norway holland america cruise

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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 Cruise Line vs Holland America

Wednesday, September 4th

2024 Cruise Line Reviews

• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Best for large-ship sailing, especially in Alaska
• 18 ships in the fleet
• Ships accommodate anywhere from 1,900 to 4,000+ passengers
• Private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay
• Exciting amenities on board, like go-kart tracks and climbing walls
• No required or recommended gratuities
• Freestyle cruising plus "Free at Sea" promos can make your cruise flexible and affordable

Norwegian Cruise Line, or NCL, offers sailings to destinations around the world plus exciting entertainment and flexible amenities. NCL is suitable for cruisers of all ages and adventure levels, and it's one of the only non-luxury class cruise lines that doesn't require gratuities (or even recommend them at any particular amount). While being on a ship with 2,000-4,000 other passengers might not appeal to some vacationers, NCL's large ships make it easy to eat, play, and relax in any way you want.

• Holland America
• Best for older guests (50+)
• 11 ships in the fleet
• Mid-size ships (1,400-2,600 passengers, depending on the ship)
• Over 500 itineraries with stops in 100+ countries

Holland America Line is a premium cruise line with a fleet of 11 mid-sized ships, offering over 500 itineraries with stops in 100+ countries. The line is known for its exceptional service, exquisite cuisine, and sophisticated onboard experience, making it a popular choice for older travelers seeking luxury and elegance. Overall, Holland America Line offers a relaxed and classy vacation experience to the world's most sought-after ports of call, especially for those ages 55+.

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• Royal Caribbean

• Disney Cruise Line

• Celebrity Cruises

• Virgin Voyages

• Viking Cruises

• Regent Seven Seas

• Princess Cruises

• MSC Cruises

• Carnival Cruises

The 15 Best Cruise Lines

Which cruise line is the best.

Cruising is a popular way of traveling for many people, offering a unique experience that combines the convenience of a floating hotel with the excitement of visiting multiple destinations in one trip. In an average year, over fifteen million people say "all aboard" and set sail on an amazing vacation.

There are many different cruise lines to choose from, and each one offers a different type of experience. Some are geared towards families, while others are more focused on luxury or adventure. What would you like to see and do while you're onboard? Is a casino a must-have or a rather-avoid? Would a Broadway-caliber show tip the scales for you? Do you need a wide range of activities to keep the kiddos happy while the adults live it up or relax? The onboard activities and amenities can really make or break your vacation, so be sure you know what you're getting.

Cruise Line FAQ

Which cruise line is the best, what is included in the cost of a cruise, what is the minimum age to cruise, what are the dining options on a cruise ship, are cruise ships crowded, do i have to dress up, are activities included at destination ports, can i bring my own alcohol onboard.

Continued from above... Continued from above... -->

Another factor that can influence which cruise line you choose is the itinerary. Cruise ships travel all over the world, but some cruise lines may not have destinations available where you're hoping to go. You should also consider the size of the ship: larger ships offer more amenities, but smaller ships can access ports that bigger ships can't.

Speaking of amenities, make sure you understand what you'll get as part of your fare and which extras will come with an additional cost. For example, most cruises offer drink packages for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, but a few have drink stations where you can get complimentary lemonade, coffee and tea. Other amenities that might be important to you are Wi-Fi, spa services, babysitting, fitness classes, and upgraded dining experiences. You can usually get a decent discount if you sign up for an amenities package before you sail, so keep an eye out for promotions in the months leading up to your sailing.

When you take a cruise, it's almost always expected that you'll tip the crew members who have attended to your needs while onboard: your cabin steward ( who probably leaves your towels folded into fun shapes every night ), your servers at your nightly meals, and the head waiter. Cruise lines have a recommended gratuity to cover all three of those staff members, usually $15-$20 per traveler, per day; the total gratuity amount may be charged automatically to your account, or you may be given envelopes to make cash payments.

While it usually isn't mandatory to pay those gratuities - you can ask to have them removed if they're applied automatically, especially if you've received poor service - it's typically considered in poor taste not to tip at the suggested levels (because crew members' salaries, much like servers at your local restaurant, are based on the expectation of tips paid by guests). And, if you receive service that goes above and beyond, adding to the recommended gratuity is always appreciated. Be aware that tips for bartenders, poolside servers, and professional services provided in the spa or elsewhere are not included in the daily suggested gratuity and may be charged automatically at the time of service.

Now that you have a good overview of the cruising experience, which cruise line should you choose? Beyond the points we already covered, here are a few additional criteria that might make it easier to pick:

• Embarkation port. You could get a great deal on a cruise, but what will it cost you to get to the port? That could involve airfare, an overnight stay or two in a nearby hotel (so that you're less likely to be affected by travel delays), and transportation from the airport or hotel to the port. This is especially true if you're taking a cruise that departs from an international destination.
• Perks for repeat cruisers. Like frequent flyer programs on airlines, most cruise lines offer benefits the more you sail. If you find yourself absolutely loving cruise vacations, it can be advantageous to put all of your eggs in one basket, so to speak. Rewards programs can include casino benefits, complimentary meals at the upgraded dining experiences, exclusive sail-away parties with free cocktails and tchotchkes, early-access booking on future cruises, and much more.
• Reputation. It's a really smart idea to see what other travelers have said about their overall experience with a cruise line before booking your trip. The ads on TV may make that private island look amazing, but someone who's been there might point out that you'll pay extra to get on that waterslide. Or, previous cruisers could tell you that despite having several formal nights on the schedule, a particular cruise line has no problem with people showing up to dinner in flip-flops and swimsuit coverups. Find out if the cruise line you're considering lines up in reality with what they advertise.

Here at Top Consumer Reviews, cruising is one of our favorite ways to travel and experience new things. And with so many different cruise lines to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But, don't worry: take a look at our in-depth analysis of today's most popular options, find the one that's the best match for your vacation ideas and your travel party, and book that trip you've been dreaming of. Bon voyage!

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Holland America Line - Norwegian Fjords Cruise

During one of Holland America Line' Norwegian Fjords itineraries, you'll have the opportunity to take in some of Europe's most spectacular natural beauties. 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.

Onboard a Holland America Line ship, you'll find a wealth of amenities and services to enhance your Northern Europe cruise. Indulge in world-class dining experiences featuring diverse cuisine options and exceptional service. Unwind in spacious and comfortable accommodations, take a dip in the pool, or relax at the spa. Engage in enriching activities such as live entertainment, educational programs, and art exhibitions. With Holland America Line, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Enjoy the independence and flexibility that comes along with traveling with Holland America Line as you make your way through Norwegian Fjords region , where you'll get to see a wide range of different cultures, magnificent palaces, historical sites, and breathtaking natural beauty.

