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Baltic Sea & Scandinavia Cruises

A Scandinavia cruise delivers romantic scenery and a kaleidoscope of cultures. Experience more with our thoughtfully crafted Scandinavia & Baltic Sea cruise itineraries and overland tours. From Berlin’s monuments to Copenhagen’s castles, and every shining jewel in-between, our cruises show off the best of Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea.

• Baltic Europe Destinations
• Baltic Europe Ports
• Baltic Europe Shore Excursions
• Baltic Europe Travel Tips & Articles

Explore Baltic & Scandanavia Destinations

Breathtaking fjords, picturesque islands, and dramatic coastal cliffs –stunning landscapes await you in Norway.

Admire high-quality design and architecture and discover the boundless opportunities for aquatic adventures like fishing and birdwatching waiting for you in Denmark.

No visit to Iceland is complete without exploring its breathtaking waterfalls, tranquil hot springs, and otherworldly lava fields.

Make the Most of Your European Cruise Vacation

Peruse our convenient Europe departure ports. Whether you’re interested in a 7-day cruise or a long voyage, your dream port is where the adventure starts.

Cruises from Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Cruises from Reykjavik, Iceland

Cruises From Copenhagen, Denmark

Cruises from Rotterdam, the Netherlands

Featured scandanivia & baltic sea cruise ports.

Berlin, Germany

Take in an intriguing, vibrant city with moving memorials of its history and contemporary galleries and boutiques.

Stockholm, Sweden

Bask in midnight sunshine during summer months and discover a vibrant capital stretched across fourteen islands.

Tallinn, Estonia

Find cobbled streetscapes and medieval churches converged seamlessly with a thriving modern tech culture.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Explore Dutch Renaissance castles, colorful shops, and eateries in this lively capital and home of Hans Christian Anderson.

Helsinki, Finland

Immerse yourself in a distinct arts and music scene, sumptuous saunas, and a UNESCO fortress on a gorgeous waterfront.

Featured Baltic & Scandanavia Cruises Shore Excursions

Excursions to incredible landscapes, stunning architecture, and culture-rich museums await on your Baltic Sea & Scandinavia cruise. Cruise the majestic fjords of Scandinavia or admire the awe-inspiring beauty of North Cape bathed in the glow of the midnight sun. Take a private tour of Berlin’s famous sights. Enjoy an evening of culture with an Estonian folk-dance performance. Explore the incredible Palaces of Copenhagen. It’s all here. 

Castles of North Zealand

Old Town & City Hall

Mt Dalsnibba & The Eagle Road

Baltic sea and scandinavia travel tips.

Find out what to experience on your Baltic Sea and Scandinavia cruise. Check out insider tips and recommendations for things to see and do, and every Baltic gem in between.

Best Time To Visit Iceland

While Iceland is incredible any time of year, the best time to visit depends on what you want to experience.

Packing List for Europe

Check out our best tips when packing for a Northern European cruise so you can comfortably move through dreamscapes with ease and feel prepared for any adventure.

Best Fjords in Norway

Discover our top 5 picks for the best fjords in Norway—and what makes each one unique.

Europe Cruise Onboard Experience

Travel to Europe’s most fascinating destinations on perfectly sized cruise ships offering unmatched service and an award-winning onboard experience. Enjoy entertainment for every preference and the best live music at sea. 

Onboard Entertainment

Dining Experiences

Onboard activities, northern europe vacation packages and add-ons.

Add flights and hotels before or after your cruise (or both!). Arrange ground transportation to create a custom cruise package.

Find Flights To Europe

Book flights that depart and arrive in time for your Europe cruise with Holland America Line Flight Ease®. Find low prices, loads of options, and enjoy flexibility and support should plans change.

Add a Hotel Package

Extend your trip by a few days. Add a hotel package to your Europe cruise and indulge in a comfortable, convenient overnight before or after your cruise.

Plan Ground Transportation

We make it easy to schedule transfers between the airport and cruise ship. Arrange ground transportation ahead of time and breeze to and from your cruise.

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Europe Cruises    |    Mediterranean Cruises    |    Northern Europe Cruises    |   Scandinavia & Baltic Sea Cruises   |    Transatlantic Cruises

Norwegian Fjords Cruises

See Baltic, Scandinavia and Norways breathtaking scenery and natural wonders

Holland America Line, Norway from Amsterdam, July 15, 2023

14-day cruise to eidfjord, alesund, geirangerfjord, bergen, oslo, kristiansand, stavanger and flam on board rotterdam.

Discover the best of Norway on this cruise with Holland America Line

Amsterdam cruise port.

Amsterdam is a popular vacation spot all year long, for both first-timers and people who have been there before. Because of its rich history, it is also a popular port of call for cruise ships. Passenger Terminal Amsterdam, where cruise[…]

Day 1 – At Sea cruising

Aboard Rotterdam you will experience the best dining, entertainment and amenities at sea against a backdrop of unrivaled natural beauty.

Cruising to Eidfjord, Norway

Eidfjord is a municipality in the county of Hordaland, located at the end of Norway’s second-longest fjord, the Hardangerfjord. Eidfjord is located in the heart of a region along the RV 7 route, which connects Oslo and Bergen and passes[…]

Cruising to Alesund, Norway

A trip to Alesund, the “Adventure Capital of the Fjords,” will reveal why it was voted Norway’s Most Beautiful City. Alesund, a city of 45,000 people located on three islands between two azure fjords, is a major port for the[…]

Cruising Geirangerfjord, Norway

One of the most popular ways to see Norway is from the water, and the Geirangerfjord is a popular destination for cruise ships. Cruising the area known as the “jewel of the Norwegian fjords” will not leave you bored. Geirangerfjord[…]

Bergen, Norway

Bergen is located between the longest fjord in Norway, the Sognefjord, and the lovely Hardangerfjord in the south. It is the best place in Norway to gain access to the fjords, making it one of the country’s top tourist destinations.[…]

Day 6 – At Sea cruising

Cruising aboard Rotterdam elevates fun at sea to an art form. Rotterdam demonstrates a true mastery of the craft with an onboard collage of fun entertainment for you to enjoy.

Day 8 – At Sea cruising

There are plenty of daily activities on board Rotterdam to keep you busy. Rotterdam has everything a discerning cruiser could want, bars, sports venues and shops.

Cruising to Oslo, Norway

Oslo, Norway’s capital, is located between the Oslofjord and the woodlands. Oslofjord which is actually a lake, not a fjord, is one of Europe’s most sparsely populated capital cities, despite being one of the largest in terms of population. This[…]

Cruising to Kristiansand, Norway

Kristiansand is one of the largest cruise ship ports in Norway, and the port sees a significant number of cruise ship arrivals throughout the summer months. The city center, the boardwalk, the bus terminal, the ferry terminal, and the train[…]

Cruising to Stavanger, Norway

When visiting the Norwegian fjords, be sure to stop in Stavanger. Stavanger’s city center is small and walkable, featuring historic dockside warehouses and picturesque 18th-century streets that rise from a lively harbor. With more than 170 white wooden homes, Old[…]

Cruising to Flam, Norway

Flam, a town in the heart of Norway’s fjord area, is home to some of the country’s most visited landmarks. The municipality of Aurland includes the communities of Aurland, Gudvangen, and Undredal, as well as the little picturesque village of[…]

Day 13 – At Sea cruising

Entertainment on Rotterdam will feature more to do onboard, with more time to do it.

Sail away from Amsterdam and prepare to be dazzled by the riches of nature and culture as you travel through Norwegian Fjords on this wonderful voyage aboard Holland America Line’s Rotterdam. Visit Eidfjord, Alesund, Geirangerfjord, Bergen, Oslo, Kristiansand, Stavanger and Flam. MS Rotterdam leaving Amsterdam, Netherlands for 14 nights from July 15, 2023.

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Inspiration and links to plan your trip.

Amsterdam to Norway on a Cruise Ship

Impressions of a First Time Cruiser to Norway

By Donnie Sexton

Up until June of this year, I have staunchly remained a “cruise virgin” all 55 plus years of my life, never having any desire to travel on a huge ship.

The idea of being cooped up with hundreds or thousands of other people for days at sea and gorging myself on endless buffets was not my idea of a good time.

I was offered the opportunity by Holland America to sail with them to Norway on a 7-day Norse Legends Cruise, aboard the Koningsdam, starting and ending in Amsterdam.

Maybe I’m softening up in my mature years, but I said to myself “what the heck girl, give it a try. After all, you’ve never been to Norway.”

Getting Prepped

Before leaving for the trip, Holland America had sent numerous emails with links to all the details about the cruise. I had scoured the documents and learned about the dress code, availability of ATMs on the ship, restaurant options, how much alcohol you could bring on board (one bottle of wine/person with no corking fee), and how tipping was handled ($13.50/per day added to your room bill).

My hubby, who rarely travels with me, decided to come along. We arrived a day early into Amsterdam and spent the time wandering the streets of this beautiful city with the aroma of weed wafting out of several pot shops.

Excitement Builds

We were due to set sail on Sunday afternoon. Early Sunday morning we headed to the boat dock to catch a glimpse of our ride, and there she stood, the majestic Koningsdam. Workers were scurrying about loading supplies, a few men were painting the ship’s surface, while others onboard were hosing down the decks.

Admittedly, my curiosity was turning into frenzied anticipation about this adventure, so promptly at 10:30 am, we made a beeline to check-in.

From the moment we entered the cruise terminal, the efficiency and helpfulness of the Holland America staff became paramount. Agents were there to check in passengers, dispense the keys, and direct us to the gangplank.

Friendliness in Abundance

An eager staff welcomed us onboard with the friendliest of faces and directed us to our digs. Room 4199 was cozy and efficient.

It had a small veranda with two deck chairs, a mini-couch, desk, queen-sized bed, a big-screen TV, a walk-in shower, and ample storage.

I did something which I never, ever do while traveling. I completely unpacked and put things away in drawers and closets.

Then it was off to explore prior to launch. I was like a kid in the candy store – racing to see everything.

We headed up to the top and walked the Koningsdam, 975 feet, from end to end. We worked our way down to explore some of the 13 decks. Pockets of comfortable seating were scattered around the ship.

We passed by the pools, gym, spa, dance floor, and shopping areas. There was no shortage of options for wetting the whistle, duly noted as we passed by the Lido, Panorama, Sea View, Sun, Ocean, and Explorer’s Bars.

What struck me is that everyone we passed working on the ship greeted us like an old friend, with the biggest of smiles and a welcoming hello. Granted, it was the first day, and it would be expected that the staff was on their best behavior.

The Food Scene

When this grand dame pulled effortlessly away from the docks early evening, we stood on the deck and popped the champagne in celebration of our new adventure.

Once out at sea and thoughts turning to dinner, it was time to check out the buffet stations at Lido Market.

Sushi, salads, desserts, comfort food, bread, turkey, pork, pasta, and potatoes…the choices were endless.

Rather than serving yourself, all the buffet offerings were behind glass fronts, as an added measure of food safety with servers ready to dish up.

Other options for dining were intriguing. Canaletto was all about Italian, Sel de Mer was a seafood brasserie, and Tamarind was the place for Asian cuisine. There was New York Deli & Pizza, Dive-In for burgers, and Grand Dutch Café.

You could watch the ship chefs prepare meals at the Culinary Arts Center, yet another choice for dining. Keeping the belly full on this trip wouldn’t be an issue.

Cruising Up to Norway

The first and last day of this voyage were “sea” days, getting to/from Norway. Port stops included the villages of Eidfjord, Alesund, Geirangerfjord, and the city of Bergen .

Once at a port, the choices were yours – take an excursion, wander on your own, or stay onboard the ship.

You would think once the ship docked there would be a mass exodus of 2,400 guests anxious to hit land. But like all operations on Koningsdam, departures were well orchestrated, based on your choice of activity for the day.

No Room for Boredom

Every night our steward slipped in, tidied up the room and left a “When & Where” pamphlet with all the pertinent info about the following day’s activities, weather, and excursions. There was no room to claim boredom on the Koningsdam.

Between the fitness center and the spa, there was always something in the works – pilates, cycling, complimentary footprint analysis, and a session on secrets to a flatter stomach (which no doubt meant fewer trips to the buffet).

