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Awaiting Your Return From Shore |
Amsterdam has always had strong
ties to the water. Spread out over 70 islands, this cosmopolitan city boasts
60 miles of canals and 1,000 bridges. As early as the 13th century, tiny
ships sailed from this port into the challenging Zuider Sea. A direct connection to the North Sea was made with the
construction of a canal in the early 19th century.
The most dramatic alteration of the landscape came in 1932 with the
building of a 22-mile dam that sealed off part of the Zuider Sea, allowing
large landfills.
Amsterdam gained renown in the 15th century when it became a major
trading center, steadily assuming commercial leadership and thus controlling
the country’s finances, a trend that remains to this day.
Amsterdam is most famous for its narrow, gabled houses lining the
canals. The historical center is full of interesting attractions such as the
medieval weighhouse, the Royal Palace on Dam Square, and the Nieuwe Kerk or
New Church which was built in 1468. From the time of Rembrandt, Amsterdam
has been revered as an artistic center. Today the city is renowned for its
celebrated museums – the Rijks, Van Gogh and Stedelijk Museums to name but a
few. It also is a shopper’s city, featuring everything from the famous
flower market to glassware, Delft porcelain, cheese and wooden shoes. Its
most glamorous industry is the diamond trade.
Within a relatively short distance from Amsterdam are the flower
centers of Aalsmeer, the picturesque fishing villages of Volendam and
Marken, cheese markets at Edam and Gouda, and historic Haarlem which is the
main center of the bulb-growing industry.
You Mai explore Amsterdam’s center on foot or join the thousands of
residents who favor riding their bicycles. One of the most delightful ways
to enjoy the city’s famous sights is from a glass-topped sightseeing boat.
Gliding through the canals, the boat passes the characteristic gabled houses
and negotiates picturesque arched bridges. |
Awaiting Your Return
From Shore |
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Complimentary
Spirits Await |
Return to Your
Suite and Sail Away to The Next Adventure |
Entertainment
and Dancing Await You |
