August 6-7, 2024
Rotterdam, Netherlands/at sea for Ireland

We watched as Zuiderdam sailed into her home port of Rotterdam on day eighteen. The weather was clear but a bit warm. After we docked, we disembarked to find
our guide for the Rotterdam by Authentic Tram
excursion. The old tram trundled through the
streets past the City Hall and Central Station to
Coolsingel street with a windmill. It was the first
one we had seen, surprisingly. Although the trip
on the tram was enjoyable, it was hot because it
was not air-conditioned. so, we were glad to get
back to the terminal and
were anticipating having
lunch at New York Hotel,
the building that was the
former headquarters of
Holland America Lines.

Later, we attended a party,
celebrating Zuiderdam's 
home port, called the 
Orange Party. Sue and Pegi
had orange T-shirts for the
occasion and there were many accessories provided for the poolside attendees. It was crazy and fun, a fitting end to our visit to Rotterdam.

                                            As we departed, we witnessed this 
                                            stunning sunset.




Day nineteen was spent cruising through the English Channel to our next destination in Ireland. Unfortunately, a private event kept us out of the Crow's Nest where we had planned to play games before dinner. It was a special party for the passengers who boarded in Rotterdam and gave the impression that they were somehow more special than the rest of us.