This was Viking's Windmills and Tulips cruise. We took a 3-day pre-trip in Amsterdam to get over jet lag and take advantage of all that city has to offer. Our hotel (Amsterdam Blu) was well located near Dam Square and many other places to visit. Since Amsterdam is a good walking city, it was very convenient to get around. We bought an "I heart Amsterdam" pass, which permitted use of public transportation as well as entry to many museums, including the recently reopened Rijksmuseum. We also especially enjoyed the eclectic and informative Amsterdam Museum. Other must-sees for us were the Anne Frank House and the Rembrandt House. Restaurants offer many food choices. We liked the Indonesian-style rijstaffel at Kantjil & de Tijger.

On the Viking Delling, we took advantage of as many of the optional tours as possible: Delft, the Kroller-Muller Museum, the Het Loo Palais, Bruges, and visits to a tulip farm as well as a family that owns a power-generating windmill. We also thoroughly enjoyed all the included excursions. The local guides had excellent English and were delightful people; we learned much about Holland from them.

We realize we were especially fortunate with the weather. Although we did encounter some light rain during some days, for the most part, the weather was good for the spring. Our dates included the visit to the famous Keukenhof Tulip Gardens toward the end of the cruise. The day was perfect, with lovely sunshine and the tulips at or near their peak. Read more