Hello, from Europe!

I’m typing this as I sit on our balcony aboard the Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady. We are departing one of my favorite European cities, Amsterdam. One of our favorite things to do when cruising is sitting on the balcony, or one of the open air decks, and watch the ship pull into or out of the port. Amsterdam is even more unique because you go through the North Holland canal from the North Sea to get into the city center passing various landscapes and seeing all the different architectures of the Netherlands.

The city center of Amsterdam is bustling with activity with a population of about a million people it is about the same size city as my hometown of Fort Worth, but the similarities end there! With historic buildings dating back to the 1300s, canals and bridges cut through the heart of the city, and fresh flowers hang everywhere—the city is spectacular.

We have visited the city a few times and done completely different activities each time. This time we were traveling with a wide variety of ages (19-92 year olds). We opted to explore the city via an evening canal cruise. This is a fantastic way to spend an hour and a half. We used Captain Jack’s and our guide was knowledgeable in the history of this beautify city and did a fantastic job.

In the past, we have rented bikes and ridden them from the harbor to the historic Anne Frank House. Riding a bike in Amsterdam is not for the faint of heart as the city has thousands of bikes criss-crossing the busy streets, but it is relatively flat and a great way to get to longer distances quickly in the very well-marked and maintained bike lanes. Previously, we have also toured the Van Gogh Museum and found it to be a great way to spend a few hours especially if it is rainy outside (which can be common in Amsterdam).

Enjoying a coffee and snack at a great outdoor cafe!

Amsterdam changes a bit once the sun goes down with its glowing lights including the famous red-light district. But we did not feel unsafe traveling the narrow, well lit streets going from restaurants to cafes to breweries. Many spots offer outdoor seating right along the canals where you can soak in the reflections and energy of the city at night.

Whether you’re sipping a local brew or simply wandering and taking in the views, Amsterdam has an irresistible charm after sunset. It’s a city that feels both historic and modern, romantic and vibrant, all at once—and I highly recommend exploring it both by day and by night!

Reach out to one of our amazing Stars, and let’s find the right cruise line for you and your family that stops at this vibrant port.