Day 14 - Boarding Day

What a wild trip thus far. It feels like there have been four mini trips. Never have I ever done more than one location before heading home. I liked and disliked this idea. Having to repack every 2-3 days gets old though I've been able to see a ton of Europe this way in a fairly short period of time.

Today it's boarding time to the ship. Before boarding, one last morning exploring the city.

So delicious. No syrup is needed

A pretty morning for a send off

Today there are several river cruise ships in port. My ship is there on the far right (13 decks) while the typical river cruise ship is there on the left (2 decks).

Shame the beds don't face out the window

Time to board

I'm so glad to not need to stand in that line

Casual dining is outside on the rear of the ship. Looking back to those river boats and the train station in the far distance

Well someone had fun making this guy

Um...

Another river ship coming. This makes #7

Center of the ship. It's an older boat so no giant center like other ships

Comfy, spacious cabin

Of course I picked out the abnormally large balcony

Need the extra space for my hammock

My room is on the chandler deck

Rough map where we're headed

 6pm, time to set sail. An hour to reach the river locks.

That Delft figurine looks familiar

Some of the giant windmills I saw when first landing

 

Poor guy. Someone must guard the pool when it's open, even if no one is in it

The tidal locks help keep Amsterdam from being flooded by the sea. There is a roughly 10-foot difference that the lock keeps in check. To start the trip we need to get into the lock and get to the high side of the water.

We just fit into the channel

Rear door beginning to slide out and close

Channel filled, time to open the front gate so we can proceed.

Uneventful rest of the evening. Unpack, eat, walk around, sleep.

Tomorrow - at sea.