There were complimentary gaming lessons in the casino and Texas Hold’em cash games.

Did I mention trivia games, poolside movies, digital workshops, basketball shootouts, martini sampling and classes on becoming your own winemaker? Most of the offerings were free, although some had a small charge.

Evening entertainment included The World Stage, with dancers, singers and comedian acts comparable to Las Vegas productions. The B.B. King’s All Stars belted out soul music that got the dance floor jiving!

The Lincoln Center Stage was the setting for chamber music. Two pianists held court at Billboard On Board with chart-topping tunes.

A Staff of Smiles

By day four, the friendliness that had been so prolific from the crew on the first day had not faded. Most of the team, numbering 1,000, come from the Philippines and Malaysia. Holland America has a school in the Philippines for training staff.

Employees work on a nine-month contract, with six months onboard, and three months off. I had to ask myself if I could hunker down for six months on a ship and decided this life wasn’t for me.

Throughout the journey, my mind kept thinking about the logistics of running a ship this size, which by all accounts was super-efficient. There were 150 chefs/cooks to keep us fed. We traveled 1,612 miles and used 224,546 gallons of fuel.

Average speed was 15.8 knots. I can’t gauge how fast a knot is, but I do know that even out on the open sea there was only an occasional gentle rocking of the Koningsdam.

Positive Impressions

I came home understanding the positives of a cruise. There isn’t the hassle of logistics that come with travel (how to get there and get around, dealing with foreign money, determining where to stay and eat). You only have to unpack once for the journey. Connectivity to electronics is limited, paving the way for one to totally unwind and soak up the moments for what they are.

I suspect some countries lend themselves best to cruising, such as Norway. With our voyage, we navigated up some narrow fjords and were able to explore some small Norwegian villages. Seeing the same sights by car, if even possible, would be more challenging and time-consuming.

I noticed several people with disabilities being expertly and respectfully helped during the cruise, especially with the off-shore excursions. Without a doubt, a cruise opens up many possibilities for a wheelchair-bound individual to partake in the joys of travel.

Cruise Virgin No More!

I’m no longer a cruise virgin. I can’t deny that losing that moniker was a very satisfying experience. I had never expected to be so engaged on a sizable cruise ship.

Could I cruise for 2-3 weeks? Definitely not. Seven days was perfect for me. This was long enough to get a sufficient taste of Norway, its people, and its landscapes.

I definitely didn’t come home with a flatter stomach, which I blame on a week of delectable cuisine.

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Holland America Northern Europe cruises from $614*

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Holland America Line Northern Europe Cruises

Northern Europe is an incredible cruise destination filled with rich history and culture, and who better to cruise with than Holland America Line? From fjords to Finnish cuisine, cruising the Baltics is sure to be an experience you’ll never forget. Imagine seeing St. Petersburg’s beauty in person, discovering the Viking legends while at port in Oslo, or swimming the ‘Blue Lagoon’ in Reykjavik. You can see everything from looming glaciers that captivate your eyes to historic castles that will make you feel like a part of history. Cruise to Northern Europe with Holland America and make some marvelous memories in the finest countries in the world.

View Holland America Northern Europe Cruises

Signature Experiences in Northern Europe

Holland America Line's Signature Experiences are exclusive pre- or post-cruise events designed to immerse you in the rich cultures of Northern Europe. Signature Experiences are complimentary for guests booking a suite, and available for purchase to guests in other stateroom categories (only available in select ports). Follow the link below to learn more!

Holland America Signature Experiences in Northern Europe

Things to Do on a Northern Europe Cruise with Holland America Line

The art of Van Gogh, the fun of Tivoli Gardens and the quaint country homes in Helsinki are waiting for you on a cruise to Northern Europe with Holland America Line.

• Amsterdam Highlights and Van Gogh (Amsterdam, The Netherlands) Visit the museum dedicated to the renowned Dutch painter Van Gogh, where you’ll see some of his most masterful works. Before arriving at the museum you’ll visit the Dam Square and Mint Tower, two of the city’s most important landmarks.  

• Traditional Irish Fare and the Mighty Carrickfergus Castle (Belfast, Northern Ireland) Carrickfergus Castle stands along the coast of Ireland as an impressive fortress that has been involved in conflicts with the Scots, English and French, along with the First World War. When you visit you will learn about its importance in Ireland’s past. Next you’ll head to the kitchen to learn how to make Irish soda bread, and then you’ll enjoy your work tasting your bread and enjoying a complete lunch. After that you’ll visit the small town of Cushendall and enjoy the coastal scenery.  

• A Walk with Huskies (Tromso, Norway) Located in Northern Norway, Tromso offers a great cool backdrop. On this adventure you’ll hike along the area’s vast wilderness with husky dogs by your side. On the way you’ll see fjords and mountains. After your adventure, enjoy lunch with Norwegian-style coffee made on the fire and a chance to pet the husky puppies.  

• A Glimpse of Copenhagen and Tivoli Gardens (Copenhagen, Denmark) Travel through Copenhagen to get an overview of important spots like Christiansbourg Palace, the Stroget and the Gefion Fountain. Then head to the Tivoli Gardens, an amusement park built in 1843 that inspired Walt Disney when he built Disney Land. This park also inspired Danish writer Hans Christian Anderson to write his fairy tale The Nightingale. After your time at the park you’ll drive by the Little Mermaid statue that’s modeled after Andersen’s most famous creation.  

• Helsinki Highlights and Country Home Visit (Helsinki, Finland) See the open-air market, Presidential Palace and icebreaker ships docked in the summer before heading out to the countryside where you’ll be invited into a local home. Your hosts will tell you about Finnish life and offer up refreshments like berry pie and ice cream. On the way back you’ll see the Olympic Stadium and the National Museum.  

Top 10 Holland America Line Northern Europe Cruises

• Rotterdam 21-DAY NORSE LEGENDS & BRITAIN, SCOTLAND & IRELAND Departing From Rotterdam, The Netherlands (May 2024 - Jul 2024)
• Rotterdam 7-DAY NORSE LEGENDS Departing From Rotterdam, The Netherlands (May 2024 - Sep 2024)
• Nieuw Statendam 27-DAY JEWELS OF THE BALTIC, NORTH CAPE & THE MIDNIGHT SUN Departing From Rotterdam, The Netherlands (May 2024)
• Nieuw Statendam 13-DAY JEWELS OF THE BALTIC Departing From Rotterdam, The Netherlands (May 2024)
• Rotterdam 14-DAY BRITAIN, SCOTLAND & IRELAND Departing From Rotterdam, The Netherlands (May 2024 - Aug 2024)
• Zuiderdam 14-DAY PASSAGE TO NORMANDY Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (May 2024)
• Rotterdam 21-DAY BRITAIN, SCOTLAND, IRELAND & NORSE LEGENDS Departing From Rotterdam, The Netherlands (May 2024)
• Zuiderdam 28-DAY PASSAGE TO NORMANDY & BALTIC JEWELS Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (May 2024)
• Nieuw Statendam 21-DAY NORTH CAPE, THE MIDNIGHT SUN & ICELANDIC FJORDS Departing From Copenhagen, Denmark (May 2024)
• Nieuw Statendam 14-DAY NORTH CAPE & THE MIDNIGHT SUN Departing From Copenhagen, Denmark (May 2024)

Holland America Line Northern Europe Departure Ports

Learn more about each of the possible departure ports for a Northern Europe cruise with Holland America. Your Holland America Northern Europe cruise could embark from any of the following cities:

With Amsterdam’s beautiful canals and an open attitude you’ll find no shortage of interesting attractions in the capital of The Netherlands.

Discover imaginative architecture, impressive Spanish dishes and beautiful excursions into nature when you cruise to Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia.

Boston is home to great sports, great food and loads of history with the Freedom Trail and Harvard.

A cruise to Civitavecchia is a chance for you to hop a quick train to Rome and explore the enormous history through ruins, galleries and The Vatican museums.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is a delightful city with some of the world’s most interesting places, like the longest pedestrian street and one of the oldest amusement parks in the world.

Dover (London), England

Dover, with its striking white cliffs, is one of the most popular gateways to England. Take in the area’s natural beauty or head to nearby London to see more of England’s most popular attractions.

With incredible weather, delicious fare and some stupendous attractions, you will find that Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades is one of the most attractive ports in the entire US.

Ijmuiden, Netherlands

Ijmuiden offers cruisers a great spot from which to travel all over the northern part of The Netherlands, making it a popular port for cruisers seeking a more in-depth Northern European experience.

Learn about the Greek gods and the early philosophy of Socrates when you visit the incredible ruins left in Athens, Greece. At night, go out and take in the culture with the modern Athenians.

Reykjavik was just a small village until seeing a major expansion after World War II, but this popular cruise destination still offers a small town feel different than any other European capital.

Rotterdam, The Netherlands

With modern buildings and a bustling population, Rotterdam offers an interesting contrast to the more laid back feel of city’s like Amsterdam.

Photo Gallery for Holland America Line Northern Europe Cruises

Check out our photo gallery of Northern Europe cruising photos from Holland America. Remember, this is only a taste of the experiences waiting for you on a Holland America Northern Europe cruise vacation.

Carrickfergus Castle in Northern Ireland

Mariinsky Theatre and Opera House in Russia

Moorish Theater of Copenhagen, Denmark

Old Port in Katajanokka, Helsinki, Finland

Traditional buildings in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Tromso Cityscape at dusk in Norway

Holland America ship cruises into Northern Europe

See the sites of St. Petersburg, Russia

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25 Night Cruise to the Baltic Sea

• You want a classic cruise experience on a thoroughly modern ship
• You love food and want plenty of high-quality restaurants
• You like scheduled activities but don't need anything crazy
• You're looking to read a book on a true open promenade deck
• You want a ship that has elaborate facilities for children

27 Night Cruise to the Baltic Sea

7 night cruise to the baltic sea, 133 night cruise to around the world.

• You want a mid-sized ship with plenty of open deck spaces
• You like having big ship choice with small ship intimacy
• You love the classic cruise experience and like dressing up
• You crave the mega choices that big mega ships can offer
• You expect nonstop scheduled activities by day and night

11 Night Cruise to the Baltic Sea

35 night cruise to transatlantic.

• You want a high-quality cruise experience with classic touches
• You love live music; Zuiderdam's venues excel in this area
• You like your ships big and full of features, but humanly sized
• You crave vibrant nightlife; things wind down around 10 p.m.
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Norwegian Fjords cruise from Amsterdam

Amsterdam's role as a departure port for Northern Europe cruises provides an ideal opportunity to explore this captivating city before embarking on your cruise adventure. Immerse yourself in the rich history, cultural attractions, and vibrant lifestyle of Amsterdam. Indulge in the city's culinary delights, explore its iconic landmarks, and savor the warm and welcoming atmosphere. With a seamless check-in process and excellent port facilities, Amsterdam ensures a memorable and convenient start to your Northern Europe cruise experience.

The Norwegian Fjords present a kaleidoscope of stunning vistas and exciting ports of call. From the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Geirangerfjord , with its stunning waterfalls and verdant cliffs, to the charming village of Flåm nestled amidst towering mountains, every destination has its own unique appeal. Journey past vibrant ports such as Bergen , known as the gateway to the fjords, or the historic town of Ålesund with its distinctive Art Nouveau architecture. Cruising through these waterways, you'll find the natural environment unfolds like a perfectly executed symphony, where dramatic cliffs plunge into the tranquil blue water below.

Throughout the course of the year, the Port of Amsterdam plays host to a large number of cruise ships at its cruise terminals, which are known for providing the best route to the Norwegian Fjords . Set off on a Norwegian Fjords cruise from Amsterdam and explore some of the most remote and uncontaminated areas of the planet onboard Celebrity Cruises , and many more.

Unveil the ethereal beauty of the Norwegian Fjords, a prime destination for Northern European cruises. Sculpted by glaciers during the Ice Age, these deep, narrow waterways set between high cliffs are a testament to nature's grandeur. The pristine landscape, coupled with the serene aura of...

Amsterdam, the vibrant capital city of the Netherlands, serves as an excellent departure port for Northern Europe cruises. Known for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and cultural richness, Amsterdam offers a fantastic pre-cruise experience. Immerse yourself in the city's unique charm,...

