After a day of losing myself in the historic town of Bergen, Norway, with its narrow alleyways and charming wooden houses, I felt a wave of anticipation as I prepared to board the majestic Havila Castor in the early evening.
The thought of embarking on a journey into the unknown filled me with excitement. Approaching the dock, I was ready for a six-day luxury adventure leading me to Kirkenes, in the Arctic Circle, in the far north of Norway.
What makes seeing a country like Norway by sea so special is the journey through its various fjords. I was awestruck by how close we sailed to the high, forest-clad cliffs and towering waterfalls, all while taking in the majesty of the mountains, many of which remain dotted with snow and glaciers year-round.
The highlight of my voyage was the 16km journey into the Geiranger Fjord, a Unesco World Heritage site. This long, narrow arm of the sea is flanked by towering mountains on both sides. One notable sight was the Seven Sisters, a series of seven waterfalls cascading side by side into the fjord. My land excursion into Geiranger included a thrilling scenic bus tour to the impressive Trolls Ladder, culminating in a fine dining experience at the elevated Eggen Restaurant, which offers a grand, expansive view of the fjord.
I was thoroughly impressed with the land excursions that Havila Voyages offered. During a three-hour stop in the charming town of Trondheim, I walked over the Old Town Bridge to the magnificent Nidaros Cathedral, built in 1070. Other memorable stops included Bodø, Tromsø, and a visit to the Troll Museum (there is only one in the world). I dined with a Viking chieftain, explored Tromsø wilderness trails by e-bike, and had an intimate experience visiting the Indigenous Sami people, who are reindeer herders. Our small group sat around a blazing fire inside their yurt and shared stories, listened to songs in their language, and learned about the world of reindeer.
Life on the Havila Castor was a luxurious experience. My spacious cabin, with a dominating large panoramic window, offered a perfect retreat for relaxation at any time. The ship featured fine dining options, a well-equipped gym, two outdoor Jacuzzis (with the best views in the world), comfortable lounges indoors and outdoors, and the lure of a cozy fireplace. A perfect blend of comfort and indulgence.
Published Verve Magazine NZ, September 2024
Cruising Norway – Northern Lights, The Artic Circle, North Cape – experience Norway
