Kari Eskridge

Embarking on the Holland America Cruise aboard the magnificent Nieuw Statendam for the 11-day Legends of the Fjords itinerary was an experience that will forever be etched in my memory.

As the ship set sail from the captivating city of Amsterdam, we eagerly anticipated the adventures that awaited us in the ports of call. Our journey commenced with exploring the charming streets of Amsterdam, immersing ourselves in its rich history and culture. The Cheese Museum tantalized our taste buds with an array of delectable cheeses, while the Anne Frank House reminded us of the resilience of the human spirit. A leisurely canal cruise allowed us to appreciate the city's iconic architecture, and the Van Gogh Museum left us awe-inspired by the masterpieces on display. Of course, no visit to Amsterdam would be complete without indulging in some local delicacies such as Dutch pancakes and crispy Dutch fries.

Our first port of call, Eidfjord, greeted us with breathtaking natural wonders. The Sysen Dam and the Voringsfossen Scenic Overlook captivated our senses with their awe-inspiring beauty, while the Norsk Natursenter provided a fascinating glimpse into Norway's unique ecosystem.

In Molde, we delved into the region's history at the Romsdal Museum and marveled at sweeping vistas from the Utsiktspunkt overlook. A city tour offered a glimpse into daily life in this picturesque town, surrounded by majestic mountains.

Alesund beckoned us with its enchanting landscapes. Our excursion took us on a bus tour along the spectacular Trollstigen Road, with its hairpin turns and towering mountains. The Gudbrandsjuvet Waterfalls cascaded in a symphony of mist, while the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filled a cozy café.

Next, we arrived in the scenic village of Flam, where we traversed the winding roads in electric cars to reach the Stegastein viewpoint. The panoramic views of the Aurlandsfjord were simply breathtaking. A short hike up Mt. Prest rewarded us with another vantage point of this picturesque region. The highlight of our time in Flam was a round trip on the Flam Railway, a journey that unveiled stunning landscapes and a mesmerizing waterfall.

Our next stop was Bergen, with its historic Bryggen district, captivated us with its Hanseatic charm. A city tour allowed us to soak in the vibrant atmosphere, and a ride on the aerial tram to Mount Ulriken afforded us panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. We savored a delightful lunch and meandered through the eclectic shops that lined the city's streets.

Haugesund welcomed us on a Sunday, when most establishments were closed. Undeterred, we embarked on a hop-on-hop-off bus tour to explore the city's landmarks. We wandered through the streets, marveling at Haugesund's architectural wonders and discovering the serenity of an old cemetery.

Sailing towards Stavanger, we were enraptured by the fjords' magnificence. A fjords cruise treated us to cascading waterfalls, playful goats perched on steep cliffs, and dramatic scenery that left us in awe. A visit to Stavanger's Burger Bistro, renowned for its mouth watering burgers and extensive craft beer selection, satisfied our cravings for both gourmet fare and local indulgences.

Our Norwegian adventures continued in Kristiansand, where we immersed ourselves in history at the Kanonmuseum. Standing atop a WWII German fortress, we marveled at the panoramic vista that stretched before us, a fusion of natural beauty and preserved historical artifacts.

Our final port of call, Aarhus in Denmark, presented us with the opportunity to explore Rosenholm Castle and Gammel Estrup Manors. Each step through these historical landmarks transported us to a bygone era, where tales of nobility and opulence resonated.

As our cruise came to an end in Copenhagen, we embarked on a whirlwind of exploration. The Viking Museum provided an insight into the storied past of the Viking warriors, while savoring open-faced sandwiches, a local delicacy, allowed us to indulge in the flavors of Denmark. Lastly, we embarked on a drive to Billund, where the LEGO House ignited our nostalgia and inner childlike wonder, reminding us of the enduring impact of this iconic toy.With our hearts full of cherished memories and our spirits rejuvenated by the beauty we had witnessed, we bid farewell to the Nieuw Statendam and reflected on an extraordinary journey through the legends of the fjords. This remarkable cruise had allowed us to immerse ourselves in the natural wonders, rich history, and cultural delights of Northern Europe, leaving an indelible impression on our souls.