MS Zuiderdam
June 8, 2024

Ijmuiden, Netherlands, has docking at Ijmuiden Port with excursions to Amsterdam. Travelers explore Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum and canal cruises. Excursions visit Zaanse Schans’ windmills. Local markets sell stroopwafels. The peak season, April to September, brings mild weather. Photography captures canals and historic facades. Dining onboard includes bitterballen, a Dutch snack. Souvenirs, like Delft pottery, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Dutch Golden Age. Light layers suit the temperate climate. Comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Ijmuiden’s access to Amsterdam offers a vibrant Dutch stop, blending culture with canal charm.

Oslo, Norway, offers docking at Oslo Port. Travelers explore Vigeland Sculpture Park and Akershus Fortress. Excursions visit Holmenkollen Ski Jump. Local markets sell brunost. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather for city tours. Photography captures fjord views and Oslofjord 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 city walks. Oslo’s urban charm offers a vibrant Norwegian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of modern sculptures and historic fortresses, making Oslo an engaging destination for exploring Norway’s capital.

Oslofjord in Norway has no docking; ships cruise to Oslo’s harbor. Travelers view historic forts like Oscarsborg from the deck. Excursions explore Vigeland Sculpture Park’s vast statue collection. No facilities exist; provisions are ship-based. The peak season, June to August, brings mild weather. Photography captures fjord islands and city skylines. Dining onboard features gravlax. Souvenirs, such as Viking ship models, are sold in ship shops. Briefings explain navigational history. Light layers are recommended for summer. Oslofjord’s calm waters and cultural landmarks provide a scenic gateway to Norway’s capital.

Runavik, Faroe Islands, offers docking at Runavik Port. Travelers explore Klaksvik’s cathedral and Kallur Lighthouse. Excursions include puffin-watching boat tours. Local markets sell Faroese lamb. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather for island tours. Photography captures dramatic cliffs and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes skerpikjøt, a Faroese favorite. Souvenirs, like wool crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Viking history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while sturdy shoes enhance coastal hikes. Runavik’s rugged charm offers a vibrant Faroese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic landscapes, maritime heritage, and Nordic culture, making Runavik an engaging destination for exploring the Faroe Islands.

Djupivogur in Iceland has docking at Djupivogur Port. Travelers explore Petra’s Stone Collection. Excursions visit Seydisfjordur’s colorful village. Local markets sell wool crafts. The peak season, June to August, brings mild weather; taxis cost 2,000-5,000 ISK. Photography captures Eastfjords’ cliffs. Dining onboard includes skyr. Souvenirs, like lava rocks, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Icelandic geology. Light layers suit temperate conditions. Djupivogur’s serene fjords offer a peaceful Icelandic stop.

Cruise Berufjordur, no docking; ships sail East Iceland's fjord. Travelers spot puffins. Hikes reach Hengifoss waterfall. No facilities; provisions from ship. Peak season June to August; weather unpredictable. Photography captures basalt columns. Dining limited to ship. Souvenirs include wool sweaters.

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.

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.

Paamiut (Frederikshab), Greenland, has no docking; ships anchor offshore with tenders to coastal villages. Travelers explore Paamiut’s colorful houses and historic church. Excursions spot whales in Arctic waters. No facilities exist; provisions are ship-based. The peak season, July to August, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures icebergs and Arctic vistas. Dining onboard includes hearty stews. Souvenirs, like tupilak carvings, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Greenlandic history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the Arctic climate, while binoculars enhance whale watching. Paamiut’s rugged beauty offers a serene Greenland stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of cultural heritage, scenic fjords, and Arctic wildlife, making Paamiut an engaging destination for exploring Greenland’s coastal charm and natural splendor.

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.

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.

Returning to Reykjavik — see Day 14 above for port info.

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.

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.

Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Scotland, has docking at Kirkwall Port. Travelers explore Skara Brae’s Neolithic ruins and St. Magnus Cathedral. Excursions visit Ring of Brodgar’s stone circle. Local markets sell Orkney cheese. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather. Photography captures ancient sites and rugged coasts. Dining onboard includes bannocks, an Orkney staple. Souvenirs, like wool crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Neolithic history. Light layers and waterproof shoes suit the cool climate. Comfortable shoes enhance ruin tours. Kirkwall’s ancient heritage offers a vibrant Scottish stop, blending history with coastal charm.

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 Ijmuiden (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.

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.

Returning to Isafjordur — see Day 8 above for port info.