The Norwegian Fjords are steeped in fascinating history and vibrant local culture. Ancient tales of seafaring Vikings echo through the fjord's valleys, adding a layer of mystery to the awe-inspiring landscape. Lectures about the Sami, the indigenous people of Norway, provide insight into their traditional way of life and strong connection to the land. A visit to the region's ancient stave churches, such as the one in Borgund, serves as a window into the past. The fjords also carry an air of Norwegian folklore, with legends of trolls and mystical creatures intertwined with the area's cultural narrative.

Holland America Line Norwegian Fjords Cruise Schedule

Norwegian Fjords cruises are the ideal way to see the world and you can see a selection of these cruises from Holland America Line. Holland America Line have an exciting range of cruises from the British Isles to incredible Northern Lights and the magnificent Norwegian fjords and Scandinavia, via the Baltic States and Russia, all of which can be enjoyed without having to travel too far to join your cruise ship.

7-day Norwegian Fjords cruise from Rotterdam

Rotterdam, holland america line.

Date: September 14, 2024

Ports of Call: Rotterdam, Oslo, Kristiansand, Stavanger, Flam, Rotterdam; View Itinerary

14-day Norwegian Fjords cruise from Rotterdam

Ports of Call: Rotterdam, Oslo, Kristiansand, Stavanger, Flam, Rotterdam, Eidfjord, Alesund, Geiranger, Bergen, Rotterdam; View Itinerary

Date: September 21, 2024

Ports of Call: Rotterdam, Eidfjord, Alesund, Geiranger, Bergen, Rotterdam; View Itinerary

21-day Norwegian Fjords cruise from Rotterdam

Ports of Call: Rotterdam, Eidfjord, Alesund, Geiranger, Bergen, Rotterdam, Oslo, Aarhus, Warnemunde, Tallinn, Helsinki, Stockholm, Visby, Ronne, Kiel, Copenhagen, Rotterdam; View Itinerary

Please note that port orders, dates, and itinerary details, including content, are subject to change. Verify specific details for your chosen sailing date on the Holland America Line website.

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Holland America Norway Cruise for Food Travelers

Visiting Norway was a fantasy until we explored the Scandinavian country’s fjords and cuisine during a week-long Holland America Norway cruise on the Nieuw Statendam ship. Discover what we did and ate during this epic maritime adventure.

Norway may be the ultimate cruise destination for a summer cruise. Sound crazy? Hear us out.

First and foremost, the scenery on a Norwegian cruise is jaw-droppingly amazing. When you cruise through Norwegian fjords, the views don’t stop for hours, and the days last even longer. Norway is the land of the midnight sun after all.

Norway’s fjords are the stuff of legend, Nordic legend, to be exact. Seeing rocky-faced fjords that practically explode from Scandinavian waterways is the main reason that there are so many cruises around Norway.

Vikings originally coined the word fjord to describe 1,000+ glacially-formed inlets that strikingly define Norway’s coastline. Other parts of the world have similar geographic formations, but Norway’s fjords are particularly striking.

Taking a Norwegian Fjords Cruise is the ideal way to experience Norway’s landscape in all its glory. During our week-long Vikings Saga cruise, we sailed through the Oslo Fjord and then hit the motherlode when we traversed Sognefjord, Norway’s longest fjord, to reach the tiny village of Flåm. Many travelers consider Sognesfjord to be one of the best fjords in Norway.

Beyond viewing fjords, there’s the cost factor .

In 2015, The World Economic Forum ranked Norway as the 5th most expensive country to visit in the entire world. Exploring Norway on a cruise is a cost-effective way to experience this pricey country without paying for pesky items like hotels, gasoline and restaurant dinners.

To put expenses into perspective, a single serving of fish soup cost us the equivalent of $23 during a port stop in Oslo. While many travelers can afford those prices, a trip through Norway can be a budget-buster for others.

Norwegian Fjord cruises are so popular that multiple cruise companies offer cruises in Norway. Despite Norway’s numerous cruising options, the window is relatively limited for travelers who want to take advantage of optimal Norway weather during the summer months.

We opted to sail through Norway with Holland America on a week that straddled the end of July and the beginning of August. Based on our previous Asia cruise with the cruise line, we knew we would travel in comfort and eat great food – two important components for these two culinary adventurers.

Pro Tip Don’t cruise without travel insurance !

Our Holland America Norway Cruise Experience

Starting in Amsterdam, our week-long Viking Saga cruise whisked us to four exciting Norwegian port cities – Oslo, Kristiansand, Stavanger and Flåm. These cities were awesome to visit, but our time on the Nieuw Statendam was equally satisfying.

Now that we’ve embraced our inner cruise selves, we deeply appreciate sea days that allow us to linger over breakfast in bed while we gaze at views that literally take our breath away. These leisurely days force us to relax, gearing up our energy for intense port days.

In many ways, spending a week on a floating hotel can either be heaven or hell. We choose to spend our time in the former, preferably with excellent food and beverage service. As we detail later in this article, our Norwegian cruise with Holland America did not disappoint in this regard.

With a capacity of 2,666 guests and a length of 975 feet, the Nieuw Statendam is an impressive addition to Holland America’s fleet. The ship first sailed in December 2018 and was officially christened by its godmother, Oprah Winfrey, the following month.

Pro Tip It’s great fun to watch a special video of Oprah exclaiming “Niew Statendaaaaaaaaam!” as she christened the HAL ship

During our mid-summer cruise, the ship was filled to capacity with a diverse collection of passengers in terms of both age and nationality. Ranging from toddlers to octogenarians, the crowd hailed from 52 countries with most from the Netherlands (34%), USA (27%), Belgium (13%) and Canada (4%).

Like most cruise ships, the Nieuw Statendam features pools and whirlpool jacuzzis in addition to a fitness center, spa and casino. But this Pinnacle-class ship shines when it comes to its stylish design and vast art collection.

With 12 decks, the ship has ample room to showcase diverse art that varies in style from classic to more avant-garde creations. We loved exploring this collection during our week-long cruise, often going out of our way in search of new pieces to admire.

Another differentiation is the ship’s culinary program which includes multiple specialty restaurants in addition to its formal dining room and more casual Lido market buffet. A week was just enough time for us to experience every restaurant on the ship, though we don’t blame passengers who found their favorite eateries and stuck with them.

