My HONEST Opinion After 7 Days on a Norway Cruise [Holland America Rotterdam]

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  • čas přidán 10. 09. 2024

Komentáře • 338

  • @LifeWellCruised
    @LifeWellCruised  Před měsícem +2

    Planning a cruise? Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner. It's a 47 page printable cruise travel planner with packing checklists, shore excursion planning forms and much more! ($10 off for a limited time). Here are the details: lifewellcruised.com/ultimate-cruise-planner

    • @jere3651
      @jere3651 Před měsícem

      When will you be reviewing the new Margaretaville islander cruise ?

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Před měsícem

      @@jere3651 hmmm I’ll have to look into it for the future. You’re the 3rd person asking. Have you been yet?

    • @alfredwinklmayr9392
      @alfredwinklmayr9392 Před 25 dny

      I was enticed to watch your Video - wanting to know how YOU experienced Norway and the various Ports of call. Unfortunately, the most part of the Video was about the Ship!! This may be interesting for anybody who has not been on a Ship (or this particular Ship?) before, but I wanted to really get your impressions of the Cruise and it's stops.

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Před 25 dny

      @@alfredwinklmayr9392 i understand, the ports are in the second part of the video. I have another video about Norway cruises that might be more helpful

  • @myswell1234
    @myswell1234 Před měsícem +40

    Just returned from 8 day Norwegian Fjords cruise on Sky Princess. It was my first cruise ever and I can't wait to do it again. Norway was absolutely breathtaking!

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Před měsícem +2

      @@myswell1234 great to hear your experience

    • @chriswilliams6568
      @chriswilliams6568 Před měsícem +1

      The best one is the 16 day Princess cruise in June each year, from Southampton round trip. It goes right to the top of the country. In 2025 it is on the Emerald Princess on June 17. Good luck.

    • @myswell1234
      @myswell1234 Před měsícem +2

      @@chriswilliams6568 we were on this cruise in June 16, 2023, well almost anyways, my mom broke her leg in the airport. I couldn't wait to see the evening sun up in the Artic. For sure want to book this one again! Was looking at it for 2025.

    • @chriswilliams6568
      @chriswilliams6568 Před měsícem

      @@myswell1234 Hi from Vancouver, we were booked on the Caribbean Princess this past June 14, 2024, but had to cancel due to my hip pain, I need a replacement. We lost a lot of money as it was past final payment date, and insurance does not pay out on pre-existing conditions. This was the 4 th year we had to cancel, but other years we cancelled before final $$$ so got our deposit back. All due to Covid or family commitments. So have booked the Emerald Princess for 17 June 2025, but I hear that Norway may not allow the larger ships up their coast after next year. We will see. If you are on Shipmate app. We can chat later if we go on same sailing. Thx. Where are you residing?

    • @andershay99212
      @andershay99212 Před měsícem +1

      I'm going in May of 2025 on that same ship. Glad you had an amazing time. I can't wait.

  • @danacasey8543
    @danacasey8543 Před měsícem +21

    I went to Norway 25 years ago on a genealogy trip. My mother is half Norwegian, so we researched her lineage and found the church in her ancestral home of Aurland. It had the gravestones of my ancestors in the churchyard! I want to go back with my adult children and show them their Viking roots! I agree, it is a quiet and serene place.

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Před měsícem

      @@danacasey8543 very interesting!

    • @marley7659
      @marley7659 Před měsícem +1

      I am also a quarter norwegian. My grandmother had lots of relatives there. I have visited norway. It would be cool to meet my distant relatives.

    • @mimosa7070
      @mimosa7070 Před měsícem

      Aurland is beautiful. They have a viewpoint now called Stegastein, you should visit it!

  • @drw9537
    @drw9537 Před měsícem +15

    Did this cruise with different ports in May. Fantastic time. Norway is gorgeous and great people. Loved the ship, food and entertainment. If you like Alaska you’ll love Norway.

  • @betsy6046
    @betsy6046 Před měsícem +7

    My favorite stop I have been to in Norway is Molde. So many mountains SO beautiful.😊

  • @mimikarenbryant7325
    @mimikarenbryant7325 Před měsícem +8

    What a wonderful "love letter" about Rotterdam and the ports of Norway! I appreciate your positive attitude, the comprehensiveness of this video, the pace of delivery, and of course, the beauty of Norway!

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Před měsícem

      @@mimikarenbryant7325 thanks so much for your kind words. I’m glad that you enjoyed the video and Norway 🇳🇴

  • @serenaverner1506
    @serenaverner1506 Před měsícem +9

    I just returned from 12 day Celebrity Apex cruise to Norway. We cruised and visited 2 ports in the Artic Circle. I highly recommend it. Weather was cloudy to sunny, and we dodged rain luckily. We felt like we were living in a postcard.

