Today we left The Hague and took a short drive into Amsterdam ready to meet our Viking ship for the Grand European Cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest.

Before embarking on the ship we did an Amsterdam Canal Tour. Amsterdam's canal ring is protected by UNESCO as in 2010 the canal belt, with Singel, Herengracht (Gentlemen's Canal), Keizersgracht (Emperor's Canal) and Prinsengracht (Prince's Canal) as the main canals, was declared a World Heritage site. The first canals were dug for water management and defence. Almost half of the original water in Amsterdam was lost to landfills, but a full 25 percent of the city's surface still consists of navigable waterways. There are 165 canals in total, as well as about 90 islands and 1,700 bridges. See the charming canal houses with their distinctive gables to modern marvels like the Science and Technology Museum, the canal cruise offers a unique perspective on Amsterdam's architectural evolution. The Herengracht Canal features a famous and picturesque section known as the Gouden Bocht, or Golden Bend. Many of the wealthiest, most important people lived there and it is still expensive real estate.

Our home for the next 15 nights is Viking Tir, named after the Norse god of heroic glory. Scandinavian design, understated elegance, and a maximum of 190 guests this ship will certainly meet the mark.

We have a French balcony stateroom which is on the middle deck. Compact but comfortable and includes a private bathroom with a spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror, hair dryer, and a range of Freya toiletries.

The ship has a delightful lounge area with bar, an informal outdoor dining area, a library, a restaurant, and a spacious sundeck with 360-degree views.

Time to set sail......