Holland America Amsterdam June 2026

Day 1 🇬🇷 Greek Food, Airport Lounge & Europe Bound! ✈️

The Journey Begins

The adventure to Europe officially begins! Before our overnight flight, we stopped in New Jersey for authentic Greek food, shared our favorite airport parking hack, and relaxed in the United Lounge before boarding. From incredible lamb chops to unexpected travel surprises, this was the perfect way to kick off our trip.

Highlights

• 🇬🇷 Authentic Greek street food at Souvakaria

• 🥩 Incredible fall-off-the-bone lamb chops

• 🥙 Why we always pack a backup sandwich for long flights

• 🚗 Our favorite affordable airport parking option

• 🎁 How loyalty rewards earned us FREE parking

• ✈️ A lucky surprise getting into the United Lounge

• 🍷 Lounge drinks, food, and whether it’s worth visiting

• 🌍 Ready to begin our European adventure!

Travel Tips

• Eat at a local restaurant before your flight instead of relying on airport food.

• Pack a quality sandwich—you never know what airline meals will be like.

• Use airport parking loyalty programs to earn free parking.

• If lounge access seems unavailable, politely ask anyway—you might get lucky.

🌐 Our Website: www.luciaandglynn.com

▶️ Watch the Full Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpXLhUht08I

Day 2 🇳🇱 Amsterdam, Rotterdam & the BEST Food in the Netherlands! 🍽️

Our First Day in the Netherlands

Our European adventure officially begins! After landing at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, we hopped on a train, explored Amsterdam during a record-breaking heatwave, sampled iconic Dutch street food, and checked into Rotterdam before ending the day with an unforgettable hot pot dinner.

Highlights

• ✈️ Landing at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

• 🚆 Taking the Dutch train from Schiphol to Amsterdam & Rotterdam

• 🌡️ Exploring Amsterdam in a 100°F (38°C) heatwave

• 🐟 Trying authentic Dutch herring and fresh seafood at Albert Cuyp Market

• 🥟 Enjoying incredible Asian dumplings and street food

• 🏨 Checking into the DoubleTree by Hilton Rotterdam

• 🌉 Stunning views of the Erasmus Bridge

• 🍕 Dutch kibbeling, pizza, and local beer

• 🍲 Authentic Sichuan-style hot pot at Yuan Hot Pot

Travel Tips

• Buy train tickets at Schiphol for an easy trip between Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

• Visit Albert Cuyp Market for some of the best and most affordable food in Amsterdam.

• Stay hydrated during the summer—European heatwaves can be intense.

• Rotterdam is perfect for modern architecture, waterfront views, and amazing international cuisine.

🌐 Our Website: www.luciaandglynn.com

▶️ Watch the Full Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERGQb6RZLGQ

Day 3 🇳🇱 The Ultimate Day in Rotterdam Before Our Holland America Cruise! 🚢

Exploring Rotterdam Before Embarkation

Before boarding our Holland America cruise, we spent one incredible day discovering everything Rotterdam has to offer. From an unforgettable vegan breakfast and panoramic views from the Euromast to a harbor cruise, the famous Markthal, and amazing local food, Rotterdam completely exceeded our expectations.

Highlights

• 🌱 Breakfast at the popular vegan café Lilith

• ☕ Delicious vegan Eggs Benedict and cappuccinos

• 🗼 Visiting the Euromast for breathtaking city views

• 😲 Watching daredevils rappel down the tower

• 🌳 Relaxing walk through beautiful Het Park

• 🚤 Harbor cruise showcasing Rotterdam’s world-famous port

• 🌉 Views of the Erasmus Bridge and SS Rotterdam

• 🏛️ Exploring the incredible Markthal and its massive ceiling mural

• 🍗 Korean fried chicken and international street food

• 🛍️ Shopping for Dutch treats at Albert Heijn

• 🚢 Final night before boarding our Holland America cruise

Travel Tips

• Visit the Euromast early for the best views and shorter lines.

• Take a harbor cruise to truly appreciate Rotterdam’s massive port.