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Před měsícem

      That post card look just doesn’t get captured to its full potential on video, but I know what you mean 😊

    • @SharonPerson-hm9ds
      @SharonPerson-hm9ds Před měsícem

      @serenaverner1506 - Love the Apex! Did 'Best of Scandinavia' last year, and was hoping to do Norway this year, but life interfered.😟 Did you have an Infinite Balcony stateroom? I'm really leery about one for Norway. Had a sunset veranda last time, my favorite location.😊🛳🌊

  • @harborspringsgirl
    @harborspringsgirl Před měsícem +9

    This is definitely a bucket list cruise and although I’ve never cruised on Holland America, I would really love to try it, especially to Norway. 😃

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Před měsícem

      @@harborspringsgirl definitely worth doing 👏

    • @chriswilliams6568
      @chriswilliams6568 Před měsícem

      Princess also do the 7 day, but I would prefer the 16 day on Princess, out of Southampton each June, it goes all the way up to the Arctic Circle to the top. Good luck

  • @andreafield2777
    @andreafield2777 Před měsícem +8

    A Norway cruise just made my bucket list!

    • @chriswilliams6568
      @chriswilliams6568 Před měsícem

      Try the 16 day on Princess from Southampton each June, it goes right to the top of the country and back. Magnificent. Good luck

  • @CarolineDavey-b6w
    @CarolineDavey-b6w Před měsícem +5

    The Fjords are on my bucket list so this was really helpful, thanks.

  • @ThomasChervenak
    @ThomasChervenak Před měsícem +19

    I just returned from a two-week cruise in Norway that went into the Arctic Circle, with 8 ports overall. I would certainly visit Norway again - it was breathtaking.

  • @perfectlyweirdkari413
    @perfectlyweirdkari413 Před měsícem +17

    So glad you enjoyed my Norway. You did give the best advise needed, plan for all kinds of weather, you can have all seasons in one day, and wear shoes that are good for walking. Thanks for all the videoes, makes the wait for my first cruise in a while a lot easier. Love from Norway 🇳🇴

  • @leaftown6398
    @leaftown6398 Před měsícem +4

    Just did the same cruise on Sky Princess It was outstanding. Unbelievable scenery we have done many cruises (last one in March to Singapore). and this Norwegian cruise was the best way better than Alaska Cannot recommended enough. Enjoy

  • @leslieoconnell2051
    @leslieoconnell2051 Před měsícem +4

    We spent 21 say’s on the Rotterdam in Norway 2 years ago and just loved it. Now on our way to Iceland on the Volendam. I hope it wows us like Norway.

  • @peggygray3064
    @peggygray3064 Před měsícem +5

    I would love to go there!!! You are blessed!

  • @jasonl2874
    @jasonl2874 Před měsícem +5

    We took our 5 year old and 15 month old on a celebrity cruise to the fjords in June. One thing to talk about is sea state. As you get farther north the seas can increase. I met a few folks who were on their first cruise and we had 10foot seas. A lot of sea sick folks. We went to Molde, Olden, Alesund, and Stavanger. Olden was a pier at the head of a fjord with lots of outdoor activities. Great cruise. Would recommend it and would go again.

    • @brendapfeil4584
      @brendapfeil4584 Před 19 dny

      I was wondering about sea sickness as I’m easily motion affected.

  • @laurenschenck5355
    @laurenschenck5355 Před měsícem +5

    This cruise ship looks mind blowing and beautiful and peaceful and lots of quite spots too 🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌊🌺🌊🌊🌺🌊🌺🌺🌊🌺🌺🌊🛳️🛳️🌞🌞🛳️🛳️🌞l🩵🩵🌞🌞🌞🛳️🌞🌞🩵🩵🌞🛳️🌞🩵🌞🛳️🌞🩵🩵🌞🌞🩵

  • @PassingBy1118
    @PassingBy1118 Před 2 dny

    I did a 14-night cruise on the Koningsdam in 2017. The ship called on Tronheim and Honningsvag, both within the arctic circle. The experience of having 24hr daylight was surreal. The ship was beautiful, comfortable, relaxed and uncrowded. Had a fantastic time and would highly recommend it.

  • @teresajarkowska5792
    @teresajarkowska5792 Před měsícem +2

    I’ve cruised to Norway a few times both in high summer and in the depths of winter and have loved each one. A highlight cruise was the 12-day round sailing from Bergen to Kirkenes and back with Hurtigruten (in the days when it was still very much only a passenger and cargo line linking all the ports and taking a few “cruisers”). To go in winter in search of the Northern Lights is to see magical snow covered scenery - an experience not to be missed.
    Your comment “brown cheese….interesting” made me howl with laughter. I try this stuff each time I visit in the hope that it will grow on me. I don’t know why I persist.
    Go back when you can and go further north.

    • @ankra12
      @ankra12 Před měsícem

      I am Norwegian and it never grew on me 😂🧀

  • @kristannonfire
    @kristannonfire Před měsícem +1

    After enduring a brutally hot and humid summer in the US (which is not even over yet) this cruise looks so appealing! I'm putting it on my cruise bucket list! It's been a while since we cruised on a HAL ship and this looks like a great ship to cruise on with the retractable roof and moderate size. I've learned from experience that the mega cruise ships teeming with people are definitely not for me. Great video, thank you!

