You Need To Go Here In Amsterdam! (Not Anne Frank House) | Norwegian Dawn: 10 Day Solo Cruise

[@glennismossey6976]

I agree wholeheartedly with you! ‘Just do it!’. I’m now 77 and after I finished my nurses training in UK I emigrated to Canada from Lincolnshire on my own. I travelled constantly and now widowed with adult sons I continued to travel until recent health issues have clipped my wings! I have a thermal mug like the one you won. I put mine in fridge to keep cool and then fill with my favourite Savingnon blanc and enjoy on my deck or with friends on ‘wine Wednesdays’! Happy travel days. There is someone out there just waiting for you. Trust me !💕🇨🇦 ( loved the Van Gogh tour).

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@glennismossey6976 thank you, Glennis! 😁 sounds like you’ve had some adventures too! I’m hoping to travel for as long as I can. The thermal mug is so cool, definitely a good win! Thank you for watching 😊

[@MICHELLE-gu2qc]

Excellent episode, its a big shame how dirty the city is. Vincent Van Gogh is my favorite artist aswell. I also love the song Vincent Starry night. Sunflowers is my favorite painting. You have done a wonderful job on this cruise series.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@MICHELLE-gu2qc this was a great cruise! Amazing itinerary with a great ship 😁 cheers, Michelle!

[@janenicholls111]

I love solo traveling...yes, it's scary the first time you do it, but it's soooooo liberating!🎉

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@janenicholls111 I totally agree, Jane! 😁

[@JustShelby888]

I agree with you, more people need to learn to travel solo. More people should do solo things in life in general, go watch a movie by yourself. Go to dinner by yourself. Go take a hike by yourself. Just go do things by yourself. One, is very character building. Especially if you’ve been sheltered all your life. Two it’s less stressful because you don’t have to worry about someone else’s agenda. You can just do whatever you wanna do. And nowadays there are so many other solo travelers like you said in that meeting, you could’ve went to dinner with somebody if you wanted to. Or you could just do your own thing. I wish, though that they didn’t make us pay double on a cruise which I guess is a good thing about Norwegian. They cater more to solo travelers unfortunately though I seen a new cruise video on their new ships and it looks like they might be catering more to families. I hope they add more solo cruises though.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@JustShelby888 I agree with everything you said, Shelby! Everyday you wake up and do whatever you want, that’s everyone’s perfect idea of a vacation 😂 no shame at all in solo travel and you’re totally right about character building and being comfortable with being alone. It’s definitely not ‘brave’ to do things alone. I agree about solo cruise prices but I can understand why they charge double because you’re taking the space of 2 people but it isn’t really fair! New ship looks amazing, a lot of family and kids activities but it looks great! Thank you for watching early! 😁

[@JustShelby888]

@@TravelWithBen121 but if you’re staying in one of those solo cabins, you’re not taking the room of two people. And think about when you get a hotel room they don’t charge you based on how many people are in the room. And the crew actually has less to do for a single passenger. They don’t have to clean as much or have to take care of as many people. I mean that’s just my opinion yeah they’re not making as much money because there’s not a second person to sell extra stuff to, but that’s why I think they should put in a lot more solo cabins, including some with balconies because there’s so many single travelers even if you’re traveling with friends, some people just want their own space. I’m a light sleeper and an early riser. And even when I would travel with family or friends, I already kind of have an agenda of things I like to do and I always invite them along, but they choose not to go on an excursion or do what I wanna do. I do it anyways. And some people get upset about that. But those are the type of people that can’t entertain themselves, so I always tell them you can tagalong to the museum. I want to go to or wherever I want to do that day but I still want to do what I wanna do. II’m flexible and if they wanna do something also we can throw that in the mix. I don’t want to sound like I don’t wanna hang out with people or do other things. But honestly, a lot of people have no idea what they wanted to do on vacation and they always leave it up to me to make the plans when I’m in a group and it’s so annoying, because I like to do things early in the day. And then people start talking about schedules and this and that and I’m just like forget it I’m going by myself. 😝 this is probably why I’m single 😜 . like the van Gogh museum, I would love to see that and if they don’t want to go, I would still go and I would just meet you back at the ship. So that’s why I’m always selective with my traveler partners and make sure we kind of vacation the same way I figured that out with my last relationship . Because the first vacation we went on, I realize that we did not vacation in the same way. It was very eye-opening. Needless to say, that and last.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@JustShelby888 I agree with you, Shelby! The whole issue is ‘solo cabins’ are not common so it’s totally up to the cruise lines to accommodate solo cruisers. It’s great that NCL does but they definitely lose money offering single cabins but I guess that’s the price they pay for being the best cruise line for solo cruisers. I think it’s very difficult to vacation with people that don’t know what they want to do because I don’t want to waste time standing around trying to agree on something to do 😂 it’s great to have a schedule and a plan but I don’t want to listen to anyone complain. Don’t go if you don’t want to! You’re totally right about people vacation in different ways and people sometimes forget how important it is to travel with people that want the same thing as you!

