Rotterdam, The Netherlands

DEPARTS 3:00 pm

The Netherlands' second-largest city and Europe's busiest port is home to some of the 20th and 21st centuries' most important architectural feats, which is particularly impressive when you consider that nearly all of Rotterdam was razed to the ground during World War II. Sometimes referred to as “Manhattan-on-the-Maas,” the city lives up to its reputation as a forward-looking metropolis with fascinating design and some of the Netherlands' finest museums and most trendy shops.

Marvel at buildings by starchitects Rem Koolhaas and Norman Foster or get lost in the maze of gabled homes in historic Delfshaven, the point from which the Pilgrims set sail for the New World aboard the Speedwell in 1620. In the postwar years, Rotterdam has also become one of the most diverse cities on the continent as waves of migrants from elsewhere in Europe, North Africa and Turkey have come to work in the shipping industry, concentrated here thanks to the city's location on the deltas of the Rhine and Maas rivers. With its sweeping harbor and massive Europoort, the city has quickly grown to become the largest port in all of Europe.

Eidfjord, Norway

ARRIVES 7:00 am   DEPARTS 3:00 pm

"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. Hardangervidda, near Eidfjord, is Europe's largest mountain plateau as well as Norway's largest national park. Interestingly, the legendary polar explorer Roald Amundsen, who led the first expedition to reach the South Pole, and Fridtjof Nansen, who made the first successful crossing of the Greenland interior, both used Hardangervidda to prepare for their expeditions. Walking, hiking, cycling and cross-country skiing are popular, and the area is home to Europe's largest population of wild reindeer."

Scenic cruising Hardangerfjord

"From easy guided hikes and the summer-skiing resort on the Folgefonna glaciers to the serious hiking trails that encompass waterfalls and panoramic vistas, Norway’s Hardangerfjord region offers truly exceptional outdoor experiences. Norway’s Queen Sonja is known to favor the hiking trails around the village of Kinsarvik so much that a tough 16-kilometer (10-mile) hike is named after her. 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."

Molde, Norway

ARRIVES 10:00 am   DEPARTS 8:00 pm

Molde, town, western Norway. It lies along Molde Fjord, an inlet of the Norwegian Sea. A port since the 15th century, Molde was partially destroyed by fire in 1916, damaged during World War II, then rebuilt completely. During April 1940 it was the temporary home of the Norwegian government. Local industry includes fish export, textile mills, and furniture manufacture. Molde’s outstanding gardens have earned it the nickname “Town of Roses.”

Geiranger, Norway

ARRIVES 7:00 am   DEPARTS 4:00 pm

"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 hike, kayak, bicycle and ski to see the gorgeousness up close. "

Cruising Geirangerfjord

The coast of Norway is fringed with jagged fjords cut into the shoreline by glaciers eons ago. One of the most spectacular inlets is the mighty Geirangerfjord, a popular cruising destination and, along with the nearby Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When Norway’s glaciers retreated they left deep valleys in their wake that filled with seawater, in the case of the Geirangerfjord to a depth of nearly 500 meters (1,640 feet). Above the surface, the fjord’s sheer rock walls shoot straight up three times as far. You'll want to wake up early to catch the exhilarating views during the nine-mile cruise up the Geirangerfjord to the tiny village of Geiranger; your ship will likely make this trip in early morning to give you a full day in port. If you’ve sprung for a balcony cabin, you won’t regret it. Otherwise, head for the open decks to soak up the stunning scenery and the crisp, fresh Norwegian air as the ship moves up the calm, glasslike channel.

Bergen, Norway

ARRIVES 8:00 am   DEPARTS 5:00 pm

Beautiful Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, 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.

Rotterdam, The Netherlands

ARRIVES 7:00 am   

The Netherlands' second-largest city and Europe's busiest port is home to some of the 20th and 21st centuries' most important architectural feats, which is particularly impressive when you consider that nearly all of Rotterdam was razed to the ground during World War II. Sometimes referred to as “Manhattan-on-the-Maas,” the city lives up to its reputation as a forward-looking metropolis with fascinating design and some of the Netherlands' finest museums and most trendy shops.

Marvel at buildings by starchitects Rem Koolhaas and Norman Foster or get lost in the maze of gabled homes in historic Delfshaven, the point from which the Pilgrims set sail for the New World aboard the Speedwell in 1620. In the postwar years, Rotterdam has also become one of the most diverse cities on the continent as waves of migrants from elsewhere in Europe, North Africa and Turkey have come to work in the shipping industry, concentrated here thanks to the city's location on the deltas of the Rhine and Maas rivers. With its sweeping harbor and massive Europoort, the city has quickly grown to become the largest port in all of Europe.