We left Amsterdam last night just before midnight, apparently, because I was fast asleep ! The ship is so quiet and stable you would hardly know we were afloat. We will be traversing 8 countries over the next 3 weeks, but it’s in 2 parts…..

Amsterdam to Budapest to Bucharest. I did wake up at 3 am, looking out there was a surreal moon lit landscape of the canal, lines of pollarded willows and full moon, simply stunning !

Shortly after brekkie we moored up alongside the 19 Kinderdijk windmills. These are arranged in 2 parallel lines, pumping water up each level before being discharged into the river.

Our guide took us to the gift shop first, where we resisted all the pottery knick knacks. Upon leaving that the sun broke out, and one of the windmills started turning. Only 2 of the 19 mills are open to the public, so that’s where we headed next.

Our excellent guide described their inner workings and use since inception. Replaced by modern pipes they are now retained for the tourism, but are still in full working order.

Up close the sails were fairly whizzing around, and provided a challenge to photograph them.

Inside was a mixture of mechanical beams and cogs, surrounded by the family living quarters of the miller.

Back on the ship it was soon time for lunch, whilst viewing ships of varying sizes whizzing around us. Compared to an Ocean Cruiser the large windows really bring the surrounding landscape inside, providing a more intimate experience.

I did a bridge tour this afternoon, a very impressive set up. Hybrid electric rear azipod thrusters, electric bow thrusters, ballast tanks to lower the ship in the water and a hydraulic wheel house that can completely sink into the top deck for very low bridges. Our Captain has 35 years experience, so we are in safe hands.