All Aboard (Eventually!): Amsterdam Adventures and Cruise Beginnings

 “All Aboard (Eventually!): Amsterdam Adventures & Cruise Beginnings”

Posted August 7, 2025

After landing, our adventure officially launched in Amsterdam, where we checked in at the Park Plaza Victoria, a 4-star hotel directly across from Amsterdam Centraal Station and just a short walk from the Passenger Terminal. Normally, we gravitate toward quaint, locally-owned inns or charming 3-star accommodations, but this spot offered great views and unbeatable convenience, and it didn’t disappoint.

Rather than partake in the hotel’s buffet breakfast, we followed our noses (and a few online reviews) to a local bakery just one block away, where flaky scones and crusty baguettes with strawberry jam made the perfect start to the day.

Exploring Amsterdam

Over the past two days, we’ve seen the city from just about every angle—by boat, train, foot, bus, and for Amanda, bicycle. She joined a two-hour guided ride through the city while I enjoyed a long walk around Old Town, absorbing the history and architecture at a slower pace.

Our tours took us through:

• City Center

• Old Town

• The Arts District

• The Waterfront

• And even the Red Light District—visited purely for educational purposes, and a fascinating part of the city's complex heritage.

(sign by our hotel)

Memorable Meals

The food scene in Amsterdam is diverse and delicious. My favorite so far has been the Gong Pao Shrimps with Chilis at Yu Family Restaurant, a cozy gem hidden a few blocks behind our hotel. Amanda and I also enjoyed a perfectly crisp thin crust ham and salami pizza at Trattoria, not far from the Amsterdam Centraal.  I understand that Angus Ribeye, Poached Salmon, and Lemon Grilled Seabass will be on the menu this evening.

Cruise Check-In Curveball

This morning brought a twist: we learned that our Viking longship, the Ksavir, was delayed due to a lock system issue and did not make it to the Amsterdam port overnight. Instead, Viking arranged a 50-minute shuttle ride from the Passenger Terminal this afternoon to reach the ship.

Now that we’re onboard, unpacked, and settled in, we’re gearing up for the Captain’s debriefing and a welcome dinner. Thankfully, the Ksavir will return to port in Amsterdam overnight, and we’ll awaken tomorrow ready for our first excursion: a canal tour.

Amsterdam’s historic canal system, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, is said to rival Venice in complexity and charm. We’re eager to explore it up close.

We’ve already met some fascinating fellow travelers from around the world—but I’ll save those stories for the next post. For now, we’re grateful for a safe start, a few surprises, and the winding journey ahead.

More soon,
Barry

Here are a few more pics...