Norwegian Fjords out of Amsterdam Cruise Schedule 2024

Exploring the Norwegian Fjords isn't limited to viewing from the ship; there are plenty of opportunities for off-board adventure. From thrilling RIB-boat tours that skim across the fjord's waters, to picturesque hiking trails that crisscross the stunning landscape, adventure awaits at every turn. Biking along the scenic Flåm railway, or kayaking in the tranquil waters of the fjords, presents another perspective of these geological wonders. Embark on a fjord safari to get up close to the magnificent waterfalls or try your hand at fishing in the rich marine life-filled waters.

8-day Norwegian Fjords cruise from Amsterdam

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Date: May 5, 2024

Ports of Call: Amsterdam, Haugesund, Olden, Alesund, Stavanger, Oslo, Rotterdam; View Itinerary

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12-day Norwegian Fjords cruise from Amsterdam

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Date: July 5, 2024

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Date: July 29, 2024

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What our Holland America Norway cruise on the Rotterdam was like

Tom and I just got back from spending a week in Norway aboard Holland America Line’s newest ship, the Rotterdam. Let me say upfront that Norway is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited and I’m so grateful for our time there. Lush, clean, and with landscapes that look like something out of a fairytale, Norway is one of those places I’ll remember forever. The cruising experience with Holland America was the perfect way to see Norway, so let’s get to it.

Holland America Norway cruise on Rotterdam

Norway is a picture-perfect destination in and of itself, but if you’re a winter lover like me and hate high summer temps, Norway is THE best place you can visit in the summer months. Mild, even cool temps, mean you’ll be comfortable. 

Seeing the country on a Holland America Norway cruise is a really fun way to do it because you get to move around and visit several ports while also having the perfect vantage point for all the beautiful scenery. But we’ll get to all of that.

First, let me tell you where we went on the Holland America Rotterdam…

Flam, Norway. As seen from our verandah.

Holland America Norway cruise itinerary

The Norway cruise we took was the Viking Sagas cruise on Holland America’s newest ship, the Rotterdam in July 2022. The cruise was scheduled to be a roundtrip in and out of Amsterdam, but due to an issue with the canal, we were informed we’d be leaving from Rotterdam.

It was about an hour bus ride from the Amsterdam airport and Holland America provides coach bus service right to the pier, so easy peasy.

Our home for the week. Holland America Rotterdam

Day 1: Depart Rotterdam Day 2: At sea Day 3: Eidfjord Day 4: Flam Day 5: Kristiansand Day 6: Oslo Day 7: At Sea Day 8: Arrive Rotterdam

I’d say the majority of the passengers were Dutch on this cruise which makes sense since it was based out of the Netherlands. Americans came in second. The small remainder were a mix of different nationalities. We didn’t hear much French or Spanish at all. Ship announcements were done in English and Dutch and all employees spoke English, with many speaking Dutch as well.

This is the Voringsfossen Waterfall, Norway’s 83rd highest.

Temps in late July ranged, but the high was in Oslo where it hit the low 70s F. The low was definitely up visiting the fjords in Eidfjord at 830 meters above sea level. It was only in the mid 40s F. Yes, in July! I loved it. Days at sea were breezy and sometimes cool. No complaints here!

In addition to the port stops, several days featured scenic cruising in and around the port just after leaving. The fjords and small towns were some of the most stunning I’ve ever seen. The vantage point from a ship was like no other and for a destination like Norway, I can’t recommend cruising enough. Seeing Norway’s landscapes felt surreal. It was such a change from the fried grass and droughts in my area of France.

Everything in Norway was lush and thriving. I even made myself blink twice and take off my polarized sunglasses just to check if what I was seeing really looked like that. It did!

One great thing about the port stops on our Holland America Norway cruise was that you could walk right off the ship and into town. Unlike some Mediterranean cruise ports like Marseille where you’re docked in an industrial area and have to take a shuttle or taxi to get into town, the Norwegian ports were right where you wanted to be.

In Oslo, it was a short walk from the ship to the heart of the downtown area. The other smaller ports were quaint little towns that you literally walk into when you get off the ship. The fact that we were so central was a major plus! Even if you didn’t do an excursion, you could spend the day on your own without much planning.

At each port, Holland America offers a selection of excursions that you can book ahead of time or once you get on the ship. They have everything from relaxed bus tours to more strenuous activities like kayaking and hiking. There’s something for every type of traveler. If there’s an excursion you have your heart set on doing, definitely book as far in advance as possible so you get a spot.

Holland America Rotterdam review

Holland America has been cruising for nearly 145 years and the Rotterdam set sail last fall. As you’d expect for their newest Pinnacle-class ship, everything was gorgeous and upscale. Home to a max passenger load of about 2,600 and 984 feet long, the Rotterdam is a comfortable size and you’ll get to know the mid-size ship after just a day or two.

I appreciated that the deck plans were clearly marked next to each elevator bank so you knew which direction to head without any confusion. I loved all the special touches including the artwork in each staircase, which ranged from record cutouts featuring the faces of famous musicians to a knitted piece depicting traditional Dutch apartment exteriors, shown above.

It was all so thoughtful and well done. Sometimes I took the stairs just to marvel at the art aboard the Rotterdam!

There were several pools and jacuzzi areas on the Rotterdam although I didn’t even wear my swimsuit once on our cruise. It was a bit cool and I kept busy doing other things. Many people did take advantage of the pools, especially under the solarium area where it was a comfortable temperature and decked out with lounge chairs and other areas to relax. Tom loved the ping pong tables overlooking the pool here so we made sure to get a few rounds in each day.

The decor throughout the ship is tasteful with a somewhat subdued color palette. Everything felt calming and high-end.

Our verandah cabin for the week.

Our Holland America Rotterdam cabin

No Holland America Rotterdam review would be complete without a cabin review, so here it is. We had stateroom 6103 on Deck 6, which is called the Mozart Deck. Holland America calls them Verandah Staterooms and ours was midship. 

When you walk in, the bathroom is directly to your left with storage closets and drawers to your right, and the bed is just after that to the left with a TV opposite it. Then just before the verandah door that opens to the outside, you have a couch to your left with a small table as well as a desk with drawers and a mirror to your right.

The room feels comfortable for two people at about 300 square feet. There was more than adequate storage both under the bed for our luggage and the closets and drawers for clothes. There were a bunch of hangers and a drawers we didn’t even use, so I’d give the closet space a big thumbs up.

The bathroom highlight for me was the glass-doored shower. It came stocked with Elemis shampoo, conditioner, and body wash and the water pressure from the detachable showerhead was top notch.

Next to the vanity, there were some shelves for toiletries, but I like to bring a back of the door organizer so I don’t have to go digging around in my toiletry bag for all my lotions and potions. Also, I found the towels to be nice and big and quite thick.

Moving onto the next part of the cabin, each bedside table had its own light and set of drawers, as well as a plug and USB outlet for easy charging. The desk was on the smaller side but a perfect fit for a room service tray or computer. And let me not forget the bed.

I am picky about beds, let me say that upfront. I HATE firm mattresses and generally hate hotel beds. I am happy to report that the Rotterdam bed and pillows were fabulous. Our bed was actually two smaller ones put together (though you wouldn’t know it) and they were NOT as hard as a board.

The pillows were luxurious and fluffy and I slept so well. I know bedding is subjective but let me say that if you hate firm mattresses, you won’t be disappointed. It didn’t feel too soft either, but it was just right. Wow, I sound like Goldilocks. Sorry. But really, I loved the pillows and bed.

OH, and the robe. Let me not forget that. Our room had two robes to use while on board (that you could buy if you wanted to as well) and I took full advantage one morning when we got room service for breakfast.

Enjoying my morning coffee with a view.

The best part of the cabin was the verandah (sorry bed, you come in second) because when you’re in Norway, the views are everything! Even on sea days, I enjoyed sitting out there (sometimes with a blanket) and taking it all in with coffee or wine, a book, or just my thoughts.

There were two chairs and a small table and the chairs had a separate foot rest piece so you could put your feet up or slide it under the chair out of sight if you didn’t want to use it.

This is a look at the two-level main dining room on Decks 2-3.

Holland America Rotterdam dining

You have a bunch of dining options aboard Rotterdam, many of which are included in your cruise fare. First up is the buffet on Deck 9. You can eat there for breakfast, lunch, and dinner — and we loved it. Dinner included a roasting station with turkey or prime rib, a salad bar, a “Distant Lands” selection like Chinese stir-fry, comfort food like lasagna and mac and cheese, a full dessert spread of cookies, individual pie or mousse and ice cream and so much more. I’m really just scratching the surface here.

Also included is the main dining room at the rear of the ship on Decks 2-3, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s open seating so you don’t have an assigned table or time. You can eat dinner whenever you want and aren’t required to come at the same time or to the same table each night.

My main dining room dinner. Delicious steak and shrimp!

We ate at a table for two and just walked in each night although you could also make a reservation for a specific time. I recommend you do that to avoid the line of people waiting to be seated without a reservation. One night we did end up waiting about 15 minutes for a table, so if timing is important to you or you have a bigger party, definitely make a reservation.

You can do that (and all kinds of other things like book excursions, view your photos taken on the ship, check your statement, and so much more) via the Holland America Navigator app, so be sure to download that before your trip.

For each meal aboard the Rotterdam, you are given a paper menu that has a selection of appetizers, main courses, and desserts — about 5 or 6 of each — plus a suggested wine list (wine is at an additional charge if you don’t have a drink package).

TIP : If you’re cruising at peak times like during the summer months on a Holland America Norway cruise, avoid the breakfast buffet from 8:30-10am. Opt for the complimentary room service or head to the main dining room on days when your breakfast timing falls in that range. It can get really busy and it’s hard to get a table in the buffet area at that time.

Beyond the buffet and main dining room, you have two other complimentary meal options that lean on the more casual side. The Dive-In that has burgers and hotdogs which were excellent and the NY Deli & Pizza where you can get sandwiches, salads, and pizza. You can order in person or from the Navigator app and then go pick up the food to eat there or bring back to your room.

Maybe I just really like hamburgers and I’m an easy sell, but I found the Dive-In burgers to be really good! You can even get one without a bun that comes sandwiched between two pieces of lettuce. 

Then there are several specialty dining options that incur an additional fee. We went to Rudi’s Sel de Mer , which is a French-style brasserie named after Master Chef Rudi Sodamin. I had lobster and Tom went with the salmon. Our waiter was from Morocco and it made his day to speak French with us since most passengers are not French speakers. The decor was an under the sea theme and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Other specialty dining options on Holland America Rotterdam include sushi and Asian fare at Tamarind and Nami, the Pinnacle Grill, and more. But make no mistake about it, the main dining room meals were excellent. The food overall on Holland America was excellent, so let me stress that. You can stick to your budget and still feel like you had amazing food even if you don’t do specialty dining.

We loved the buffet options and found the main dining room food to be top notch–really. From fish to chicken to lamb and more, the food always came out hot, perfectly cooked, and with a good serving of vegetables. The portions were always on the generous side, I found. Even the fruit platters at breakfast had a good amount of fruit. If you want to eat, you won’t go hungry!

There were also two formal nights on our Holland America Norway cruise. Some people got super dressed up in tuxes and fancy eveningwear and others simply wore a tie and jacket and a nice dress. As long as you’re not in shorts and a t-shirt, all types of dressed up looks were totally OK. Tuxes and heels not required!

The World Stage where dance shows took place.

On-board activities

Each day on our Holland America Norway cruise, we received a paper program in our room that would let us know what was happening throughout the day and evening. There were organized activities, meetups, tournaments, and more. Think fitness classes, a Pride and friends meetup, origami folding, and a cornhole tournament in addition to shows and other entertainment. 

There was something for everyone including flower arranging demonstrations, ballroom dancing, shuffleboard, bingo, and history talks, just to name a few. 

After dinner, you have a few on-stage entertainment options.

A highlight for me was the World Stage where the evening dance shows took place. The theater features 270-degree LED screens that line the walls for a high-tech backdrop. You can see the stage from every single seat and it was a great space to watch the high-energy dancing. A team of six American dancers dazzled us with several different shows. Humanity was my favorite and featured a bunch of upbeat dance numbers to popular songs.

