Welcome aboard Ship RotterdamThis beautiful, medium-sized cruise ship with numerous amenities took us to the Norwegian fjords and back. In the first part of this article, we'll take you on our journey and show you the breathtaking scenery. Norway See! In the second part, we'll give you a glimpse of all the experiences and activities on board. Want to know what our experience was like on our Norway cruise, where the ship docks, and what there is to see and do there? Read on to find out!
Discover the Norwegian fjords from HAL's beautiful and modern Ship Rotterdam. Equipped with every luxury, yet not too crowded.
We were able to experience this trip ourselves and were pleasantly surprised, a wonderful experience.
- Sailing through breathtaking fjords
- Departure from Rotterdam
- Luxury, comfort and personal service on board
- Suitable for every type of traveler
Also watch: the stories on Instagram to get a quick impression of our experiences in Norway and on board ship Rotterdam! Click on the image below.
The route
Our route took us from the port of Rotterdam, located directly next to the Erasmus Bridge, to Kristiansand in southern Norway. The ship then took us to Stavanger, Eidfjord, and Skjolden, among other places, among the Norwegian fjords. Below, I'll give you an overview of the places, in chronological order, the sights, and what there is to do.
Our trip started well, on a lovely summer Saturday evening in the Netherlands. We were waved goodbye by people who live along the canal! We sailed out of the canal, and at Hoek van Holland we entered the North Sea and then spent a day at sea. The next day we arrived at our first destination in Norway.
Kristiansand
Originally the ship would dock at Mandal and we would go ashore by tenders (boats). Unfortunately there was too much wind to accomplish this safely. That's why the captain chose a different course and took us to Kristiansand, the southernmost city in Norway.
About Kristiansand
The city is surrounded by water and has an attractive atmosphere. The river Another flows into the city center of Kristiansand and on the coast is a large island called Otter Island, which used to be a naval base. Further offshore there may be thousands of small islands. The city center has a rectangular street pattern, a historic city center and a city beach.
Kristiansand is a place where many travelers start their journey in Norway when they arrive by car or camper with the ferry from Denmark. Some travel straight on, but that's a shame, because there are many fun things to see and do.
The sights
At Fishing pier, a canal landscape, you should walk around and visit the small fish market. This way you will immediately become acquainted with Norwegian culture.
Bystranda is a city beach that you should not miss during your visit. When the weather is nice, you will feel like you are in the south Europe because of the soft sand and palm trees. If the water temperature is too cold, you can always divert Aquarama, a swimming pool next to the beach with always a pleasant temperature of 25 degrees Celsius.
The (mainly) white old houses of the old town can be found in the part of the city called Posebyen. Tours are offered to this part of the city, because there is a lot to tell about the history, including a major city fire that destroyed many of these types of houses.
Markens Gate is a traffic-free long street in the city center where you can enjoy shopping and sit on a terrace.
While most sights in the city give you an impression of a small port town, it does Kilden Performing Arts Centre not that. This imposing building, located on the island Otter Island, houses a theater and music venue.
If you want a good view of the city, you have to make a small climb to the viewpoint Brannposten i Baneheia. From here you look over the city, towards the harbour.
Tip: Take a city walk that takes you past all the above sights!
Scenic Cruising Hardangerfjord
Before you reach Eidfjord, you sail through the hardangerfjord. The fjord is the third largest in Norway and is very impressive. So it pays to get up early, find a spot on the ship where you can look around and enjoy the view. High peaks and waterfalls pass you by.
You also sail under the Hardanger bridge Through. This is a suspension bridge with a span of no less than 1400 meters, the longest in Norway. The bridge was built so that it is no longer necessary for car traffic to make a time-consuming ferry crossing. The medium-sized cruise ship fits underneath, larger ships would not be able to reach Eidfjord.
Eidfjord
About Eidfjord
Eidfjord is actually a small village with only 900 inhabitants, but the picturesque village is surrounded by the most impressive nature: high mountains, valleys and light blue fjords.
The sights
Hardangervidda Natursenter
If you want to get an impression of the flora and fauna of the area, visit the visitor center Hardangervidda Natursenter the place where you should be. The center has exhibitions about nature, aquariums with fish and stuffed animals. The best recommendation is to watch the panoramic film in the cinema. The film takes you on a helicopter flight over Hardangervidda.
