Today we headed off to Amsterdam to catch the boat cruise to Basel over the next 8 days. We don’t know what internet access will be like, to posts may be a bit irregular during the trip.
Well, we managed to get to Amsterdam in time to meet the transfer bus to the cruise boat, but couldn't find the pickup spot. Not initially, but eventually. After a short ride we embarked on the Allemania and booked in. The boat exceeded our expectations, one of the older style ones, and quite gracious. The cabin was roomier and more comfortable than we expected with a large window providing an excellent view of the port of Amsterdam - well the river cruise port anyway. The only problem was the smell from the toilet/shower - it appears that the boat uses Rhine water for flushing, and the river smells pretty strong. Fortunately air conditioning and help from the crew improved the situation. We have 2 fold down beds that the crew set up and pack away each day - luxury.
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We were amongst the approximately dozen English speakers on board, and so were seated with them for meals. We're also close to the youngest couple on the boat - most of the passengers would be in the 60-80 age group! Dinner was at 6pm and consisted of a four-course meal. We were expecting either a buffet or large stodgy meals, and were pleasantly surprised by what was an excellent meal, with small, appropriate proportions. First course was steamed white & green asparagus, wrapped in thin turkey (?), steamed peas & carrot in a light mayonnaise, topped with half a boiled egg with some hollandaise sauce - delicious. Second course was a chicken consommé with a polenta dumpling - simple and tasty, not salty. Third course was vegetarian risotto, surrounded with a tomato salsa, topped with a rice cracker and grilled mushrooms in a light sauce. Frances had a version with fish - also delicious. Finally dessert consisted of a whipped cream with some indefinable flavouring and cooked cherries (probably canned), but still just right to finish the meal.
Around 8pm we headed off on a canal cruise around Amsterdam. Apart from seeing many of the older houses & public buildings, we also saw may houseboats of varying styles, including one that was built on a barge and covered in brick veneer - weird. The canals were much wider than the other towns we've been to like Delft, and the guide was excellent. We've actually been either very lucky with guides or there's a different approach these days. He was informative, witty, knowledgeable and willing to discuss socio-political issues in addition to the commentary.
All-in-all a very good start to the cruise.
PS: Mouse over the pics for captions.
Well, we managed to get to Amsterdam in time to meet the transfer bus to the cruise boat, but couldn't find the pickup spot. Not initially, but eventually. After a short ride we embarked on the Allemania and booked in. The boat exceeded our expectations, one of the older style ones, and quite gracious. The cabin was roomier and more comfortable than we expected with a large window providing an excellent view of the port of Amsterdam - well the river cruise port anyway. The only problem was the smell from the toilet/shower - it appears that the boat uses Rhine water for flushing, and the river smells pretty strong. Fortunately air conditioning and help from the crew improved the situation. We have 2 fold down beds that the crew set up and pack away each day - luxury. 
We were amongst the approximately dozen English speakers on board, and so were seated with them for meals. We're also close to the youngest couple on the boat - most of the passengers would be in the 60-80 age group! Dinner was at 6pm and consisted of a four-course meal. We were expecting either a buffet or large stodgy meals, and were pleasantly surprised by what was an excellent meal, with small, appropriate proportions. First course was steamed white & green asparagus, wrapped in thin turkey (?), steamed peas & carrot in a light mayonnaise, topped with half a boiled egg with some hollandaise sauce - delicious. Second course was a chicken consommé with a polenta dumpling - simple and tasty, not salty. Third course was vegetarian risotto, surrounded with a tomato salsa, topped with a rice cracker and grilled mushrooms in a light sauce. Frances had a version with fish - also delicious. Finally dessert consisted of a whipped cream with some indefinable flavouring and cooked cherries (probably canned), but still just right to finish the meal.
Around 8pm we headed off on a canal cruise around Amsterdam. Apart from seeing many of the older houses & public buildings, we also saw may houseboats of varying styles, including one that was built on a barge and covered in brick veneer - weird. The canals were much wider than the other towns we've been to like Delft, and the guide was excellent. We've actually been either very lucky with guides or there's a different approach these days. He was informative, witty, knowledgeable and willing to discuss socio-political issues in addition to the commentary.All-in-all a very good start to the cruise.
PS: Mouse over the pics for captions.
