MS Nieuw Statendam
August 3, 2024

Amsterdam, Netherlands, offers docking at Amsterdam Port. Travelers explore Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House. Excursions visit Keukenhof Gardens. Local markets sell stroopwafels. The peak season, April to September, brings mild weather for canal tours. Photography captures historic canals and North Sea vistas. Dining onboard includes haring, a Dutch favorite. Souvenirs, like delftware, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Dutch Golden Age history. Light layers and waterproof shoes suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Amsterdam’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Dutch stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic museums and scenic canals, making Amsterdam an engaging destination for exploration.

Eidfjord, Norway, has docking at Eidfjord Port. Travelers marvel at Vøringsfossen waterfall. Excursions explore Hardangervidda National Park’s plateaus. Local markets sell brown cheese. The peak season, June to August, brings mild weather. Photography captures fjord cliffs. Dining onboard includes smoked salmon. Souvenirs, like fjord postcards, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Norwegian nature. Light layers suit summer conditions. Eidfjord’s stunning fjord offers a classic Norwegian coastal stop.

Hardangerfjord, Norway, no docking; ships cruise the orchard-lined fjord. Travelers spot waterfalls like Vøringsfossen. Zodiacs explore Utne. No facilities; provisions from ship. Peak season June to August; mild weather. Photography captures apple blossoms. Dining onboard includes cider pairings. Souvenirs, like fjord postcards, in ship shops. Briefings on tendering. Kayaking to shores. Light layers for summer. Hardanger’s fruit farms and mountains offer Norway’s scenic heartland.

Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland, has docking at Lerwick Port. Travelers explore Scalloway Castle and Jarlshof’s prehistoric site. Excursions visit seabird cliffs at Noss. Local markets sell Shetland wool. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather. Photography captures rugged coasts and Viking relics. Dining onboard includes bannocks, a Shetland staple. Souvenirs, like knitwear, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Norse history. Light layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate. Binoculars enhance birdwatching. Lerwick’s rugged heritage offers a vibrant Scottish stop, blending history with coastal beauty.

Akureyri, Iceland, docks at Oddeyrarbryggja Quay, steps from the town center on Eyjafjörður Fjord. The city, population 19,000, features Akureyrarkirkja Church, a 1940 landmark with a 3200-pipe organ and free carillon concerts. Travelers stroll the Laxárdalur Botanical Garden, the world's northernmost, with 7,000 plant species including arctic poppies. Guided tours to Goðafoss Waterfall, 45 minutes east, cover the 12-meter drop where chieftain Þorgeir tossed pagan idols in 1000 AD. Lake Mývatn, 1 hour away, offers pseudocraters and geothermal areas. The Akureyri Art Museum displays contemporary Nordic works. Dining includes hangikjöt (smoked lamb) at harborside spots. Souvenirs feature lava jewelry. Peak season June to August; buses 1-2 EUR. Taxis 10-15 EUR short trips.

Eyjafjordur, Iceland, has no docking; ships cruise the fjord to Akureyri. Travelers spot humpback whales from deck. Zodiacs explore Godafoss waterfall. No facilities along the fjord; provisions from ship. Peak season June to August; weather variable. Photography captures fjord mountains and waterfalls. Dining onboard features Icelandic lamb. Souvenirs, such as puffin postcards, sold in ship shops. Briefings highlight whale watching etiquette. Kayaking navigates calm waters. Waterproof layers essential for rain. The fjord’s serene beauty and marine life make it a peaceful prelude to Akureyri’s cultural sites.

Isafjardardjup, Iceland, no docking; ships cruise the fjord. Travelers spot puffins at Látrabjarg cliffs. Zodiacs explore Dynjandi waterfall. No facilities; provisions from ship. Peak season June to August; wind common. Photography captures sea stacks. Dining onboard includes lamb. Souvenirs, like puffin postcards, in ship shops. Briefings on birds. Kayaking to islands. Waterproof layers for rain. The Westfjords’ fjord offers Iceland’s bird cliffs and hot springs.

Isafjordur, Iceland, has docking at Isafjordur Port. Travelers explore Westfjords’ rugged cliffs and Dynjandi waterfall. Excursions visit puffin colonies on Vigur Island. Local markets sell skyr. The peak season, June to August, brings midnight sun. Photography captures fjord vistas and seabirds. Dining onboard includes Icelandic fish stew. Souvenirs, like wool sweaters, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover fjord geology. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate. Binoculars enhance puffin spotting. Isafjordur’s dramatic scenery offers a breathtaking Icelandic stop, immersing travelers in its natural beauty.