[@JustShelby888]

@@TravelWithBen121 it’s OK though, I don’t mind paying the single supplement. Least I’m not annoyed with traveling with people. I don’t wanna travel with . I think I would probably go to dinner with other solo travelers though, it’s nice to sit down and have a meal with somebody, and catch up with people and see what they did with their day or maybe if they wanted to go dancing.but other than that, I’m OK.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@JustShelby888 sometimes the single supplement isn’t as much as 200% but you need to be lucky to find good deals! The solo meetings are a great way to socialise and on this cruise, around 8-12 solo cruisers went to dinner together straight after the meeting, I didn’t go because I always had late lunch which turned into late dinner so a 6pm dinner was too early for me. But it’s a great option if you don’t want to eat alone, maybe people also planned excursions together and went dancing or to a show. Just enjoying life! 😁

[@julieeakes]

I was just going to say that we really have Theo’s wife to thank when you mentioned it. My cruise next year starts in Amsterdam. Thanks for giving me something to think about. Love your attitude. Find it hard to believe you have no one to cruise with but you make the most of it. My husband doesn’t like to travel so I know how to go it alone too.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@julieeakes you’re right Julie, it was Theo’s wife that pushed Vincent’s work and it started to get recognition. Enjoy your cruise out of Amsterdam! Thank you for watching 😁

[@mlandry6511]

Thank you for all of the great information you provided for the places you visit!

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@mlandry6511 you’re welcome! I hope it was useful 😁

[@ReneeinVirginia]

So crazy. I just went yesterday to Van Gogh The Immersive Experience in USA. I got home and downloaded the ebook called, "The Letters of Vincent Van Gogh". Can't wait to read all of his collected letters he sent and received. Theo's wife Johanna compiled the letters. I have seen The Starry Night at MOMA in NYC . Fantastic. Oh, and once I traveled alone I preferred it! Less restriction for me and can go at my own pace. It's also fun with others but I love going it alone. Great video.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@ReneeinVirginia wow, that’s great Renee! I bet that’s an amazing experience 😁 I totally agree, wake up and do your own thing!

[@vanessawyndham8791]

Hi Ben! Absolutely LOVE Amsterdam. I agree it's a lovely city with lots to do and see. The Van Gogh and Rijkmuseum are truly amazing. A must see for anyone visiting the city.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@vanessawyndham8791 I totally agree, Vanessa! Amsterdam is great and the museums are definitely worth visiting! Thank you for watching 😁

[@stefancobh]

Another lovely vlog from you Ben…Amsterdam is really beautiful…enjoyed it. Thanks

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@stefancobh thank you for watching, Stefan! I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks again for becoming a member! I appreciate it very much 😁

[@IreneDall]

I really enjoy your Videos and you make me change about be afraid to cruise alone.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@IreneDall nothing to be afraid of, Irene! 😁 everyone is just out there living life so go and have some fun! Thank you for watching 🌹

[@missymoppel]

I've been to the Van Gogh many times, my favourite place in Amsterdam, and actually saw Starry Night in 2009. The Rijksmusuem is also really worth a visit.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@missymoppel that’s so cool that you saw it! Did you see it in Amsterdam??? I hope to see it the next time I’m in NYC. Next time I’ll check out the Rijksmuseum!

