Viking River Cruise; Kinderdijk

We checked into our stateroom on the Viking River Cruise on Thursday.  It's a beautiful longboat -- built in 2014.  It's a hybrid, so we don't feel any movement or hear any sound.  Amazing!  There are 185 passengers.  We're on the bottom deck with a very small window -- next time we're reserving a balcony with full glass doors!  But there are plenty of sitting spaces in the lounge with large windows and a sun deck on top. The food has been fabulous, and staff very friendly.  

We began sailing on the Rhine after dinner on Thursday, floating during the night.   First stop the next morning was at Kinderdijk in The Netherlands where we went on a walking tour of the windmills.    There are 8 windmills just in this area that have survived since 1738. They pump the water from their below-sea-level land out to the river.   About half the country is reclaimed land with many sea walls and dikes to prevent flooding.

Sailed until next morning, so a relaxing afternoon.   John and I played shuffleboard on the sun deck right next to their herb garden.   Then got a little more dressed up for Captain’s Welcome Toast (champagne) and dinner.    The food has been terrific.  Eating way too much already!  Wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, tea -- all are available every lunch and dinner without charge.  Or you can buy more expensive drinks at the bar anytime. There are no assigned seats for the meals so we are getting acquainted with lots of different people.  Most are active retirees about our age, and most are from US or Canada.  So much fun!