Reykjavik, Iceland, offers docking at Reykjavik Port. Travelers explore Hallgrimskirkja and Blue Lagoon. Excursions visit Thingvellir National Park. Local markets sell skyr. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures geothermal pools and North Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes lamb soup, an Icelandic favorite. Souvenirs, like lava crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Viking history. Light layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while sturdy shoes enhance park hikes. Reykjavik’s natural charm offers a vibrant Icelandic stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of geothermal wonders and scenic landscapes, making Reykjavik an engaging destination for exploration.

Grundarfjordur, Iceland, has docking at Grundarfjordur Port. Travelers explore Kirkjufell Mountain’s iconic peak. Excursions visit Snæfellsjökull National Park’s glacier. Local markets sell Icelandic lamb. The peak season, June to August, brings midnight sun. Photography captures fjord vistas and waterfalls. Dining onboard includes plokkfiskur, an Icelandic stew. Souvenirs, like wool sweaters, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover volcanic geology. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate. Binoculars enhance puffin sightings. Grundarfjordur’s dramatic landscapes offer a stunning Icelandic stop, blending natural wonders with serene fjord beauty.

Qena, Egypt, offers docking at a Nile River port. Travelers explore Dendera Temple’s Hathor complex and Abydos’ ancient ruins. Excursions visit Luxor’s Karnak Temple. Local markets sell koshari. The peak season, October to April, brings mild weather for Nile tours. Photography captures ancient hieroglyphs and river vistas. Dining onboard includes ta’ameya, an Egyptian favorite. Souvenirs, like papyrus art, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Pharaonic history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the arid climate, while comfortable shoes enhance temple walks. Qena’s ancient allure offers a vibrant Egyptian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of archaeological wonders and Nile scenery, making Qena an engaging destination for exploring Egypt’s Upper Nile heritage.

Nanortalik, Greenland, has no docking; ships anchor offshore with tenders to coastal villages. Travelers explore Inuit cultural exhibits and hot springs. Excursions visit Qaqortoq’s rock carvings. No facilities exist; provisions are ship-based. The peak season, July to August, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures icebergs and colorful houses. Dining onboard includes hearty stews. Souvenirs, like tupilak carvings, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Greenlandic Inuit history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the Arctic climate, while binoculars enhance iceberg views. Nanortalik’s rugged beauty offers a serene Greenland stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of cultural heritage, geothermal sites, and Arctic landscapes, making Nanortalik an engaging destination for exploring Greenland’s southern wilderness and Inuit traditions in a remote setting.

Tórshavn, Faroe Islands, offers docking at Tórshavn Port. Travelers explore Tinganes and Nordic House. Excursions visit Kirkjubøur’s historic sites. Local markets sell skerpikjøt. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colorful houses and North Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes lamb soup, a Faroese favorite. Souvenirs, like wool crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Viking history. Light layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while sturdy shoes enhance coastal walks. Tórshavn’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Faroese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic districts and scenic islands, making Tórshavn an engaging destination for exploration.

Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland, offers docking at Stornoway Port. Travelers explore Callanish Stones and Lews Castle. Excursions visit Uig’s beaches. Local markets sell haggis. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather for island tours. Photography captures standing stones and Hebridean vistas. Dining onboard includes stornoway black pudding, a Scottish favorite. Souvenirs, like Harris tweed, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Gaelic history. Light layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while sturdy shoes enhance site walks. Stornoway’s historic charm offers a vibrant Scottish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of ancient sites and island beauty, making Stornoway an engaging destination for exploration.

Invergordon (Inverness & Loch Ness), Scotland, offers docking at Invergordon Port with excursions to Inverness. Travelers explore Culloden Battlefield and Loch Ness. Excursions visit Cawdor Castle. Local markets sell shortbread. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Highland landscapes and North Sea vistas. Dining onboard includes haggis, a Scottish favorite. Souvenirs, like tartan crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Jacobite history. Light layers and waterproof boots suit the temperate climate, while sturdy shoes enhance battlefield walks. Invergordon’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Scottish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites and scenic lochs, making Invergordon an engaging destination.

South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland, offers docking at South Queensferry Port with excursions to Edinburgh. Travelers explore Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile. Excursions visit Holyrood Palace. Local markets sell shortbread. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures historic streets and Forth Bridge vistas. Dining onboard includes haggis, a Scottish favorite. Souvenirs, like tartan crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Scottish history. Light layers and waterproof shoes suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. South Queensferry’s historic charm offers a vibrant Scottish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of castles and cultural heritage, making South Queensferry an engaging destination.

