As I stepped onto the deck of the Holland America Rotterdam, the crisp Norwegian air filled my lungs. As a full-time travel writer, I’ve been lucky enough to explore places similar in landscape to Norway, but this 7-day cruise did not fail to stun me with its incredible beauty.
From setting sail from Rotterdam (via Amsterdam), I knew this journey would be extraordinary. First, my maternal ancestors are from Norway, and I was able to go on this journey with my immediate family. This was an incredible experience to get an introduction to Norway.
Several members of the ViaTravelers team have visited Norway multiple times. We’ve had plenty of discussions about this incredible country, and it’s been on my list for too long.
I mean, I’m from Minnesota, where we have Scandinavian sister cities, and I’m a huge fan of the Minnesota Vikings; say no more, right?
The agenda for this Norwegian cruise on Holland America Lines piqued my interest since it departed from Rotterdam, a short jaunt from where I live – Amsterdam. It also featured a great blend of towns, cities, and the fjords.
A Norway cruise is like sailing through a moving, living postcard. The towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and quaint villages create a scene that is hard to believe to be real. But trust me, it is—and it is even more stunning in person.
Below is the full video and photography of my experiences, a day-by-day breakdown, and some practical tips for making the most of the experience. This 7-day cruise spans eight calendar days, with the last day as the disembarkation day. Here’s a table summary of the itinerary to help set the stage.
| Day | Itinerary | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sail from Rotterdam, The Netherlands | – | 4:00pm |
| 2 | Sea Day | – | – |
| 3 | Mandal (Kristiansand), Norway | 7:00am | 4:00pm |
| 4 | Eidfjord, Norway Scenic cruising Hardangerfjord |
7:30am | 7:30pm |
| 5 | Stavanger, Norway | 7:00am | 3:00pm |
| 6 | Scenic cruising Sognefjord Skjolden, Norway |
7:00am | 3:00pm |
| 7 | Sea Day | – | – |
| 8 | Debark Ship Rotterdam, The Netherlands | 7:00am | – |
Video of My Experience
Day 1: Sail From Rotterdam
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