[@missymoppel]

@@TravelWithBen121 It was on loan in the van Gogh museum, I was lucky enough to see it there. It is an exceptional painting. When I first saw the wheat field with crows though it really shook me, I just thought that it really represented depression.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@missymoppel I get that from many of his paintings. Depression and sadness…

[@lisaanderson8235]

THANK YOU for taking us to the Van Gogh Museum! He was misunderstood in his time and for a long time after. I saw a traveling exhibition locally in Detroit Michigan many years ago and it was life changing. He was brilliant. 🖼️🎨🖌️

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@lisaanderson8235 I totally agree with you, Lisa! Wow, that’s great you saw the exhibition, I love everything Van Gogh so I’d love to see that. He was great 😊

[@Pantherjonvideos]

Amsterdam is an interesting city..Was there back in the 90's(yeah, I am old...LOL)..Don't recall it being a very dirty city, but do recall going thru the red light district..That was quite 'different'! Luckily I had my girlfriend with me , so that kept me 'safe' from the ladies..lol..We went to the Rembrandt house instead of Van Gogh, it was very interesting! Afterwards we went to the Rock Rock Cafe and foolishly walked thru the 'smoking' room! IYKYK...Great adventures! Thanks for sharing with us , Ben!

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@Pantherjonvideos Amsterdam is very interesting, Jon… definitely an adventure 😂 there’s many museums and attractions in the city so lots to choose from! I’ve never been to a Hard Rock Cafe in my life 😂 is it worth it?? Thank you for watching!

[@englishmadeeasy5377]

Was just on Dawn November last year and I had a fantastic time. I travel solo most of the time myself and I love it - it's not the most ideal way to travel but just like you like in your situation it's the best option I have at the moment. The nice thing about travelling alone is you get to meet new friends which could have been less likely possible when you're travelling with other people.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@englishmadeeasy5377 I liked the Dawn a lot! You’re totally right about meeting people, you’re much more likely to meet new people if you travel alone rather than with other people!

[@englishmadeeasy5377]

@@TravelWithBen121 I concur Ben!

[@pamelahaskin9738]

Thanks for another great video! I would definitely travel alone if that was my life. I’m glad you travel even if for now it is alone. I really love it when you show us little snippets of the food you order.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@pamelahaskin9738 thank you, Pamela! I appreciate your kind words 😁 I’m glad you enjoy the food, I’m still trying to figure out the best way to show the food as I know people want more detail but there’s not much I can say apart from it was delicious or not 😂

[@jamtaylor1992]

What a great video, definitely making me want to solo cruise, new subscribers here, have you done a video where you go through your process of looking and finding good prices? I'd love to see that! And I'd totally travel with you ahah

[@TravelWithBen121]

Thank you, Jamel! I appreciate you subscribing 😊 yes! Here’s a video about how I find cruises: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIWpiKOVeM92b6Msi=3I0ZJNZcNpz2y5l0 you should try a cruise!

[@nicola546]

"Perhaps they'll listen now..." Vincent is also one of my favourite songs, and the story of his life also intrigues and saddens me. Hopefully it inspires us to treat others with dignity and respect, no matter who they are.

[@TravelWithBen121]

I totally agree with you, Nicola! 😁 I don’t think people will listen, even now… the world can be a sad and lonely place! I hope we can all learn to live in peace 😊

[@GDJason]

I've been to Amsterdam many times, although its been quite some time now since I've been. You got the #1 tip right, stay off the red paths!! I always loved walking around the city in the morning before most have ventured out of their houses. So peaceful and at least back when I traveled there, most of the people out were city workers, many trying to clean up all the litter on the streets. Also I feel like getting out of the centre/red light area can reveal a much nicer view of the city. The museums are amazing. I've been to the Van Gogh and the Rijksmuseum and I think both are worth the time to visit, if you've got the time and inclination. Never realized just how close to the center the cruise ship port is, so nice! 30 minute walk isn't bad, and I'm assuming one could take public transport if they wanted to. I've traveled solo more than I've traveled with others, I agree there is nothing wrong and no reason to feel embarrassed about it. I look at it this way, anybody I see or meet while traveling that wants to judge me for being solo, I'm probably never going to see them again in my life, so why care what they think about it!! I've met many wonderful people from all over the world as a result of being solo on trips. Can't wait to see the rest of your voyage!!

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@GDJason I agree Jason, it was very peaceful and quiet in the morning but the afternoon was extremely crowded! You’re totally right, the red light district is definitely the worse part of the city. Amsterdam is a great port because the city is right there next to the port. There was a tram station right outside of the cruise terminal and lots of busses so no need to walk if you don’t want to. I’ve never for a second felt embarrassed about solo travel. It’s funny because whoever you meet and you ask them what their perfect day would be, they’d say “no one telling me what to do, I wake up when I want to, I eat when I want to” and that’s literally what solo travel is 😂 you do whatever you want without asking someone!