Returning to South Queensferry (edinburgh) — see Day 19 above for port info.

Returning to Amsterdam — see Day 1 above for port info.

Ålesund, Norway, offers docking at Ålesund Port. Travelers explore Jugendstil architecture and Aksla Viewpoint. Excursions visit Geirangerfjord. Local markets sell svele. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Art Nouveau buildings and fjord vistas. Dining onboard includes fårikål, a Norwegian favorite. Souvenirs, like troll crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Viking history. Light layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while sturdy shoes enhance fjord hikes. Ålesund’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Norwegian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of architectural beauty and scenic fjords, making Ålesund an engaging destination for exploration.

Trondheim, Norway, offers docking at Trondheim Port. Travelers explore Nidaros Cathedral and Old Town Bridge. Excursions visit Røros’ mining town. Local markets sell brunost. The peak season, June to August, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures Gothic spires and Nidelva River vistas. Dining onboard includes fårikål, a Norwegian favorite. Souvenirs, like Viking crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Norse history. Light layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Trondheim’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Norwegian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of medieval landmarks and scenic rivers, making Trondheim an engaging destination for exploring Norway’s central coast.

Honningsvag, Norway, has docking at Honningsvag Port. Travelers explore North Cape’s Arctic cliffs, the northernmost point of Europe. Excursions visit Sami villages. Local markets sell reindeer jerky. The peak season, June to August, brings midnight sun. Photography captures Arctic vistas and fjords. Dining onboard includes cod, a Norwegian staple. Souvenirs, like Sami crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Arctic culture. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cold climate. Binoculars enhance wildlife spotting. Honningsvag’s polar beauty offers a unique Norwegian stop, immersing travelers in its Arctic grandeur.

Nordkapp (North Cape) in Norway has no docking; ships anchor offshore with tenders to Honningsvåg. Travelers visit the North Cape cliff for panoramic Arctic Ocean views. Excursions explore Sami culture through reindeer herding demos. Local markets sell dried reindeer jerky. The peak season, June to August, features the midnight sun. Photography captures the cliff’s dramatic edge. Dining onboard includes Arctic cod. Souvenirs, like Sami crafts, are available in ship shops. Briefings cover Arctic history. Insulated gear is essential for chilly winds. Nordkapp’s northernmost vantage point offers an iconic Arctic experience with cultural depth.

Tromsø, Norway, offers docking at Tromsø Port. Travelers explore Arctic Cathedral and Polar Museum. Excursions include Northern Lights viewing. Local markets sell cloudberries. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather for Arctic tours. Photography captures fjord landscapes and Arctic vistas. Dining onboard includes reindeer stew, a Norwegian favorite. Souvenirs, like Sami crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Sámi history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the polar climate, while sturdy shoes enhance city walks. Tromsø’s Arctic charm offers a vibrant Norwegian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of cultural landmarks and natural phenomena, making Tromsø an engaging destination for exploring Norway’s northern coast.

Leknes, Norway, has docking at Leknes Port. Travelers explore Lofoten’s dramatic peaks and fishing villages. Excursions visit Nusfjord’s UNESCO-listed rorbuer. Local markets sell stockfish. The peak season, June to August, brings midnight sun. Photography captures fjords and northern lights in winter. Dining onboard includes cod, a Norwegian staple. Souvenirs, like wool crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Lofoten history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate. Binoculars enhance scenic views. Leknes’ rugged beauty offers a vibrant Norwegian stop, blending nature with coastal heritage.

Returning to Lerwick — see Day 4 above for port info.

Portree, Isle of Skye, Scotland, provides docking at Portree Port. Travelers explore colorful harbor houses and Old Man of Storr’s cliffs. Excursions visit Dunvegan Castle. Local markets sell shortbread. The peak season, May to September, brings milder weather for island tours. Photography captures Highland landscapes and Skye vistas. Dining onboard includes Cullen skink, a Scottish favorite. Souvenirs, like tartan crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Clan history. Light layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while sturdy shoes enhance hikes. Portree’s rugged charm offers a vibrant Scottish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic landscapes, historic castles, and Highland culture, making Portree an engaging destination for exploring Skye’s natural beauty.

Returning to Invergordon (inverness & Loch Ness) — see Day 18 above for port info.

Returning to South Queensferry (edinburgh) — see Day 19 above for port info.

Returning to Amsterdam — see Day 1 above for port info.