Club Orange

The Nieuw Statendam is one of the first Holland America ships to offer Club Orange to its guests. This premium program offers perks like a private dining room and priority access, both of which we highly appreciated during our cruise, as well as extras like special robes and tote bags. Participants also get extra room service choices for breakfast each morning.

At the time of our sailing, Club Orange cost $50 per person per day, capped at $100 per room per day. However, the value of skipping the lines for check-in and special onboard services was priceless.

Pro Tip You must upgrade to Club Orange before the cruise. Unless the policy changes, it cannot be added once the ship sets sail and must be used for the entire cruise.

Our home for the week was a spacious Verandah stateroom (#5061) on the ship’s fifth floor, otherwise known as the Gershwin deck. Designed with clean Scandinavian design elements, the room’s highlights included a comfortable double bed, cozy seating area, full en-suite bathroom, multiple electrical outlets and enough USB ports to charge our phones each night.

Not only did we have adequate space to unpack our clothes, but we also had areas to work and charge our electronics. And, as a bonus compared to previous cruises we’ve taken, the Wi-Fi worked well in our room. Winning!

Our favorite feature inside the room had to be the HUGE television loaded with and even HUGER selection of channels and movies. When we weren’t watching live MSNBC feeds, we watched movies like Bohemian Rhapsody and Crazy Rich Asians .

Seriously, if we had such an awesome TV in Lisbon , we might never leave the apartment. It would be a problem.

Pro Tip Beyond watching movies on your TV on the Nieuw Statendam, you can also order room service with a few clicks on the remote control.

However, our absolute favorite feature of the Verandah stateroom was an attached balcony that wasn’t technically inside the room. Yes, we loved the room’s private balcony most of all.

Accessed by glass doors, this balcony provided us with awesome views of fjords and sunsets. It was also the ideal spot to enjoy our first cups of coffee each morning.

We weren’t fortunate enough to have a private balcony during our Asia cruise and we survived just fine. Though this perk is not critical to cruise enjoyment, having a balcony was a bit of a game-changer that ramped up our Norway fjords cruise experience to the next level.

Nothing matches relaxing with a book and listening to music on a balcony just steps away from a comfy bed.

Staff And Service

Much of any cruise experience despends on staff and service. With a global team focused on hospitality, the Nieuw Statendam excelled in serving our various needs. We rarely had to ask for anything since the staff seamlessly executed the many functions that keep the floating hotel from sinking.

From a hotel perspective, we enjoyed daily room cleanings as well as nightly turndown service. Each evening, we returned to little chocolate treats and creative towel art creations. Our favorites awaited us on the cruise’s last night when we returned to find chocolate truffles on our bed and a terry cloth monkey handing above from a hanger.

Pro Tip You can learn how to make your own towel art creations during a free Holland America class.

With 991 employees on the ship, it’s fair to say that a good portion keeps busy preparing and serving food. During a fascinating galley tour, we got a first-hand look at the ship’s super clean kitchen.

During this tour, we learned that the ship sources its beef from the US and much of its fish from Norway. We also learned that the ship serves lots of eggs – 36,132 during our cruise to be exact. That’s probably more eggs than could fit in the ship’s two swimming pools!

Onboard Entertainment

We never got bored during our cruise. Not only did we keep busy during the day, but we also spent many evenings rocking out at the ships various entertainment venues.

We split our time at B.B. Kings Blues Club, Rolling Stone Rock Room, Billboard Onboard and Lincoln Center Stage. Though each venue offered different experiences during our cruise, the musicians were all pros.

Each venue offered a different style of entertainment. We experienced masterworks by Brahms in the Lincoln Center Stage and dueling pianos at Billboard Onboard, but Rolling Stone Rock Room and B.B. King’s Blues Club were where we rocked it out.

We weren’t alone. Passengers filled the ship’s Music Walk each night until the wee hours, singing and swaying to tunes from every decade.

The great part about eating on a big ship like the Nieuw Statendam is the variety of dining options. Some venues are ultra-casual. Others charge a fee and require advance reservations.

We made a concerted effort to dine at every single restaurant during the week. The various cruise food options delighted and, in some cases, impressed us during our Vikings Saga cruise.

Upscale Dining

With its Culinary Council leading the charge, Holland America has elevated the typical cruise food experience by offering a diverse selection of specialty dining options. These chef-driven restaurants offer higher-end dining experiences, each with a different theme and price point.

Eating at each Holland America specialty restaurant during our week-long Norway cruise gave us a chance to travel the world from a culinary perspective. We share the highlights below:

If you splurge on one meal during your Holland America cruise, do it at De Librije. Offered just one night during our cruise, this multi-course meal shocked us with its impeccable execution and extraordinary food.

Chef Jonnie Boer has created a floating three-star Michelin dining experience based on his De Librije restaurant in Zwolle, Netherlands. Though the cost may seem steep at $69 (or $89 with a wine pairing) at the time of our cruise, the value is excellent.

As a comparison, the cost of dining at the chef’s land-locked Dutch restaurant can run around $200 per person or even more after ordering wine.

Our four-course meal was a whirlwind of memorable dishes, each served with panache and a story. Starting with Foie Gras Lollipops in our Amuse Bouche samplers, the hits kept coming to our table while we gazed at an ocean view and sipped California Chardonnay.

It’s a struggle to narrow down meal highlights. We’ll start with Oysters on the Beach served with a trompe l’oeil of silver-painted foie gras oysters, real oysters, Oloroso sherry foam, pickled ginger and sand made from crispy rice. Both a showstopper and a signature dish, this starter is an absolute must for food travelers who love creativity and the element of surprise.

Other memorable dishes included King Fish served with watermelon and avocado, Lobster Bisque poured over Alaskan king crab chunks, Crispy Pork Belly and Baked Pike Perch. We ended our meal on a sweet note with Deconstructed Apple Pie and Lemongrass Caramel desserts.

This thrilling meal rivaled meals we’ve eaten at three-star restaurants in the US and France. It exceeded our expectations and was a true cruise highlight.

In fact, we were shocked to eat food THIS good on a ship that feeds over 2,600 passengers each day. Bravo Holland America!!

Pro Tip Make an advance reservation if you have a special occasion to celebrate on your Holland America Norway cruise. Make a reservation if don’t have a special occasion. In other words, make a reservation.

Rudi’s Sel de Mer

No longer a pop-up like we experienced during our Asia cruise, Rudi’s Sel de Mer has its own dining room on the Nieuw Statendam. Helmed by Holland America’s Master Chef and Culinary Council Chairman Rudi Sodamin, Rudi’s Sel de Mer is a fish-forward restaurant reminiscent of bistros typically found in France’s Provence.

