Dutch Waterways Cruise with Emerald Cruise Line.
Starting with a coach trip from Dover to Amsterdam we joined the river boat hours later than planned due to delays awaiting a coach connection in Dover, missing our sailing and meeting heavy traffic in Rotterdam. The scheduled Gala welcome dinner had to be rearranged. On reflection I consider it would have saved hours of travel and stress if we
had gone by Eurostar or air and given us more time to explore Amsterdam.
The accommodation was not satisfactory as we were on the lowest deck and I would recommend booking the upper deck with balcony window as the cabin was finished in dark oak with a window below dock level if berthed against the harbour wall.
The food, entertainment and welcome from the crew was excellent and every effort was made to make our Cruise enjoyable with many excursions included to the Royal Palaces, Keukenhof Garden etc being a high light. The crossing of the Zuideree was very interesting and approaching the many river harbours lined with many restored sailing boats and colourful housing and of course many windmills was a delight ,the only regret was not having much time to explore the towns we berthed at due to the tight sailing schedule and the many events on board. A slower return trip is a must for the future.
