We stayed in Amsterdam prior to the cruise. We did the hop-on, hop-off bus and the canal bout tour. The bus tour was very interesting. We did get off the bus and tour Gasson diamonds. There we were given a description of how the diamonds are cut and how much is lost in the cutting. We watched diamond cutters shape diamonds and then were shown some diamonds and told of the different classifications, clarity, color, cut and carat.
The canal tour was also very interesting. The tour took about an hour.
We took the HAL transfer from Amsterdam to the ship. Ijmuiden is a 50 to 60-minute ride from the city. Boarding was very easy, check-in at the terminal and then go through customs and security.
The room is large and the bathroom has two sinks. There is a tub/shower combo. Every room has a walk in closet. The furnishing in our room are dated. These rooms are on the top floor, 12th, so you feel the rolling of the ship. There are only 4 elevators on the entire ship, so if you are in need of an elevator, be prepared to wait. The ship is old and is showing its age, we had problems with the water and toilet several times during our cruise.