We embraced the restaurant’s seafood theme and ordered dishes like Tuna Salade Niçoise , Bouillabaisse Marseillaise and the restaurant’s signature Whole Dover Sole Meunière. Though technically too full for dessert, we shared Rudi’s Face to Face chocolate fruit creation pictured above. What can we say? The smiling food face made us happy.

Pro Tip Order your meal wisely. Rudi’s Sel de Mer serves its menu on an a la carte basis. At the time of our cruise, prices ranged from $4 for desserts like the Face Plate dessert to $49 for an extravagant Fruits de Mer starter for two.

Pinnacle Grill

Norway is known for its seafood, but Holland America also offers meat options including US-sourced prime steak. True meat lovers can eat their weight in steak at Pinnacle Grill, celebrity Chef David Burke’s Pacific Northwest steakhouse, while sailing on the Nieuw Statendam.

Burke is yet another member of the cruise line’s Culinary Council. Additional members include chefs like Jacques Torres and Ethan Stowell.

This specialty restaurant sources its meat from Washington’s Double R Ranch and cooks it to juicy doneness. Steak options include Filet Mignon, New York Strip, Bone-In Rib Eye and Porterhouse.

Pinnacle Grill serves more than steak. We also ate dishes like a Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail served with brandy horseradish cocktail sauce and an Iceberg Wedge Salad with buttermilk dressing, gorgonzola, bacon, tomato, red onion, chives and toasted walnuts.

Adding some fun to our meal, we shared Burke’s unique Clothesline Candied Bacon starter with maple, black pepper and half-sour pickles. We also indulged in a few bites of the restaurant’s Not-So-Classic Baked Alaska with Ben and Jerry’s Cherry Garcia ic cream and bing cherries jubilee before we rolled back to our room.

Pro Tip Expect to spend $35 for dinner or $10 for lunch when you dine at Pinnacle Grill. Additional costs apply to special items like the 16-oz. Dry-Aged Delmonico steak and the 5-oz. Lobster Tail.

Chef Andy Matsuda, another Holland America Culinary Council member, developed the menu for Tamarind, the cruise line’s fusion restaurant. Rather than showcasing one type of cuisine, Tamarind’s menu features Asian dishes from Southeast Asia, China and Japan.

During our meal, we took a took our tastebuds on a trip down memory lane with dishes like Chinese Five Spice Baby Back Ribs and Tom Khakai, a Thai soup featuring coconut chicken and chili oil. Though not as spicy as food we’ve eaten in Asia, these dishes made for a fun dinner option.

The surcharge for dining at Tamarind was $25 per person at the time of our cruise.

An over-achiever, Matsuda also developed the menu for Nami Sushi, a small sushi restaurant attached to Tamarind’s grand dining room. Menu options include Nigiri, Sashimi and Sushi Rolls as well as cooked options like Shrimp Tempura and Grilled Atlantic Crab. All dishes were priced on an A La Carte basis ranging from $3 to $7.50 at the time of our cruise.

We enjoyed sitting at the sushi bar while we dipped reasonably priced sushi into wasabi-laced soy sauce. In full disclosure, this sushi paled in comparison to the excellent raw fish we ate during our port stop in Stavanger (see below). But it was still a fun experience to eat sushi on the ship.

The Dining Room

The Nieuw Statendam’s Dining Room offers a refined dining experience in a stunning setting. Each member of HAL’s Culinary Council contributes dishes, with options for vegetarians, vegans and full-on carnivores. On gala nights, the Dining Room offers extra-special menus.

True Confession: The only meal we ate in the Dining Room was afternoon tea. We simply ran out of time in our quest to dine at the ship’s many specialty restaurants during our seven-day cruise.

This confession makes us sad. No, there was nothing wrong with the tea service. Rather, we have fond memories of our Dining Room meals during our Asia cruise and wish we had created new ones on our Norway cruise.

Pro Tip You can eat as much as you want in the Dining Room without worrying about surcharges. Expect to pay extra for wine and other beverages.

Casual Dining

As fun as it is to dress up and eat multi-course meals, casual dining can be awesome during a week-long cruise. We checked out the following casual dining options during our Nieuw Statendam cruise:

As the saying goes, membership has its privileges. In our opinion, one of the main reasons to join Club Orange is to dine in the private Club Orange dining room. This restaurant serves both breakfast and dinner daily.

Despite its exclusivity, the Club Orange restaurant is a casual space with big glass windows and an open kitchen. Not surprisingly, the decor includes some orange touches. Dishes are similar to those served at the ship’s Dining Room and Lido Market.

Pro Tip If you opt to build your own omelet during breakfast, be sure to add smoked salmon, asparagus and goat cheese.

Lido Market & Canaletto

The Lido Market offers a fast-casual venue with dozens of themed stations serving sandwiches, salads, sushi and more. Not your stereotypical buffet, the popular Lido Market has healthy options as well as decadent desserts.

Available on a first-come-first-serve basis, many tables have sweeping ocean views. The Lido Market serves breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a late-night bonus meal.

Located right next to the Lido Market, Canaletto serves Italian food for a small surcharge ($15 at the time of our cruise) in a family-style setting. We ate Lasagna Bolognese and Spaghetti Alle Vongole Veraci E Gamberi during our Canaletto meal. Making it there just under the wire on the last night of the cruise, we didn’t have room for dessert after a week of eating cruise food.

Grand Dutch Cafe

We’re not sure how it happened, but we didn’t eat at the Grand Dutch Cafe until the last day of our cruise. Perhaps we were burnt out on Dutch food after a week eating our way through Amsterdam . Either way, it was a mistake. A big mistake.

As it turns out, the Grand Dutch Cafe serves the best beer on the ship and banging apple pie. Between 4:30 and 8 pm, the popular cafe adds snacks like bitterballen (fried Dutch meatballs) to its menu. Food is complimentary at this venue and drinks are sold for a surcharge.

Pro Tip You can order cappuccinos and lattes, each priced at $3.50 each at the time of our cruise. The cafe uses Rotterdam 1873 beans to brew its coffee beverages.

The more we travel the world, the more we appreciate the simple things in life. And by simple, we mean American fast food like hamburgers and french fries.

The Nieuw Statendam clearly gets us. Their Dive-In serves juicy burgers, crispy fries and Nathan’s hot dogs at a stand located next to the pool. Dive-In also serves sandwiches with chicken and portabella mushrooms if that’s your thing.

