Rotterdam, Netherlands

Full Transcript

Intro

Welcome aboard the TSJ CruisePod - your journey beyond the waves.

I’m your host, Thomas Sebastian Jensen.

Today, we’re visiting Rotterdam, Netherlands - a city where bold modern design rises from a history shaped by resilience.

Let’s explore a destination that perfectly blends innovation, culture, and creativity.

City Overview

The Netherlands is famous for its windmills, canals, and tulip fields, but also for something very different - modern architecture.

Rotterdam, the country’s second-largest city and one of the world’s busiest ports, is a symbol of transformation.

After being almost completely destroyed during World War II, Rotterdam chose not to rebuild what was lost but to reinvent itself.

Today, it’s known for its striking skyline, avant-garde buildings, and cosmopolitan spirit.

The city is home to about eight hundred and sixty-eight thousand people and uses the euro as its currency.

It sits on the River Maas, connecting directly to the North Sea.

Rotterdam is both an economic powerhouse and a playground for architects - a place where the future meets tradition at every corner.

Our Day in Port

Early in the morning, the MSC Euribia docked right in the city center, just steps from the graceful Erasmus Bridge - a white cable-stayed structure that stretches across the Maas like a swan in flight.

We hadn’t booked an organized excursion, and there was no need.

From the cruise terminal, the city is easy to explore on your own.

A short walk brings you to the tram stop.

All you need is a credit card - simply tap when you board and tap again when you get off.

Just don’t forget the second tap, or you’ll be charged for the full route.

Our first destination was the Markthal - part artwork, part food paradise.

This massive, arch-shaped hall is covered inside with a gigantic mural of fruits, vegetables, and flowers, bursting with color.

Beneath it lies a maze of market stalls selling everything from fresh fish, pastries, and Dutch cheese to exotic spices and licorice in every imaginable flavor.

If you get hungry, small restaurants around the hall offer dishes from all over the world.

Just a short walk away are the Cube Houses, Rotterdam’s most iconic residential buildings.

Each cube tilts forty-five degrees and rests on a single point, forming a surreal forest of geometric shapes.

At first glance, they look like something straight out of a science-fiction movie.

You can even tour one of them - though be prepared for an extremely steep staircase.

Inside, three floors are packed into the small space: a cozy living area, bedrooms, and a pyramid-shaped top floor with panoramic windows.

Even from the street below, they’re a photographer’s dream.

The freezing winter air soon encouraged a coffee break.

At a nearby Starbucks, I tried a matcha latte - bright green, slightly sweet, and surprisingly comforting on such a cold day.

Warmed up again, we headed to Sint-Laurenskerk, the only surviving medieval church in Rotterdam.

Destroyed during the war, it was rebuilt in the 1950s and 60s with a clean, bright interior.

Its tall windows flood the space with light, giving it a peaceful, almost minimalist atmosphere.

Finally, we strolled through the nearby shopping streets, passing modern storefronts and public art displays that show Rotterdam’s creative side.

By noon, we were back aboard the ship - cold to the bone but full of impressions.

Rotterdam had offered a fascinating mix of modernity, history, and a sense of quiet adventure.

Travel Tips

Rotterdam’s cruise port is one of the most convenient in Europe.

From the terminal, you can walk directly into the city or cross the Erasmus Bridge for panoramic views.

Trams are fast and reliable, and the water taxis are a fun alternative, zipping across the Maas while giving you a unique view of the skyline.

Remember, each traveler needs their own credit card to tap in and out of public transport.

Wear comfortable shoes - you’ll be walking a lot.

If you visit the Markthal, take time not only for photos but also to taste the local specialties.

Architecture lovers shouldn’t miss the Cube Houses - even if you skip the interior tour, the exterior alone is worth the trip.

Rotterdam is easy to explore independently, but if you’d like to see more of the Netherlands, consider excursions to Amsterdam or Gouda.

Amsterdam is about an hour away by train and offers iconic sights such as the canals, the Anne Frank House, and the Van Gogh Museum.

A stroll through the flower market or a canal cruise will make your visit unforgettable.

For something smaller and more relaxed, visit Gouda - world-famous for its cheese and charming historic center.

Its traditional cheese market is still held in the old-fashioned way, and tasting Gouda right where it’s made is an experience you shouldn’t miss.

Outro

That’s all for today’s episode of the TSJ CruisePod.

I hope you enjoyed our visit to Rotterdam, Netherlands - a city that proves how creativity and courage can shape a new beginning.

Join me next time as we sail to another inspiring destination on our cruise.

Until then - stay curious, and keep your heart open to the sea.