Today, Amsterdam is bursting with orange!
We're celebrating King's Day, and the whole city is one big party. The streets are packed with people dressed in crazy costumes, and everyone's got something orange on – hats, wigs, you name it! The canals are full of boats blasting music, and the whole city is buzzing. As a river cruise manager, I'm here in Amsterdam hosting a small group of guests at the incredible Barbizon Palace Hotel before we embark on a fantastic adventure.
Speaking of the Barbizon Palace Hotel, it's truly special. It's not just a collection of iconic canal houses dating back to the 17th century; it also features a stunning 15th-century chapel right inside! In fact, this is the oldest chapel still existing in Amsterdam, dating all the way back to the 1400s. It's said that sailors used to pray in this very chapel before embarking on their voyages out to sea. Imagine that – a piece of Amsterdam's maritime history nestled within a modern hotel. I even have some pictures from inside that I'll be sharing, so you can see its beauty for yourself. Staying here truly feels like stepping back in time while enjoying all the modern comforts. It's the perfect starting point for any exploration of this vibrant city.
King's Day is a huge deal for the Dutch. It's a day to celebrate national unity and pride, and everyone gets super into it. The whole country basically grinds to a halt so everyone can party. It's also interesting how the celebrations can change a bit depending on the King – each one puts their own spin on things.
For our main event, on Monday, April 28th, I'll be welcoming 146 guests as we set sail for a week-long Tulip Time cruise through the Netherlands and Belgium. This taste of King's Day is just the beginning of what promises to be a beautiful journey through fields of blooming tulips and charming waterways.
One of the coolest things about King's Day is the 'vrijmarkt,' or free market. It's the one day of the year when anyone can sell stuff on the street without a permit. You'll see kids selling their old toys, people grilling up food, and tons of little stands with drinks and snacks. It's a total free-for-all! There are a few rules though – no loud music or selling alcohol without a permit. But mostly, it's just a super chill, colorful day where everyone's out having a good time.
We've been wandering around, soaking it all in, and everyone's been so friendly. I even took a picture of some young people on a boat, decked out in orange. They were so nice and let me snap a photo for the blog. They even painted the Dutch flag on my cheeks! It's been an incredible day, and we're so excited for the Tulip Time cruise to begin!