As for us, our thing is burgers made with all-American ground beef and topped with special sauce. Yum!

Pro Tip Chill out by the pool after you place your order. Dive-In will buzz you when your food is ready.

New York Pizza & Deli

We love pizza so much that we spent a month eating Neapolitan pies in Naples . Needless to say, we were pleased to discover New York Pizza & Deli on the Nieuw Statendam.

This casual pizzeria serves a handful of specialty pizzas until midnight and also provides an option to build your own pie from a selection of sauces, meats and veggies. Other menu options include sandwiches, salads, desserts and movie night snacks – think popcorn and nachos.

Pro Tip You can start your morning with a bagel and lox at NY Pizza & Deli. If you don’t like salmon, you can order a breakfast bagel with ham, cheese and a fried egg instead.

Discovering G Gelato was dangerous considering our love for Italy’s creamy ice cream product. Somehow, we limited ourselves to just two visits during the week, perhaps because we kept ourselves busy eating all the other food on the ship.

Just like us, the G Gelato staff trained at Caripigiani Gelato University in Bologna . Beyond ice cream, Gelato serves gourmet popsicles and milkshakes for small surcharges ranging from $2 to $5 at the time of our cruise.

Pro Tip Don’t forget to order a topping or two. They’re included with each gelato order.

In-Room Dining

Despite the overwhelming number of dining options on the Nieuw Statendam, sometimes the best option is none of them. In other words… Room Service.

We loved having breakfast delivered to our room most mornings. It was as easy as choosing our options and leaving a marked-up menu outside our door. The cost was free but the reward was huge since we were able to enjoy breakfast in plush bathrobes and a view of Norwegian fjords.

Pro Tip You can order room service on a 24/7 basis. Menus are listed on the TV and vary based on the time of day. Items are free unless otherwise noted.

During our Norway fjords cruise, we enjoyed cocktails at the Ocean Bar and an international beer tasting at Billboard Onboard. We also sipped coffee at the Explorations Cafe.

Ironically, we found the ship’s best beer at the Grand Dutch Cafe (see above). Drinks are also available at the ship’s various entertainment venues.

Pro Tip Learn how to blend your own wine at the aptly named BLEND by Chateau St. Michelle. You can then drink your customized wine later at dinner or in your stateroom. A blending session at BLEND cost $47 at the time of our cruise.

Destinations

Our Holland America Norway cruise started and ended in Amsterdam before sailing to four unique ports in Norway. Cruising and eating our way through Norwegian Fjords was half the fun; visiting the following Norwegian cities was the other half:

Port 1 – Oslo

Oslo provided us with a rainy introduction to Norway, but we didn’t let the rain slow us down or dampen our spirits. Instead, we had a great time taking a self-guided tour of Oslo with a focus on the city’s culinary delights. While in Oslo, we sampled traditional Norwegian food as well as hot dogs , specialty coffee and waffles.

Discover our Norwegian food favorites .

As Norway’s capital city, Oslo has an abundance of culture including its Viking Ship Museum , Akershus Fortress and Royal Palace. We saved all of these destinations for our next visit to Oslo, though we took a few minutes to peek into the historically rich Oslo Cathedral between food stops.

Port 2 – Kristiansand

We never heard of Kristiansand until our Norway cruise. As it turns out, this charming port city is one of the most populous cities in all of Norway.

Rumor has it that Kristiansand is also one of Norway’s sunniest cities. Since it rained the day we docked in Kristiansand, we spent the day exploring a gentrified fish market at Fiskebrygga, drinking specialty coffee at Cuba Life and wandering around alleys filled with little white houses.

Port 3 – Stavanger

Famous for petroleum oil and fish, Stavanger is Norway’s fourth-biggest city. Both quaint and cosmopolitan, Stavanger has plenty to do from museums to shops. We, however, focused our exploration on the city’s culinary offerings.

Stavanger has excellent specialty coffee shops, bakeries and sushi bars. We started our tasty day with excellent flat whites at Kokko Kaffebar , continued it with Norsk Kannelboller (Nordic cinnamon buns ) at Renaa Xpress and ended it with a bang with sushi at Sabi Sushi .

Port 4 – Flåm

With just 350 residents, Flåm attracts a lot of tourists due to its natural beauty and scenic train. While outdoor enthusiasts can explore the area by boat or bike, we opted to take the ride the Flåm Railway through waterfalls and mountains before eating waffles in Vatnahalsen.

We have no regrets with how we spent our day. The Flåm Railway lived up to its description as one of the world’s most beautiful journeys. We also spent some time walking around the Flåm harbor, an idyllic spot for both selfies and reflective moments.

During our cruise, Holland America offered dozens of shore excursions in all four port cities and Amsterdam. Since we love independently eating our way through cities, we ultimately decided to participate in just one excursion – the Flåm Railway.

We knew we had to take the Flåm Railway tour after we randomly met Lisa Ekhall Stentvedt, the blogger behind Fjords and Beaches , just a month before the cruise Originally from the tiny town of Flåm, Stentvedt easily convinced us that this train ride was not to be missed.

We’re super glad that we did the Flåm Railway excursion. Priced at $179.95 per person at the time of our cruise, this excursion includes a roundtrip ride through 20 tunnels to Vatnahalsen with a stop at Kjosfossen, an epic waterfall. It also includes waffles served with sour cream and jam at Vatnahalsen Høyfjellshotell.

Though we would have been able to navigate the train on our own, taking the tour simplified our journey and ensured a comfortable return before the ship departed for Amsterdam. Plus, as previously noted, the excursion included waffles. And who doesn’t love waffles?

What To Pack

Packing for a Holland America cruise is the opposite of stressful. If you forget something important, you can easily purchase it on the ship. Further, the dress code is flexible, with an emphasis on comfort, except for gala nights.

