A relaxing day at sea on the English Channel, with views of the cliffs of Dover as a bonus, we arrived in the Dutch Port of Rotterdam (Europe’s #1 freight port). Completely revitalized, the city impresses with a modern skyline, efficient transportation, and Dutch charm. Our small group jumped on an excursion to Amsterdam with a canal boat ride and free time included.
What started out as a sunny blue sky day turned into a deluge lasting hours. Fortunately rain came to Europe after weeks of drought so none of us minded it at all and umbrellas kept us dry. Having visited the Dutch Capital many times before, I joined the canal cruise on the Blue Boat and then met up with my niece Mackenzie and her BF Noah.
A smooth overnight sailing to Zeerbrugge, later, Queen Anne docked for a short day affording visits to Brugge or Ghent. Our group split today as some of us had been here before. I joined the excursion to Ghent where blue sky made for an enjoyable fall experience of this charming medieval town.
Ghent and its sister city Bruges are at the center of the famed Flemish textiles of yore. A reputation for quality and style, these cloths dominated the 18th and 19th centuries, interspersed by periods of devastating wars, and ebbing of economic fortunes, these days both cities live from tourism as the main economic activity.
This part of Europe is often overlooked as a focus destination yet, with cooler ocean climes, tons of history over centuries, memorial sites of WWI and II, battlefield of Waterloo and more, Belgium and the Netherlands are a worth discovering further.
Back on board Queen Anne for one last night, it is time to reflect on the experience. While Cunard has not lost traditions guest love, I feel that this ship may be a bit too much of a departure from a design perspective for past guests. Guests new to the grand will find themselves right at home however.
All the hallmarks are present, from excellent dining and choice, the shows and theatre, to ballroom dances and gala nights, wrapped in a modern bow. She will be sailing the very popular world cruises through 2029 (released so far). In addition she sails creative Western Med and Scandinavian itineraries ranging from short 4-nights (as our voyage) to 12 and 18 nights. In my estimation, a Queen Anne sailing is the perfect add-on to any European journey that adds a sense of purpose, flair, and sophistication to any vacation.