  • @Hawkeye2001
    @Hawkeye2001 Před měsícem +4

    Our first cruise after the Covid shut down was a 14 day Norwegian cruise with Princess. I'd rate Norway as a must see for any cruiser that wants to reach out beyond the Caribbean.

  • @rpgamera
    @rpgamera Před měsícem +1

    Norway is absolutely my favourite cruise destination; 4 of the 5 cruises I've done have all been to Norway (easier to access living in Europe, of course!).
    If you like scenic cruising and chill vibes, and are able to acclimate to variable weather, I wholeheartedly recommend it. It's also absolutely worth splurging for a balcony if it's within your means.

  • @bac9346
    @bac9346 Před měsícem +2

    Been to Norway many times. Bergan is my favorite!! Best chocolate shop and coffee shop I have ever been to......

  • @lhoffelder253
    @lhoffelder253 Před měsícem +1

    On was on your ship, Mozart deck. What fantastic weather! Wish I had run into you. Love your videos!

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Před měsícem

      @@lhoffelder253 too bad we missed each other! Hope you had a wonderful cruise!

  • @danielledesaulniers564
    @danielledesaulniers564 Před měsícem +4

    We are on it right now! And did 6 days in Amsterdam before we love it it’s beautiful Norway

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Před měsícem

      @@danielledesaulniers564 hope you’re having a wonderful time

  • @amandaanderson9761
    @amandaanderson9761 Před měsícem +3

    We fly to Amsterdam in 21 days and board the Rotterdam in 24 days for Norway! Your video made me even more excited…if that is even possible😁

  • @lynnkongkham7655
    @lynnkongkham7655 Před měsícem +2

    I just returned from a 14-night Norwegian fjords/Iceland cruise on Sky Princess and believe we may have overlapped days in Norway. The fjords are truly hard to describe, in that they are so breathtaking and beautiful. Cruising in and out is as wonderful as the time spent in ports. And I have been to Alesund twice now and love it...much like Venice with the islands connected by small bridges and tunnels. I really recommend going before limits are placed on ships going into the fjords after 2025, especially to Geirangerfjord. This is a cruise that will definitely exceed your expectations!

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Před měsícem

      @@lynnkongkham7655 thanks so much for sharing your experience. It sounds like you had a wonderful time

  • @lamasbonita3679
    @lamasbonita3679 Před měsícem +11

    I am HOOKED! After hearing you talking about this Norway Cruise my husband and I are seriously considering it as our next destination 💚💚💚

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Před měsícem +2

      @@lamasbonita3679 that’s great. I don’t think that you’ll be disappointed at all in the beauty

  • @sylvaindupuis5595
    @sylvaindupuis5595 Před měsícem +3

    My first cruise was in Norway and I would certainly go back. I was on the Royal Caribean Jewel. It was at the end of September, so a bit more chilly, but we had spectacular northern lights. After the cruise, I went a week in Belgium.

  • @jeffreywagner5234
    @jeffreywagner5234 Před měsícem +4

    STUNNING, STUNNING, STUNNING! We just came back from Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Sears’s cruise to Norway from Amsterdam. We came in 3 days precruise and stayed at Hotel Craftsman on Single Canal, then we did a 13-day Arctic Circle cruise to: Geiranger, Molde, Honningsvag, Tromso, Alesund, Flam, Olden, Bergen (8 ports). It was an amazing itinerary including NordKapp (Northern most part) and southern Norway with 4 sea days! Norway with its fjords, waterfalls, and glaciers just took my breath away! We stayed 1 day post cruise at Movenpick at the port terminal, and got caught up with the IT Outage and had to overnight in Reykjavik. Would I go back? In a heart beat!!!

    • @trishwebb4024
      @trishwebb4024 Před měsícem

      We were on that same cruise! The scenery was breathtaking! I’m with you, I’d love to go back to Norway (especially Ålesund, Olden and Bergen) - but we’d also plan a longer stay in Amsterdam (we stayed 2-days pre-cruise) as we fell in love with the city!

    • @jennie-leegardiner2830
      @jennie-leegardiner2830 Před měsícem +1

      We were on the same cruise! Hello ship mate :)

    • @trishwebb4024
      @trishwebb4024 Před měsícem +1

      @@jennie-leegardiner2830Best cruise I’ve ever had the pleasure of sailing. Hope your experience was the same? What an awesome trip!

    • @styme1124
      @styme1124 Před měsícem +2

      We were on the same cruise as well! must have been a popular one. We left right after we docked. I was kind of bummed that we weren't staying longer to see more of Amsterdam but I guess I'm glad we didn't or else we would have been caught up in that IT mess.

    • @jennie-leegardiner2830
      @jennie-leegardiner2830 Před měsícem +1

      @@trishwebb4024 it was absolutely the best cruise and holiday of our life. We loved the smaller ship and we're already scanning the internet for airfares to Oslo or Reykjavik next year. Next level amazing experience.

  • @sandyb9967
    @sandyb9967 Před měsícem +3

    Truly a fantastic, helpful and thorough review.... we're sold! Thank you

  • @betsysuposs2778
    @betsysuposs2778 Před měsícem +2

    Thank you for a great review!! That looks like an awesome place to visit!