If you wanted to rock out instead, the Rolling Stone Rock Room was where you’d go for one of their three nightly shows, often in the 9, 10 and 11 p.m. timeframe. The band played all kinds of music from days past and today. There was also B.B. King’s Blues Club which brought the best of Memphis R&B to the sea and my gosh, did they have energy!. The Lincoln Center Stage was another musical option where I watched a string quartet play.

It’s not a cruise unless I go to the spa. I took some time to relax in the spa with an hour massage that was heavenly. You could also choose from face and body treatments, a spa pass which gives you access to the hydropools, sauna, the aromatherapy steam rooms, thermal beds, and more. The Rotterdam also offered salon services if you wanted to get your hair done. They even do teeth whitening.

I love testing my luck at the casino when at sea and fully enjoyed myself playing a little here and there. The ship had a nice mix of slot machines and live dealer games like roulette, blackjack, poker, and more. I usually stick to slot machines and watching others play at the tables.

But one night it wasn’t too busy and I figured I’d try something new. One of the dealers gave me a quick roulette tutorial so I could learn the ropes and then I played conservatively for an hour. I felt comfortable playing without an audience and actually won a little bit (and then lost it the next night).

One thing to note is that a certain section of the casino does allow smoking (otherwise you have to go to a designated area on Deck 9), so if you’re sensitive to that, the casino might not be a good choice when it’s busy.

Gym Another thing I love is working out with a view and the gym did not disappoint! The fitness facilities were on Deck 9 at the front of the ship near the spa overlooking the sea. Treadmills and other cardio equipment had standout views and I loved using the treadmill during our scenic cruising days. Lots of other people had the same idea.

There were also strength training machines, a full dumbbell rack, a cable machine and Smith machine. In addition to the main gym floor, there were also two fitness studios. One is used for yoga, Pilates and other classes and the second is a cycling studio with about 20 or so indoor cycling bikes. You can take classes for $20/class or buy a more cost effective pass which gives you access to all of the classes for the week.

The Holland America Rotterdam gym gets a big thumbs up from me. It was light, spacious, and open until 9 p.m. each evening. Zero complaints. There was also an outdoor track area and basketball court on the upper deck if you want to take your workout outside.

Game Room 

For some good, clean fun, put your cell phone away and head to the game room. I didn’t expect to see such a well-done game room with so many choices. It’s up near the Crow’s Nest space toward the front of the ship, has about 10 tables and features a wall of neatly organized briefcases.

Each one corresponds to a specific game and you can find Monopoly, Clue, Yahtzee, puzzles, card games, and so many more. It was a popular place and for good reason. 

If books are more your thing, the library is where it’s at. This special room blew me away. It was like a mini Barnes & Noble where you could borrow one of the many titles available to read in your cabin or in one of the chairs there in the library (complete with a blanket!).

All of the books were new, there were several copies of each, and spanned many different genres. How cool is that? As someone who has always liked to read, the library was one of my favorite things about the Rotterdam (although I didn’t get too far in my book, despite my best intentions)!

We had the premium internet package and found it to be just OK. There were even a couple of days around the fjords where it didn’t work at all. Understandable given the landscape, but just don’t plan on doing any live streaming or Zoom calls because the internet is better suited for simple web browsing and email.

We were told the day prior when internet would be poor due to the fjords so that way people could plan their internet use accordingly.

Is Holland America for retired age people?

This is one of the most common questions I got from friends and family. Is Holland America Line for older people? Holland America is an American-owned cruise line — Carnival Corporation is the parent company — and its cruises are for people who want a classic, upscale cruise experience at whatever age.

While Holland America has a reputation for attracting an older crowd due to its classic style (no waterslides or twerking contests here!), it’s really about your cruising mindset and what you want in a cruise.

I’d say that more than half the ship was over 55. There were many people well into their 70s. But there were also families with kids and grandkids, younger couples like us, and a bunch of teenagers that gave the ship a younger vibe. This is especially true during peak summer times when kids aren’t in school. It didn’t feel like a retirement cruise though by any means.

Holland America also has Club HAL which is a babysitting and kids/teen area. While there aren’t some of the things you’d find on more kid-centric cruise lines like kiddie pools, there are specific activities for kids and teens and they are welcome.

Would I cruise with Holland America again?

Absolutely, yes. We had a great time on our Holland America Norway cruise! In fact, my dad and I are looking at a cruise for us to go on together next year. UPDATE: We went on our Holland America Alaska cruise in June 2023 to honor my mom who passed away and LOVED IT!

It’s a more classic style and feels more low-key than other cruises. What I mean is that you won’t find activities on the schedule at 2 a.m. The shows don’t have a cast of 20 people. There’s also no nightclub/DJ, although there is a dance floor at B.B King’s and the Rolling Stone Rock Room.

We also didn’t witness any crazy behavior that people sometimes associate with cruises stateside. You know, overly inebriated folks who make a scene and that sort of thing while wearing their swimsuit to dinner.

Holland America is classy and attracts a clientele looking for an upscale, cultured experience. Even in college, I was 20 going on 60 and am not big into nightlife and partying. I am an early riser and go to bed early so some of the more lively nightlife you’ll find on other cruise lines isn’t my thing.

But as I mentioned, there were things going on well after I went to bed. The last Rolling Stone Rock Room show was at 11:45 and the casino and bars were still open too.

For me, Holland America is suited to my personal cruise style. Good food, a nice selection of music and entertainment, great gym, a casino and spa, and loads of areas to relax and hang out.

Bottom Line

Cruising to Norway with Holland America was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Norway is gorgeous and if you have the opportunity to go, definitely do it! Holland America was fabulous and if you’re into delicious food, great service, a low-key atmosphere and upscale cruising (that is still affordable), check them out. You won’t regret it!

Have you taken a Holland America Norway cruise? Is it something you’d consider? Hope you enjoyed my Holland America Rotterdam review!

For more on cruising, check out our Mediterranean cruise on Costa’s newest ship, the Toscana.

Coming to France? I have an eGuide with tips every traveler needs before they go.

Disclosure: Thank you to Holland America for hosting us on this incredible trip. All opinions are my own.

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August 13, 2022 at 1:18 am

Your cruise sounded wonderful. I have been on a Hollard America cruise, but it was to Alaska. It was great too. I would love to see more photos of Norway if you took them. Your room photo was impressive. Very nice. This cruise seems good and worth checking out. Thank you for sharing. So gad you enjoyed.

August 18, 2022 at 9:33 am

Yes I’ll put these in my next European trip!

September 11, 2022 at 9:32 pm

Hello we are taking the same cruise soon ….they haven’t yet announced the dates of the formal nights ….I would like to know when where yours it probably be the same for us also (that would help with the reservations )

September 11, 2022 at 9:46 pm

Hi Sarah, both formal nights were when we were at sea. I believe it was the second night and then the second to last night. They are really low-key and most people do not get super dressed up in rides although you can. You will see a lot of men in ties and suits. But there’s also people in more relaxed dress on formal night and they were not very strict about it. Have a great time!

September 13, 2022 at 1:06 pm

I’m going to the same cruise on the 25th of September. I was wondering what type of clothes I should take with me for days inside the cruise? Is it warm or cold inside the cruise, so should I take winter or summer clothes? And can I wear jeans to dinner or it is too casual?

September 13, 2022 at 2:59 pm

Hi there, Norway is definitely going to be cold. As I said at the top of the train ride it was 47°F in July. Indoors on the boat it is comfortable but I would definitely make sure you pack at least one sweatshirt and jacket and definitely a scarf. I don’t think you’ll be needing much in the way of summer clothes. Definitely a few T-shirts but I’d be surprised if you had the opportunity to wear shorts. Enjoy!

I think nice jeans, like no holes or anything, and a nice pair of shoes and a polo shirt would be fine for dinner. They just don’t want you wearing beach clothes to dinner.

September 13, 2022 at 10:35 pm

Thank you so much! Do you have any tips for activities to do there

September 14, 2022 at 4:59 pm

What about the internet on board? Did you buy any of the plans? If I want something mainly for social media

September 14, 2022 at 5:06 pm

Internet was slow even with the premium plan. They let us know the night before if it would be really bad connectivity due to the fjords. You definitely can’t use it to do video calls or

anything like that

July 4, 2023 at 7:22 pm

We are going on the same cruise and looking forward to it. Even more so now that I read your blog.

Are there any excursions you thoroughly enjoyed and worth going on? Or maybe you stayed at some ports and just enjoyed walking around. Any fun activities to do in port would be appreciated

July 4, 2023 at 10:30 pm

Hi Lisa, how cool that you’re going on the same cruise! Definitely the deadliest catch bearing sea tour where we saw the eagles and also the whale watching. Both were really incredible and something I’ll probably never see again.

We didn’t really have much time in Icy Strait or Ketchikan after our excursions but if you have the time, definitely worth walking around (do gondola in icy). Enjoy!

July 5, 2023 at 2:11 am

We are actually going on the Norway Cruise you took. Hope to go to Alaska sometime.

At the Ports in Norway are there any excursions you would highly recommend?

Many thanks, Lisa

July 5, 2023 at 11:51 am

Oh gosh, I’m so sorry. I’m going to delete my comment. I was replying quickly from my phone and saw Holland America cruise in the subject line and thought it was on my most recent post about Alaska. We really loved Oslo so I would definitely plan to get off the boat and spend some time there. There are a bunch of museums and all kinds of things and this time of year it should be great. Flam was gorgeous as well!! Sorry again for my mistake

July 6, 2023 at 7:45 pm

Also Lisa, in Flam, HAL offers the railroad and waffles tour (forget exact name) but we found the waffles and lodge you eat them in to be a bit lackluster and a bit of a waste. What we should have done was to take the scenic train on our own (easy to do, just get tickets and make sure you’re back in time) and at the stop, there’s a really fun zipline, if you’re into that sort of thing. It might even be a ship excursion (just not the scenic train and waffles). Looked amazing so I’d say look into that! I forget if I mentioned it in the post but i was 45F at the top of that train ride — a good 10-15 degrees cooler than at the base, yup in july! — so have some warm clothes just in case if you plan on doing excursions that take you up in altitude. The scenery everywhere was breathtaking. It felt like a dream the entire cruise! Again, enjoy!

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Norwegian Fjords Cruise on the Nieuw Statendam: An Insider’s Guide

Posted on Published: August 14, 2019  - Last updated: January 31, 2021

Categories Blog , Cruise , Europe , Nieuw Statendam 2019 , Norway

A Norwegian fjords cruise is an amazing way to absorb the stunning scenery of Norway. What better way to see the captivating beauty of Norway than by taking a Norwegian fjords cruise? Wake up to stunning and wondrous views each day from a new Norwegian town. Sail past towering mountains and rugged cliffs. Spot the tiny, colorful houses that dot the rocky mountains as you drift by. It’s truly a magical vacation that you need to take in your lifetime.

Justin and I embarked on the 7 day Viking Sagas cruise with Holland America Line. We sailed aboard their newest ship, the Nieuw Statendam , from Amsterdam to four Norwegian port towns: Oslo, Kristiansand, Stavanger, and Flåm. There were also two days at sea where we had the opportunity to relax and enjoy cruise ship living.

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Table of Contents

Reasons to Take a Norwegian Fjords Cruise

There are many advantages to taking a Norwegian fjords cruise over a land trip. First, it’s an easy way to travel from one place to the next. You fly into and out of the same airport (in our case, Amsterdam), board the ship with your belongings, and you don’t have to worry about transportation between cities.

You spend each night in a comfortable room, waking up in a new place each day. And you’ll be able to unpack and get settled for the week. This is such a wonderful perk as we’re used to taking road trips where we essentially live out of our suitcases.

The views from this Holland America Norway cruise are nothing short of spectacular. To fully appreciate the fjords, it’s best to view them from the middle of the water. You’ll be able to walk around the ship for 360 degree panoramic perspectives of the scenery all around you.

There are ample opportunities for scenic fjord cruising. I also loved viewing each port or town from the vantage point of our balcony cabin (or from the top decks of the ship). It’s almost like having your own aerial view – no drone required!