Returning to Cruising Isafjardurdjur — see Day 8 above for port info.

Returning to Reykjavik — see Day 14 above for port info.

Returning to Reykjavik — see Day 14 above for port info.

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.

Prins Christian Sund in Greenland has no docking; ships cruise its dramatic fjord. Travelers spot towering icebergs and kittiwakes from the deck. Zodiacs explore Aappilattoq’s Inuit village life. No facilities exist; provisions are ship-based. The peak season, July to August, faces variable ice. Photography captures glacier-lined cliffs. Dining onboard features muskox dishes. Souvenirs, like tupilak figurines, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Inuit culture. Kayaking navigates icy waters. Polar gear is essential for cold conditions. The sund’s rugged fjords offer Greenland’s Arctic beauty and cultural encounters.

Returning to Qaqortoq — see Day 10 above for port info.

Returning to Nanortalik — see Day 12 above for port info.

St. Anthony, Newfoundland, Canada, offers docking at St. Anthony Port. Travelers explore L’Anse aux Meadows’ Viking site and Grenfell House. Excursions include whale-watching tours. Local markets sell bakeapple jam. The peak season, June to September, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Viking ruins and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes cod tongues, a Newfoundland favorite. Souvenirs, like seal crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Norse history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while sturdy shoes enhance site walks. St. Anthony’s historic charm offers a vibrant Canadian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of Viking heritage and marine adventures, making St. Anthony an engaging destination.

St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, offers docking at St. John’s Port. Travelers explore Signal Hill and Quidi Vidi village. Excursions include puffin-watching at Cape Spear. Local markets sell toutons. The peak season, June to September, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colorful rowhouses and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes cod au gratin, a Newfoundland favorite. Souvenirs, like Labradorite crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Viking history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while sturdy shoes enhance hill walks. St. John’s maritime charm offers a vibrant Canadian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites and scenic coasts, making St. John’s an engaging destination.

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, offers docking at Charlottetown Port. Travelers explore Province House and Green Gables. Excursions include lobster fishing tours. Local markets sell lobster rolls. The peak season, June to September, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Victorian homes and Gulf of St. Lawrence vistas. Dining onboard includes Malpeque oysters, a PEI favorite. Souvenirs, like Anne-themed crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Mi’kmaq history. Light layers and waterproof boots suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Charlottetown’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Canadian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of literary heritage and scenic coasts, making Charlottetown an engaging destination.

Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada, offers docking at Sydney Port. Travelers explore Fortress of Louisbourg and Baddeck’s Bell Museum. Excursions include Cabot Trail tours. Local markets sell oatcakes. The peak season, June to September, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colonial forts and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes seafood chowder, a Nova Scotian favorite. Souvenirs, like Celtic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Acadian history. Light layers and waterproof boots suit the temperate climate, while sturdy shoes enhance trail hikes. Sydney’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Canadian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic forts and scenic coasts, making Sydney an engaging destination.

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, offers docking at Halifax Port. Travelers explore Peggy’s Cove and Citadel Hill. Excursions include whale-watching tours. Local markets sell lobster rolls. The peak season, June to September, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures lighthouses and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes seafood chowder, a Nova Scotian favorite. Souvenirs, like Acadian crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Mi’kmaq history. Light layers and waterproof boots suit the temperate climate, while sturdy shoes enhance coastal walks. Halifax’s maritime charm offers a vibrant Canadian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic forts and scenic coasts, making Halifax an engaging destination for exploration.

Bar Harbor, Maine, offers docking at Bar Harbor Port. Travelers explore Acadia National Park and Jordan Pond. Excursions include lobster boat tours. Local markets sell lobster rolls. The peak season, June to September, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures granite peaks and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes clam chowder, a Maine favorite. Souvenirs, like blueberry crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Wabanaki history. Light layers and waterproof boots suit the temperate climate, while sturdy shoes enhance park hikes. Bar Harbor’s natural charm offers a vibrant American stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic trails and maritime heritage, making Bar Harbor an engaging destination.

Boston, Massachusetts, offers docking at Black Falcon Terminal. Travelers explore Freedom Trail and Boston Common. Excursions visit Salem’s Witch Museum. Local markets sell clam chowder. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures colonial landmarks and Charles River vistas. Dining onboard includes lobster rolls, a New England favorite. Souvenirs, like patriot crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Revolutionary history. Light layers suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Boston’s cultural charm offers a vibrant American stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic trails and scenic harbors, making Boston an engaging destination for exploration.