• Don’t miss the Markthal—it’s one of Europe’s most unique food halls.

• Wear comfortable shoes because Rotterdam is a fantastic walking city.

• If you’re cruising from Rotterdam, arrive at least a day early to explore this incredible destination.

🌐 Our Website: www.luciaandglynn.com

▶️ Watch the Full Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTFnpBX_4vs

Day 4 🚢 Embarkation Day! Boarding Holland America Rotterdam

Our Cruise Adventure Begins!

It’s finally cruise day! Join us as we board the beautiful Holland America Rotterdam for the third time. From an easy embarkation in Rotterdam and a tour of our veranda stateroom to exploring the ship and enjoying an incredible dinner at Tamarind, this is the perfect start to our Norway cruise adventure.

Highlights

• 🚇 Easy trip from the DoubleTree Hotel to the Rotterdam Cruise Terminal

• 🧳 Smooth Holland America embarkation process

• 🛳️ Full tour of our Veranda Stateroom

• 🌊 First look around the Lido Deck

• 🏊 Retractable pool roof and ship amenities

• 🍕 Casual dining options on board

• 🍣 Dinner at Tamarind featuring Asian-inspired cuisine

• 🦆 Crispy duck, lamb chops, sushi, sake, and amazing desserts

• 🌅 Sailing away into the North Sea

Cruise Tips

• Stay in Rotterdam the night before for a stress-free embarkation.

• Book specialty restaurants like Tamarind as early as possible.

• Pack appropriate dinner attire for specialty dining venues.

• Don’t save pool chairs—Holland America actively enforces its chair policy.

• Upgrade your Wi-Fi package if you plan to upload photos or videos during your cruise.

🌐 Our Website: www.luciaandglynn.com

▶️ Watch the Full Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MW5uW10Tdeg

Day 5 🌊 Our First Sea Day on Holland America Rotterdam 🚢

Relaxing at Sea Before Norway

Our first sea day aboard Holland America Rotterdam was the perfect mix of relaxation, great food, and discovering everything the ship has to offer. From fascinating talks about Norway and hidden ship experiences to incredible specialty dining and poolside favorites, this sea day reminded us why we love cruising.

Highlights

• 🌊 Enjoying our first relaxing sea day

• 🎨 Exploring the ship’s art auction and shopping

• 🎶 Experiencing Holland America’s peaceful atmosphere

• 🇳🇴 Learning about Norway during the port talks

• 👣 A surprising foot analysis and wellness consultation

• 🍔 Lunch at Dive In featuring one of the best burgers and fries at sea

• 🍕 Trying the onboard pizza

• 🍝 Dinner at Canaletto with authentic Italian favorites

• 🍰 Rum raisin dessert and delicious tiramisu

• 🐶 Returning to our cabin to find another amazing towel animal

• 🚴 Preparing for our upcoming adventure in Oslo

Cruise Tips

• 📱 Check the Navigator app daily for activities and excursion availability.

• 🎤 Attend the port talks to learn about upcoming destinations.

• 🍽️ Don’t miss specialty restaurants like Canaletto—they’re well worth it.

• 🍟 Grab lunch at Dive In for some of the best burgers and fries on board.

• 🌊 Use sea days to slow down, explore the ship, and enjoy everything included in your cruise.

🌐 Our Website: www.luciaandglynn.com

▶️ Watch the Full Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcHq8rr91Y8

Day 6 🚴 Exploring Oslo by E-Bike | Norway Cruise Adventure 🇳🇴

Our First Port in Norway

Our first stop in Norway brought us to the beautiful capital city of Oslo! We celebrated a special anniversary with breakfast in the Orange Club, explored the city on electric bikes, visited iconic landmarks, enjoyed authentic Italian pizza, and wrapped up the day with an unforgettable dinner at Morimoto by the Sea aboard Holland America Rotterdam.

