It’s a cold and blustery day here in the Southwest of England. With red weather warnings and government alarms urging everyone to stay indoors, I thought it was the perfect time to reflect on the remarkable year that was 2024. Let’s dive into the holidays, personal events, and milestones that made this year unforgettable. This will be a multi-part series, so be sure to subscribe to catch every moment!
Northern European Cruise
2024 was a whirlwind of travel adventures, taking us to seven different countries via cruises, flights, and road trips. Our destinations included:
- A cruise to Northern Europe, visiting Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium
- A five-day trip to The Isle of Wight
- Another Northern Europe cruise, this time exploring Spain and France
- A long weekend in Cornwall
- A week-long trip to Pembrokeshire, Wales
- A five-day trip to Edinburgh, Scotland
Our first cruise of the year was a celebration of new experiences and our first wedding anniversary. The staff surprised us with beautiful swan towels, chocolates, and bubbly, making the trip even more special. Though our first stop was meant to be Hamburg, a last-minute change took us to Bremerhaven. This charming detour led us to Bremen, where we marvelled at gothic buildings and quaint shops, and even visited Werder Bremen’s football stadium.
Next, we docked in Rotterdam for our first-ever overnight stop. Day one took us to Amsterdam, where we navigated a slightly complex journey but were rewarded with the interactive and historical Heineken Brewery Experience. Day two in Rotterdam was a blend of architectural admiration, culinary delights at the Markthal, a visit to the historic Rotterdam Zoo, and a nostalgic stroll through Delfshaven, complete with stroopwafels and Dutch chocolate.
Our final stop was Zeebrugge, Belgium. We ventured to Bruges, indulging in chocolate, canals, and Christmas shops. A canal tour revealed the city’s rich history, and a waffle house lunch with Belgium chocolate ice cream, whipped cream, and melted chocolate was pure perfection. We explored chocolate shops, savouring the sights, smells, and tastes of an array of chocolates.
This Northern Europe journey was so delightful that we booked the same cruise for next year, this time with our parents. The cruise ship’s delectable food, engaging entertainment, and cherished company made it an experience worth repeating. I’ll provide links to the cruise company and our next year’s itinerary below.
As mentioned in the intro, there will be more parts to this end of year review, so make sure you follow and subscribe to stay up to date!
The Taste Trekker 
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