In addition, having traveled through a couple of Scandinavian cities in the past ( Copenhagen and Reykjavik , for example), we know that these countries are expensive. Dining out, spending the night, and most other costs of traveling in Norway are not cheap.

Sailing aboard a Norwegian fjords cruise helps keep the cost down. It isn’t necessary to dine off the cruise ship when all the meals on the ship are included in the price. Taking a Norway coastal cruise is one of the most cost effective ways of traveling around the country.

When to Take a Norway Coastal Cruise

The summer months are the best time to visit Norway, with the chances of having the best weather. The Nieuw Statendam cruises around Norway from May to September. There are also opportunities to extend your cruise to lengthier expeditions, like cruising to Iceland, exploring more countries on a Scandinavia cruise, and even crossing the Arctic Circle.

Justin and I sailed at the end of July and into the beginning of August, which I’d consider to be the best time for a Norwegian fjords cruise.

Packing for the Weather

Norway isn’t known for having stable weather, so expect a little bit of everything. We had days with bright sunshine and hot temperatures. We also had days of rain, wind, and seasonably cool temperatures. Expect everything, even all in one day. I recommend bringing a good mix of clothing: shorts and tank tops for the hot days, jeans and sweaters for the cooler ones. Pack everything from sunscreen to a rain jacket and umbrella .

Why Holland America Line for a Norway Cruise?

This was our first cruise with Holland America Line, and we absolutely recommend sailing with this cruise line for your upcoming holiday. We were both super impressed with the quality of service, the friendly and helpful staff, the level of care, the quality of the food, the comfort and cleanliness of our room, the on board entertainment, and the ports / destinations for the sailing. I’m so pleased to write such a glowing review of our vacation on the Nieuw Statendam. You’ll truly feel refreshed, invigorated, and enlightened after your cruise to Norway.

It’s a total breeze to book and plan your Norwegian fjords cruise. You can book everything directly through the Holland America Line website. Book your cruise, your shore excursions, spa treatments or dinner reservations in advance. You can print your boarding passes and luggage tags in advance of your cruise. It’s easy to arrange transportation from the airport to the cruise ship ahead of time. Then, the check-in process is easy-peasy. Cruising is such a stress-free way to travel where you can choose to do as much or as little as you like.

Perhaps you’d like to wait to book some activities until you’re on board? That works, too. Once you’re on the ship, you’ll have access to a range of activities in the daily “When & Where” guide. These details also appear on your stateroom TV and you can even look them up on your smartphone.

The Nieuw Statendam is a cruise ship that focuses on music and art. Out of all the cruises I’ve taken , this one has the best nightly entertainment that I’ve ever experienced. Justin and I spent every night at the Music Walk on deck 2. We floated between the Rolling Stone Rock Room, Billboard Onboard, and B.B. King’s Blues Club where you could always hear live music all night long.

Ship Life on Nieuw Statendam

One of our favorite aspects of cruising is life on board the cruise ship. It’s like a little floating city, but it’s not really like any typical city I’ve visited. First, it’s common place to greet everyone as you pass one another down the hallway or have small chats on the elevator. It’s easy to get to know the cruise ship staff because you’ll chat to them everyday. You can make friends everywhere you go: on excursions, at the pool, and at the music venues.

Our Verandah Stateroom

Justin and I stayed in a Verandah Spa Stateroom on the Nieuw Statendam, cabin #10035 (category VQ). This balcony cabin features one queen sized bed (can be made up into two twin beds), a sitting area with a couch, a private verandah, a shower, and floor-to-ceiling windows. This room is located on the Panorama Deck (deck 10), which meant that our verandah had amazing views from high up on the ship.

The style of the room feels light and airy, and more open and spacious than our past cruise ship cabins. I love the lighter colored wooden furnishings and the shades of turquoise and lime throughout the room. It really presents a breezy vacation vibe.

I highly recommend choosing a verandah room during a Norwegian fjords cruise. It’s possible to wake up and watch the scenic sailings through the fjords right from your own room. Order room service breakfast and you don’t even have to leave your cabin to dine and enjoy the brilliant scenery.

There are many modern amenities throughout the stateroom. First, we loved the big flat screen TV across from the bed with a video on-demand service. This not only beats the smaller TVs we’ve seen on other cruise ships, but we’ve never had this amount of new movies to watch from the comfort of our room before.

It’s like having a mini Netflix, right in the room. If you have some downtime on a sea day or want to unwind at night, feel free to curl up in your cabin and catch up on some movies.

There are also plenty of outlets in the cabin, both North American and European. You’ll find USB ports above both bedside tables for your phones. We also found that the Wi-Fi was quite speedy from inside our cabin, more so than other public areas on the ship.

We were also super comfortable in our cabin each day and night. The signature Mariner’s Dream bed was the perfect place to drift off into sleep and allowed us to feel well rested upon waking each day. There’s also an in-room safe, a mini fridge, ice service, complimentary fresh fruit on request, a magnifying make-up mirror, a blow dryer, 100% Egyptian cotton towels, and a premium massage shower head.

The nightly turn down service each evening by our cabin steward was made extra special with a new origami towel animal each night. We loved the special touch of having a new animal on our bed when we came back from dinner and drinks each night. It was always a surprise to see which animal would appear. Our favorite was definitely the monkey, hanging out in the middle of the room on a clothes hanger!

Public Spaces on Nieuw Statendam

There are lots of public spaces, both indoor and outdoor, for various interests and activities. There are two swimming pools, a larger one in the middle of the ship and one at the back of the ship, as well as numerous hot tubs. The bigger mid-ship pool is beneath a retractable roof, which stays closed if the weather isn’t cooperating.

You can take a dip in this pool if it’s raining or chilly outside, and the water is heated, too. You can even watch movies by the pool at night with popcorn and snacks. There are a variety of seating options near the pool like loungers, tables and chairs for dining, and even larger couches and chaise lounges that are totally appropriate for a midday snooze.

Nieuw Statendam has a bright and modern fitness center with loads of cardio machines, weight machines, free weights, yoga mats, and a separate room for spin classes. While we only managed to make it to the gym once, it was such an enjoyable experience.

There are cycling machines with digital monitors offering virtual riding experiences, which almost makes you forget that you’re working out. The treadmills face directly out to the front of the ship, so you can absorb the soothing ocean views as you exercise. If you’d rather get your exercise outdoors, there’s an outdoor jogging track, outdoor exercise machines, and a basketball court.

This Nordic cruise aboard Nieuw Statendam has lots of bars and meeting spaces to gather with friends and loved ones. Meet over a drink while listening to a variety of music. There’s also a casino, on board shops, an art gallery, numerous dining venues, a full service spa and salon, and two coffee shops for your caffeine fix.

Entertainment Options

On sea days and at night on your Norwegian fjords cruise aboard Nieuw Statendam, you won’t have to worry about feeling bored. There are non-stop activities and entertainment throughout the cruise. However, it’s all up to you. If you feel like relaxing by the pool and reading a book, go for it!

We participated in a few of the entertainment options and activities on our Holland America Norway cruise. One of our favorite things about cruising to Norway on the Nieuw Statendam was the entertainment itself. In addition to performances and comedy shows in the theater, we spent most of our evenings at Nieuw Statendam’s Music Walk. There’s non-stop live music all night long.

In one space, there’s the Billboard Onboard bar and the Rolling Stone Rock Room. There’s a rock band that performs in the Rolling Stone bar, and there are a pair of dueling piano performers at Billboard. Each plays a set for about 45 minutes. When the band finishes playing at Rolling Stone, the music immediately starts up across the way at Billboard. When the pianists wrap up their set, the live music starts again at Rolling Stone.

And then there’s the band at B.B. King’s down the hallway. The musical act at B.B. Kings plays lots of pop hits, R&B, and blues music. In the band, there are vocalists, musicians on guitar, keys, drums, saxophone, and one of the most talented bassists we’ve ever seen. There’s a massive dance floor at B.B. King’s so you can shake what you’ve got.

On sea days, check the “When & Where” guide for daily activities. There are dance classes, ping pong tournaments, talks about history and nature, trivia and board games, and so much more. We took a tour of the kitchen one morning to gain insights into the behind-the-scenes operations in preparing the food on the cruise.

Did you know that the average weekly consumption of melon on board totals a whopping 4000 lbs? And the total amount of fresh vegetables for the passengers on board for the week is 18,000 lbs? There are a lot of mouths to feed, and the kitchen staff runs a “tight ship” (pardon the pun!). There’s a huge focus on cleanliness, being quick and efficient, and following a set of protocols that even includes official guidelines on plating meals.

Another interesting activity for the wine fans on board is the intimate tasting and wine blending class, BLEND by Chateau Ste. Michelle. While Justin and I enjoy wine, we both like drinking beer a little bit more than wine. We headed to the European beer tasting at the Billboard Onboard one afternoon. We sampled a few different European beers in various styles and engaged in a small beer trivia session with the host.

Art on Nieuw Statendam

You won’t find the antiquated cruise ship art auction on Nieuw Statendam. Instead, the entire cruise ship acts like a floating art gallery. There’s a separate smaller art gallery on board, but the best art is spread throughout the ship. In every stairwell, you’ll find unique and impressive works of art that look straight out of a museum. When you get off the elevator, you’ll discover statues, sculptures, and other three dimensional art pieces in various styles.

The central atrium on Nieuw Statendam is an architectural marvel, too. With a dramatic sculpture at its center, the central atrium extends three floors up with winding staircases. At the top, there’s an impressive ceiling with changing colors and projections. You might see pastel colors, wispy clouds, or constellations up above when you’re wandering through the atrium.

Club Orange

Would you like to add a luxurious flair to your sailing? Club Orange is Holland America’s new exclusive program that offers an enhanced experience to your cruise. It’s a wonderful way to receive priority access, exclusive amenities, and escape the crowds during peak dining times.

Club Orange members can dine in the exclusive Club Orange dining room for breakfast and dinner. While it will feature the same menu as the dining room for dinner and the Pinnacle Grill for breakfast, there are some additional daily dishes added to the menu that you won’t find anywhere else.

Access to Club Orange also includes one of my favorite perks, priority check-in and disembarkation, as well as priority tender service (if your cruise uses tenders at the ports – ours did not). It’s a great feeling to skip the check-in line when you reach the cruise terminal.

This really sped up the embarkation process and we were on the ship before we knew it. There are also lovely additional perks like a welcome glass of sparkling wine, premium bathrobes to use in the cabin, and a Club Orange tote bag.

The name pays homage to the rich Dutch heritage of Holland America Line as it’s the color of the Dutch Royal Family. For those booking the Neptune and Pinnacle suite categories, Club Orange is included in your sailing. For non-suite customers, Club Orange access is $50 per day, and both guests of the same stateroom are required to enroll. It must be purchased prior to sailing (you can’t upgrade once you’re on board).

Food on our Cruise to Norway

On our Holland America cruise to Norway, the food was top notch. Our dining experiences are different from the average cruise passenger as we both seek vegan and plant-based options on board. If you have a food allergy or follow a special diet, you don’t have to worry at all. It’s easy to be vegan on Nieuw Statendam . The staff members will go above and beyond to ensure that you enjoy delicious and satisfying meals.

Vegan and Vegetarian Menu

When dining in the main dining room, you can request a vegan and vegetarian menu. You can order any dishes from this menu at any point in time throughout the cruise. There are appetizers, soups, salads, and entrees. Most of them are vegan, although there are a couple that are marked as vegetarian.

In fact, there were so many options, we didn’t even have enough time to sample them all during our 7 day cruise. Some of my favorites included the Asian Noodle Soup, the Tempeh and Vegetable Kabob, and the Curried Cauliflower Steak. Justin really enjoyed the Grilled Portabella Mushroom with Zucchini Spaghetti.

There are also moments where some items on the regular dining menu are vegan or can easily be prepared vegan. There was a hearty tofu and coconut curry on the dining menu one night that was naturally plant-based. There’s also a few menu items at the Canaletto specialty Italian restaurant that are vegetarian and can be prepared vegan, like a tomato risotto dish. Some of the other specialty dining restaurants include the Pinnacle Grill, Rudi’s Sel de Mer, Tamarind, and Nami Sushi.

