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Question about Other Shore Excursions from IJmuiden. Netherlands

Posted by (TX) on

EDITING. spelling of IJmuiden.. I have been corrected.

In another post, I asked about Haarlem as a shore excursion when in IJmuiden. and received many helpful responses.

One person asked what else is offered.

I am going to mention three other possibilities. All of them include guided walks and are classified at Level 2. At the very end of each description it now says, "Not recommended for guests with mobility problems" but it used to say something about '"guests with mobility issues need to decide if this excursion is right for them" or something like that, so Norwegian is becoming stricter about Level 2 excursions.

Some Level 2's are easier than other Level 2's.

Haarlem is listed as Level 1 because it is a DIY.

So three other possible excursions:

Broek in Waterland & Beemster Polder which is 6 1/2 hours long

Voldendam & Marken which is 5 1/2 hours long

Delft & The Hague which is 8 hours long but before you get too excited abut this one: We would be visiting a manufacturer of Delft Pottery and then have about two hours free time in the central area for shopping and eating.

But when we go to the Hague, all that we have is a panoramic bus ride around some of the "magnificent" buildings. Nothing is said about even getting off the bus for pictures and we will not be going in any of the buildings. This is a huge disappointment,

I have watched at least one youtube video and sometimes more than one on each of these places. None were shore excursions. None were guided tours.

Would like some feedback on these three when compared to Haarlem. I like Haarlem and feel it would work but wanted to get some opinions about the others.

I think that Haarlem is going to be the best one for me.

Posted by
8771 posts

I haven't been on cruise excursions in this area, but the first thing that stands out is that Den Haag and Delft (which are certainly famous destinations) are a minimum of one hour by bus from the port you will be in. The other two alternatives to Haarlem are about a half hour, as I look at Google Maps.

I don't have a clear handle on your stamina and level walking ability. I am not asking you to answer in public, but have you noticed if you are among those trailing the farthest behind in group movements?

Volendam & Marken (do you like any details they list for that?) sounds less "city" than Haarlem to me, but there are famous paintings to see in Haarlem, and easy access to taxis. Do you think the Waterland/Polder is more likely to have walking on grass and earth trails, while Volendam/Marken will be sidewalks and plazas? (Just guessing on my part.)

Posted by
36913 posts

Ijmulden

here and on the Haarlem thread you are using an el "l" in the name of where you will port.

So you get the right results, you'd like to know it is an eye "i" - Ijmuiden

Posted by
2246 posts

The name of the city is spelled IJmuiden. With a capital I and a capital J and no letter L.
IJmuiden is the place where the IJ river flows into the North Sea. The name literally means IJ mouth.

Posted by
3816 posts

Nigel and Dutch_Traveler

Thank you for correcting me.

I have cataracts and it is a problem . I have an appointment for pre op surgery July 31st.

Also the font on my computer is small and sometimes some letters are not clear like small l and i. It is sometimes difficult for me to make out what they are.

Posted by
3816 posts

Tim

I do not mind answering in public.

Even if i begin in the front of the group, I end up trailing in the back of the group. And sometimes I can not keep up with the group and have to give up.

But there are usually others in my situation.

Some tour guides are very sensitive to those who can not keep up with the group for whatever reasons but others appear to be irritated.

I like what I read about every excursion posted I have watched at least one youtube video on all the "cities"

I really want to know more about The Hague but Norwegian is not offering enough time there. I wish Norwegian offered an excursion to just The Hague.

I think for now, Haarlem wold be the best choice for me.

But the cruise is not until September 2027. Perhaps more excursions will be added.

Posted by
3816 posts

Dutch _ Traveler

Another thank you.To my eyes, the I and the J blend and looks like a U.

But I believe that others have spelled IJmuiden incorrectly. I copied your spelling of the name and have to now go back and correct again.

Posted by
3816 posts

And Nigel I will be going back to the Haarlem thread and correcting how I spelled IJmuiden.. I copied the way Dutch _ Traveler spelled it with a capital I and J which looks like a U to my eyes.

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