  • @pamelashaw2933
    @pamelashaw2933 Před měsícem +1

    We went on the HAL Rotterdam in May for a 21 day cruise. It started with a cruise to Norway, then on to the British Isles. We loved it! Our cabin was on deck 5 which we really enjoyed. Norway and the fjords were stunning and so glad we went there. We loved everything about this ship, the service, staff, food, and the library. The Origins was very interesting. Being on a 21 day cruise, we found that they did repeat the evening entertainment. We would definitely sail this cruise line again.

  • @patriciamorash2763
    @patriciamorash2763 Před měsícem +1

    Love HAL. The itineraries, food, service, and quality of the facilities is great. Have cruised with them 8 times so far. Upcoming 21 day Panama Canal in September and 14 day Alaska next September. I am a retired teacher and prefer to cruise when kids are in school. Norway looks beautiful as well.

  • @edschulhof6303
    @edschulhof6303 Před měsícem +1

    I think this is your best video. Your enjoyment and enthusiasm for this cruise just pops off the screen!

  • @juliestaffen
    @juliestaffen Před měsícem +1

    I just finished the same cruise and loved it. It was so exciting to have the first look out the window every morning and see the most amazing views.

  • @handieguy
    @handieguy Před měsícem +1

    I took the 14 day Norway cruise on Rotterdam last year. Fantastic cruise.

  • @rytterl
    @rytterl Před měsícem +2

    Got this recommended by CZcams.
    It's kinda fun getting a recommendation on CZcams and actually seeing your house (I have moved, but it used to be my house) in the video 😂

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Před měsícem +1

      @@rytterl wow, that’s pretty cool! I’m sure you don’t need me to say it, but you live in a wonderful & beautiful country. Thanks for taking time to comment & watch :)

  • @angelabrown3994
    @angelabrown3994 Před měsícem +3

    This is a destination that I have never considered 🤔

  • @Chiefs555
    @Chiefs555 Před měsícem +2

    We sailed the Rotterdam last December. She's an absolutely beautiful ship. I loved the coffee in the observation deck. Your video was very enjoyable. It brought back a lot of good memories, Thanks.

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Před měsícem +1

      @@Chiefs555 very true, the explorations lounge is amazing

  • @annettehasten7755
    @annettehasten7755 Před měsícem +3

    You left out the bread pudding. HAL touts this as a specialty. It is fabulous.

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Před měsícem

      @@annettehasten7755 well now you gave me something new try on my next Holland America cruise 😂

  • @kathrynr5026
    @kathrynr5026 Před měsícem +2

    I didn't want to fly to the embarque port (we live very close to Port Lauderdale) but you have enticed me to sail Norway!
    I haven't heard you sound so excited before! Glad you and your family had such a fantastic time.

  • @laurenschenck5355
    @laurenschenck5355 Před měsícem +3

    All the buffet and restaurants sounds spectacular can’t wait to try it out one day 🌺🌊🌊🌊🌺🌊🌊🌺🩵🌺🩵🌊🌺🩵🩵🌺🌺🌺🌊🌺🌺🩵🩵🌞🩵🩵🩵🛳️🌞🌞🩵🩵🌞🌞🌞🩵🩵🌞🩵🩵🌞🛳️🛳️🌞🩵🛳️🛳️🌞🌞🌞🛳️🌞🩵🌞🛳️🛳️🌞

  • @Solo_Traveling
    @Solo_Traveling Před měsícem +1

    I went to Norway years ago but we went on a land tour and dd the the fjords by ferry. A Norway cruise is definitely on my bucket list 😍

  • @brendadudson7132
    @brendadudson7132 Před měsícem +2

    That was so lovely to see .Thank you x

  • @mikeedwards9306
    @mikeedwards9306 Před měsícem +1

    Went last year on 14 day last year and it was beautiful, sailed on the Neiu Statendam , people were fantastic in Norway and Denmark, they appreciated our efforts to try and say please; thank you, hello and goodbye in Danish and Norwegian. They were so helpful and kind. Always take a compact umbrella that will fit in my compact raincoat. You need this as it was sunny, then rainy in my experience. Just a beautiful trip.

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Před měsícem

      @@mikeedwards9306 good advice about the umbrella

    • @peacefulminimalist2028
      @peacefulminimalist2028 Před měsícem

      I'm sure Norwegians especially appreciated your effort to say "please" as we don't have that word in our vocabulary :) Good tip about the umbrella, as the weather can change quite fast here.

  • @laurenschenck5355
    @laurenschenck5355 Před měsícem +3

    OMG! Gorgeous cabin and the bathroom is updated wow that is awesome 🩵🌞🌞🌞🩵🩵🩵🩵🌞🌞🩵🩵🩵🌞🌞🌞🌞🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🌺🌺🌊🌊🌊🌺🌊🌊🌺🌺🌊🌊🌺🌺🌊🌊🌊🌊🌺🌊🌊🌺🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊

  • @daphnefreke9829
    @daphnefreke9829 Před měsícem +1

    We did a cruise to Norway as well as the Baltic States on the Eurodam 11 years ago. Norway was just beautiful and we visited Bergen, Flam and Stavanger. Your video makes me want to go again!

