “party” planned on the Sun Deck, but it was so windy that it was moved inside. E sailed past Kinderdijk to see the windmills – and it was truly a sail past. You could not see them unless you were on the very top deck. Even then they were quite far away, so not sure any of my pictures will really be worth keeping. I noticed that the Amadolce was docked by there – so guess they got off the boat to actually visit the windmills.

 

 

The port talk was a bit earlier – as we had the Captain's Cocktail and Farewell dinner. A good idea, actually, to have it before the last night – so people can go back to their rooms and pack if they need to. We did have hors d'oeuvre with the glass of sparkling wine – but were only offered 1 each, and they were not warm by the time they were served, so it wasn't a highlight of the evening. The dinner was great fun. Lots of chatter and laughter. Our waiter was Milan – and he is amazing. My husband ordered a steak well-done the night before (we both ordered the alternative dinner as we didn't fancy the main courses..) He ordered the beef with dinner last evening, and mine arrived medium (as did everyone elses...) My DH's dinner arrived a couple of minutes later – with the beef well done as Milan had remembered. Just amazing...

 

 

Couldn't log on to the internet last evening – and then someone erased my word document – so am completing this before we do our Disembarkation talk.

Bowie MeMe - we have had just beautiful weather here... Usually wear a light coat in the morning,and then take it off in the afternoon. If you have something with a zip-out lining that should be good --> and just bring a sweater if you need to layer.

[ARetiredGuy]

Tonto start the music. Our work is done here!!!!

[franski]

Well - we made it home - and I still have some posting to do. At least I am back on a full-size keyboard, so the typing will be quicker - with less typos (rather embarrassed to read some of the early posts!!) :o

 

Our day in Amsterdam started with Scenic Free Choice. The options were a visit to the Anne Frank house, a canal ride, or a tour of the Hague. As we had already done the first 2 choices on our own when we arrived, we went to the Hague.

 

We actually bypassed the Hague to go to Delft. What a lovely town. Lots of history there. There are 2 churches - one with a beautiful sounding carillion, and the other with a large bell in the tower. As it was Sunday morning, not many shops open - and I was hoping to buy a bit of Delft while we were there. I bought 2 small Christmas ornaments in a souvenir shop. Don't think they are really Delft ware (based on the price...) - but they are from Delft, and that will have to do.

 

On the way back to Amsterdam, we did stop in the Hague. Short walking tour with a guide - but it was quite interesting.

 

In Amsterdam we were moored beside the River Antoinette. I tried to get a picture of the chandelier in the main reception - but don't know that it will turn out. It is a very large boat - but no larger than the Scenic Emerald (at least as seen from my spot on the top deck...) The decor is very different than the decor on the Scenic ships. I did overhear a few people talking about the decor (at least what they could see through the windows) - and most said they preferred the cleaner lines of the boat we were on.

 

We sailed to Volendam over lunch. Another lovely little town. I would have been happy to spend more time there - but (alas) this was not to be. A short (REALLY short) bus ride to Edam was next. Again - charming town. We took a bit of a detour on our way back to the bus to see some country side, and saw +++ sheep and lambs laying on the dikes along the way.

 

As with every day on our trip - the weather was absolutley beautiful.

 

That night we had reservations for Portobello's - but think I will post later. I am so tired right now that I can hardly keep my eyes open.

 

Hope that these posts continue to be of some interest....

[ARetiredGuy]

Thanks for the notes. I know what you mean about the keyboards in Europe!

 

Looks like you had a good time with great weather.

[LHT28]

In Amsterdam we were moored beside the River Antoinette. .

 

Welcome home Fran

 

A quick question

Did you dock near the main cruise terminal/Movenpick hotel?

 

Looking forward to reading more of your trip

 

Lyn

[franski]

Hi Lynn -

 

Yes, we did dock in the main cruise terminal. And, I did see the Monenpick Hotel from the top deck.

 

Fran

[LHT28]

Hi Lynn -

 

Yes, we did dock in the main cruise terminal. And, I did see the Monenpick Hotel from the top deck.

 

Fran

Thanks just want to get my bearing for next year

Nothing like planning ahead ;)

 

Lyn