Trip completed May 2025
To celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary, we chose to take a special cruise—an unforgettable journey through the stunning Norwegian fjords.
…and it’s safe to say this journey delivered everything we hoped for—and more. From dramatic sail-ins and challenging hikes to refined evenings aboard ship, this cruise struck the perfect balance between adventure and indulgence.
Prior to boarding the Rotterdam, IN Rotterdam, we spent a day celebrating our actual anniversary in Rotterdam, which you can read about here.
Setting Sail for Norway
Our 7-night voyage aboard Holland America Line’s ms Rotterdam took us deep into some of Norway’s most spectacular landscapes. With stunning fjords, charming towns, and plenty of time to explore both independently and on excursions, each day brought a new highlight. Add to that exceptional service, sensational food, and a beautifully designed ship, and it made for a cruise experience that felt both relaxed and enriching.
First day at Sea
Eidfjord: A Magical First Taste of Norway 🇳🇴
Our first Norwegian port of call was Eidfjord, a postcard-perfect village located at the very end of the Hardangerfjord. Reaching Eidfjord is an experience in itself. The ship must pass beneath the Hardanger Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, with a clearance of just two metres. This narrow margin means not all cruise ships can access the village, making it a particularly special stop.
We were woken at 5:30 a.m. by room service delivering coffee, and as we stepped onto our balcony, we were greeted by the most serene view imaginable—glassy fjord waters, steep mountain walls, and snow-dusted peaks glowing in the early morning light. A perfect start to the day.
Rather than joining an organised excursion, we chose to explore Eidfjord on foot. Following three separate walking trails, we clocked up around nine miles over the course of the day. The scenery was nothing short of breathtaking: peaceful forest paths, waterfalls tumbling down mountainsides, and endless views across the fjord.
Eidfjord quickly became one of the most memorable stops of our journey—not only for its natural beauty, but also for its quiet, unhurried atmosphere. It felt wonderfully untouched and deeply calming.
Ålesund: Architecture, Viewpoints, and Mountain Trails
After leaving Eidfjord, we cruised north to Ålesund, the northernmost destination on our itinerary. Known for its distinctive Art Nouveau architecture and island setting, Ålesund offers a completely different perspective on Norwegian coastal life.
We began the day exploring independently, tackling the climb up Mount Aksla. The reward at the top was well worth the effort: sweeping views over the town, its surrounding islands, and the open sea beyond. From this vantage point, Ålesund’s unique layout really comes into focus, and the peaceful beauty of the archipelago is striking.
Later in the day, we joined a ship excursion to hike Mount Sukkertoppen, located about 5 km outside Ålesund. The trail, roughly a mile each way, was a steady uphill climb—challenging but manageable. Despite light drizzle, the views were impressive, with low clouds drifting dramatically across the landscape.
Along the way, we even spotted a helicopter airlifting materials for trail repairs, part of a local volunteer effort to keep the paths well maintained. By the end of the day, we’d walked about five miles, half of it uphill—not a bad way to earn dessert back on board! 😅⛰️
Nordfjordeid: Vikings, Villages, and a “Moderate” Hike 🐐
Our third stop was Nordfjordeid, a new addition to the Holland America Line itinerary. Both guests and crew were eager to experience this lesser-known destination, and it did not disappoint.
Like Eidfjord, Nordfjordeid sits at the end of a dramatic fjord, offering an unforgettable sail-in framed by towering cliffs and still waters. The village itself felt almost like a well-kept American town, with traditional wooden houses, tidy lawns, and a charming historic main street.
The area is also rich in Viking history, with ancient burial mounds scattered throughout the surrounding landscape—an evocative reminder of Norway’s past.
With plenty of time in port, we decided to push ourselves and tackle a hike recommended on AllTrails. Labeled “moderate,” it turned out to be a very Norwegian interpretation of the word. The trail climbed 1,350 feet over 1.8 miles of rugged terrain to a secluded mountain lake surrounded by rustic cabins.
Light drizzle made the ascent slippery, and the descent was even more entertaining—we spent almost as much time sliding on our bottoms as walking on our feet! Despite the challenge, the views at the top were spectacular, with our cruise ship below looking like a tiny toy boat in the fjord.
It was tough, damp, and physically demanding—but incredibly rewarding. Reaching the summit filled us with a real sense of accomplishment.
As we sailed away from Nordfjordeid, the captain opened the bow of the ship, allowing guests to stand at the very front. We spent nearly an hour there, wind whipping through our hair, taking in the raw beauty of the fjord as it slowly unfolded ahead of us. An unforgettable moment.
Bergen: History, Culture, and a Well-Earned Drink 🍻
Our final Norwegian port was Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city. We spent the day wandering its charming streets, soaking up the atmosphere of this historic and vibrant destination.
The UNESCO-listed Bryggen was a highlight, with its colourful wooden buildings and narrow alleyways that feel like stepping into a painting. The area is full of small shops, galleries, and hidden corners waiting to be discovered.
We also took the funicular up Mount Fløyen for panoramic views over the city and surrounding fjords—an absolute must-do. The day ended with a local lager, complete with an eye-watering price tag 😂, which only made us more grateful for the all-inclusive cruise life!
Life On Board: From Hiking Boots to Glad Rags
Most of our photos from this trip show us in full hiking mode—layered up, windswept, and glowing from long walks through Norway’s landscapes. But that was only half the story.
One of the great joys of cruise life is the balance it offers. By day, we were adventurous hikers exploring fjords and mountains. By night, we embraced the elegance of ship life.
On our sailing aboard the Rotterdam, there were two official “dressy” nights and an Orange Party, but we decided to take things a step further and dress up every evening, even on the casual nights. The main dining room provided a beautiful setting, with elegant à la carte meals and a menu that changed daily. We also dined at two of the specialty restaurants, which were even more refined—and absolutely worth it.
Formalwear isn’t for everyone, of course, but for us it added an extra layer of fun and made each evening feel like a special occasion.
Final Thoughts
Our Norwegian fjords cruise with Holland America Line aboard the ms Rotterdam exceeded expectations in every way. The ship was beautiful, the staff exceptional, and the food consistently outstanding. Combined with Norway’s jaw-dropping landscapes and thoughtfully chosen ports, it made for a journey we’ll be talking about for years to come.
If you’re considering a fjords cruise, we can’t recommend it highly enough—especially if you love a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural discovery, and a touch of elegance at sea. 🚢✨