Lido Market

The Lido Market on Nieuw Statendam is not your typical buffet – it’s so much better. You don’t need to worry about picking through stale food, food that’s been manhandled by other passengers, or food that’s not at a good temperature any longer.

The Lido Market has several individual stations where you’ll find freshly prepared food for many different tastes. The food is all scooped and served onto plates by staff members behind the glass. This prevents cross contamination and improper food handling that can often lead to outbreaks of illnesses on board.

We adored the salad station the most. I know, that sounds so typical for a pair of vegans, right? Well, you just needed to point at all the different veggies, toppings, and dressings that you wanted in your salad, and the staff will whip it up in a big salad bowl for you.

I also loved the Asian food station where they always had some veggie and tofu sushi available, as well as some sort of vegetable noodle stir fry. In the evening, you can have a stir fry made to order with the protein, vegetables, and sauces of your choosing. It’s easy to order a tofu and veggie stir fry, prepared right before your eyes.

Dive In (Fast Food)

Craving something a little more sinful? Dive In has lots of fast food options, including burgers, hot dogs, and fries. There’s always a veggie burger on the menu, too. We dove right in to burgers and fries on more than one occasion!

New York Pizza & Deli

The New York Pizza & Deli was one of our favorite food stops on our Nieuw Statendam cruise. You can customize your pizza however you like it. I always ordered a pizza without cheese (there isn’t any vegan cheese on the ship) and with lots of vegetables.

You can also get bagels in the morning (there’s more variety here than anywhere else on the ship!) and snacks at night, like kettle chips and popcorn. You can eat your pizza in the dining space near the pizzeria or take it away in a box back to your room. I absolutely love how New York Deli & Pizza stays open until midnight. Late night pizza, anyone?

Room Service Breakfast

I think we must have ordered room service breakfast every single day on the ship, including disembarkation day. Every evening, there was a card left in our room by our room steward with the turn down service. You choose a half hour window as to when you’d like your breakfast to be delivered.

There are a variety of options on the room service breakfast menu. And like magic, the food appears on a giant platter at your door each morning. Justin and I enjoyed breakfast on our balcony, as well as breakfast in bed. We didn’t have to get dressed or face any morning breakfast crowds.

For vegan options, we often ordered bagels and bread with peanut butter and jam, bowls of cereal with soy milk, veggie sausages, fresh melon, fresh banana, coffee and tea. Up in the Lido Market, there are a few more options, mostly hot items like potatoes and hash browns.

It’s amazing how dining in our cabin was one of the highlights of our Norwegian fjords cruise. It’s one of those things that you certainly miss once you’re back at home and you need to make your own breakfast. Room service is also available 24 hours a day. The menu is on every stateroom TV.

Where to Find the Best Coffee on Nieuw Statendam

If you read this blog regularly, I’m sure you’ve gathered that I’m a self-proclaimed coffee addict. I tend to write a lot of coffee guides and I’ve shared tips on making your own coffee on the road . Sometimes cruise ship coffee isn’t that great. However, you have no worries at all finding a great cup of coffee on Holland America cruises. Coffee culture in Europe is real, and Holland America doesn’t want to disappoint, I’m sure!

If you’re looking for delicious coffee on Nieuw Statendam, there are two great spots to find it. One is the Grand Dutch Cafe on deck 3. This Dutch coffee shop offers more traditional brewed beverages made with HAL’s Rotterdam 1873 coffee beans, which you can also purchase to bring home. There are also a few sweet treats to pair with your coffee. You can also buy beer and alcoholic beverages at the Grand Dutch Cafe.

On deck 12, the Explorations Central & Cafe at the Crow’s Nest offers another wonderful coffee experience. You can also order Americanos and lattes here, as well as iced coffees, frappuccinos, and other frozen concoctions. Enjoy your coffee in this room with a view at the top and front of the ship.

As a bonus for those who don’t drink coffee but love tea, why not head to Classic Afternoon Tea? It happens each day on Nieuw Statendam in the dining room on deck 3 from 3:00pm-3:45pm.

Ports on our Norwegian Fjords Cruise

One of the main reasons to sail on a Norwegian fjords cruise is for the ports. This 7 day Viking Sagas cruise has an amazing selection of ports that surely won’t disappoint. We sailed from Amsterdam to Oslo, Kristiansand, Stavanger, and Flåm. While I’ll be writing about each individual experience in port, here’s a brief overview of each of our stops.

Cruising to Norway from Amsterdam

Cruising from Amsterdam on this Norwegian fjords cruise allows us to reach several ports in one week. Amsterdam isn’t too far from Norway. I loved having the sea days to relax, acting as book ends to the ports. While the days in each town and city can be jam packed with activities, it’s great to have some time to unwind on either side of that.

Cruising out of Amsterdam also has its perks. For us, the flights aren’t too long from Toronto to Amsterdam. Amsterdam is a pretty accessible location for those living in Europe, too. There’s also the option of extending your stay by booking a hotel in Amsterdam and exploring Amsterdam for a while longer.

Oslo is such a fascinating city to explore, and it’s the largest city we visited on our Norwegian fjords cruise. While it’s impossible to see everything in Oslo in a day, it’s definitely the kind of city that will leave you wanting more.

Justin and I booked the shore excursion, “Biking in Oslo”, which was a 3 hour tour along car free paths, parks, the fjord, and hidden back streets. We had a very informative and fun tour guide. Our small group made several stops along the way, learning about the history of the city. There were lots of opportunities to take pictures. We even got to visit the famous Vigeland park with over 200 sculptures by artist, Gustav Vigeland.

I loved taking the three hour biking tour in the morning, which allowed time for us to stop back at the cruise ship for lunch. Then, there were a couple of hours left to explore Oslo on foot and wander around the city. Once you’re back on the ship, enjoy the scenery of the fjords as you sail away from Oslo and towards Kristiansand. Here is exactly how we spent our day in Oslo , including additional ideas if you have two or three days in the city.

Kristiansand

In Kristiansand, we booked the shore excursion, “Lillesand: The Jewel of Sorlandet.” First, we boarded a bus for a scenic drive to the village of Lillesand where he had some free time to explore. Next, we transferred to a boat for a ride along the coastline for scenic views of tiny coastal communities. Unfortunately, it poured rain for our entire trip, but that’s just how it works sometimes!

Thankfully, it stopped raining in the afternoon, just in time to explore the town of Kristiansand. There are lots of things to do in Kristiansand, including wandering through historic sections of town and down by the wharf. I discovered rows of white historic homes, checked out the Kristiansand Cathedral, walked up and down the main shopping street, found some colorful street art, and even had a yummy oat milk latte at a cafe. Here are 10 amazing ideas for what to do in Kristiansand from a cruise ship.

Justin and I didn’t take any excursions or tours in Stavanger as the town looked rather interesting on its own. Instead, we walked all over town, visiting Gamle Stavanger (largest surviving wooden house settlement in northern Europe), the Stavanger Cathedral, a beautiful pond and park, a quirky and colorful row of buildings with restaurants and shops, and an industrial area turned into a playground.

There are also walls upon walls of street art and murals to discover here, too. Here’s our guide to visiting Stavanger from a cruise ship, complete with a self guided walking tour and map.

Saving the best for last, our day in Flam was quite possibly our favorite of our entire Norway cruise. Sailing into and out of Flåm was such a treat, as we soaked up the most spectacular scenery of the entire Norwegian fjords cruise. To reach Flåm, our ship sailed through the Sognefjord , the largest and deepest fjord in Norway.

Flåm also happens to be home to one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys. If it’s your first time in this Norwegian village, don’t miss riding the Flåm Railway. The journey and the destination are equally as beautiful. Mountains, valleys, waterfalls – the beauty was never ending! At our first stop, we admired a massive waterfall ( Kjosfossen ), and then soaked up the sensational scenery at our final stop (Vatnahalsen).

Want to see more Norway cruise photos?

Check out our entire travel photography album from our cruise to Norway. You can also purchase prints, housewares and more from our photos. Click the ‘buy’ button by any picture!

It was our first trip to Norway, and it certainly won’t be our last. Our visits to the ports were highly memorable, and we loved the comfort and hospitality of cruise ship living. Nieuw Statendam is the perfect home away from home, from the food to the entertainment. We are so glad that our first experience in Norway was aboard a Norwegian fjords cruise with Holland America Line.

A huge thank you to Holland America Line for hosting us on this cruise. We always provide completely honest reviews, and we were in love with this cruise adventure.

Have you ever traveled to Norway or taken a Norwegian fjords cruise?

Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.

Cruises from Amsterdam to Norway

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The 13 best solo cruises for 2024 (no supplement fare).

Set sail for a solo adventure at sea.

The Best Solo Cruises

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Relax by the pool, attend shows, dine with new friends and more on your next solo cruise.

Whether you're embarking on your first cruise alone or you've been on solo cruises before, single travelers will find more options than ever when it comes to cruising solo. Many cruise lines offer single staterooms with the same amenities as other cabins, at a price similar to what you'd pay with double occupancy fares. You'll also find special promotions where the single supplement fee is reduced or waived, making it more affordable to reserve a spacious stateroom or luxurious suite with even more amenities – including personalized butler service, an added perk of booking with many luxury lines .

If you're ready for a maritime adventure, an extended vacation or simply a quick getaway from home, these top cruise lines offer some of the best options for solo travelers on waterways around the world.

Lines with solo accommodations and waived fees

Norwegian cruise line.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Launched in 2010, Norwegian Epic was the first cruise ship in the industry to feature studio accommodations for solo travelers. Norwegian Cruise Line offers this category on nine of the 19 ships in its fleet, including the newest ship, Norwegian Viva. These cabins, at an average size of 100 square feet, are designed and priced with the solo traveler in mind. They have no single supplements – and studio rooms on board Norwegian Bliss even boast virtual windows.

Guests of the studios get access to the private Studio Lounge. In this exclusive space, you can socialize with other solo travelers and enjoy complimentary refreshments. There are also singles meetups throughout the voyage and plenty of fun-filled onboard activities to mingle with like-minded cruisers. Solo travelers can check out all the fun for singles on Norwegian Viva this winter on a cruise to the Caribbean , or in spring 2024 as the ship sets sail for the Mediterranean .

Book a Norwegian Cruise Line voyage on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

MSC Cruises

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises offers interior and balcony solo cabins for single cruisers on its Meraviglia-class ships: the MSC Meraviglia, Bellissima, Grandiosa, Virtuosa and the newest vessel in the fleet, MSC Euribia. The second-newest ship, MSC World Europa, has 28 cabins – 10 Studio Interior and 18 Studio Ocean View staterooms – designed specifically for solo travelers. MSC World America, set to debut in 2025, will also feature the solo studio staterooms.

During voyages with MSC Cruises , single cruisers are invited to a complimentary, hosted cocktail party to mix and mingle with other solo travelers. The daily program is also an excellent source to discover additional activities, entertainment and opportunities to meet other cruisers. You'll have onboard special events like the themed 70s-inspired Flower Party and the White Party, where the ship is decked out in festive white decor and guests don their best white attire. In addition, there are various sports tournaments, or you can show off your culinary expertise during a MasterChef competition.

MSC's Caribbean and Bahamas cruises departing from Miami and New York City feature an overnight visit to Ocean Cay, the line's private island and marine reserve. While there, singles can participate in fun-filled evening activities like a Champagne Sunset Cruise or a glow paddleboarding excursion in the lagoon, then attend the lively Luna Libre Party and the lighthouse show.

Find an MSC Cruises itinerary on GoToSea.

Holland America Line

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Holland America Line

Three of Holland America Line's newest ships each offer 12 solo cabins to accommodate single travelers: the Pinnacle-class Nieuw Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Konigsdam. These ocean view staterooms range in size from 127 to 172 square feet and feature the same amenities as the double occupancy cabins but with a double bed. The cruise line's Single Staterooms are priced for one person. If a guest chooses to book a different stateroom, single supplements for double occupancy cabins are as much as 100% over the standard fare, depending on the voyage and the cabin category.

