Gouda, Netherlands

Full Transcript

Intro

Hello and welcome back to the TSJ CruisePod - your journey beyond the waves.

I’m Thomas Sebastian Jensen, and in this episode we’re continuing our Metropolis Tour 2026.

After setting sail from Hamburg in the last episode, today we arrive at our very first port of call on this journey - the Netherlands.

More precisely, we docked in Rotterdam, one of Europe’s most important and most modern port cities.

General Information About Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a city that immediately feels different from many other Dutch cities.

Unlike Amsterdam, much of Rotterdam’s historic center was destroyed during World War II, which led to a completely new approach to rebuilding the city.

Today, Rotterdam is known for its bold modern architecture, wide streets, and impressive skyline.

It is home to Europe’s largest port and plays a crucial role in international trade and logistics.

Iconic landmarks such as the Erasmus Bridge, the Cube Houses, and the futuristic high-rise buildings around the city center make Rotterdam a fascinating destination for architecture lovers.

It’s a city that constantly reinvents itself and proudly embraces its modern identity.

Since we had already explored Rotterdam in detail during our winter cruise in January 2024 aboard the MSC Euribia, we decided to do something different this time.

From Rotterdam to Gouda

Instead of staying in Rotterdam, we joined an excursion to the nearby city of Gouda.

Gouda is a charming Dutch city located in the heart of the Netherlands and is best known worldwide for its famous cheese.

But Gouda is much more than just a name on a supermarket shelf.

The city offers a beautiful historic town center, picturesque canals, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels very different from the busy rhythm of Rotterdam.

With its long tradition of craftsmanship, trade, and local culture, Gouda provides an authentic glimpse into classic Dutch city life.

Our Day in Detail

Our day began with a short bus tour through Rotterdam.

During this drive, we passed several well-known sights, including historic locks, the famous Cube Houses, and a building that once held the title of Europe’s tallest, standing at 43 meters.

After that, we continued the journey for about 30 kilometers until we reached Gouda.

Once there, we joined a short guided walk through the old town, which ended at Gouda’s central market square.

This square is dominated by one of the city’s most impressive landmarks: the Gothic town hall.

Dating back to the 15th century, it is considered one of the oldest Gothic town halls in the Netherlands and immediately catches your eye with its detailed façade and central location.

After the guided walk, we had around an hour of free time to explore the city on our own.

We started our individual exploration at the historic Gouda Cheese Weighing House, which today also houses the tourist information office.

In the past, this building played a central role in cheese trading, as all goods had to be officially weighed before being sold.

Naturally, we couldn’t resist tasting Gouda cheese ourselves.

What truly surprised me was the variety - from young and mild cheeses to very mature ones with an intense, almost spicy flavor.

They taste completely different from each other, and it really changes your perception of what “Gouda cheese” actually means.

Another culinary highlight was something sweet.

Gouda is also the birthplace of the famous Stroopwafels, and of course we stocked up on a few fresh ones - the perfect souvenir.

One of the cultural highlights of the visit was the Sint Janskerk.

At 123 meters in length, it is the longest cruciform church in the Netherlands.

Inside, the church is famous for its colorful stained-glass windows, known as the “Gouda Glass”, which depict biblical stories and important historical scenes.

The large organ adds even more to the impressive atmosphere of the interior.

On our way between the bus and the market square, we had already noticed a small Lego shop.

On the way back, curiosity won - and we stepped inside.

Although it wasn’t an official Lego Store, it offered beautifully crafted custom models, such as a mouse with a cheese board or a tiny cheese shop built entirely from Lego bricks.

Unsurprisingly, we couldn’t resist and brought a few of these charming souvenirs back with us.

After that, we returned to the bus and headed back to Rotterdam and the ship. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t on our side that afternoon.

With light rain coming and going, we decided to spend the rest of the day relaxing on board the MSC Poesia - enjoying the cozy atmosphere, a warm drink, and reflecting on a wonderful first day of the journey.

Other Excursion Options

For guests looking for different experiences, Rotterdam offers a wide range of alternative excursions.

One popular option is a guided city tour of Rotterdam, which focuses on modern landmarks such as the Erasmus Bridge, the Cube Houses, and historic districts like Delfshaven, where the Pilgrim Fathers once set sail for the New World.

This excursion combines panoramic bus rides with short walking tours and photo stops.

Another classic choice is a full-day trip to Amsterdam, including a scenic canal cruise and time to explore the city’s famous sights such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the historic canal belt.

For travelers who prefer flexibility, there is also an unguided transfer to Amsterdam, allowing several hours of free time to explore the city independently.

Alternatively, guests can visit The Hague, the political heart of the Netherlands and home to the International Court of Justice, elegant museums, and charming historic streets.

These options show just how versatile Rotterdam is as a cruise port, offering something for every travel style - from culture and history to food and architecture.

Outro

In the next episode of the TSJ CruisePod, we’ll continue our Metropolis Tour and head to Belgium, with a stop in Zeebrugge and an excursion to Brussels.

So stay tuned, subscribe if you haven’t already, and join me again as we continue this journey beyond the waves.

Thanks for listening, and see you in the next port.