Discover Benelux | Rotterdam | Close to the City Centre Highlights
‘From highlight to top sight’ TEXT: MICHIEL STOL | PHOTOS: PARTYSERVICE NETHERLANDS
What better way to explore Rotterdam than from a ship sailing in the world’s biggest harbour, where one minute you can see the largest ships in the world and the next see seals on the Second Maasvlakte? With a tour on the ships of Partyservice Netherlands you can fully enjoy this side of town. “We have two ships: The Brandaris, which carries 135 passengers and sails in the Rotterdam harbour, and the Ameland, which carries 300 passengers and tours the Maasvlakte,” tells Esther Kruisinga, sales manager at Partyservice. “The tour starts at the Maeslantkering, the spectacular storm surge barrier that completes the Deltaworks. You will then pass the Breeddiep and sail into the impressive Europoort area, where you will be able to get a view of ships as high as buildings and the seals that rest on the artificial beaches. You will dock at the coastal town of Hoek van Holland.”
The tours on the ship are 1.5 hours, 2.5 hours or 3.5 hours, complete with food and drinks. “Our ships set sail when we have at least 45 people on them. We offer tours throughout the year,” explains Kruisinga. On the website you can see which dates exactly. “Our tours will take you from one highlight to another, from one top sight to the next. We will get you as close as possible to the giants of the sea, as well as showing you a truly remarkable piece of the Netherlands. All from the waters around beautiful Rotterdam.” www.rondvaarten.org
Welcoming the world
From coffee and cake to concerts and conferences, Rotterdam University’s hi-tech Erasmus Pavilion is buzzing with culture and energy. An international crowd of students, teachers, professors, business people and Rotterdammers all find their way to the spectacular Erasmus Pavilion. “This place is alive with music, culture, ideas and seriously good food,” says marketing manager Amanda Wijgerse. “It’s the beating heart of the University campus, where people from all over the world meet up, study, go for a meal, see a concert or take part in a conference.” 28 | Issue 34 | October 2016
TEXT: FRANK VAN LIESHOUT | PHOTOS: ERASMUS PAVILION
The modern wood and glass building has received many plaudits for its attractive appearance, open aspect and sustainable design with solar panels, geothermal heating and dry toilets. The building houses a restaurant, study facilities, two meeting rooms and a 200-plus-seat theatre, all under one roof. “Any company or organisation is welcome to book their event at the Pavilion,” Wijgerse explains. “With smart partitioning we can cater for anything from a small seminar to a full-on business conference, and with its retractable seating system our theatre can accommodate lectures and conferences, but also parties, concerts and performances.”
The catering is also top-notch. “Our Italianinspired restaurant serves Fair Trade coffee and handmade cakes, wholesome sandwiches, homemade pizzas and delicious pastas, burgers and salads - all at under ten euros a meal!” adds Wijgerse. The Pavilion is situated in the middle of beautiful Kralingen with its leafy streets, city forest and lake, yet is easy to reach by public transport and only a short drive from the arterial A16 motorway, for swift connections to Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam, Utrecht, The Hague and Antwerp. www.erasmuspaviljoen.nl/site/en