  • @marjiemadlena5871
    @marjiemadlena5871 Před měsícem +1

    Norway is on our list. I am part Norwegian on my dad's side. It looks absolutely beautiful. Haven't tried Holland America yet but would like to at some point.

  • @debbieboswell5785
    @debbieboswell5785 Před měsícem +1

    We just returned from a Norway fjords trip. It was fantastic.

  • @renitacompton7595
    @renitacompton7595 Před měsícem +2

    I’m doing that cruise with my family next June. Can’t wait. It will be my first Holland America cruise!

  • @EleryTan
    @EleryTan Před měsícem +2

    We're currently on the HAL Rotterdam and we're absolutely loving it. Our stops include Eidfjord, Kristiansand, Stavanger, and Skjolden.

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Před měsícem

      Lucky you!! Enjoy every minute

    • @hh3046
      @hh3046 Před měsícem

      You should do the RIB boat ride in Stavanger. It's a wonderful ride with loads of beautiful scenery.

  • @betruetoyourself8738
    @betruetoyourself8738 Před měsícem +1

    WOW, Such Beautiful Country, ,, definitely adding this trip to my bucket list.
    Thank you for sharing, and I look forward to more footage from this cruise. ❤ 😊

  • @veronicanolastname2467
    @veronicanolastname2467 Před měsícem +1

    I'm glad you liked the afternoon tea. I was really disappointed. The last time I was on HAL the superb service and variety of food options during the sea day with afternoon teas was amazing. First the wait staff came around with a box with a large wooden box with a variety of teas from which to choose. We also each had a tea pot in which to steep our teas before pouring it into our cups. Then the wait staff came around with trays of savory treats, trays of sweet treats, someone with clotted cream and butter, another with 3 types of jam/preserves. It was all very elegant and at a relaxed pace on a sea day. What we experienced in 2023 is what apparently you experienced based on the table setting. We were so disappointed. I had been looking forward to afternoon tea since we booked the cruise. Just another example of how cruising isn't what it used to be.

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Před měsícem

      Hmmm this is a new experience that began about a month or 2 ago, but if you do have specific things you’d like, maybe ask the maître d the day before to see if they can oblige 😊

  • @vickygentry3164
    @vickygentry3164 Před měsícem

    I enjoyed this video so much. We are going on the Rotterdam August 17. We are going to start packing today! Yay! Thanks for making me really get excited!

  • @jennie-leegardiner2830
    @jennie-leegardiner2830 Před měsícem +2

    We just returned from 25 nights cruising back to back on RCI Jewel of the Seas to Iceland, Scotland and Norway. The 13 night Norway cruise on Jewel to 8 ports in Norway just blew us away. Olden in Norway was by far our favourite Norwegian port of the trip. We spent a lot of time hiking in many of the ports and it was just picture perfect vistas no matter where you looked. We visited Honningsvag & Tromso, which are both north of the Arctic Circle, Molde, Olden, Flam, Gieranger, Alesund & Bergen. Bergen was our least favourite port simply because it was WAY over touristed and in the Briggen waterfront area we were repeatedly pushed and shoved by rude European tourists who wanted to get a photo or rush to get in front of us because they might miss out on something. As Australians this was very unexpected and reflected pretty poorly on some European nationalities who seemed to be repeat rude travellers in a number of ports we visited. Apart from that experience in Bergen, Norway and Iceland were by far the most spectacular countries we've ever visited and we'd go back in a heartbeat. In fact, before we'd even returned from our cruise, we were already looking up airfares to go back and planning when we can get time off work again.

    • @jonnor6883
      @jonnor6883 Před měsícem +1

      You should try "Hurtigruten" or " Havilia". They both do the old postal route from Bergen to Kirkenes (in the north), with several stops on the way. Not as fancy as a cruise ship, but the scenery are stunning. If I'm right can you either start in Bergen or Trondheim and go from there, and hope of at Tromsø or Kirkenes. They don't got into the fjords, but you will see the beautiful Lofoten on the way

  • @christianefrere9204
    @christianefrere9204 Před měsícem +2

    Hi Ilana, your vidéo is beautiful. A great thanks from Belgium 😉

  • @karenb2782
    @karenb2782 Před měsícem +1

    What a great and thorough review of your trip. Thank you!

  • @cindybailey6765
    @cindybailey6765 Před měsícem +1

    It looks like you had great weather! We have a trip planned next June/July for Amsterdam and a seven night Rhine River cruise. Then we’re spending five days in Belgium before leaving Rotterdam on the Rotterdam for Norway. So I was glad to see you post this video, I feel like the Norway cruise will be like saving the best for last on our trip! The hard part will be packing!

    • @peacefulminimalist2028
      @peacefulminimalist2028 Před měsícem +1

      Greetings from Norway. If you go in summer you can pack summer clothes, but make sure to have good walking shoes/sneakers
      and a rain coat as well. Evenings can be a bit chilly if you're outside/on deck, so maybe an extra sweater. Welcome to Norway!

