Voyage Overview
Destination Highlight
Cosmopolitan Amsterdam is most famous for its narrow, gabled houses lining the canals. Interesting attractions include the medieval weighhouse, Royal Palace on Dam Square, and New Church. Its most glamorous industry is the diamond trade. Not too far from Amsterdam are the flower centers of Aalsmeer, the picturesque fishing villages of Volendam and Marken, cheese markets at Edam and Gouda, and historic Haarlem, the main center of the bulb-growing industry. Enjoy the city’s sights from a glass-topped sightseeing boat which passes characteristic gabled houses and negotiates picturesque arched bridges. Facing Dam Square, the Royal Palace was built in 1648 and is still officially the royal residence, although the royal family resides in The Hague. The marbled Citizens Hall with inlaid maps of the world is worth seeing. One of Amsterdam’s most visited sites is historic Anne Frank House. Rijksmuseum, the city’s most prestigious museum, houses the largest collection of Dutch paintings in the world. Van Gogh Museum houses a striking collection.
About the Ship
Mimir is said to have gained wisdom and knowledge by drinking from the Well of Wisdom. He is so wise that when the great tribes of Vanir and Aesir gods are at war, the Vanir tribe calls on him for counsel. But, incapable of translating his words of guidance, they behead him and send his head back to the Aesir tribe. Odin, the Aesir chief, embalms Mimir’s head with herbs, casting a spell that empowers it to speak and share secrets. Thus, Mimir guides Odin through the war until the two tribes of gods unify into one.