MS Zuiderdam
June 29, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 7 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.

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.

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.