Vøringsfossen waterfall
This waterfall, located half an hour's drive from Eidfjord, is not to be missed! It is perhaps the most famous waterfall in Norway. They have built spectacular platforms in this rugged territory so that you can really take in the waterfall. Each platform offers you a different perspective and an impression of how grand the waterfall is and how breathtaking the surroundings are. The photos speak for themselves.
Activities
Canoeing and kayaking
If you haven't seen enough of the fjord while 'scenic cruising', get into a canoe or kayak and feel even more insignificant in relation to the surroundings. You will be surprised how quiet it is and how nice it is to paddle independently through the area in this way.
Walking through Eidfjord
If you prefer to stay on land, a walk is also a good choice. At the tourist information point of Visit Eidfjord they are happy to help you map out a walking route that meets your wishes. Finding the information point is easy, as it is less than 100 meters from the cruise port.
There is a walk of less than 5 kilometers where you cross the river Eio cross the road and continue your way along the river, over the road Elvavegen, to the sandy beach on the lake Eidfjordvatnet. Here you can take a refreshing dip in the fresh water and/or continue your way back via a higher path, along the Hæreid Iron Age cemetery (cultural heritage) and a viewpoint about Eidfjord.
Tip: Whatever activity you choose, make a stop at Vik Bakeri for a delicious kanelbullar, a cinnamon roll. Take it with you or even better, settle down on the cutest terrace in Eidfjord!
Stavanger
About Stavanger
The city center of Stavanger is characterized by colorful streets, lots of (street) art and old wharf houses. Just beyond that you will find vast plains and high mountains.
The sights
Old Stavanger
This part of the city is home to the well-known historic white wooden houses, west of the harbour. In the aftermath of the Second World War, the plan was made to replace the houses, until a city architect spoke out against this. The houses have been preserved and restored.
It used to be a less desirable area to live in, but nowadays it is. The residents maintain their houses and gardens down to the last detail. Tourists like to take a walk through the small atmospheric streets, take a tour with a guide and take an Instagrammable photo.
Ovre Holmegate
This street in Stavanger is also well known and used by the locals Fargegata, the street of colors. It is an incredibly atmospheric and colorful street in the middle of the city center. It was once a quiet street, but the entrepreneurs decided to take a different tack. They worked together, made a plan and color scheme and voilà!
Many tourists take photos here, sit on the terrace for a cup of coffee and/or visit some shops. Of course, this street is also ideal for the perfect holiday photo. If you want to do something less usual during your visit, you can go to the hairdresser, the sewing workshop and even get a tattoo.
Street art
You will find unique street art almost everywhere in Stavanger, which makes the city even more colorful. Street artists from all over the world like to create their works of art here, partly thanks to it NuArt Street Art Festival which will be held in Stavanger in September.
When you walk through Stavanger, you will encounter both large and small works of art. So keep your eyes open and look around every corner to discover this one too.
Activities
Vintage shopping (bonus tip)
My observant eye noticed that there are many vintage shops in Stavanger. Many of these stores have colorful interiors and a wide variety of items, from home decor and furniture to bags, shoes and a large selection of clothing. Bee Fretex Arkivet bruktbutikk, a well-kept thrift store, I could easily spend an hour. And not entirely unimportant; I bought a beautiful white dress for next to nothing!
Cruise or RIB tour to Lysefjord
Are you less interested in the city center and more in the special and extensive surroundings of Stavanger? Then choose a boat trip to Lysefjord and admire the impressive heights, the Hengjanefossen-waterfall, Vagabond's Cave en Preikestolen, a natural platform on a cliff of no less than 604 meters high.
Would you like it to be a little faster? Then explore the vast surroundings with a RIB tour and sail at high speed to the Lysefjord to also Pulpit rock, Whiskey Falls and much more to discover!
Helicopter tour to Preikestolen
For the adrenaline junkies among us, this is a spectacular activity to undertake from Stavanger. From the helicopter you have a great view of the special surroundings of Stavanger, where you will see many green islands below you and above the cliffs of the Lysefjord will fly in search of the Preikestolen.