  • @briannickerson6858
    @briannickerson6858 Před měsícem

    Regular HAL cruiser. I am in that age group. Comments:
    1. Love the Origins lecture. I have seen it numerous times and never bored.
    2. Promenade deck on Rotterdam, Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam very nice in places, but prefer the older ships’ promenade deck. For the Pinnacle class, they dropped the tenders down to Promenade deck. Obscured view from the deck, no room for deck chairs and tight for walking.
    3. An alternative to a set cruise with any of the major lines is Hurtigruten. The ships leave out of Bergen every evening. It can be a set cruise along the entire Norwegian coast of Norway north of Bergen either one way or round trip. But Hurtigruten offers alternatives. Because its heritage from its beginning as a mail carrier, it makes numerous stops along the way. And you can book a cabin from Bergen to any of the intervening stops. Or book cabins between other stops. We did that quite awhile ago, booking from Bergen to Trondheim with the Geraingerfjord in between.
    4. Regardless, we have always enjoyed our Holland America cruises. Thanks, Eliana.

  • @BJ-cy1bx
    @BJ-cy1bx Před měsícem +1

    Hi Ileana. Fellow Canadian here(land locked in southern Ontario). We did an NCL Iceland to Norway cruise last year and loved it. Norway, in our opinion, is nicer than Alaska. We are going on HAL next year to Greenland, Iceland and Norway. Can’t wait. Love your videos.

  • @suelelievre5513
    @suelelievre5513 Před měsícem +1

    Really enjoyed seeing the ship and all the places you visited. We've added it to our must-do list!

  • @Mary_305
    @Mary_305 Před měsícem +1

    Wow! Amazing , I know you guys had a good time. Need to add this cruise to my bucket travel list . Thanks for sharing. 🛳🥰

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Před měsícem

      @@Mary_305 absolutely a good one to put on your list

  • @charms87
    @charms87 Před měsícem

    Now, you need to try the itinerary that takes you up to the Lofoten Islands and North Cape. Another gorgeous cruise.

  • @michaelgore115
    @michaelgore115 Před měsícem +3

    In order to REALLY see the Norwegian fjords you should do the 11 day roundtrip Hurtigruten from Bergen to the artic circle what you don't see going south you see on the way going North do it either in September /October NO later due to weather og in January IF you are after the Northern lights You really don't see the Fjords from the big ships as the can not go into the fjords and ports that really Matters - yes you might av seem a glimps on Norway on the Mega ships but you have NOT seen the fjords !!!!

  • @540west50
    @540west50 Před 23 dny

    I love your recap of the ports. This was helpful!

  • @Andy-dc7hr
    @Andy-dc7hr Před 25 dny

    Thank you! So informative.

  • @CruisingwithChooChoo
    @CruisingwithChooChoo Před měsícem

    Thanks for sharing this video about. Norwegian cruise. I’ve always wanted to visit Norway for the fjords and charming towns. I was on the Rotterdam in April for a TA cruise from Ft Lauderdale to Rotterdam but did not continue to Norway although a lot of people I talked to said they were doing so. I never considered it and it was too late to book it by the time I was on board. You gave a fantastic overview of the ship(brought back so many wonderful memories) and ports and excursions. Thank you

  • @pietschreuder5047
    @pietschreuder5047 Před měsícem +1

    My wife and I sailed on the Koningsdam on one of her first inaugural cruises to the Norwegian Fjords. It was such a disappointment that we decided never to cruise with them again. My wife is disabled and was treated miserably. Promises made to her were not kept in spite of written appointments. The accessible cabin was spartan with no settee, chair or table, so we had to dine in room on the bed. We now only sail with Celebrity. Just came of the Silhouette this month and it was phantastic again.

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Před měsícem

      I’m sorry to hear that you had a disappointing experience

    • @SharonPerson-hm9ds
      @SharonPerson-hm9ds Před měsícem +1

      @pietschreuder5047 - My sister has MS and used a rollator on our Alaska trip on Celebrity Millennium 6 years ago. She needed a wheelchair on embarkation day, and the staff were phenomenal; they wheeled her right up to the table for our Concierge luncheon, and every day in the dining room they would seat her and move her rollator out of the way, then get it for her when we finished dining. They asked her every day if she needed anything (she didn't). An outstanding staff on our outstanding trip!🦅🐳🐻🫎🦌

    • @pietschreuder5047
      @pietschreuder5047 Před měsícem

      @@SharonPerson-hm9ds Agree on Celebrity. My biggest complaints are with HAL. Celebrity always goes one step further. There are always staff members with wheelchair ready at embarkation day. During debarkation you assemble in an given location and they whisk you off the ship, until the taxi stand.

  • @peggy2429
    @peggy2429 Před měsícem

    We did a back to back cruise on HAL in Norway two summers ago on this same ship. It was definitely my favourite cruise. Scenery is absolutely breathtaking

  • @garyjarvis2730
    @garyjarvis2730 Před měsícem

    You stepped up your game with this video. Overall great tour of the ship with some very nicely done video work and narration. Your food shots were some of the best I've seen on a travel video - good job. You captured the essence of Norway's beauty and certainly have encouraged people to consider a visit. Thanks for sharing your experience.