[@yenphung8809]

Love your video, learned something each time.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@yenphung8809 thank you Yen, me too 😁

[@brendalogan6281]

Thank you so much for touring the van gogh museum.I just love that! And I totally agree with you about traveling solo. You may be traveling solar, but doesn't mean you have to be alone that's actually by choice. I recently hopped on a cruise in May solo. At the last minute and had the best time and now i'm hooked and wanna do it as much as I can. Have to fit it into my work schedule, but i'm going to make sure I do!

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@brendalogan6281 I’m glad you enjoyed the museum, Brenda! Wow, that’s great you did your own cruise! Definitely do more and more if your schedule allows it because it so great and solo travel means you can do whatever you want! 😁

[@YorleniSapp]

Love your videos. We were in the same cruise. Amazing weather. It was a great trip!

[@TravelWithBen121]

Thank you, Yorleni! Wow, that’s great, I hope you enjoyed the cruise! I had a great time 😁 definitely lucky with the weather!

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Ben, you are doing such a great editing job and I really like your musical selection! I would say that if one has a spouse or a significant other and that person does not want to go on any cruises, just go ahead and go by yourself and if you choose to travel like you are a single person go ahead and have the kind of fun that only a single person might have, within reason of course.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@mitchellbarnow1709 thank you, Mitchell! It’s still difficult for me to decide when to add music or not 😂 I’m working on it. I totally agree with you, do whatever makes you happy, life is short!

[@pasha21k]

This your best video, I am a fan of Vincent, also, it was a thrill to see the museum.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@pasha21k thank you, Jill! I really enjoyed filming this video. Definitely something I feel passionate about so I hope that came across in the video! The museum is so great! 😁

[@pasha21k]

@@TravelWithBen121 Yes, your passion i can identify with, also. The trash has really ruined such a lovely city.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@pasha21k I agree Jill, it's sad...

[@dakotaz11]

Nice video, Ben! Your enthusiasm and passion bleeds out every time! You also seem to be blessed with some favorable weather - so happy for you! And I am not going to say you are brave - as I have been a solo traveler most of my life - but up until recently, it has always been for work. I am now deciding that traveling solo for fun is even better. Like I said - I won’t say you are brave, but I will say how incredible proud of you I am! Most people I know would rather sit at home and wait for the right opportunity to knock at your door. But the fact that you put your galoshes on and tread lightly on the day by reaching for the doorknob - I am so proud of you and inspired by you! Keep looking at the world gently - the message you are sending is love and warmth!

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@dakotaz11 thank you Dawn, I am really passionate about what I said so I had a great day! No doubt I was very lucky this whole cruise with the weather! It makes a huge difference 😁 thank you for your very kind words! Like I said, it’s a normal thing for me and it’s not difficult for me to travel solo. I know it might be difficult for some people but life is short, so just enjoy it 😁 that’s my message! Thanks again, Dawn 🌹

[@hollyecf]

Thank you sir for another fascinating video! The Van Gogh museum and story of his life was very interesting. Thanks for taking us a long and congratulations for over 10K subscribers!

[@TravelWithBen121]

Thank you, Fredwina! I appreciate your continued support 😊 Van Gogh had an interesting life and the museum is a great tribute to him!

[@matthewhildebrandt1901]

Hey Ben! The Van Gogh Museum looked cool. I love museums. That dinner looked tasty. I have to admit, I got a little nervous when you said you had an appointment in the Red District. 😂

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@matthewhildebrandt1901 the museum was great, Matthew! One of my favourites. Dinner was soo amazing, you get whatever you want! HAHA I walked through the Red Light District very fast 😂

[@MustangShelby]

I've traveled solo for many years and had so many amazing experiences and met great people all over the world. Would love to find someone to travel with, but like you I'd rather go on my own, than not at all. Why should I stay home, when there's so many amazing places in the world 😀

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@MustangShelby I totally agree with you, Shelby 😁 it’s the best option so go for it! Life is too short…

[@peterrichold9045]

Hi Ben, I am new to your channel and started watching your 10 day solo cruise. I have been on 5 cruises all with a very experienced cruiser couple and have enjoyed each one. I went 65 in April and decided to do my first solo cruise in May 2025 as a celebration and booked a 12 day European NCL on Pearl from Southampton to Rome. I'm excited but also nervous as I do enjoy traveling alone but this will be something completely different for me......until I watched todays video. I'm starting to feel better about this cruise and I thank you for doing this for me. Le Harve is the first port and was hoping to see what you did so that I could make an informed decision on shore excursions but I guess you didn't film anything or did you? What do you recommend, as I have enjoyed your honest opinions on ports?