Highlights

• 🥂 Anniversary breakfast in the exclusive Orange Club

• 🦞 Lobster Benedict, buckwheat pancakes, and mimosas

• 🚴 Exploring Oslo on electric bikes

• 🏰 Visiting Akershus Fortress and the Royal Palace

• 🇳🇴 Touring Oslo’s famous landmarks and waterfront

• 🛍️ Shopping for travel essentials in downtown Oslo

• 🍕 Authentic Italian pizza at a local food hall

• 🍣 Dinner at Morimoto by the Sea featuring sushi, sashimi, and sticky ribs

• 🌅 Experiencing Norway’s incredible Midnight Sun

• 🎸 Ending the evening with live music aboard Rotterdam

Travel Tips

• 🚴 Rent an e-bike—it’s one of the best ways to explore Oslo.

• 🏰 Visit Akershus Fortress and the Royal Palace while you’re in port.

• 🍕 Don’t be afraid to eat ashore—Oslo has fantastic local restaurants and food halls.

• 🍣 Reserve Morimoto by the Sea early if you’re sailing Holland America.

• 😎 Bring sunglasses and an eye mask—the Midnight Sun keeps Norway bright well into the evening.

🌐 Our Website: www.luciaandglynn.com

▶️ Watch the Full Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foO_kMq53jw

Day 7 🇳🇴 Visiting Norway’s Southernmost Point | Mandal Cruise Port

Exploring Mandal & the Lindesnes Lighthouse

Our Norway cruise continues with a visit to Mandal, the southernmost town on mainland Norway! We took a scenic excursion to the iconic Lindesnes Lighthouse, explored breathtaking coastal views, enjoyed delicious local food, and ended the evening with an unforgettable dinner and entertainment aboard Holland America Rotterdam.

Highlights

• 🚤 Tendering ashore in Mandal

• 🚌 Scenic drive through southern Norway

• 🗼 Visiting the famous Lindesnes Lighthouse

• 🌊 Standing at Norway’s southernmost point

• 🥾 Hiking the cliffs and exploring historic tunnels

• 🍞 Discovering the historic bread oven

• 🥙 Lunch at a local Mandal restaurant

• 🦞 Fine dining at Rudi’s Sel de Mer aboard Rotterdam

• 🐑 Rack of lamb, lobster, escargot, and incredible desserts

• 🎩 Magic show with Brett Sherwood in the World Stage

Travel Tips

• ⛴️ Arrive early for tender ports to maximize your time ashore.

• 🧥 Dress in layers—the North Sea weather changes quickly.

• 🥾 Wear comfortable shoes for the walk to the lighthouse.

• 🍽️ Venture beyond the cruise port for authentic local restaurants.

• 🎭 Check the daily schedule so you don’t miss the evening entertainment onboard.

🌐 Our Website: www.luciaandglynn.com

▶️ Watch the Full Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwBnLIlII2k

Day 8 🇳🇴 Exploring Stavanger on Our Own | Was the Excursion Worth It?

Our DIY Adventure in Stavanger

Our Norway cruise brought us to the beautiful city of Stavanger, where rainy skies couldn’t stop us from exploring! Instead of taking our planned excursion, we created our own adventure, visited the famous Three Swords Monument, explored the city, met fellow travelers from around the world, and returned to Holland America Rotterdam for another incredible evening onboard.

Highlights

• 🌧️ Waking up to a rainy morning in Stavanger

• 🚌 Using the shuttle and local transportation to explore independently

• ⚔️ Visiting the famous Three Swords Monument (Sverd i fjell)

• 🇩🇪🇮🇪 Meeting new friends from Germany and Ireland

• 🚢 Returning to Rotterdam with plenty of time before departure

• 🍤 Dinner at the Orange Club featuring shrimp cocktail, French onion soup, ribeye steak, and pasta

• 🐻 Another fun towel animal waiting in our cabin

• 🎶 Enjoying live 1970s music onboard

Travel Tips

• ⏰ Always leave plenty of time to return to the ship if exploring independently.

• 🌧️ Pack waterproof shoes and a rain jacket when cruising Norway.

• 🚌 Shuttle buses can be an affordable and convenient way to explore cruise ports.