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Před měsícem

      @@garyjarvis2730 thanks so much! I really appreciate that :)

  • @BostonHeather
    @BostonHeather Před měsícem +1

    Can’t wait to do this one!

  • @dellnichols4625
    @dellnichols4625 Před měsícem

    Just disembarked the Rotterdam! We embarked on her on July 6 so had 21 days going to Iceland, Scotland, and Norway. Loved it! We are booked on a Caribbean Rotterdam cruise for next February!

  • @karenwarner1517
    @karenwarner1517 Před měsícem +1

    Great video! Thank you,!!

  • @DouglasCyr
    @DouglasCyr Před měsícem

    We cruised Norway in June of last year on the Rotterdam as the second part of a BB (we did the Baltics as the first part). We were blown away by the beautiful scenery, the fjords and the ports we visited! I agree, the Rotterdam is a great ship for this itinerary for all of the features you discovered and presented in your video (and not to forget the service and food). Great review!!

  • @FrielFamilyFootball
    @FrielFamilyFootball Před měsícem +1

    You need a week in Amsterdam. Fantastic country.

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Před měsícem

      @@FrielFamilyFootball it was. We had a total of 4 days so a nice chance to visit

  • @stephanielardner9150
    @stephanielardner9150 Před měsícem +2

    My husband and I prefer Holland America, we have been on 10 cruises with them. We like the smaller ships minus the huge crowds. I would love to cruise Norway, did you see the Northern Lights? Maybe it depends on the time of year. Your video was very informative and very enjoyable. Thank you for all the work you put into your videos, I am sure your subscribers enjoy them as much as I do. Looking forward to the next one.

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Před měsícem

      Thanks for watching & for your kind words. Apparently we’re early for northern lights

  • @borg1964
    @borg1964 Před měsícem

    Norway was my first cruise destination summer 2023, summer 2025 I’ll be on the same ship for Iceland an Scotland😊I absolutely love Norway and I think you are spot in with you remark that things seem more quite. You didn’t stop in Oslo, but you would’ve liked that city too, hardly any high rise buildings and lot’s of things to see🥰 Greetings from 🇳🇱

  • @jennybennett6931
    @jennybennett6931 Před měsícem

    Going on our first Alaskan cruise with Holland America Eurodam and I CANNOT wait after watching all your videos !!!! I hope it similar to this ship !

  • @nancybass1962
    @nancybass1962 Před měsícem

    Pinnacle Grill is our favorite! The food and service is exemplary. They have the best Key Lime pie I have ever had.

  • @user-zw3dr2tm5b
    @user-zw3dr2tm5b Před měsícem

    We were on the Rotterdam last year. It was 7 days in Norway, and 14 days in Scandinavia. We loved it! Next year we will be going to Iceland on the Niuw Statendam - very similar to the Rotterdam.

  • @LeonaLeaf
    @LeonaLeaf Před 4 dny

    If u go to Norway again u should take a cruise to olden and then ether take the sky lift in loen or go see the glacier there. It’s amasing here and I live 15 min from there so maybe we could meet!

  • @user-fb7wq2zy6k
    @user-fb7wq2zy6k Před měsícem

    Some of your comments really helped me relive some of my own Norway cruise, done on an older HAL Rotterdam out of Rotterdam. To answer your questions about cruising Holland America, Norway was the fifth of my eight Holland America Line cruises. I have seen the Origins show and found it very interesting. Your itinerary and our itinerary didn't have a lot of overlap. I think the only port of call we had in common was Kristiansand. So, hearing about your experiences in other Norwegian ports I haven't visited gives me some ideas for next time. On a sidebar, I really have trouble associating llamas with Norway, llamas being native to South America, but walking them is fun.

  • @kaycatslave4978
    @kaycatslave4978 Před měsícem

    We sailed on MS Rotterdam from Amsterdam last summer. We did the Norwegian Fjords and then circumnavigated Iceland, and stopped in Edinburgh Scotland and couple other places. Really enjoyed ourselves. We wished we could have had a couple extra days in Amsterdam to visit the art museums, Anne Frank, and other interesting sites. The food on the ship was the best we felt we had ever had on a cruise ship. Lots of fresh fish and seafood brought on at each new port. Just wish they would bring back Lincoln Center!

  • @dawndavis8324
    @dawndavis8324 Před měsícem

    Great recap. Norway is so beautiful. We did 7night on Celebrity Silhouette and 1 day in Amsterdam before and after. The ports are so beautiful. We had looked at Holland America as well. We cruised in June

  • @maryvaughan410
    @maryvaughan410 Před měsícem

    Have taken 29 cruises. Took our 1st Hollander-America 35day ( 150th wedding anniversary) cruise. Super fun. Taking Amazon cruise next year.

