Story and photos by Carsten Korch
Embarking on a cruise with family and friends is a remarkable experience that offers entertainment and enjoyment spanning generations. Ten years ago, my family and I made a bold decision to venture beyond our familiar confines in Lima, Peru, and embarked on an unforgettable journey to Antarctica aboard the Holland America Line. We reveled in the enchanting Midnight Sun as it painted its dance across the icebergs, among many incredible experiences. This year, drawn by the allure of exploration, we again chose Holland America Line, charting a course to the North Cape in Norway, a journey to the other end of the Earth.
Our voyage commenced in the captivating embrace of Copenhagen, a city with a special place in my heart. It’s both my second home and my mother’s residence, who graciously accepted our invitation to join us on this grand adventure. Copenhagen exudes an irresistible charm—safe, pristine, and inviting to those who revel in the pleasures of a bustling metropolis teeming with bicycles outnumbering cars. Wandering through its picturesque passages or navigating its efficient public transportation system is a breeze. In Copenhagen, a car is superfluous. Iconic landmarks beckon, from the vibrant Tivoli Gardens and charming Nyhavn to the bustling Strøget shopping district and regal Amalienborg Palace. And, of course, no visit is complete without paying homage to the beloved Little Mermaid. Begin your sojourn with a captivating Canal Cruise—a gateway to Copenhagen’s architectural splendors and history. For those with extra time to spare, I fervently recommend venturing beyond the city limits to explore the Viking Museum in Roskilde and the Louisiana Museum, both accessible by train, offering glimpses into history and modern art. Allow for at least a leisurely 3 days and 2 nights to savor Copenhagen’s delights before or after your voyage.
Cruising, to me, epitomizes the epitome of convenience, a chance to settle into a familiar cabin for an uninterrupted 14-day journey where each dawn unveils a new destination, a new story. It was particularly fitting for a Viking enthusiast like myself to traverse Norway’s coastal gems, each city brimming with its own storied past, echoing the Viking age that echoes through the annals of time. Plus, the North Cape voyage sidesteps the scorching 40-degree Celsius summers that have lately graced the Mediterranean shores, a testament to the appeal of these Arctic waters. While snow eluded us save for the North Cape’s frosty embrace, the varied climates welcomed us throughout the expedition.
Our odyssey took us to Eidfjord, Flam, Ålesund, Trondheim, and Honningsvåg, tracing a northward path. Upon our return, we explored Skjolden (a paradise for nature lovers), Stavanger, and Skagen—a Danish haven, particularly alluring in late July when we arrived. A stay in Skagen is best complemented by a reservation at the exquisite Ruth’s Hotel, where culinary delights abound.
Speaking of gastronomy, cruising casts an irresistible spell, often adding a few kilograms to one’s frame over a fortnight. I valiantly hit the gym daily in a bid to stave off the inevitable, but the culinary alchemy orchestrated by Executive Chef Jundiel Marcelo and his team held sway. Holland America Line’s commitment to sourcing local delicacies in port harbors a delectable experience. My affinity for seafood was richly rewarded with an array of oceanic treasures harvested from the Norwegian Sea. Most passengers indulged in the elegant Dining Room, the casual Lido Deck, The Dive (serving burgers and hot dogs), and the New York Pizza and Deli, boasting bagels and pizzas, all inclusive in our cruise. And as if that was not enough, The Nieuw Statendam also boasts five specialty restaurants—Pinnacle Grill (Steak & Seafood), Canaletto (Italian), Tamarind (Pan-Asian), Nami Sushi (à la carte), and the charming Rudi’s French Seafood Brasserie, a personal favorite of the F&B director.
Every port, a trove of allure, beckons with tours orchestrated by both the cruise line and local operators. While wandering suffices in quaint locales, booking tours ahead is wise due to high demand. Our Excursion Director, Alejandro, shared that local providers sometimes struggle to accommodate all cruise goers, a testament to the region’s popularity. Though we missed out on a North Cape tour, serendipity led us to a rental car—a perfect fit for our party and the time available in Honningsvåg and the landmark of the North Cape.
Four tranquil days at sea provided respite, a chance to lounge poolside, indulge in spa serenity, or sleep in after nights of exuberant revelry in the Rolling Stone Rock Room & B.B. King’s Blues Club. Entertainment abounds, a diverse array of shows to captivate every taste. While my initial intent was not to dance the nights away, the magnetic allure of the B.B. King’s All-Star Band in the B.B. King’s Blues Club proved irresistible, compelling me to surrender to the rhythm of the night. Similarly, “Trust me Jack,” a British band, skillfully traversed the iconic tunes of Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Foreigner, Dire Straits, and many more.
Extensions are alluring for those enamored with cruising—a prelude to the journey or an extension of the voyage’s end. Prior to our Nieuw Statendam embarkation, the ship had graced Baltic shores, journeying through Helsinki, Stockholm, Kiel (Hamburg), and Warnemünde (Berlin). Post-voyage, the Nieuw Statendam continues its odyssey, tracing the Norwegian coastline before crossing to the captivating shores of Iceland and finally docking in England.
IN THE KNOW: So, why does this narrative find its home within “Traveling and Living in Peru”? As the “captain” of “Traveling and Living in Peru”, nurturing wanderlust for over two decades, I believed you’d appreciate a glimpse into my personal vacation—a departure from organizing tours in Peru to sharing the tapestry of my Danish heritage. Scandinavia, with its captivating narratives of Vikings, democratic ideals, green energy innovations, and the cherished concept of “hygge,” beckons. Television sensations like “Borgen” and “Vikings” provide a window into our world.
A heartfelt thanks extend to our gracious hostess “Dayrest,” embodying her name despite daily toil, and the ever-smiling waiter “Tak,” who imparted Indonesian phrases. To Executive Chef Jundiel Marcelo and his culinary artisans, whose creations delighted our palates, and the charismatic B.B. King’s All-Star Band, orchestrating nightly grooves, our gratitude knows no bounds.
This voyage, an unsponsored odyssey aboard the Nieuw Statendam, is a tribute to the remarkable crew who transformed our cruise along Norway’s western coast into an unforgettable escapade culminating at the North Cape.