Long committed to solo travelers, the line offers many activities where guests can meet other singles such as wine tastings, cocktail mixers, exercise classes, daily quizzes, sports challenges and more. If you're a solo traveler and a member of AARP, Holland America is now the exclusive cruise benefit provider to AARP's members. Solo cruisers will have access to an AARP member-only onboard credit that ranges from $50 to $200, depending on the itinerary and stateroom category.

For itineraries, Holland America's Alaska cruises and cruisetours are perfect for solo travelers, offering many opportunities to connect with fellow cruisers. Another favorite for singles is the line's fall voyages sailing from Boston to Québec City or Montreal.

Explore Holland America Line deals on GoToSea.

Royal Caribbean International

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International features studio staterooms on select ships that range in size from 101 to 199 square feet. These solo accommodations include interior rooms, virtual balcony staterooms and a super studio ocean view stateroom with a balcony. The cabins do not carry the single supplement fee singles encounter when booking other types of staterooms, making them an attractive option when traveling alone.

Once on board the ship, solo cruisers will have countless options to engage and socialize with other travelers. When it comes to dining with Royal Caribbean , make a reservation at the Japanese restaurant Teppanyaki for an entertaining meal with new friends, or join fellow foodies for the intimate Chef's Table experience (the dining venues vary by ship). Singles can also participate in onboard activities like trivia contests, drink seminars, escape rooms, dance classes and pool parties.

If you need more thrills to stay busy and to meet people, Royal Caribbean's ships feature world-class shows and entertainment alongside adrenaline-pumping rides and attractions. If you're sailing in the Caribbean, there are plenty of opportunities to meet and chat with other passengers at the line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Compare Royal Caribbean International cruises on GoToSea.

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Luxury line Atlas Ocean Voyages offers single cruisers 183 square feet of beautifully appointed space in solo accommodations that come without single supplement fees. These ocean view staterooms feature a queen bed, a panoramic picture window, a private spa bathroom with a rain shower and body jets, a stocked minifridge replenished daily with personal favorites, and other luxurious amenities. Single guests can also book other stateroom or suite categories with single supplements starting at 50% of the double occupancy price.

The line's three intimate yacht-style cruise ships – World Navigator, World Traveller and the new World Voyager, whose inaugural season begins in Antarctica in November 2023 – are all-inclusive . Meals at all the dining venues, premium beverages and wines, gratuities, culturally immersive excursions, and more are included in the fare. With fewer than 200 guests on board, there's an atmosphere of conviviality on these ships – especially when exploring remote destinations with like-minded and adventurous travelers during expeditions in Antarctica and the Arctic.

Read: The Top Cruises on Small Ships

Celebrity Cruises

Tim Aylen | Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises' new Edge-class ships offer some of the best options for solo cruisers. The line's two newest vessels, Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Ascent (set to debut in late 2023), each boast 32 single staterooms with an Infinite Veranda. In addition, Celebrity Apex has 24 solo cabins, and Celebrity Edge features 16 staterooms for individual guests. These one-person accommodations offer a minimum of 131 square feet of space and the same upscale amenities you'll find in other category staterooms on their ships. Solo guests can look for special promotions where the single supplement is waived on select Celebrity voyages throughout the year.

Once on board the vessel, check out the daily program for activities conducive to meeting others – like wine tastings, cocktail-making classes and more. You'll also enjoy thrilling top-notch entertainment around the ship in The Theatre, The Club and Eden. A few popular cruises for singles are the line's Caribbean and Mexico itineraries on Celebrity Beyond.

Book a Celebrity Cruise on GoToSea.

Virgin Voyages

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

The hip vibe on board the adults-only Virgin Voyages ships is ideal for solo cruisers looking to meet other travelers. Its superyacht-style ships – Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady – offer 40 interior cabins ranging in size from 105 to 177 square feet. There are also six Sea View staterooms with portholes boasting between 130 to 190 square feet of space. These Insider and Sea View cabins are designed and priced for single travelers, with amenities like high-tech mood lighting and roomy rain showers. The line also runs promotions where solo cruisers can book double occupancy staterooms without paying a single supplement.

Activities and festival-like entertainment around the ships foster fast friendships. Diners will enjoy the interactive experience at Gunbae, the lively Korean barbecue venue. The "grog walk" is a fun pub stroll where solo sailors can join fellow mates while sipping and snacking their way through all the signature bars. For even more fun, check out the evening shipwide events such as the themed Scarlet Party, which features live music and immersive experiences. The line also hosts meetups for singles throughout each voyage.

Read: The Top Adults-Only Cruises

Avalon Waterways

Courtesy of Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways' river and small-ship cruises traverse waterways around the world, including in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. The company waives the single supplement on a selection of staterooms, including its Panorama Suites, on select European and Asia departures. The company recommends booking early as the specially priced cabins do sell out. Solo travelers make up about 10% of the passengers on this river cruise line .

Avalon's fleet of Suite Ships operates in Europe and Southeast Asia and features cabins with a minimum of 172 square feet. About 80% of the staterooms are Panorama Suites, which have 200 feet of living space, beds with a view and the river cruise industry's only open-air balcony. With Avalon excursions, solo cruisers have opportunities to meet like-minded guests during immersive tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, yoga or fitness classes, biking or hiking trips, and more. Single guests can choose to dine at tables for just two people or ones that can accommodate up to eight passengers.

Read: Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Next Cruise

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AmaWaterways

Courtesy of AmaWaterways

Two single occupancy staterooms are available on four of AmaWaterways' river cruise ships: AmaDolce, AmaDante, AmaLyra and AmaCello. These accommodations do not have single supplement fees. Solo cruisers can also book staterooms with a 20% single supplement on select sailings in Europe and Southeast Asia. (Note that this pricing does not apply to certain stateroom categories and suites.)

With the friendly, small-ship atmosphere, solo cruisers will find it comfortable to socialize with other passengers and the crew. Onboard activities and immersive excursions also create opportunities for fostering friendships, especially among like-minded travelers. Excellent options for solo cruises include themed sailings centered around music and wine or the magical Christmas markets itineraries along the Danube, Rhone and Rhine rivers.

Explore AmaWaterways deals on GoToSea.

Lines with discounted supplement fares

Courtesy of Azamara

Azamara's special offers for solo travelers include reduced single supplements of 25% to 50% of the double occupancy rate on select sailings. The line's four midsized sister ships – carrying no more than 700 passengers – are mostly all-inclusive. Amenities included in the cruise fare include most meals; standard spirits, wines and beers; bottled water, soft drinks, and specialty teas and coffees; shuttle service in port; gratuities; and complimentary AzAmazing Evenings ashore or Destination Celebration experiences on the ship. Dining at the two specialty restaurants is an additional cost unless guests have accommodations in the Club World Owner's Suites, Club Ocean Suite or Club Continent Suite.

Single guests on Azamara cruises will find events during the sailing and venues around the ship where you can mix and mingle with other solo travelers and chat with the friendly crew. Intimate and culturally immersive excursions also create opportunities to meet passengers with similar interests. Azamara Onward, the latest ship, boasts the new Atlas Bar, a great spot to meet other travelers.

For itineraries, Azamara's signature "Country-Intensive Voyages" are a favorite of solo cruisers, including the 10- or 11-night Greece Intensive Voyage. For an extended sailing, check out the festive 12-night Carnival in Rio Voyage, which features a stop in Rio de Janeiro during the city's famed Carnival.

Compare Azamara cruises on GoToSea.

Cunard Line

Courtesy of Cunard Line

Cunard Line features dedicated solo staterooms on its three ships, priced at approximately 166% to 174% of the equivalent double occupancy cruise fare. Guests can choose between a spacious Britannia Inside or Britannia Oceanview cabin, or opt for a larger stateroom with a single supplement. For a little "me time" pampering while on board, solos will appreciate 24-hour room service, complimentary Penhaligon's toiletries and a chilled bottle of sparkling wine. Single guests will also be invited to get-togethers. You can either dine alone at venues around the ship such as the main dining room or choose to share a table with other passengers.

With an international mix of travelers, single cruisers will find many opportunities to meet and chat with others, especially during a Transatlantic Crossing. During the sailing, you'll find many enriching and relaxing activities that encourage socializing. According to Cunard , there's a sense of camaraderie and a passion around the voyage – and the unique travel experience of crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

Find a Cunard Line cruise on GoToSea.

Silversea Cruises

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Luxury line Silversea Cruises offers 25% single supplements on various voyages throughout the year, including expedition cruises to destinations like the Galápagos Islands , Antarctica and the Arctic, and Greenland. The line's all-inclusive fares include luxurious ocean view suites, gourmet dining, complimentary wines and spirits, gratuities, onboard enrichment and entertainment, shore excursions, and more. Solo travelers will even have personalized butler service to indulge their every whim.

The line's fleet of a dozen intimate ships, carrying no more than 728 guests, offers a clubby atmosphere perfect for meeting solo and like-minded travelers. Single guests will also have the opportunity to engage with other solo passengers during a welcome reception with Champagne at the beginning of each voyage. Popular itineraries for Silversea's single cruisers include its Transoceanic journeys, a bucket list trip for many cruisers .

Explore Silversea Cruises deals on GoToSea.

Courtesy of Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn has special offers throughout the year where solo cruisers can take advantage of reduced pricing equal to double occupancy fares or discounts on the single supplement starting at 25% above the double occupancy fares. These rates are available on select voyages, including expedition cruises. Frequent solo cruisers and members of the luxury line's Seabourn Club Diamond Elite will also find reduced single supplements on Diamond Elite Single Supplement Sailings. In addition, club members receive invitations to exclusive events, where they can meet and mingle with fellow cruisers. Solo passengers are also invited to sit with the ship's officers, crew and entertainers at dinner – and there are hosted get-togethers for single travelers.

Solo cruisers will enjoy beautifully designed oceanfront suites and all-inclusive amenities on board Seabourn 's intimate ships. These perks include world-class dining; complimentary premium wine and spirits; a spa and wellness program in partnership with Dr. Andrew Weil; included gratuities; and the line's enrichment series, Seabourn Conversations. Single cruisers looking for an extended holiday will enjoy longer voyages on the line's newest purpose-built expedition ship, Seabourn Pursuit.

Compare Seabourn cruises on GoToSea.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has visited destinations around the globe on nearly every type of ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels, traditional masted sailing ships and intimate river ships on the Mekong River. She used extensive research and experience as a solo cruiser to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

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The 8 best Hawaii cruises in 2024 and 2025

C ruising the Hawaiian Islands offers U.S. travelers an immersive South Pacific escape with all the comforts of home. In fact, the Aloha State is in many ways an ideal cruise destination. It has year-round sunny weather, four main islands featuring varied topographies — including sandy beaches, cascading waterfalls, volcanic mountains and vibrant green valleys — and a wide array of land- and water-based activities.

The main caveat? Hawaii cruise options are somewhat limited — just a fraction of what's available in the Caribbean — and many itineraries involve multiday crossings from the West Coast. Only one cruise line offers Hawaii itineraries throughout the year; most others visit during specific months or when repositioning ships in spring and fall.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Looking for the Hawaiian Islands sailing that's right for you? Here's a look at the eight best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler.

Norwegian Cruise Line's 7-night Inter-island Hawaii

For travelers who want more aloha time than the typical eight-hour port call allows, Norwegian Cruise Line has a solution. Its 2,186-passenger Pride of America lets vacationers sample four Hawaiian islands over seven days, with overnights in Maui and Kauai, plus port calls on both Hilo and Kona on the island of Hawaii. In total, this itinerary offers nearly 100 hours of shore time.

Pride of America sails round-trip from Honolulu every Saturday year-round. As a U.S.-flagged ship, it's the only large vessel permitted to sail this way. Not only do you skip the long Pacific crossing that most cruise ships do to reach Hawaii, but passports are not required for U.S. citizens, and you can tack on pre- or post-cruise stays on Oahu.

The overnights on Maui and Kauai also mean it's possible to try several of Hawaii's signature experiences that most port calls don't allow. Passengers can catch dusk or dawn from atop Maui's massive 10,023-foot dormant volcano with sunrise and sunset excursions to the Haleakala Crater. And with the ship in port all night on Kauai, guests who want to enjoy traditional Hawaiian cuisine, music and hula performances can book the Luau Kalamaku for a fun evening out.

