Hochmuth Adventures 2023: October 2023

Rhine River Cruise

Day 1 - JFK to Amsterdam - Saturday, September 23, 2023

It was a rainy, nasty day and Vesna graciously drove us to JFK. Other than an uncooperative kiosk we got through check in and security without issues. The weather caused a delay in takeoff and we left an hour and a half late. They said we might have some turbulence but thankfully we lucked out. Flight was fine, Delta's food was not great, but we made it there and only slightly past the original arrival time.

Rhine River Cruise

Day 2 - Amsterdam - Sunday, September 24, 2023

Arrived at 9:30 only 15 minutes behind schedule which was good considering our delayed takeoff. Got our bags and met our Gate 1 Rep who took us to get our transportation to the docks. Our driver came fairly quickly and it took one half hour to get to our ship - the Monarch Princess. There we met up with Peachy and Richard. Our cabins weren't ready yet so we sat and talked. At noon they had soup and sandwiches available for us and by 1:00 we were able to get to our cabins. Once there we unpacked and decided to rest for a while. Then we walked around the ship to see where everything was. At 6:00 we had our welcome, introductions and boat safety talk. At 7:00 it was time for dinner which was delicious. There were 3 appetizers- quiche, pumpkin soup and seafood filled puff pastry. We were all nearly full before the entrees came. Most of us had the lamb which you literally could cut with a fork. The wine was great, and people had either lava cake or ice cream. The food and the service were excellent. This is our 7th trip with Gate 1 and each has been delightful with great service. Our Danube River cruise was also with Gate 1. Went back to our cabin for an early evening.

Views flying into Amsterdam

Views of our ship

A nice Champagne welcome drink

One of many delicious meals

Views of the Port of Amsterdam

The ferry

A common sight in Amsterdam - the bikes.

Rhine River Cruise

Day 3 - Amsterdam - Monday, September 25, 2023

Met for breakfast at 7:30 so we'd be ready to leave for our tour of Amsterdam at 9:00. The breakfast was buffet style and they had a very nice selection. We took 2 buses and Aga, our guide, did a nice job introducing us to the city of Amsterdam. We learned about the Dutch love for their bikes, the complicated system of canals, the windmills and their part in keeping the flood waters at bay. We passed Museum Square, the Rijk's Museum, the train station, house boats on the canal, leaning buildings, the Holocaust Monument and Von Del Park to name a few things. We got to stop and see one of the windmills that is still left. It is a house now and there are only 900 left in the whole country. Many burned in fires. Then we got to ride through the canals in a glass covered boat. It was interesting to see the different houses and neighborhoods. We did see the Royal Palace but the King actually lives in the Hague and this Palace is only used for coronations and some special events. We returned to the ship at 12:15 and as we were going to lunch the ship started on its way to Cologne. Lunch was a buffet also and equally delicious. We went and sat on the top deck after lunch and enjoyed the scenery and some happy hour beverages. Then we went to the talk on The Netherlands Today which was very informative. Bart touched on the government, immigration, geography, finances, food and much more. At 7:00 we had another awesome dinner with crabcakes, French onion soup, pork tenderloin and ice cream. Yum! Another early night as we get ready for Cologne.

Views of Amsterdam

The Dutch love their bikes

Interesting Architecture

A bit more traditional

Windmill dates back to 1636

Windmills were so important to reclaiming the land

From historical to modern

More bikes

Views from the glass boat ride
through the canals

Church of St. Nichols

The Shipping House

Chinese Restaurant - seats 700

Canal houses and Canal boat

Statue of Wilhelmina

The Royal Palace

Back on board

Views as we cruise away from Amsterdam
toward Cologne

Going through the locks

Enjoying the wonderful weather and
our traveling companions

The locks fill up very quickly -
Here we are low

Now we are up high

Rhine River Cruise

Day 4 - Cologne - Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Up earlier than necessary but had a good night's sleep. Ate breakfast and then at 10:00 went to get seats for today's talk Germany Today. We learned all about their government, education system, taxes, leisure activities and most importantly the beer or should I say bier. At noon we went to lunch and while there watched the ship dock at Cologne. At 1:30 the walking tour of Cologne began. Cologne is a 2000 year old city but it was heavily bombed in WWII and almost everything except the Cologne Cathedral was destroyed. The cathedral is a huge Gothic structure with beautiful stained glass windows and two tall spires. We walked through the old town and also saw St. Martin's Church. We learned about eau de Cologne started by Farina in the city of Cologne in 1709. After walking around the historic district we stopped for some Kolsch which is their preferred type of beer served in 6.8-ounce glasses. Back to the ship to get ready for dinner and tomorrow in Koblenz.

Views of Cologne