• 📸 The Three Swords Monument is worth seeing, but it’s easy to visit on your own without an expensive excursion.

• 🚢 Holland America’s Pinnacle Class ships offer fantastic dining, entertainment, and service.

🌐 Our Website: www.luciaandglynn.com

▶️ Watch the Full Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4o47_jHyWE

Day 9 🇳🇴 Skjolden, Norway | No Excursion… No Regrets!

Exploring Norway’s Hidden Gem

Our final port in Norway brought us to the breathtaking village of Skjolden, nestled at the end of the Lustrafjord. We explored the area’s incredible scenery, met local wildlife, sampled authentic Norwegian delicacies, enjoyed the famous Dutch Café, experienced Holland America’s Scandinavian Seafood Boil, celebrated becoming Two-Star Mariners, and wrapped up the night at the unforgettable Orange Party.

Highlights

• 🌧️ Touring beautiful Skjolden on a 60-minute highlights tour

• 🦙 Meeting llamas, Highland cows, and enjoying spectacular fjord views

• 💦 Visiting Washboken Waterfall

• 🥩 Sampling Norwegian specialties including reindeer, moose, and whale

• 🛒 Exploring the local Coop market

• 🥧 Enjoying the famous Dutch Café apple tart

• 🦞 Experiencing the Scandinavian Seafood Boil aboard Rotterdam

• ⭐ Celebrating our new Two-Star Mariner status

• 🚁 Witnessing an emergency helicopter evacuation at sea

• 🧡 Dancing the night away at Holland America’s Orange Party

Travel Tips

• 🚌 Short sightseeing tours are a great way to experience Skjolden while leaving time to explore on your own.

• 🧥 Pack waterproof clothing—weather in the Norwegian fjords can change quickly.

• 🥩 Be adventurous and try local Norwegian specialties.

• 🦞 Don’t miss Holland America’s Scandinavian Seafood Boil if it’s offered during your cruise.

• ⭐ Join Holland America’s Mariner Society to earn rewards and exclusive perks on future cruises.

🌐 Our Website: www.luciaandglynn.com

▶️ Watch the Full Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mugE5gdV158

Day 10 🇳🇱 Amsterdam After the Cruise | Is It Worth Staying an Extra Day?

After an unforgettable Norway cruise aboard Holland America’s Rotterdam, we decided not to fly home right away. Instead, we stayed one extra day in Amsterdam to see if it’s really worth extending your cruise vacation.

From Rotterdam Central Station to Amsterdam’s famous canals, we revisit favorite places, tour the Anne Frank House area, search for the best döner, enjoy Korean street food, stroll through historic neighborhoods, visit iconic houseboats, and wrap up our European adventure with a stay at CitizenM Schiphol before our early flight home.

🌟 Highlights

• 🚆 Easy cruise disembarkation from Rotterdam

• 🥨 Breakfast at Rotterdam Central Station

• 🚋 Train ride into Amsterdam

• 🚤 Exploring Amsterdam’s famous canals

• 🏠 Visiting the historic houseboat district

• 📚 Anne Frank House and Museum District

• 🚲 Walking through Amsterdam’s iconic streets

• 🥙 Searching for the best döner in the city

• ☕ Dutch bakery treats and local cafés

• 🍗 Korean street food at Kim So

• 🏨 CitizenM Schiphol hotel room tour

• ✈️ Tips for flying home after your cruise

💡 Travel Tips

• 📅 Stay an extra day after your cruise if your schedule allows—Amsterdam deserves more than a few hours.

• 🎟️ Reserve Anne Frank House tickets weeks in advance.

• 🚲 Watch for bicycles—they always have the right of way.

• 🚤 Take a canal cruise if it’s your first visit.

• 🏨 Staying near Schiphol Airport makes early departures stress-free.

🌐 Website: www.luciaandglynn.com

▶️ Watch the Full Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nszr13Mgkh4

If you enjoy cruising, travel, local food, and discovering destinations around the world, don’t forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe! Join Lucia & Glynn as we continue sharing unforgettable adventures from Norway, the Netherlands, and beyond.