Depart USA

Depart the US on your overnight flight.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

From the time you enter the whale-shaped cruise terminal, you’ll know you’ve arrived at someplace special. The intimate 17th century atmosphere of Amsterdam makes the city feel almost like a movie set for a period drama. More than 7,000 historic buildings remain, particularly in the canal district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city also has the highest museum density in the world, and a day here makes for difficult choices from the Van Gogh Museum (sunflowers, anyone?) to Anne Frank House, to the Rijksmuseum with Rembrandt’s magnificent Nightwatch. If museums aren’t your thing, rent a bike to cycle along the scenic canals, get a unique perspective on the Venice of the North at the corner of Reguliersgracht and Herengracht where you can set your eyes on more than 15 bridges at once. (Stand on the odd side of the street.)

 

Stavanger, Norway

Here’s a day for exploration. Your ship will dock in the very city center near the oldest part of town. A short stroll will take you to Stavanger Cathedral, the best preserved medieval cathedral in Norway, the city center and cobblestone pedestrian streets. Just an hour’s boat trip away is the 2,000-foot-high Pulpit Rock with its magnificent views of the lovely Lysefjord.

Skjolden, Norway

Located at the end of picturesque Lusterfjord with its emerald-green waters from melting glaciers, Skjolden is nestled between Norway’s highest mountain range, Jotunheimen National Park and two glaciers. It is home to the wooden, 12th century Urnes Stave Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Alesund, Norway

At the entrance to spectacular Geirangerfjord, Alesund has been voted the most beautiful town in Norway, and not only because of its location. The town burned to the ground in 1904 and was rebuilt in Art Nouveau style, with a few added elements from Nordic mythology – a longboat here, an image of Thor there. 

 

Geiranger, Norway

Visit tiny goat villages to sample homemade cheese. Take a RIB boat out on the spectacular Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Buy yourself a mango ice cream cone and absorb all the beauty around you.

Bergen, Norway

Colorful Bryggen, Bergen’s Hanseatic quay and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is so delightful you may find it difficult to explore further. But do. Watch the Huldras (forest nymphs) dance at Kjosfossen Waterfall, wander the narrow smau between the old buildings climbing the hillside.

Copenhagen, Denmark

This fairytale city is filled with magical choices. Explore the harbor where Hans Christian Andersen once lived. Pay your respects to the Queen at Rosenborg Palace, or to the Danish Parliament at Christiansborg Palace. Find a feast for the eyes and food for the soul (and stomach) at Tivoli Gardens.