Pride of America, which has been cruising Hawaii since 2005, doesn't have the onboard thrills (race track, virtual-reality gaming, waterslides) of Norwegian's newer ships , but that's okay because the islands, not the ship, are your main destination. Its American-themed decor celebrates U.S. cities in a vibrant, and at times, kitschy way, but a 2021 refurbishment left its cabins and public spaces feeling refreshed.

Many of Norwegian's specialty dining venues (which incur a surcharge) are on board, including Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro (here, it's Jefferson's Bistro), Moderno Churrascaria and Teppanyaki.

Who should go: Anyone seeking a convenient way to island-hop — and see a lot of Hawaii — by making the most of the generous shore time with a combination of independent exploration and shore excursions. Most sailings attract couples ages 50 and older, although summer and holiday sailings have plenty of families on board.

Related: Best time to cruise Hawaii

UnCruise Adventures' 7-night Hawaiian Seascapes

Cruisers seeking a less traditional, more carefree Hawaii experience can have it from November to April aboard UnCruise Adventures ' 36-passenger Safari Explorer. The seven-night Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary, which begins either on Molokai or the island of Hawaii, is an unconventional one designed for those who enjoy going off the beaten path in an intimate and more authentic setting. U.S. passports aren't required to sail.

UnCruise visits four islands — Maui and Lanai plus Molokai and Hawaii — and focuses on not only their striking landscapes and underwater beauty but also the cultural traditions, cuisine and music of the Hawaiian people. On Molokai, where there's not a single traffic light and the lifestyle is slow-paced, passengers get a chance to "talk story" with locals and enjoy a pa'ina (feast) and evening jam session. Lanai activities range from snorkel, paddleboard and kayak excursions to off-road adventures exploring the privately owned island's dramatic sea cliffs, red rock formations and vast fields once filled with Dole pineapples.

Most UnCruise sailings are during Maui's humpback whale season, so sightings while cruising off the coast of Maui are possible. You might also catch glimpses of dolphins and sea turtles. A "Captain's Choice" day is a wild card determined by the weather, marine life in the area and other factors, while the final two days are spent exploring the Big Island of Hawaii — including a hike up Hualalai volcano and a skiff ride along the rugged coast.

Constructed in 1998, Safari Explorer was designed with adventure itineraries in mind (in summer the U.S.-flagged ship repositions to Alaska). Its size allows it to navigate areas larger ships can't reach, which in Hawaii means bays and coves ideal for snorkeling or watersports.

With such a small number of passengers aboard, guests get to know each other — and Safari Explorer's friendly and knowledgeable crew — quite well. Passengers come together over meals featuring locally sourced ingredients, and as all UnCruise fares include unlimited wines, spirits and microbrews, shipmates can raise a glass without worrying who's buying a round. It all lends itself to an exclusive yet utterly relaxed week of cruising.

Who should go: The ship's laid-back onboard vibe paired with its land- and water-based activities make the Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary ideal for active travelers seeking a nature-focused itinerary — although cruise fares (which start around $5,900 per person) are among the priciest for a Hawaii cruise.

Related: Why it's easier to meet new people on a smaller cruise ship

Holland America's 17-night Circle Hawaii

Travelers who have more than two weeks to spare and who prefer to arrive in Hawaii via ship rather than an airplane can do so on Holland America 's 17-night Circle Hawaii itinerary. They'd better also love sea days because crossing the Pacific from San Diego or Vancouver to Honolulu and back requires 10 days.

That means passengers enjoy five or six days in Hawaii on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the island of Hawaii. Some itineraries stay in select ports overnight. Cruises departing from San Diego also call on Ensenada, Mexico. With either departure port, passports will be required.

The itinerary is offered in 2024 and 2025 on the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam and 1,432-passenger Zaandam.

Travelers with more time on their hands can also visit Hawaii as part of longer Pacific island cruises with Holland America. Koningsdam will sail a 35-night Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas itinerary in 2025 that combines visits to four Hawaiian islands with calls on five islands in French Polynesia and Fanning Island, Kiribati (and 20 sea days).

Related: Holland America unveils epic cruise to Hawaii and Alaska for 2025

Zaandam will also sail 51- to 56-night Tales of the South Pacific itineraries that visit multiple islands in Hawaii and French Polynesia along with ports in the Cook Islands, American Samoa and Fiji.

Holland America is popular with cruisers ages 60 and older, many of them retired, who have time to enjoy longer itineraries on ships that offer good value with a focus on culinary and musical enjoyment. Two of Koningsdam's most popular venues are its live entertainment area with three venues — B.B. King's Blues Club (for Memphis-style rhythm and blues), Billboard Onboard (for chart-topping hits played by a live pianist) and Rolling Stone Rock Room (for a live band playing classic rock), and World Stage, a theater with a 270-degree screen used for both special BBC Earth in Concert and theatrical productions.

Onboard specialty dining options (at an added cost) include Pinnacle Grill for steaks and seafood, Tamarind for Pan-Asian cuisine and Rudi's Sel de Mer for French Brasserie specialties and seafood.

Who should go: Mature travelers who prefer not to fly and who enjoy a more traditional cruise experience. They should also love sea days as much (or even more so) than port exploration.

Related: 16 mistakes cruisers make on cruise ship sea days

Princess Cruises' 15- or 16-night Hawaiian Islands

Princess Cruises is also a good option for longer sailings. The cruise line offers numerous round-trip itineraries to Hawaii from Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in the fall and winter.

The majority of sailings are aboard the 3,080-passenger Crown Princess and Ruby Princess from San Francisco, and the 2,600-passenger Grand Princess and 3,080-passenger Emerald Princess from Los Angeles.

Ships are in port for nine to 11 hours in Hawaii (Hilo), Kauai and Maui and for 16 hours in Oahu. Itineraries include a stop in Ensenada, Mexico (so passports are required), plus nine or 10 sea days.

The ships feature many of Princess' popular dining venues, including Alfredo's Pizzeria (a sit-down venue serving personal-size pizzas), Crown Grill for steaks and Sabatini's Italian Trattoria. There's plenty of outdoor space for soaking up the sun — including an adults-only sun deck — and a dazzling Piazza for enjoying cocktails, gelato and pop-up street performers.

Fans of Princess' Movies Under the Stars poolside screenings (with free popcorn) and Discovery at SEA enrichment programming will have ample time to enjoy these perks on a Hawaii sailing.

Who should go: These sailings will appeal to couples or groups of friends who prefer to have a wide choice of sailing dates, can take the time to enjoy a leisurely Pacific crossing and appreciate Princess' focus on quality cuisine and a sun deck designed for relaxation rather than thrills.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise shore excursions

Celebrity's 9- to 12-night Hawaii Cruise

Travelers seeking modern interior decor on a ship designed with couples in mind can visit Hawaii aboard Celebrity Cruises ' 2,852-passenger Celebrity Solstice or 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge on itineraries ranging from nine to 13 nights — but only if the timing is right. That's because the line offers only two sailings per ship each year (in spring and fall) as the ships reposition between Alaska and destinations in the Pacific. The itineraries are one-way (Vancouver to Honolulu or vice versa) with passports required.

These cruises call on three ports on two islands: Honolulu (Oahu) and Hilo and Kona (Hawaii), with one or two overnights in port and 10 hours ashore on one-day visits. All include five days in a row at sea. Since the itineraries either begin or end in Honolulu, there's also a chance for some pre- or post-cruise exploration.

Sea days offer opportunities to enjoy the chic, grown-up ambience and amenities aboard these ships. Each vessel offers multiple complimentary and extra-fee specialty restaurants. Celebrity Solstice features Tuscan Grille for Italian specialties and steak and Murano for modern French cuisine, while Celebrity Edge offers the whimsical Le Petit Chef and the international Eden Restaurant.

Celebrity's signature Martini Bar and many other onboard watering holes keep the grown-up vibe going day and night. Choose cruise fares that include alcohol and Wi-Fi, or pay a lower rate and pay for your drinks as you go.

Who should go: The slightly shorter one-way sailings and the ships' contemporary ambience make these itineraries ideal for couples and groups of friends seeking a relaxing escape — especially Gen Xers in their 40s and 50s, who are Celebrity's target market.

Related: 6 national parks you can reach by cruise ship (and 2 are in Hawaii)

Carnival's 14- or 15-night Hawaii from Los Angeles

If fun is your cruise mantra, the "Fun Ship" brand Carnival Cruise Line offers a handful of round-trip sailings to Hawaii from Los Angeles (Long Beach) aboard the 2,984-passenger Carnival Radiance. Like other roundtrips from the West Coast, these itineraries spend just five days in Hawaii, offering eight to 14 hours of shore time in ports on four islands: Maui, Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii. Along with enjoying eight sea days, guests will also call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Carnival Radiance first sailed under that name in 2021, but it's not a new ship. Before an epic makeover, it sailed for the cruise line as Carnival Victory. Ship features include many of Carnival's signature complimentary and extra-fee dining venues, including Guy's Burger Joint and Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, BlueIguana Cantina, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and Bonsai Sushi Express.

Additional guest favorite destinations on board include the RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar and WaterWorks aquapark. Expect high-voltage theater shows from Playlist Productions at night and poolside interactive contests by day.

Who should go: Socially inclined cruisers who love Carnival's emphasis on onboard fun and can appreciate a colorful ship with a lively ambience and lots of day and evening activities.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise tips for getting the most from your island-hopping trip

Royal Caribbean's 9- to 13-night Hawaii Cruises

A megaship cruise experience to Hawaii is available, too — with pricing that's quite affordable. Royal Caribbean cruises there on two vessels in one of its newer classes of ships: the 4,180-passenger Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas.

All are one-way cruises just before or after the Alaska cruise season (so late April or early October) between Oahu and Vancouver (or vice versa). The ships call on two Hawaiian islands and spend four or five days in a row at sea. Passports are required since these itineraries begin or end in Vancouver.

Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas feature a mix of thrills for all ages. These include RipCord by iFly simulated sky diving, FlowRider simulated surfing, bumper car racing in the SeaPlex indoor activity complex and the North Star sightseeing capsule, which ascends 300 feet above the top deck for 360-degree views.

Both ships also offer 14 dining venues, including the innovative Wonderland, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and kid-favorite Dog House, as well as bar options that include Schooner Bar for by-request piano tunes, Boleros for mojitos and merengue and Bionic Bar for drinks poured by robotic bartenders. Entertainment includes live cover bands in the Music Hall and multimedia music and dance performances in Two70.

Who should go: Cruisers who love a big ship with a wide array of dining choices, all kinds of evening entertainment and plenty of exciting activities to pass the time on sea days. Quantum-class ships are great for families, but the sail dates might not work for those with school-age kids.

Related: Do you need a passport for a cruise?

Viking's 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn

For a guaranteed adults-only sailing in a relaxed, boutique-style setting, upscale cruise line Viking also offers round-trip Hawaii cruises from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 on its 930-passenger Viking Neptune.

What sets Viking apart from most of the other lines offering Hawaii cruises is that it includes a free shore excursion in every port. These include a highlights tour of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor on Oahu and a visit to a scenic waterfall and the Kilohana sugar plantation on Kauai. Additional excursions can be booked at an extra charge.

The 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn sailings visit four islands — Hawaii (Hilo), Oahu, Kauai and Maui — and like other round-trip sailings from the West Coast include 10 sea days and a call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Viking Neptune will also do 32-night Grand Hawaii and Polynesia sailings round-trip from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 that visit four islands in Hawaii and four in French Polynesia.

The ship, which debuted in 2022, features sleek Scandinavian-inspired decor, a soothing spa with a complimentary thermal area, an aft infinity pool and hot tub, a panoramic Explorer's Lounge and five onboard restaurants. Specialty restaurant Manfredi's serves an extensive menu of Italian specialties, while The Chef's Table offers rotating five-course themed menus, including Asian, French and California-inspired.

In addition to the free shore excursions, pricing includes complimentary wine or beer with lunch and dinner, specialty dining at no extra charge, crew gratuities and transfers.

Who should go: Couples who prefer the quieter ambience of a ship that doesn't allow anyone under 18 onboard, doesn't have a casino and offers presentations by regional experts that enhance immersion into local culture. Viking cruisers are generally over age 55.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.