Gemma's Floral Expedition: Holland & Belgium with Emerald

Early start KLM Flights from Newcastle to Amsterdam: 10.05 am….. I took advantage of the fast track… an absolute must in school holidays. The flight to Amsterdam was approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. On arrival, I went straight through security and collected my suitcase. I was met at the airport's meeting point and driven in a luxury minibus to the ship, which took approximately 30 minutes.

I was swiftly onboard, welcomed with a warm towel and a drink during speedy check-in, and then taken to my room, a Panorama Balcony Suite. I met with other agents in our UK Group for the ship's safety talk and staff intro.

It's time for dinner, with beautiful food, a couple of drinks in the lounge, and an early night, ready for the next day's adventure.

Still in Amsterdam. Breakfast is between 7.30 – 9 am. It's a lovely Buffet choice.

Excursions start at 9 am. Some went cycling, but I chose the coach tour to De Zaanse Schans…. a village that looks like a living museum. We saw how they make clogs, how windmills work, and how cheese is made. There were also some little shops and a café.

Afterwards, we travelled to an area called Beemster, which is the first known Polder in the Netherlands.

Back to Amsterdam and on board, ready for Lunch.

The afternoon was free, apart from the obligatory safety drill. Some of us took a walk into Amsterdam, which was very busy. Then, I returned to the ship to prepare for the daily port talk at 6:30 pm, followed by dinner. In the lounge, we had a few drinks and entertainment from a classical string trio.

We then went to the top deck to watch the ship sail from Amsterdam. Tomorrow, we will wake up in Rotterdam.

We woke up and docked next to Riviera Ship Geoffrey Chaucer. To leave the ship, we had to go up and over to get off.

Today's activities were an optional 3-hour coach tour or a bike ride. I opted for the bike ride (there were limited spaces, so I needed to put a name on the list the night before). I also visited the market hall to taste some food and sample cheese, stroopwafels, and bitterballen.

The bike ride was just over 9 miles, so we were back at the ship for the afternoon, which was free time.

The evening started with the daily port talk and then dinner. The activities manager, Ben, put on a show featuring ABBA songs tonight. If ABBA wasn't for you, there was a movie showing on the pool deck, or you could have walked back into Rotterdam as we were docked overnight.

We have an early start this morning as we are off to the Hague at 8 am from the ship. Today, we visited the royal and administrative capital of the Netherlands, The Hague, which is situated on the North Sea Coast.

The city is home to a thriving cultural and culinary scene. Famously home to the Peace Palace, which houses the United Nations International Court of Justice, a guided tour of the Mauritshuis Museum, home to the best Dutch paintings from the eras of Rembrandt and Vermeer.

In the afternoon, those feeling more active enjoyed a guided bike tour through the Dutch Countryside (it was fully booked, so I missed out on this one). Back on board, we set sail to Willemstad, a little village further along the river. There was free time to take a stroll.

Dinner again was terrific, so there was so much choice. This evening's entertainment was a quiz. Name that tune, and the UK team won!!! The game was paused so everyone could go outside and watch the ship go through a lock.

After breakfast, we met our tour guide for our walking tour of Antwerp. Charming city with a central square, small shops and restaurants. Our tour guide, Jonathan, was excellent in telling stories of Giants and a boy's relationship with his dog. The tour ended with a chocolate tasting.

After the guided tour, we met with Nina and Ben from Emerald, who walked us through the tunnel from one side of the river to the other. The escalator we used was wooden. Once we went to the other side, it was a lovely viewing point from which to see the whole city. The afternoon was for free time.

Two of us took the bikes out for a ride. We went back through the tunnel and explored the bike paths, doing just over 7 miles. The bikes can be taken out in free time at leisure; you just need to ask reception.

Back on board, I sampled a selection of sandwiches and cakes from afternoon tea held every day at 4 pm at the back of the lounge. There will be no entertainment tonight, just a bit of background music, but it's nice to sit and catch up with everyone.

Went down to the pool deck to see the pool converted into a movie theatre. Sailing through the night tonight to Nijmegen.

Still sailing, we don't arrive in Nijmegen until later in the afternoon. Later, we will start for breakfast and have a chance to participate in onboard activities.

I decided to participate in the morning exercise, which was yoga at the poolside. After breakfast, Ben and Nina held a dance class. Learned a few routines.

I spoke to the captain on the top deck. The cruise director, Nina, then discussed the Netherlands, including tasting some Dutch Delights. We arrived and left the ship at approximately 15.30 pm for the drive to Arnhem. We went to the Airborne Museum. I learned about the Mission 'Market Garden' story during World War 2. This was followed by a trip to the war cemetery.

Back on Ship for Celebration Farewell Dinner, followed by live music in the lounge.

WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THE FOOD OPTIONS?

One main restaurant on board:

Breakfast - Buffet

Lunch – choice of Buffet or pick from a menu

Afternoon tea – Sandwiches and cakes

Dinner – set menu choice, but if you wanted nothing, there was a classic choice.

Everyone is catered for. The wine was chosen to complement what was on the menu, and every evening, there was a chef's recommendation.

What did you think of your trip?

Stayed on the Emerald Dawn River cruise. Amazing ship, very modern. The staff are wonderful with the support and genuine desire to ensure you have a great time. The Panorama Balcony suite was comfortable with plenty of room – the added bonus of lowering the window and watching the world go by.

Best Experience of FAM and Why?

What a fantastic trip. First ever river cruise – I can highly recommend it.

The organized tours are fab, but you don't have to do them if you prefer your own free time at each port. It's easy to get into town on foot. It has something on offer for everyone.

I came on board thinking it would be very much a followed itinerary of what to do every day—which it was, don't get me wrong, but the excursions included were optional, and you didn't have to take part in them.

Airline/Cruise Comments:

KLM Flights - Short flight with a snack and drink both ways

General Comments and Tips:

Warning: This part of the river is tidal, and people may get riversick. I recommend deck 2 or 3. Deck 1's window is waterline—you don't get to see much.