This was our first cruise since March 2020 and our first on P&O‘s new ship, Iona. The trip continued after our rather wet day in Blankenberge with Iona sailing overnight to Rotterdam. After our two days and a night in Rotterdam, our last port was to be Le Havre.
Monday 13th December 2022 Rotterdam
We woke with Iona docked a few hundred yards downstream from the Erasmus Brdige. From our balcony we could see trams, cars and trucks all going over the bridge. The trams making a lot of noise as they clanked their way over! To the side of Iona was another boat was bunkering the ship with LPG rather than oil.
Our late start meant that we only just made into breakfast in the restaurant. We then wrapped up and set off for the city over the bridge.
Into Rotterdam
Here is a view from the bridge of a docked Iona.
Over the bridge we took a short detour to look at some of the streetart.
Back on the main road the shops were yet to open and here are there decortated blinds.
We did a LOT of walking as we explored this part of the city.
In the pedestrian precinct we went into Hema and I bought a Christmas Nutcracker statue. We made our way back to around the Market Hall and then it was time for a sit down and a coffee.
We sat in a tent outside Toasted and Roasted and had coffees while we rested. Then it was off for more exploring.
These are the Cube Houses.
After exploring the stalls in the Market Hall we went back to Toasted and Roasted for lunch.
Lunch
This time we sat inside at the back. We were the only customers inside and felt safe to be in the well ventilated cafe. Our servers were very friendly and confirmed our decision not to bother with the busy places in the Market Hall.
Upstairs the cafe looked over to the cathedral and on the oppposiute side over the green.
Evening onboard
After a couple of false starts we finally made it back to Iona. The A/V system on the Iona is very good and we had a rest in the late afternoon and watched a film in our cabin.
Erasmus Bridge in the evening
Before we went down for dinner I spent time on our balcont taking long exposures of both the bridge and of Rotterdam.
Our original plan was to go back into Rotterdam but due to Covid restricyions all non-essential shops, the bars and restauarants were all closed from 5pm to 5am.
After dinner we went to the Club House and watched a group, The Other Guys, perform.
Next day – Tuesday 14th December – Rotterdam