Many tourists brave the walk here, but if you are in the area on a cruise ship, there is not enough time for this. The helicopter tour is therefore the perfect opportunity to experience the area quickly and from a unique perspective. Don't miss this opportunity to have an unforgettable experience! Check out the images below for a taste of this adventure.
The shield
About Skjolden
Skjolden is also a small town, tiny even, with less than 200 inhabitants. It is located at the very beginning of the Lustrafjord, and from here you can easily visit various sights.
The sights and activities
Tour surrounding Skjolden
It is fun to discover the area by kayak or RIB boat. About 30 km from Skjolden is Norway's oldest stave church, the Urnes Stave Church, which can also be reached by ferry. Next to it is the highest waterfall in Norway, the Feigumfossen, nearby, with an impressive drop of 218 meters.
Breheimen National Park
Breheimen is one of Norway's most diverse national parks and contains both some of the wettest and driest parts of the country. The name means 'home of the glaciers.' This park offers spectacular hiking trails, both peaceful and challenging, that take you over great heights with beautiful views of the Lustrafjord and the surrounding mountains.
Jostedal Glacier National Park
De Jostedal glacier is the largest glacier in Europe, and the Nigard's Glacier is a side arm of this. Like many other glaciers in the world, the amount of ice has decreased. From the visitor center and a little further, at a parking lot, you have a good view of the glacier. You can learn more about the glacier at the visitor center. Do you have more time and a sense of adventure? Then you can walk the glacier with a guide.
Scenic Cruising Sognefjord
To top it all off, another 'scenic cruising' awaits you. You sail away from Lustrafjord, into the Sognefjord, and that brings spectacular views: waterfalls, picturesque towns and high, green mountain peaks.
Choose a good spot on the deck of the ship, recover from your experiences in Skjolden (earlier in the day), and let the breathtaking landscape pass you by. Also in the 'Crow's Nest' inside the ship, where you have a panoramic view, you can admire the landscape. In addition, explanations about the sights are given over speakers.
Discover the Norwegian fjords from HAL's beautiful and modern Ship Rotterdam. Equipped with every luxury, yet not too crowded.
We were able to experience this trip ourselves and were pleasantly surprised, a wonderful experience.
- Sailing through breathtaking fjords
- Departure from Rotterdam
- Luxury, comfort and personal service on board
- Suitable for every type of traveler
Welcome aboard!
Once again welcome aboard Ship Rotterdam! This beautiful, medium-sized cruise ship with numerous facilities took us to the fjords Norway and back again. In the first part of this article, we took you along to all the beautiful spots of this Norway cruise. In this next part, we'll take you aboard the ship to give you a taste of all the experiences and activities. Want to know what it's like to be on board a cruise ship? Holland America Line? Then read on quickly!
About Holland America Line
Holland America Line was originally a Dutch shipping company, founded to provide a shipping connection between the Netherlands and the Netherlands USA to be realised. Many people emigrated using this line. When passenger ships were used less and less for this purpose, the company made a transition to cruise shipping. The head office was located in Rotterdam. You may be familiar with the famous building, now Hotel New York, which still bears the letters “Holland America Line.”
It is now an American company, with its headquarters in Seattle, and is part of Carnival, the world's largest cruise consortium. However, the ships still sail under the Dutch flag, with predominantly Dutch officers and still regularly depart from the port of Rotterdam. The current fleet consists of eleven ships.
Ship Rotterdam
The Rotterdam is the newest ship from Holland America Line. Measuring 297 meters in length and 35 meters in width, the ship offers comfortable cabins and suites, delectable restaurants, entertainment and much more. Below we take you on board so you can experience what the ship has to offer.
Facilities on board
Swimming pools
There are two swimming pools on board the ship. One of these is located on the aft deck and is an outdoor pool exclusively for adults.
The other pool is located more towards the front of the ship and can be indoors or outdoors depending on the enclosure. There are also several jacuzzis next to both swimming pools.
Wellness and beauty
The ship offers various wellness and beauty facilities. You can go to the hairdresser or have your nails taken care of. There is also a wellness area with a thermal bath, sauna and steam cabin, where you can also book treatments or massages. There is also a freely accessible sauna, separate for men and women. We have used this frequently!
