We have had an afternoon stopover at Ijmuiden, the port for Amsterdam. I think the stop here has something to do with getting the arrival time into London right after the three sea days coming down the Norwegian coast from Tromso, well over 1200 km. We are due at Tilbury Docks about 6 am to disembark.

Although, it is the very start of Spring we took the option of doing an excursion to the Keukenhof Gardens, about an hours bus trip from the port. We were in Amsterdam a few years ago, but it was in Autumn and the Gardens were not open.

The Gardens showcase the Netherlands love affair with the tulip. There were numerous indoor displays to appreciate.

The grounds were just starting to bloom and many of the beds were just about to burst into colourful displays. The weather was kind, some sun and pale blue sky at times. At least the snow and sleet had gone!

The bus got us back to the ship in time for the sail away across the English Channel to London.

We are disembarking at Tilbury Docks, up the Thames River and about an hour training into the City.