Two Parts Italy

This is definitely not Italy!

There is no place quite like Amsterdam. Walking past rows of tall, narrow houses with unique roof lines, hoists for moving goods up to the top floors, and small stoops leading to pretty front doors, Amsterdam is a city that can not be mistaken for any other place.

Add in the canals and those lovely stone and iron bridges and it’s hard to go three steps without stopping to take a photo. But watch out - there are thousands (no exaggeration) of locals on bicycles and they fly around the streets with little thought for unwary pedestrians.

Walking around the city can be anxiety provoking with all those bicycles. A much more relaxing way to get a feel for Amsterdam is on a canal cruise. There are plenty of options, including large boats with indoor seating, open boats, and cruises that include bars or meals.

I was looking for something a little different, a bit smaller and more personalized. Captain Dave’s Early Morning Canal Cruise sounded just right. At 40€ for a 90 minute cruise it also sounded like quite a bargain.

The boat is a historic wooden boat from 1928. Originally named the Havenbeheer, it was a port boat owned by the Dutch government. Its history includes carrying dignitaries and royalty along Amsterdam’s canals. For many years it was a favorite of one of Amsterdam’s mayors. The boat fell into disrepair and sat unused, but in 2021 was purchased by Captain Dave, restored, and converted to electric power. Renamed the Jonckvrouw, today it carries 12 passengers in comfort - the cabin has upholstered benches and a heater (the warmth was much appreciated on a cold and windy day in March). The main cabin is covered, has big windows and a glass roof that opens in good weather. There is also a small outside seating area at the back of the boat.

Captain Dave even has good coffee, tea, and sweet bread - perfect for a morning cruise.

The Jonckvrouw Is small enough to enter both the large and small canals of Amsterdam. It glides past the tall houses that so characterize this unique city. It goes past ancient churches, landmarks of Amsterdam’s commercial history, under beautiful bridges, in front of the narrowest houses, and past those windows with the red curtains drawn (the Captain will explain the goings on behind those curtains for anyone who doesn’t know).

Throughout the 90 minute excursion the captain tells stories of Amsterdam’s history, architecture, and culture as well as about his own experience growing up along these canals. And - cover the children’s ears - he has a sailor’s salty language and a fabulous sense of humor.

Canal cruising with Captain Dave on the Jonckvrouw was a highlight of the few days I spent in Amsterdam before the start of a Viking Rhine River Cruise. More about that cruise coming up!