Library
There is a library on board where you can sit in silence and read a book or magazine, with a beautiful view. Of course you can also take something to read with you to your room or another nice place on the ship.
Activities on board
Would you like to see in a short time what there is to do at Schip Rotterdam and what it looks like? Then watch our reel below, where Malou takes you on a tour of the ship! And further below you will find more text and explanation.
The Daily (the daily program)
You will receive it in the mailbox of your cabin or suite every evening The Daily, a newspaper that tells you what to do the next day. Yoga classes, art auctions, quiz games, beauty advice, shuffleboard tournaments, cinema films, cocktail workshops – and these are just a few examples. You can see what music is being played and where, and which artist is performing in the evening World Stage. In short, there is plenty to do for young and old, from early in the morning to late at night.
For example, we took part in a fun cocktail workshop, where we made and tasted four Dutch cocktails.
Fitness and exercise
You can continue your exercise routine from home on board! The ship has a large and well-equipped gym at the front and a basketball/tennis court + running track on deck. The ship also offers a program with (group) sports lessons in which you can participate. Many of these classes are free, while some charge fees.
Entertainment
There is no shortage of entertainment and music on the ship Rotterdam. Every day, films were shown on the World Stage, or an illusionist, comedian or other type of artist performed. The venue is huge and makes you feel like you are in a big city watching a live show, rather than being on a ship. Every day we found ourselves curious about who would be performing that night, and night after night we were not disappointed.
For live bands you can go to the BB King's Blues Club and the Rolling Stone Lounge. Here you can listen and dance to the sounds of talented live bands that master a wide range of music styles and instruments. Every evening it was pleasantly busy here, and the crowds went wild!
Done dancing or looking for something different? Then try your luck in the casino. Whether you prefer slot machines or the excitement of the roulette table, on the ship Rotterdam you can go all-in when it comes to gambling. But please note: play responsibly!
Enjoy your surroundings (at any time)
Wherever the ship is located, it is almost always a perfect time to enjoy your surroundings. Ship Rotterdam takes you to some of the most beautiful places in the world. Even when you are at sea, it is special to take in the panoramic view. Especially during sunrise and sunset, as you can see in the photo and our Instagram reel below.
You have a good view on almost every deck, but there are a few special places on board that are ideal for experiencing a 360-degree view. The Crow's Nest for example, offers a panoramic view from the inside, at the front of the ship. This is the best place if you want to be indoors. There are also plenty of options outside, such as Sky Deck. Sometimes, during Scenic Cruising, the point at the front of the ship is also marked on it Mozart Deck open so you can enjoy the breathtaking view.
Other activities on board
I haven't even mentioned everything yet! You can board films view, either in your room, by the pool or in the World Stage. There are shops on board, so you can shop. There is one for the children Kids Club with its own complete program of activities, where they can spend the whole day under the supervision of professional staff. There is actually so much to do on board that it is almost impossible to mention it all…
Restaurants
We thought dining was a very important aspect of your experience on board. There are excellent restaurants on the ship, and your taste buds will be surprised every evening!
You can visit us all day long Lido Market and the Dining Room. In the dining room you can enjoy à la carte dishes, while Lido Market offers an informal buffet (top class) where you can get a meal or something tasty almost all day long.
To dine
For dinner you have even more choice: Pinnacle Grill is a steakhouse with prime steaks, seafood and wine. Bee Canaletto you can enjoy authentic Italian dishes, and Rudi's Sel de Mer offers classic French dishes, fish and shellfish with a modern twist. In addition, there are Nami Sushi en Tamarind, where you can enjoy Southeast Asian specialties. The pop-up restaurant opens once per cruise Morimoto by Sea, which is known for its innovative style.
There is also no shortage of wine and champagne during dinner. There is a huge selection on board, we were amazed at the storage. According to the man responsible for the kitchens and catering who showed us around the ship, approximately 250.000 euros worth of wine and champagne are stored here.
View our Instagram reel below to get an impression of our dining experiences!
Snacks
For a tasty snack you can go to the swimming pool New York Pizza or the ice cream parlour. For typical Dutch snacks such as croquette sandwiches, herring and pancakes, this is the place for you Grand Dutch Cafe at the right place. The snacks can be ordered for free almost all day long.