These are our suggestions for items that you’ll want to pack and others that you’re better off leaving at home:

Don’t Forget These Items

• Clothing for All Types of Weather: Since Norway’s weather is volatile, you’ll need to be ready for both sunshine and rain as well as various temperatures. To be safe, pack short sleeves, long sleeves and jackets.
• Gala Attire: Gala nights are the time to put on your fancy duds. We recommend suits, or at least a sports jacket, for men and cocktail dresses for women; however, you can go as fancy as you like.
• Swimsuit : Bring a swimsuit regardless of the weather forecast. It will come in handy for both the pools and jacuzzi hot tubs.
• Comfortable Shoes : Pack walking shoes for excursion and port visits. Also, don’t forget sneakers if you plan to work out at the ship’s fitness center.
• Adaptors : Unless you’re based in Europe or the US, you’ll want to bring adaptors to plug your electronics into the electrical outlets. Our room had outlets that supported both European and US plugs.
• WiFi Hot Spot : Holland America offers attractive internet packages. However, you may want to bring a hot spot if you’re an extra-heavy internet user.
• Books or Kindle : Upload a book or two to your Kindle before the cruise. You’ll have time to read on the ship

Leave These Items at Home

• Towels: Holland America provides beach towels for the pools as well as bath towels in the staterooms.
• Basic Toiletries: Holland America provides shampoo, conditioner and soap. However, you’ll want to pack personal items like sunscreen, shaving lotion and toothpaste.
• Maps: The crew handles the ship’s logistics. However, you may want to bring maps to navigate your way around the port cities unless your phone has data coverage in Europe.

Final Thoughts on Our Holland America Norway Cruise

We’re fans after cruising twice with Holland America. Both cruises offered unique touring opportunities and outstanding food. We’re still shocked by the excellent meal we ate at De Librije – it was that good.

Research and book a vacation with Holland America that meets YOUR personal preferences and budget.

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Disclosures

Article Updates We update our articles regularly. Some updates are major while others are minor link changes and spelling corrections. Let us know if you see anything that needs to be updated in this article. Sponsorship We thank Holland America for hosting us to facilitate this article.

Original Publication Date: September 3, 2019

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• Ask a Cruise Question

Norwegian vs Holland America what are the main differences?

By saxon6732 , March 21, 2016 in Ask a Cruise Question

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My wife & I have always cruised on Holland America. Next year the National Sweepstakes Convention we go to every year is going to be on a Norwegian cruise. For those of you who have cruised on both of these Lines, what are some of the main differences between the two? Thank you for any info you can share.

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NCL is less formal, has (more) nightlife, and will probably have a wider range of ages on board (more kids).

NCL is also "Freestyle", which means no fixed dining time assignments.

IDK, I found Holland America very boring when I was on the Maasdam, but I was also 19, and it's not really geared towards the younger set.

More specialty dining options

More dining options in general

Better entertainment (depending on ship broadway style shows Rock of Ages, Legally Blond etc)

Ship does not shut down at 10pm

Eat where when you want

Make sure to make dinner reservations if you like 90 days before cruise

Don't miss Japanese Steak house

More families and activities geared for kids

More reserved

More 'traditional' cruising

More string quartets etc.

Either line you will have a great time

Holland America is much more refined, upscale, and traditional than NCL. The food on HA is wonderful. The HA ships are beautiful and the service is second to none. I like to tell people that when I cruise with my husband, I choose Holland America. When I cruise with the girls and looking for a more laid back atmosphere, I cruise NCL. As you can see by my signature, the girl's trips have been abundant!

We're on Breakaway in May and then in November, HAL's new ship, Koningsdam. NCL is lively and fun and sometimes loud. Food is fine, not as good as HAL. Entertainment is better with NCL, but you cannot compare anything to HAL's Crowsnest! I give the edge to HAL for all round cruise experience.

Just go with an open mind and go with the flow and you'll enjoy whichever line you choose.

JKbermuda2014

NCL is less formal, has (more) nightlife, and will probably have a wider range of ages on board (more kids).   NCL is also "Freestyle", which means no fixed dining time assignments.   IDK, I found Holland America very boring when I was on the Maasdam, but I was also 19, and it's not really geared towards the younger set.

I agree. I thought Holland America was b-o-r-I-n-g! But I was 25 at the time.. it was very much an OLDer crowd.

Love NCL's freestyle, entertainment and activities.

Food was about the same in the MDRs... but love the Specialty Dining on NCL.

My travel agent told me that Holland America does cater to an older, quieter crowd. I had a good experience with Norwegian, but I'm open to trying HA at some point in the future, because they have very nice looking itineraries, and I'm not at all interested in nightlife or rowdy entertainment.

callmehalia

I agree HAL food is better, NCL entertainment is better. I prefer HAL staff. HAL is an older crowd, more formal. NCL is laid back.

I was actually more bored on the NCL ship; the activities on a HAL ship are plentiful and timed so that you can be busy all day. I didn't do anything on the NCL cruise, and as I don't drink, there wasn't a lot that interested me. But I cruise for the ports and the pricing, so happy to cruise with NCL!

.... HAL uses a 2 oz shot as a standard for drinks vs 1.5 oz on NCL :)

I'm in my 40's and enjoy both HAL and NCL (and longer Carnival sailings), but I'm pretty laid back and enjoy just about any time at sea :)

.... HAL uses a 2 oz shot as a standard for drinks vs 1.5 oz on NCL :)   I'm in my 40's and enjoy both HAL and NCL (and longer Carnival sailings), but I'm pretty laid back and enjoy just about any time at sea :)

Well, it takes a bit more for those older livers to notice, at least until they start to go bad. :eek:

HEH! That's probably something a lot of people would find pretty useful to know, LOL! Now if we can find someone who can identify the various regular portion sizes for food items on each cruise line, we'll really have some valuable intelligence!

Cruiser Bruiser

Hello, welcome to the NCL board. The answer to your question depends very much on the ship, the itinerary, and the time of your sailing.

Any ship other than the four mega ships ( ie. Breakaway, Getaway, Epic and Escape) will feel surprisingly similar to a HAL ship. Most have a forward observation lounge, a wrap around promenade, and a central main pool with adjacent buffet. The decor on NCL is more exuberant. And HAL's covered Lido Pool doesn't exist on NCL. If it's cold and rainy, forget using the pool.

Outside of vacation periods, the average age on NCL can be surprisingly high. If you sail during vacation periods, expect more kids than you will ever see on HAL. Generally NCL ships are more crowded.

That said, there are many more specialty restaurants on NCL, but Cagney's compares with Pinnacle Grill, and La Cucina compares with Canaletto. Shows on NCL might be better, but the shows I saw last month on Nieuw Amsterdam last month were just as good.

I like to sail both lines, so hopefully you will try NCL and be assured of a good time.

littlelulu01

I've not sailed mega ships but differences between NCL non mega and our only HAL sailing aboard Zuderdam: nightly theater entertainment on NCL far superior. Food quality about the same but on HAL they really encouraged sharing a table and with NCL it is assumed you don't want to share a table unless you request it.