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@peterrichold9045 thank you for watching, Peter! That’s best you’re taking a cruise, you’ll love it. Wake up everyday and do whatever you want 😁 the way every vacation should be! I didn’t get off the ship in Le Havre, I’ve been there before and there’s not much to do in the port city. I’ll be honest and say it’s not a good cruise port, it’s very far away from Paris and it will take 2 hours on the train. There’s a cool church in Le Havre called Église Saint-Joseph but not much else. You can take an official excursion booked through NCL to get to Paris but I wouldn’t recommend going there by yourself as you don’t want to rely on the train to get you back to the ship on time.

[@carolleiter6027]

Good video Ben. Amsterdam is not on my bucket list however I would see Ann Frank's house. Maybe just the outside. That canal scares me especially that those cars can go in it so easy.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@carolleiter6027 I’d like to see the Anne Frank House too, Carol! It’s difficult to get a reservation but it would be interesting to see! The canals are very close to the streets! There’s nothing stopping a car going into the canal 😂

[@SherryAnnOfTheWest]

Van Gogn is my favorite artist ... I've never been to that museum, but seen a lot of his work at other top museums around the world. His life was so sad ... such a genius, not appreciated in his own time. Of course, his mental issues probably made him hard to deal with ... they had very little awareness of mental health and really no decent therapies or facilities for someone with those kinds of problems.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@SherryAnnOfTheWest you’re totally right, Sherry Ann! Society hasn’t learned from it.

[@Krypto64]

Great film, Ben. We happened to be in Amsterdam earlier this year and it was Koningsdag, the King’s birthday. There were no problems seeing loads of litter that Saturday - you couldn’t see the pavements for hundreds of thousands of extra people who’d come into the city from all over the country to get drunk… but very politely. Later that day, early evening, there were rubbish trucks everywhere cleaning up. I thought that guy saying the Anne Frank House wasn’t worth a visit seemed pretty moronic. It may be small, but there’s an atmosphere, and it’s worth a visit for what it represents. Let him go to Disneyland Paris if that what he wants. Isn’t the Van Gogh Museum great? Did you have time to visit the accompanying exhibit about his modern ‘disciple’ Matthew Wong, it was fascinating to see the odd Van Gogh beside work it inspired. I wouldn’t say parents need to keep the kids out of Amsterdam, it’s only the odd street that hosts the seamier businesses. Congrats on winning that coffee cup. I’m rubbish at flags - Steve is brilliant - but I once caught a tee shirt…

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@Krypto64 politely get drunk on the king’s birthday 😂 I’ll visit the Anne Frank House one day, it’s definitely worth a visit! Van Gogh museum was great, one of my favourites with a great message. I didn’t see the other exhibition. You’re right about bringing kids, just avoid the dodgy places and you’ll be fine! Thanks for watching, Martin!

[@grahamjones7639]

TO ALASKA SEP 2024 solo cruise BACK ON BLISS

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@grahamjones7639 sounds great Graham, enjoy your cruise! 🚢

[@bridgetclark5372]

I'm not sure why there is so much education slander against Americans. I have a degree in geography and am fairly well traveled. To be fair, we have essentially 50 different countries and different flags for each as well. 🤷

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@bridgetclark5372 so much? I made one comment 😂 congratulations on your geography degree 🎉

[@bridgetclark5372]

@@TravelWithBen121 it's not your singular comment, it's on all platforms of social media, it's the easy joke to say Americans are dumb or not well traveled. It's a turn off to want to travel when you see so many people in the world think so poorly of us as a whole. Most of us are aware we're not that great, and travel is often cost prohibitive. I'll get off my soap box. I was just surprised to see the quip about Americans.

[@david1234lee]

Nice trip ! Saw Van Gough whom I never figured out. The cocktails are way too expensive, in $20's per serve ! My notification department still works like the Union workers, choosing at their own will. If you sent me messages to which I did not respond, it is because I never received them. Too bad ! Americans are losing freedom of speeches !

[@TravelWithBen121]

Thank you, David! Some people also don’t get notifications so check to see if there’s new videos 😁

[@david1234lee]

@@TravelWithBen121 Well, Ben, KZbin is not politically neutral as they should be. They are loaded with tricks.

[@ricoatthebeach]

You think Amsterdam is dirty? Have you been to London?

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@ricoatthebeach Yes, I think Amsterdam is dirty. Yes, I’ve been to London.