  • @DeniseSnyder-f9x
    @DeniseSnyder-f9x Před měsícem

    Thank you for your videos. I find them so helpful. We are sailing on HAL for the first time this October and taking my 87 year old mother in law. I'm thinking HAL will be a good fit for her 😊 We're leaving out of Rotterdam and like you staying for a few days before sailing, so after watching your video, I'm looking forward to our travels even more. Thank you again

  • @juliemarshall3550
    @juliemarshall3550 Před měsícem

    We too have just returned from a Norway cruise. We went from the UK on a 7 day cruise on the Sky Princess. Norway was just beautiful and I would thoroughly recommend it. As we have been before we decided to just explore each place ourselves. We are glad we did as we saw what each town had to offer. Wish we had seen you in Skjoloden !
    We haven’t done Holland America yet but have an Alaska cruise booked for next May with them. So looking forward to it.

  • @hollybirge4087
    @hollybirge4087 Před měsícem

    Stunning! I leave for my Norwegian Fjords cruise in about 3 weeks. Ours is 10 days from Copenhagen to Edinburgh so our ports will be different, but I'm just even more excited after watching this video.

  • @MacStewart
    @MacStewart Před měsícem

    We just returned from a 13 day Icelandic cruise with Princess and it was incredible (jumped ship a few days early because it was closer to home), the buffet & MDR on the Caribbean Princess was way above anything that we expected and all staff were amazing, the room was meh, but it is an old ship, but that didn't detract from the wonderful time we had on board, we are total converts to cruising as this was our first one, now looking for the next in October! looking like Norway or Baltic if possible. Than you again for a wonderful video.

  • @saukamp1
    @saukamp1 Před měsícem

    I walked the stairs in alesund. Definitely strenuous!

  • @mariamoore7031
    @mariamoore7031 Před měsícem

    We have cruised on the Rotterdam twice in the Caribbean. It’s a beautiful cruise ship. I have watched the Origin Story three times. It’s a very moving presentation especially with immigration to America. The Pinnacle Grill was excellent but we were disappointed with Tamarind. The Norwegian fjords look spectacular.

  • @loriannmckeever3752
    @loriannmckeever3752 Před měsícem

    Wow! I can't wait to do a Norway cruise! Thanks for all the info, pictures/ videos & tips.😊

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Před měsícem

      @@loriannmckeever3752 thanks for watching. I don’t think you’ll regret it 😊

  • @cadguy5959
    @cadguy5959 Před měsícem

    We were on the Westerdam last September to Alaska and loved it. The cruise director on your cruise was our cruise director too. We loved origins as well. He did a great job.

  • @johnchambers3569
    @johnchambers3569 Před měsícem +1

    Alsome video !! Really enjoyed you detail .

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Před měsícem

      @@johnchambers3569 so glad you enjoyed the video :)

  • @cuplady
    @cuplady Před měsícem

    I've been on Holland America visiting Alaska. I love the line and all the ships have to offer. I like the smaller passenger capacity. If I could I'd do more sailing with the cruise line. Yes Norway would be a dream destination 👍🤩

  • @larryhaywood3455
    @larryhaywood3455 Před měsícem

    I'm glad you liked Norway and Holland America. Ive sailed with them since 2001 and close to a 5 star member. Was on the madin voyage of Rotterdam from Amerstdam to Fort Lauderdale and this is my favorite ship. Been to Norway 3 times and loved it. Its a shame they dont go to St.Petersburg as it was beautiful to go there to
    Been there 3 times to as the baltic cruises
    . Are great so many other places to go to. Happy cruising me and my wife love it

  • @jimstaab2393
    @jimstaab2393 Před měsícem

    Hi Ilana,
    We were on the Rotterdam the week or so before you (our weather was good) for a Norwegian Fjords cruise. Some different ports, some the same. We agree, the scenery steals the show. Absolutely beautiful.
    We loved the ship, the service, the food and enjoyed some of the entertainment. We thought the Asian restaurant was terrific, as was Rudy’s, but thought the Italian restaurant was just so so. We also had room service for breakfast… very good.
    We loved the piano bar the best. We thought the main room entertainment was just okay. Good performers but a mediocre show.
    The cruise director, Nick, was terrific. He did some excellent presentations in the main stage.
    Overall, we liked Holland America and would cruise with them again.

  • @CarboneCat
    @CarboneCat Před měsícem

    I can’t wait for my Norwegian cruise this September. This video only amps my enthusiasm.

  • @laurenschenck5355
    @laurenschenck5355 Před měsícem +2

    Excellent Review llana thanks so much and definitely going to check it out 🛳️🌞🌞🛳️🌞🌞🌞🛳️🩵🩵🌞🌞🌞🩵🛳️🌞🌞🩵🩵🩵🩵🌊🌊🌺🩵🌊🌊🌺🩵🌺🌊🌊🌺🩵🌊🌊🌺🩵🩵🌊🌊🌺🌺🌺🌊🌊🌺🩵🌺🌊🌺🩵🌞🌞🌞🩵🌺🌊🌞🛳️🛳️🌞🌺🌊🌊🩵🌞🛳️🌞🩵

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Před měsícem +1

      Thanks for watching! So glad you enjoyed the review 😊

    • @laurenschenck5355
      @laurenschenck5355 Před měsícem

      @@LifeWellCruisedof course always BBFL 🥰🥰🥰