One of the reasons people love cruises is the chance to visit a wide range of destinations in one vacation. Go to sleep in one city, wake up in a whole new place.
Until recently, cruise vacations in Europe have generally focused on the Mediterranean, but now the spotlight is shifting to Northern Europe, with a growing demand for cruises around the UK and Ireland, Scandinavia, Iceland, and the Netherlands.
In September 2025, I was invited to join a 7-day Norwegian Fjords cruise as a guest of Holland America Line. I was keen to explore an unfamiliar part of Europe through the exciting range of shore excursions on offer and see so much in so little time.
Shore excursions allow you to explore not just the port city where your cruise ship is docked, but also the surrounding area. You can get a taste of the local culture and cuisine, hear fascinating tales from the country’s history, and enjoy thrilling experiences in unfamiliar landscapes.
Read on to discover which northern European cities I visited on my Holland America Norway cruise, and whether a Norwegian fjords cruise is right for you.
Our Holland America Cruise Itinerary
Our Northern Europe cruise departed from the city of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. It first sailed to Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, with further port stops in the Norwegian cities of Oslo, Kristiansand, and Stavanger.
The itinerary included two days at sea with scenic sailing around Norway’s fjords built in. The other days offered opportunities to go ashore and explore port cities, picturesque villages, and the surrounding landscape.
The two sea days gave us time to relax on board and explore the ship. I especially liked that we spent our first full day onboard ship at sea, which gave us a chance to settle in before our first excursion.
This was my first cruise, and for me, seven nights felt like the perfect length. It gave me time to relax as well as enjoy activities and excursions, and the itinerary felt busy and full without getting stale or overwhelming.
I traveled with a friend on board the MS Rotterdam, one of Holland America’s largest and newest cruise liners. It’s a modern ship, equipped with everything you could need during your cruise, and you can read more about it in my full review of the MS Rotterdam.
There’s a fantastic choice of places to eat on board the Rotterdam, and you can also enjoy a diverse lineup of activities and entertainment during your Holland America cruise.
Embarking and Disembarking
If I had to pick one negative to my cruise experience, it would be a chaotic boarding process on the first day. You begin by dropping off your bags. Make sure to have your bag tags already applied. Doing so saves you a lot of time, but it does require you to print them before leaving home.
These plastic bag tag protectors are perfectly sized and were a great purchase before my trip.
After dropping off bags, we showed passports and boarding passes at the door and then again at a counter with several agents. We were ushered through an x ray security machine, similar to at the airport, and then herded up an escalator to a large waiting area.
We were given boarding numbers and waited until our group and number were called. It was noisy, crowded, and difficult to hear the staff calling boarding zones.
We were then taken to biometric machines, where we had our picture taken, and then told to wait in a different area until our boarding group and number were called. Only then we were allowed to board the ship.
As this was my first cruise, I was a little nervous about disembarking for a shore excursion. We didn’t receive much information in advance, which I think could have been handled better, but the process turned out to be quite straightforward.
Before each excursion, we received a sheet of instructions that included details on when to be ready to disembark, where to go, and when to return to the ship.
Different gangways were set up for each of the various excursions, and our faces were scanned with a biometric scanner. Then we were off on our way – it really couldn’t have been much simpler.
When the time came to return to the ship at the end of the excursion, the process simply ran in reverse. We went through onshore security to confirm we were passengers on the cruise, then they ran the biometric scan again and checked our bags.
You’ll be given a time that you need to return to the ship, and it’s essential to stick to this time. If an official excursion runs late, they’ll hold the ship for the passengers. But if you go off exploring on your own, it’s your responsibility to get back to the port in good time. If you’re late, they won’t wait for you!
Weather on a Norway Cruise
I sailed in September, and weather was chilly and wet. Don’t let the forecast scare you too much, though. In the weeks leading up to the cruise, I was fearful that we’d be shrouded in clouds and soaking wet the whole time. In reality, there was rain, but also lots of sunshine and stunning views.
If you travel in fall, be sure to pack layers, rain gear, and waterproof shoes. I picked up these waterproof ON sneakers (pictured above) before the trip and they were perfect! I also bought these waterproof flat boots for city excursions and they are incredibly comfortable.
Summer weather in Norway ranges from the 50s, above the arctic circle, to mid-70s in Eastern and Southern Norway. It’s never going to be super hot, but certainly warmer than in shoulder season. It rains in Western Norway, even in summer, so toss in a waterproof shell regardless of the time of year.
My Full Norway Cruise Packing List
Norwegian Fjords Cruise Excursions
My Holland America cruise was an unforgettable journey exploring the cities of northern Europe and the fairytale landscape of the Norwegian fjords.
Each cruise offers a wide range of shore excursions to suit a range of tastes, whether you prefer guided walking tours, adventurous hikes, or cultural exploration. Amy and I took part in five different excursions during our northern European voyage.