Pool area midship much nicer on Hal. Padded loungers and covered pool. Also not the disco party music that they play on NCL. Onboard music in crows nest was excellent. I'd pay to see the guy they had one evening whereas on NCL I've mostly seen duo groups from the Philippines who probably wouldn't make it to a second round on American idol. On NCL the equivalent to crows nest late night they have dj playing the same 15 dance party songs that even my young adult kids tired of after the first or second night.

I've not sailed NCL Caribbean but in Alaska and Europe the dance party scene was not well attended given the lack of younger passengers onboard. Wish they would change that for sailings that aren't attracting a young party crowd.

Hal had Much less smoking and smoke smell in public areas. The promenade on Hal has a more classic ship feel with teak decking and teak deck chairs.

I've found the overall staff much nicer and ships officers more visible on NCL. The staff on NCL have always gone out of their way to get to know us and make our vacations memorable.

NCL didn't seem to have as much hard sell on board but to some degree both do it. Spa on NCL was far superior to Hal but that could depend on the ship.

Hi Alan...I'm a sweeper also. I attened the Boston convention and now I'm planning to for. Las Vegas....

I read everyone's reply and they are correct...

Hope to see you in Vegs.

HAL's smoking policy allows smoking on balconies. That is a bummer.

• 1 year later...

Not anymore.

ColinIllinois

Welcome to the forum. Why are you bumping up a two year old thread for that comment? This isn't HAL.

Not bumping it, just commenting that you cannot smoke on HAL balconies anymore.

More smokers on HAL?

HAL was about the last line to eliminate smoking on balconies.

We were on the bus in Denali, Alaska when it picked up 40 or so persons for the tour that were HAL passengers. No smoking was allowed on the bus, but you could smell the sick odor of cigarette smoke on the clothes of the passengers when they came on board the bus.

I know the policy has changed on HAL, but I wonder if they don't have a lot of smokers on their cruises?

newmexicoNita

As a good friend of mine put it when we were sailing together NCL just has more energy. I will add the crew is a little more formal on HAL so I prefer the more relaxed atmosphere on NCL. We also like the entertainment on NCL better and the casino.

Now the more positive things about HAL: larger cabins; better food though not as many choices and the ships are prettier I thing. Of course NCL has a better mixture of ages than HAL, which can be a positive or negative, depending on what you like.

I agree HAL food is better, NCL entertainment is better. I prefer HAL staff. HAL is an older crowd, more formal. NCL is laid back.   I was actually more bored on the NCL ship; the activities on a HAL ship are plentiful and timed so that you can be busy all day. I didn't do anything on the NCL cruise, and as I don't drink, there wasn't a lot that interested me. But I cruise for the ports and the pricing, so happy to cruise with NCL!

wow, other than some great port talks we have found HAL boring with little to do; even the trivia is boring. I guess it is all in what interests you. both ships have movies from time to time, NCL has a lot going on in the atrium most of the time. HAL has a little, but we didn't find that much. We do love the posts, both times we sailed HAL>

I see this is a 2 year old posting, maybe that is why some of the responses are a little different from what I think when I think HAL versus NCL. As for smoking, we actually found more smokers on HAL than NCL>

recruiter 28

HAL offers free room service. They also have Americas Test Kitchen classes, as well as a Catholic priest on board. They now offer open dining. We have sailed both and on NCL we miss the covered pool in bad weather and the Crows Nest. Having sailed NCL, HAL, Royal, and Celebrity, we enjoy each for their uniqueness. Our booking decision is made on the ports and value.

• 5 months later...

HAL may have an older crowd, but the service, entertainment and food are exponentially better than NCL. Just finished an NCL cruise for the first time, and after only cruising on HAL, I found NCL to be a dissapointment.

I’m no a foodie by any means. I get most my meals out of a vending machine at work, but the food on NCL was terrible. Not all of it, but most of the food was really aweful, and that was a consensus among the people we met. I never had one bad meal on an HAL cruise.

On HAL they will provide meal options that reflect the ports you are visiting, but not so much NCL. Plus the variety and quality of food on HAL is so much better. I know I go on about the food here, but the food is key to the cruise experience.

While the “freestyle” dining seems to be why people like NCL, you can get the same freestyle dining on HAL plus formal dining as well.

I thought the talent and entertainment were also much better on HAL. I remember when we visited Australia, HAL brought on board a diggereedoo musician and builder as part of the entertainment. They really prep you better on the cities you will be visiting.

I still realize that taking a cruise, not matter on HAL or NCL is a good experience, but dollar for dollar, HAL is much better choice from my experience.

My only cruise was on a HAL ship and aside from the blues club, it was very boring. No one was ever on deck. I swear the ship was half empty because I kept running into the same people. Food was great! Staff was awesome. Drinks were even better.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

. . . . . Just finished an NCL cruise for the first time, and after only cruising on HAL, I found NCL to be a dissapointment. I’m no a foodie by any means. I get most my meals out of a vending machine at work, but the food on NCL was terrible. Not all of it, but most of the food was really . . . . .

Which NCL ship ?

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Oslo, Norway

Norway's cultural and political center sits at the end of a 60-mile-long fjord. From the many Viking museums to the Hollmenkollen ski jump, the sites here are unique. Tourists will also want to visit Frogner Park, with its modern sculptures, and the Munch Museum. The island's landscape of lush mountains and cloistered coves is a sight in itself.

Driving Directions and Parking Information Sondre Akershuskai Terminal Downtown Oslo, Norway Sondre Akershuskai Terminal is located approximately an 45 minutes Oslo Airport Gardermoen. Long Term Parking is available at the port at Akershusstranda for a fee. Driving from Oslo Airport Gardermoen - Turn right on to Trondheimsvegen (Jessheim) to route 174. Follow the signs to Oslo. Turn right into the Oslo Central Train Station and follow the signs to the Oslo Train Station Parking Area.

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Holland America Will Allow Travelers to Book Segments of Its Grand Voyages — Starting at Just $169 per day

The cruise line will now allow travelers to book one of seven different segments on either its 2025 Grand World Voyage or its 2025 Grand Voyage: Pole to Pole sailings.

Holland America Line will open up grand voyages and pole-to-pole sailings to travelers hoping to book just a segment, making it easier to explore some of the coolest regions on Earth.

The cruise line will now allow travelers to book one of seven different segments on either its 2025 Grand World Voyage or its 2025 Grand Voyage: Pole to Pole sailings , Holland America shared with Travel + Leisure . Each segment lasts between 33 and 100 days.

