World Travel with Bob: Transatlantic (Final Part 4)

This is the final blog entry for our 2026 35 day transatlantic cruise. This was our longest cruise, exceeding the 2025 Australian circumnavigation by five days. We enjoyed the opportunity to learn about destinations that were new to us. The glaciers and steep mountains surrounding Greenland's fjords were beautiful.

The full eclipse viewing was somewhat marred by the dense clouds over southern Iceland. Having Boston as the embarkation and disembarkation ports made returning back to California easier. Though it took about ten days to finally recover from too many time zone changes.

We remain home for the remainder of 2026 but will pull out our luggage again in the Spring. Our 2027 travel plans include England, South America and Scandinavia.

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Although we've been to Belfast, it was many years ago. During this port stop, we arranged a private Black Taxi tour. These tours help visitors to better understand the political, cultural and historical issues of the "Troubles." Our tour (actually in a silver Lexus) took us to divided neighborhoods and stops along Shankill Road, International Wall Mural, Divis Tower, Falls Road, Bobby Sands Mural, Falls Road and Belfast Peace Wall.

Bobby Sands Mural

Belfast Peace Lines

Bombay Street Memorial

During our visit to Belfast, the Fleadh Cheryl na hEireann music festival was underway. This is the world's largest celebration of traditional Irish music, song, dance, and language. Over 180 musicians compete over the week. Music can be heard in outdoor stages, pubs, and street performances. The event was so successful that it will return to Belfast in 2027.

Rotterdam, The Netherlands

We had an overnight in Rotterdam. On our first day, we walked over the Erasmus Bridge and boarded a water taxi to Kinderjidk, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This location is known for 19 windmills from the 18th century. Many are still in operation, though not for original purposes such as milling and pumping water.

In November 1421, a storm surge caused the North Sea to break through local dikes. Thousands of residents drowned. However, a babygirl was found floating in a wicker basket with a cat. Local stories indicate the cat was leaping side to side to keep the cradle from capsizing. Kiderdijk has a monument recognizing this event and saving of young Beatrix de Rijke.

Cat and Cradle Monument

On day two in Rotterdam, we engaged a ToursByLocals guide for a walking tour of Rotterdam. Leaving the ship, we walked over the Erasmus Bridge. We toured the Old Maritime area, Erasmus health center and next door art center, Delfthaven, Market Hall, St.Lawrence Church, City Hall and finished at the Cubic Houses. We were particularly impressed with the mirrored facade of the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningent. This building is an art storage facility that is open to the public.

Rotterdam certainly warrants a longer stay to enjoy the many areas of the city, museums and cultural sites.