A journey through the deep-carved fjords and historic ports of Norway is a bucket-list experience for many global travelers.
Sailing with Holland America Line offers a sophisticated, classic way to experience these dramatic coastlines. From exceptional shore excursions to relaxing days at sea, Holland America Line thinks through every detail so all travelers have to worry about is taking it all in.
Holland America Rotterdam cruise ship in Norway (Photo Credit: Lauren Bowman)
The Itinerary
The cruise itinerary blends historical maritime cities with remote, rugged landscapes, giving passengers a comprehensive taste of Norway. Port stops are highly immersive, featuring a mix of local sightseeing and full-day expeditions. Although Holland America Line offers a multitude of Norway itineraries, our stops included Oslo, Mandal, Stavanger, and Skjolden with a day at sea on either side of porting out of Rotterdam in the Netherlands.
Holland America Line has begun offering pre-cruise excursions, meaning you can add bonus vacation stops to your itinerary. Porting out of Rotterdam meant we got to experience the Windmills of Kinderdijk before ever boarding the ship. This was a 4-hour moderate-activity tour of a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 1700s, 19 intact windmills line the riverfront and were originally designed to keep the village dry by pumping water into canals. Travelers can walk along the path, step inside a working windmill, and capture photos of the classic Dutch countryside.
Not only did we get to visit a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site, but we were also dropped off at the cruise ship terminal and given priority boarding. This meant that all of our luggage, which had been collected and tagged before our tour, was handled by the cruise ship without us having to wait in line to drop it off. Then we breezed through the check-in process to board the ship.
Not all stops need an excursion. Oslo is filled with museums and varying interests for all types of travelers. A hop-on, hop-off bus allows for easy transport across the city while also giving a great overview. And in the small fishing village of Mandal, a walk around the town with a stop at one of their quaint cafes is a must. For those more active travelers, a short hike can be done from just outside the city to give sweeping views of the area.
In Sandes, we kept it easy with a 3-hour panoramic coach drive that explored both Sandes and neighboring Stavanger. The route passes the 1125-built Stavanger Cathedral, the reconstructed Iron-Age Farm at Ullandhaug, and the flat, agricultural landscape of Jaeren. Highlights include a full mile of white-sand dunes at Sola Beach, the archaeological stone ring at Domsteinane, and a photo stop at Hafrsfjord, the historic battleground where the Vikings united Norway. This was the perfect way to see the cities on a rainy day.
Our longest excursion was a comprehensive 7-hour full-day tour exploring the gateway to Jotunheimen National Park, and boy, was it worth it. Guests travel the historic Sognefjellet Route (be sure to bring Dramamine for those who even get mildly motion sick, as this road is filled with a multitude of switchbacks) past ice-blue lakes up to the Sognefjell Mountain Pass—Northern Europe's highest pass at 4,700 feet—for views of the Hurrungane Mountains.
The excursion includes a visit to the magnificent Lom Stave Church, built in AD 1158 using traditional wood post-and-beam construction, admission to the Norwegian Mountain Museum, a traditional Norwegian lunch (unfortunately, there are no vegetarian options available as it was a prefix menu with just one option - moose), and photo stops at the 111-foot-tall Saga Column and Åsafossen Waterfall.
The Ship - MS Rotterdam
The ship is a destination in and of itself, and you’ll want to plan plenty of time to enjoy all of its many features. The flagship of the fleet, the MS Rotterdam, returned to service following an extensive two-week dry dock in the Netherlands. As the newest Pinnacle-class ship in the fleet, it blends modern amenities with elevated entertainment.
Live entertainment was a massive focus of its refresh, and there are plenty of venues to choose from. Billboard Onboard and the Rolling Stone Lounge now share expanded seating and a completely redesigned central lounge area, allowing guests to smoothly enjoy performances from both venues. Additionally, new live music stages were added to the Crow’s Nest (offering panoramic views) and outdoors at the Sea View Pool on Deck 9 aft. Just be sure to bring something orange to wear for Holland America Line’s “Orange Party” that honors its Dutch heritage.