“Our Grand Voyages are something our dedicated guests come back for every year while also attracting new guests who are eager to explore the world, but at over four months we recognize that not everyone has that time,” Paul Grigsby, the vice president of deployment and itinerary planning for Holland America Line, said in a statement shared with T+L. “By booking one of our 2025 Grand Voyage segments, cruisers can get a taste of the special atmosphere and community aboard these sailings at an incredible value.”

The grand voyage segments start at $169 per day, including all taxes and fees.

On the Grand World Voyage, which will depart on Jan. 4, 2025, and sail roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on the Zuiderdam , travelers can pick from several different segments, including from Fort Lauderdale to either Singapore or Sydney, from Singapore to Athens, from Cape Town to Fort Lauderdale, and from Sydney to Cape Town. The shortest available segment is from Athens to Fort Lauderdale, which sails between the two cities over 20 days and includes stops in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and San Juan.

On The Grand Voyage: Pole to Pole voyage, which also sails roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale starting on Jan. 25, 2025, aboard the Volendam , travelers can choose to spend 47 days heading south from Florida to Buenos Aires, including seeing the Panama Canal; or spend 33 days traveling from Amsterdam back to Fort Lauderdale, exploring the coast of Norway and crossing the Arctic Circle along the way.

On this trip, travelers can also book several other segments, including from Buenos Aires to Barcelona, or from Fort Lauderdale to Amsterdam.

Beyond these trips, Holland America sails other extended voyages, including several trips to see the solar eclipse that will cross over Europe in 2026 , and a 28-day voyage planned for June 2025 inspired by legendary Norse explorer Erik Thorvaldsson , known as Erik the Red, who founded the first European settlement in Greenland.

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Holland America Line Offers Cruisers the Chance to Sample a Grand Voyage, Exploring a Global Region in Grand Style Starting at Just $169/day

Guests can enjoy destinations like Easter Island, Antarctica and cities of the Med while enjoying signature experiences aboard a Grand Voyages

Seattle, Wash., Aug. 26, 2024 — Holland America Line , a leader in destination-rich longer voyages, is inviting cruisers to sample one of its most prolific cruise categories by booking a segment of either the 2025 Grand World Voyage or 2025 Grand Voyage: Pole to Pole, for as little as $169 per day, including all taxes and fees.

Seven segments are available on the Grand Voyage: Pole to Pole aboard Volendam, ranging from 33 to 100 days. On Zuiderdam’s Grand World Voyage, guests can choose from among six segments, ranging from 20 to 55 days. The segments allow guests to choose from a diverse selection of shorter itineraries, tailoring the Grand Voyage experience to their own taste and timeline.

“Our Grand Voyages are something our dedicated guests come back for every year while also attracting new guests who are eager to explore the world, but at over four months we recognize that not everyone has that time,” said Paul Grigsby, vice president of deployment and itinerary planning for Holland America Line. “By booking one of our 2025 Grand Voyage segments, cruisers can get a taste of the special atmosphere and community aboard these sailings at an incredible value.”

Grand Voyage segments sail between two key ports along each voyage, making it a seamless experience joining the ship in various locales around the world. On the Grand World Voyage, guests can sail from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Singapore or Sydney, Australia; Singapore to Athens, Greece; Cape Town, South Africa, to Fort Lauderdale; Sydney to Cape Town; and Athens to Fort Lauderdale.

The Grand Voyage: Pole to Pole segments cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Buenos Aires, Argentina; Buenos Aires to Barcelona, Spain, or Ijmuiden (Amsterdam), the Netherlands or Fort Lauderdale; Fort Lauderdale to Ijmuiden (Amsterdam); and Ijmuiden (Amsterdam) or Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale.

Highlighted Segments

2025 Grand World Voyage Aboard Zuiderdam, departs Jan. 4, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale:

    o   55-Day Fort Lauderdale to Singapore , Jan. 4 — March 1, 2025: Those looking for a sampling of a world cruise can embark in the convenient North American homeport of Fort Lauderdale, sailing east to west, before ultimately disembarking in Singapore. On the voyage, Zuiderdam will call ports in 13 countries, and guests will experience multiple bucket list items, including a Panama Canal transit, overnight stay at Easter Island and scenic cruising in the Great Barrier Reef. 

    o   20-Day Athens to Fort Lauderdale , April 19 — May 9, 2025: Guests looking for the shortest taste of a grand can embark in Athens for a Mediterranean adventure, calling ports in Italy, Spain, Portugal and Morocco — including a special overnight celebration in Barcelona — before heading across the Atlantic Ocean, visiting San Juan, Puerto Rico, for a perfect day in paradise before disembarking at Fort Lauderdale.

2025 Grand Voyage: Pole to Pole aboard Volendam, departs Jan. 25, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale:

    o   47-Day Fort Lauderdale to Buenos Aires , Jan. 25 — March 13, 2025: Those looking for an extended Antarctic adventure and exploration of South America can sail from Fort Lauderdale, experiencing a Panama Canal Transit before heading south to Central and South America, extensively exploring Peru (including an overnight at Lima) and Chile. A four-day Antarctica experience rounds off the segment before sailing north to Uruguay and Argentina.

    o   33-Day Ijmuiden (Amsterdam) to Fort Lauderdale , May 5 — June 7, 2025: Guests who dream of visiting the North Pole can embark in Ijmuiden, exploring the rugged coast of Norway before crossing the Arctic Circle and calling Honningsvåg (Nordkapp) in the North Cape. Volendam then visits Iceland, Greenland, Canada, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, and ports in Maine and Massachusetts before ending the voyage at Fort Lauderdale.

A Grand Onboard Experience

Guests sailing on any of the full or segmented Grand Voyages will have access to all the on-board offerings that Holland America Line is known for, including a robust entertainment and enrichment program that is exclusive to Grand Voyages. This includes 15 new production shows debuting in 2025 , [V(1] [C(2]  comedians, headline entertainers and performers brought on locally, and resident musicians, including a classical trio and dance band on both ships. 

Cruisers can delve deep into the cuisine of the region of the itinerary, as guest chefs will join select segments to share their culinary talents, including live cooking demonstrations, informative “coffee chats” and signature dishes in both the main Dining Room and Pinnacle Grill.

Grand Voyage Ships to Meet in Barcelona

During the Grand Voyages, Zuiderdam and Volendam will rendezvous April 24 in Barcelona. Guests on select segments will get to experience the historic meetup, which will be commemorated with Catalan-themed gala dinners, and a shipboard party capped off with a special drone show. Guests on both ships who want to meet up will have opportunities to get together as the ships overnight in port.