8 Day Norse Legends Fjords Cruise

Thursday 07 September | Meet the tour leader at Malta International Airport at 5.30 a.m. for check-in on Airmalta flight departing to Amsterdam at 7.35 a.m. We will land in Schiphol airport at 10.50 a.m. followed by transfer to our 3-star hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Friday 08 September | After breakfast join your tour-leader and explore Amsterdam, one of Europe’s most colorful, dynamic and historic cities—one with a well-earned reputation as a laid-back and inviting place for people of all stripes. Visitors are naturally drawn to the historic city center where you’ll find some of the world’s top art museums, including the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. And at Dam Square, the Amsterdam’s largest public square, you can tour the Royal Palace before continuing to the tourist attractions on the Canal Belt. The iconic network of waterways that surrounds the downtown area offers a picturesque backdrop for sightseeing by bike or canal boat. Be sure to visit the floating Bloemenmarkt to peruse famed Dutch tulips and take time to wander and window-shop among the narrow lanes of de Jordaan. And you won’t have to look far in Amsterdam to find delicious Dutch treats along the way. Just duck into a cozy brown café to sample a plate of bitterballen with mustard and a beer and grab a gooey sweet stroopwafel from a street vendor as you stroll.

Saturday 09 September | After breakfast and room checkout, we will be transferred to the cruise terminal for check-in formalities. Your adventure begins as soon as you embark on Holland America Line’s latest ship – the Rotterdam – the facilities on board are numerous. The ship itself is a great experience, the perfect blend of world-class amenities, advanced technology and classic style. Experience Rotterdam’s Pinnacle Class luxury as you prepare for an unforgettable 7-day Norse Legends cruise as this amazing floating beauty leaves the port of Amsterdam at 5 p.m.

Sunday 10 September | Relaxing day at sea. This gives you the opportunity to relax and make use of the varied facilities on board. Join the aerobics class with qualified instructors or simply relax by the pool. The ship’s animators will be organizing varied activities by the pool deck and other lounges (kindly consult your ship’s daily programme for timings). Every evening at sea sparkles with dazzling entertainment. Designed to indulge your individual preferences, Holland America Line entertainment choices range from exquisite cuisine, award-winning service, superbly appointed staterooms and suites, and world-class entertainment. Dance the night away at B.B. King’s Blues Club or relive your favorite rock classics at Rolling Stone Rock Room.

Monday 11 September | Our first port of call shall be in Eidfjord, a charming village located in the shadow of snowy peaks and near stunning blue-green fjords, Eidfjord is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful villages in Norway. Even though it has a population of less than 1,000, scores of visitors come here each year to bask in the area’s natural splendor. At 3pm the ship sails the Hardangerfjord, at 161 kilometers (100 miles) long, the fjord is the fourth-longest in the world and plunges down almost 914 meters (a half mile) at its deepest point. Take in the best of the landscape from the unique vantage point provided by the fjord as you sail inland from the island of Stord toward the ever-more-imposing mountains of the Hardangervidda National Park. Waterfalls, islands and shoreline villages dot the journey. Dangling more than 610 meters (2,000 feet) above Lake Ringedalsvatnet is the Troll’s Tongue, a unique rock formation and one of Norway’s most famous hikes—and photo opportunities.The deep waters of the fjord are home to plentiful stocks of fish, while brown trout and wild salmon fill the rivers and lakes of the region. The mountainous national parks east of the fjord are the natural habitat of wild reindeer herds, elk and the mountain fox.

Tuesday 12 September | Our next port of call shall be Alesund, which lies at the mouth of Stor Fjord and is set on two islands which are connected by bridges. After a hearty breakfast on board you may explore the quaint fishing town of approximately 45,000 located in western Norway and which has been called Norway’s most beautiful city. A fire in 1904 destroyed much of it, resulting in the town being rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style—also known as Jugendstil—that was popular around the turn of the 20th century. A year after the fire, Norway gained its independence from Sweden, which led to a campaign to build a “Norwegian town” to mark the creation of the new nation. The colorful buildings feature castlelike turrets and spires with intricate facades of ornamental flowers, gargoyles and Viking-inspired decorations. Bordering the Norwegian Sea, this area is also famous for its mountain ranges and fjords. For those looking for a more active visit, Ålesund offers great hiking, mountain biking and kayaking. One of the highlights is climbing the 418 steps that lead up Mount Aksla for a spectacular view of the city and the Sunnmøre Alps. Nearby is the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful waterfalls. This is also home to Atlanterhavsparken, or the Atlantic Sea Park, one of the largest aquariums in Europe.

Wednesday 13 September | After breakfast yet another exciting day awaits us. Geirangerfjord is one of the most beautiful spots in Scandinavia—if not the world. These are among the planet’s longest and deepest fjords, with steep walls of rock dropping some 500 meters below the water’s surface and rising 1,400 meters above sea level. Waterfalls tumble down from high above, free-flowing rivers snake through forests and glacial lakes stretch for miles. It’s no surprise that these glacially carved masterpieces cut into Norway’s western coast were made a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby Nærøyfjord, in 2005. The small village of Geiranger lies at the head of the Geirangerfjord, and being here is all about being outdoors in the clean, crisp Norwegian air to enjoy the stunning scenery. Cruise ships anchor at the end of the Geirangerfjord and passengers can take a tender boat to land.

Thursday 14 September | Our last port of call shall be in beautiful Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city and is one of the most popular ports of call on a cruise up the fjords. Step off the ship into the medieval Bryggen wharf area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, where small boats line the harbor and wooden gabled buildings stand proud along the waterfront. Bergen’s rich maritime tradition goes back nearly 1,000 years, including the years the town played an important part in the Hanseatic League, the trading empire that dominated maritime commerce in the region between the 14th and 18th centuries. The city is one of Europe’s oldest settlements, and its cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways lead to emerald-green parks, medieval cathedrals and stone fortresses that kept enemies at bay centuries ago. It’s also eminently walkable, with historic buildings and excellent markets selling everything from fish and produce to trinkets and souvenirs. Surrounded by mountains and thick forest, and sitting halfway between Geiranger to the north and Stavanger to the south, Bergen offers plenty to do outside the city too. Whether you sign up for a guided excursion or venture out on your own, you’ll be sure to fall in love with Bergen.The ship shall depart from the port at 5 p.m.

Friday 15 September | Every day at sea is packed with activities, from deck games to entertainment. Indulge yourself in a relaxing massage, exercise or shop in the onboard boutiques. Take a dip in the pool. After a long day of activities and mind blowing cuisine, you’re probably in the mood to unwind and enjoy a bit of thrill-seeking fun. It doesn’t matter if your plans are to test your luck at a hand of blackjack or soak in the atmosphere in the lounge of your choice, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for – the day is yours. Indulge!  In the evening you will be instructed to leave your luggage outside your stateroom as bags are transported ashore by Holland America personnel early next morning.

Saturday 16 September | Ship docks in Amsterdam at 7 a.m. Enjoy last breakfast onboard the wonderful Rotterdam as your cruise holiday comes to an end and before you are called to disembark. A private coach will be in attendance at the pier to take the group to Amsterdam Schiphol for check in on Airmalta flight KM395 is scheduled to leave at 11.50 a.m. Expected time of arrival in Malta will be at 2.55 p.m.