Copenhagen Hop-on-Hop-off tour
I decided not to join an official cruise tour when our ship called at Copenhagen, because the options sounded like they would primarily tour the city by bus. In my experience, tours that mention a “panoramic drive,” often have you spend most of your time on a tour bus with only a brief stop at a couple of major sites.
Instead, I explored the capital city of Denmark on my own, using the standard hop-on/hop-off bus which starts right at the ship terminal. The stopping points throughout the city center let you travel at your own pace and explore the areas you’re most interested in.
Copenhagen is a beautiful city and very walkable. It’s pretty small and flat with a few pedestrianized areas around, so it’s easy to explore on foot. Watch out for the bikes, though – they’re everywhere!
We saw a lot of Copenhagen’s beautiful buildings and got a good feel for the city, which has a very safe vibe. The only main site we missed in Copenhagen was the famous Tivoli Gardens, which I’ve heard is wonderful and well worth a visit. Unfortunately, it felt too hard to pack a visit into our one day in the city, so we skipped it this time.
The only tricky thing about this self-guided tour of Copenhagen is that another (identical-looking) bus called a “shuttle” takes you from the Little Mermaid statue back to the ship terminal. However, if you get on the wrong bus, you’ll head back into Copenhagen city and not to the cruise ship. A Holland America representative was helping people get on the right bus, but it made me nervous about getting back to the ship on time.
Alternative Copenhagen excursion
Back on board the Rotterdam, I talked to some cruisers who had great things to say about the Kings and Vikings tour, curated by the HISTORY Channel. This tour visits the Viking Ships Museum, where you can see five well-preserved Viking-era burial ships excavated from Roskilde Fjord, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Roskilde Cathedral, Scandinavia’s earliest brick Gothic cathedral.
It sounds like a fantastic tour, and the only reason I didn’t book it myself was that the itinerary doesn’t actually give you any time in the city. I had never been to Copenhagen and really wanted to see the city itself. If you’ve been before, the Kings and Vikings tour would be a great way to experience the history and culture of Denmark.
Biking tour of Oslo
When we docked at Norway’s capital city, I decided to explore Oslo on a bike, and I absolutely loved this tour. Don’t worry that you need to be in great physical shape to do this tour – I hadn’t biked for 10+ years, and I was just fine.
Once you’ve been kitted out with safety gear, local guides will take you on a 3-hour tour of the city, through parks, and along the fjord. There are plenty of sights along the way, including the medieval castle, Royal Palace, and the world-famous Frogner Sculpture Park.
Compared to the cute buildings of Copenhagen, Oslo just felt like a regular city. However, our tour took us through many residential areas, so we saw parts of Oslo that regular tourists probably wouldn’t bother exploring.
I’d recommend doing this tour in the morning, if possible, so you can spend the afternoon revisiting any spots that interest you. The morning tour was full on the day of our visit, so my friend and I spent the morning walking around Oslo on our own, then did the biking tour in the afternoon.
Overall, I was very pleased with this tour and I’d highly recommend it. My only minor complaint is that the bike staging area was about a 7-minute walk from the ship, heading away from the city, which felt like a waste of time. Apart from that, this was an excellent tour led by a wonderful guide who shared a lot of interesting historical information.
Alternative Oslo excursion
If I hadn’t booked an organized tour of Oslo, I would have visited one of the floating saunas right off the ship in Oslofjord. These wood-fired saunas looked so cute, and you can jump in the fjord for a cold plunge whenever you want. There are quite a lot of different saunas around Oslo, but it’s worth booking in advance to get your first choice.
Kristiansand RIB and hiking tour
This Kristiansand RIB and hiking tour was my favorite excursion on the cruise, and I completely recommend it to anyone taking the Norwegian fjords cruise with Holland America Line.
The tour explores the beautiful coastline around Kristiansand and the historical site of Ny Hellesund, a popular resting place for tall sailing ships in the 1800s. It’s a great mix of adventure, history, and scenic views, led by an expert guide who was very knowledgeable about the area and our cruise.
After you’ve met your guide, you’ll be given a safety briefing and kitted out with a survival/flotation suit and goggles. Then you’ll climb on board the RIB (rigid inflatable boat) and head along the Norwegian coast, past lighthouses and islands in the Skagerrak Sea, to the picturesque village of Søgne.
Next, your RIB will travel onwards to Ny Hellesund, where you’ll go ashore to hike up to the island’s wartime bunkers. Here, your guide will introduce you to Ny Hellesund’s rich history and legends as you enjoy a spectacular view from the top of the island.
You need to be somewhat fit to do this tour, although I didn’t find it particularly strenuous, and you’ll need to dress warmly and wear sturdy walking or hiking shoes. You must be able to get on and off the boat and onto the “saddle-like” boat seats, so people with mobility issues might struggle with this excursion.
The hike, however, is on a well-maintained gravel path. It winds upward but is not steep, and is quite short – more a walk than a hike. The view from the top is breathtaking!
I loved this tour, and my only complaint is that I wish it had been longer – I could have spent a lot more time at the island’s scenic viewpoint. It was my favorite excursion of the cruise.