The staterooms and suites on Holland America Line's MS Rotterdam blend classic maritime style with modern comfort. Across 12 passenger decks, the ship houses 1,340 cabins featuring redesigned headboards with dual-side USB/electrical outlets, stone-top furniture, and personalized color schemes based on the cabin tier. Getting a verandah for this itinerary is a must, as you will spend time viewing the scenic fjords.
Balcony views of Fjords in Norway (Photo Credit: Lauren Bowman)
Dining onboard MS Rotterdam centers around fresh, regionally inspired culinary experiences, featuring handcrafted pastas, artisan breads, and responsibly sourced seafood made fresh daily with their Port to Plate program. The ship's multi-level Main Dining Room offers premium menus with flexible seating options, while the Lido Market buffet features a wide array of curated food stations—such as a dedicated salad bar, carvery, and the popular Distant Lands Asian counter—where staff prepare passengers their own curated blend of noodles. Fresh-made sushi and a made-to-order pasta station can also be found here. Just beware of the freshly-made cookies - they place these in too easy of reach, and you’ll find yourself grabbing them every time you walk through.
Guests looking for casual bites can grab made-to-order personal pies at New York Deli & Pizza or head to the Grand Dutch Café for authentic traditional treats like hot bitterballen, sweet poffertjes (mini pancakes), and split pea soup. Both of these locations provide superb coffee options. And The New York Deli even offers a mobile order option through the cruise line’s app.
For an elevated evening, the ship boasts a stellar lineup of specialty restaurants, including the Pinnacle Grill steakhouse, Pan-Asian flavors at Tamarind, classic Italian at Canaletto, and high-end French seafood at Rudi's Sel de Mer. Be on the lookout for the special Morimoto Pop-up - a can’t-miss meal.
One of the draw-dropping features of the MS Rotterdam has to be the retractable roof at the Lido deck.
Lido deck on Holland America Rotterdam (Photo Credit: Lauren Bowman)
Perfect for the cooler and sometimes inclement weather, the roof can be fully closed for guests to still enjoy the sun deck with its cushioned chairs, family pool and three hot tubs. For passengers seeking a quieter vibe, walking to the aft of the Lido Deck reveals the adults-only Sea View Pool. This open-air retreat includes two additional hot tubs, a dedicated bar, a live performance stage, and expansive rear ocean views.
There are plenty of activities included while onboard. Not only will your travel guide give talks about what to expect at port each day (these talks are recorded and can also be watched from the comfort of your stateroom), but there is also a brief Norwegian language guide, plenty of exercise classes, a range of trivia, and even crafting classes like knitting and origami.
Holland America Rotterdam cruise guests gather to learn about the day's excursion plans (Photo Credit: Lauren Bowman)
What to Pack
Packing for a cruise through the Norwegian fjords requires preparation for highly variable and unpredictable weather. Even during the peak summer sailing season, conditions can rapidly shift from bright sunshine to chilly winds and rain within a single afternoon. Layers are a must, and a fully waterproof layer - including rain pants - is a welcome addition.
When heading out on northern excursions—especially high-altitude trips like the Sognefjell Mountain Pass—travelers should dress warmly in flexible layers. It is highly recommended to bring a windproof and waterproof outer jacket, a warm hat, gloves, a scarf, and sturdy, non-skid walking shoes to safely navigate damp or rocky terrain.
While onboard, restaurants range from casual to dressy attire, so a change of clothes for each day is helpful. And as mentioned before, the Orange Party is a pretty big deal, so don’t forget to bring your orange.
Other non-negotiables are a camera for the beautiful scenery, athleisure wear for downtime on the top deck and fitness classes, and Dramamine for those who get motion sick - the North Sea can sometimes be unforgiving.
The Verdict
Ultimately, a Norwegian fjord cruise aboard Holland America Line’s MS Rotterdam delivers an exceptional balance of immersive bucket-list exploration and refined onboard comfort. It seamlessly blends enriched cultural excursions on land with elevated dining, world-class live music, and all-weather amenities like the retractable Lido roof at sea; the ship stands out as a destination in its own right.
As long as you pack the essential layers, prepare for the unpredictable Nordic weather, and throw a splash of orange into your suitcase, this sailing promises a smooth, beautifully curated, and unforgettable journey through the heart of Norway.
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