Cabins and suites
Although there is so much to do on board, a good night's sleep is also essential, and you can do that in your cabin or suite. There are different types of cabins available: inside cabins, sea view cabins, and cabins with a veranda. For those who want more luxury, there are suites, including the Vista Suite, Signature Suite and the most luxurious of them all, the Neptune Suite. All cabins and suites are equipped with comfortable beds, a TV with on-demand movies, free 24-hour room service, a shower with massage head, and generous storage spaces.
We stayed in the cabin with sea view and balcony. To give you a better idea of the room, we recorded the video below just before we left the port of Rotterdam.
Everything else you want to know
Who is a cruise for?
We understand that cruising is a form of travel that is not suitable for every budget. Hopefully you will get the chance to experience it someday. We see it as something you, as a travel enthusiast, should do at least once in your life. Consider a cruise for a special occasion, celebration or important life event. Think of a wedding anniversary/trip, the start of a pension or graduation.
We expected to see mainly people of a somewhat older age on board, but that was not the case. There were also many (young) adults and even a fair number of children. The latter perhaps because it was the summer holidays, but nevertheless you do not have to count on gray alone.
Behind the scenes
In addition to the more than 2.600 passengers, there are approximately 1.000 staff members on board. A lot of them are not always visible to passengers, because they work behind the scenes, in the kitchens, engine rooms, on the bridge, and more. We had the opportunity to take a look behind the scenes, which greatly increased our appreciation for the ins and outs of the ship.
We were given a tour of the bridge, where we learned everything about the operation and safety of the ship. It was fascinating to see how such a gigantic ship is maneuvered.
We also received an exclusive tour behind the scenes in the kitchens, also known as a 'galley' on cruise ships. This is a place that you don't normally see as a regular guest. But believe us, we worked really hard here and everything looked spotless.
Sustainability and cruising, do they go together?
Although cruising is not the most environmentally friendly form of travel, the industry is constantly looking for ways to reduce its impact on the environment. Holland America Line is visibly committed to sustainability by making adjustments that reduce CO2 emissions and protect nature.
For example, they investigate the effectiveness of biofuels, batteries, and combinations thereof (hybrid systems). One of the engines has been running on 100% biofuel for some time. This is a test that has been very positive so far, with the aim of eventually running several or all engines on biofuel.
In addition, they contribute to the development of shore power facilities, so that ships can be connected while mooring and thus further limit emissions. Ship Rotterdam already has the necessary technology, and it is now up to the (mainly smaller) ports to create the infrastructure for this. In any case, they are already working hard on this in Norway.
They also focus on reducing water consumption and minimizing waste. For example, no disposable packaging is used on the ship. Almost all food waste is ground, filtered, and processed into fish food, so that nothing goes to waste. There is also an environmental manager on board each ship to ensure that the ship complies with strict environmental regulations.
Engines that run on biofuels, hybrid systems, shore power, and devices that process food waste into fish food: these are all ultra-modern improvements that have positively surprised us. Know that the cruise world, and shipping in general, is working hard and investing heavily in sustainability.
How does booking a cruise work?
Booking a cruise is simple, it actually works the same as booking a plane ticket. You can click on 'view offer'. You will then be redirected to the special Norway Cruise page. Choose your cruise, go through the steps and have a safe trip!
Discover the Norwegian fjords from HAL's beautiful and modern Ship Rotterdam. Equipped with every luxury, yet not too crowded.
We were able to experience this trip ourselves and were pleasantly surprised, a wonderful experience.
- Sailing through breathtaking fjords
- Departure from Rotterdam
- Luxury, comfort and personal service on board
- Suitable for every type of traveler
Closing comments
Norway's scenery is truly breathtaking, and this cruise is just a glimpse into the many beautiful places this country has to offer. The grand fjords, picturesque villages, blue waters and impressive green landscapes are almost unbelievable in their vastness.
Although I could describe many more sights and activities, the above text and images hopefully give you a good impression of what awaits you when you sail through Norway on a Holland America Cruise. In any case, the experience of disembarking in these beautiful surroundings will stay with me for a long time and makes me want to explore Norway further!