Stavanger Old and New tour
The Stavanger Old & New tour is one of the experiences curated in partnership with The HISTORY Channel. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll learn about Norway’s Viking history as you visit some of Stavanger’s most important sites.
The MS Rotterdam docks in Sandnes, which is several miles from the town of Stavanger, so you’ll need to take a shuttle bus from the pier. If you don’t want to join an organized tour, you can just book the shuttle bus by itself and explore Stavanger at your own pace.
The tour itinerary starts at the Swords in Rock Monument commemorating the Battle of Hafrsfjord, which formed the country of Norway, and then takes in a VR experience at the Viking House.
Other stops on the tour include the ancient Doomstones stone circle and the Petroleum Museum, which explores the Norwegian oil industry, before you take a short walk through Old Stavanger to see the 18th and 19th-century wooden buildings. I found the oil museum surprisingly interesting.
This was my least favorite tour on the Norwegian fjords cruise. It wasn’t a bad excursion, I enjoyed visiting the Swords in Rock Monument and the Viking House VR experience, but we spent far too much time on the bus and very little time in Old Stavanger for my more active tastes. I think we walked about 200 meters before it was time to get back on the bus.
This tour would probably suit history buffs who want a slower-paced excursion and don’t care about seeing much of the city itself.
Alternative Stavanger tour
While I was touring Old and New Stavanger, my friend had a fantastic experience on the Lysefjord Pulpit Rock Cruise tour.
The cruise takes you through the Stavanger Archipelago to enjoy spectacular views of the fjord’s small villages and islands, while your guide shares a glimpse of local culture and points out attractions along the way.
The boat passes directly under Pulpit Rock, which rises more than 1,500 feet above sea level in Lysefjord. You’ll also enjoy a taste of local cuisine when you stop for coffee and waffles, served traditionally with jam and sour cream.
Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t great on the day of my friend’s cruise, but the sights made up for it. She saw waterfalls, mountain goats, and the spectacular natural backdrop from the waters of the beautiful fjord.
Because of the bad weather, she mostly had the outside deck to herself. In better weather, more people would probably want to be outside, and the deck might feel more crowded.
The Norwegian Fjords Cruise: good and bad points
I found a lot to love about this cruise, and choosing the right excursions will definitely help you make the most of your experience.
In particular, I loved that this cruise itinerary included port stops in the capital cities of Denmark and Norway. I really enjoyed visiting both Copenhagen and Oslo, and seeing how different the cities are. I’d definitely recommend using the Hop-on-Hop-off bus in Copenhagen to explore more of the city during your time there.
The natural beauty of Kristiansand was a highlight of my cruise, and the RIB tour there was my favorite shore excursion. However, I heard from other passengers that the city itself doesn’t have much to do, so it’s best to pick an excursion that gets you out and about.
I feel pretty neutral about Stavanger, partly because I didn’t have enough time to actually see the city itself. In hindsight, it might have been better to explore the city on my own or book a different excursion that spends more time in the city.
We spent a lot of time in cities, and I wish we could have had more time in nature, because Norway is famous for its natural wonders. However, I may have felt differently if I had chosen an active excursion in Stavanger, such as the Pulpit Rock hike or a fjord cruise, which might have given my experience more balance.
When is the best time to take this cruise?
This Norwegian Fjords cruise takes in some incredible vistas, especially when you’re sailing in and out of Oslo. However, if you really want to experience the full beauty of the Norwegian landscape, I’d recommend booking a cruise that heads to northern Norway, especially around the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord and the magnificent mountains of Jostedalsbreen National Park.
Picking the best time of year will also have an impact on your cruise experience. Fall weather in northern Europe is unpredictable, so getting outside to enjoy the views from your cruise ship or explore a port city may not be very comfortable at this time of year.
You may have to accept bad weather on a shoulder-season cruise, but booking a cruise in late spring or summer will give you more comfortable conditions.
The North Sea is notoriously rough, and the high waves were intense on our cruise, especially when we headed south from Sandnes back toward Rotterdam. I recommend packing seasickness medicine as a precaution, and you might also want to try seasickness patches or wristbands for seasickness if you’re particularly affected by rough water.
The Wrap-up
Holland America’s 7-day Norwegian Fjords cruise is an exciting voyage that takes in breathtaking fjords, vibrant cities, and quaint villages. It’s ideal for history buffs or travelers seeking a cruise focused on culture and nature.
I particularly recommend the cruise for people who are mobile enough to take part in the outdoor activities and adventure-focused excursions, as these really highlight Norway’s beauty at its best.
The MS Rotterdam and Holland America Line aren’t really geared toward family vacations, though they do offer a kids’ club on shorter cruises. I think most kids would be pretty bored on this cruise, so it’s probably a better choice for adults who are traveling without kids.
Overall, I completely enjoyed this Norwegian Fjord cruise and would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to explore northern Europe.
