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Forbes
3 hours ago
- Forbes
How To See The Best Of Trondheim On A Norway Cruise
These colorful buildings lining the river are a highlight of Trondheim's Bakklandet neighborhood. David Nikel Tucked between forested hills and a winding river, Trondheim might not be the most obvious stop on a Norway cruise, but that's exactly what makes it special. This former Viking capital is home to Norway's grandest cathedral, a thriving café culture and quiet cobbled streets where locals cycle to work year-round. Compact and walkable, it offers just enough history, charm and character to fill a rewarding day ashore, with fewer of the crowds you'll find in some Norwegian cruise destinations. Although not a constant fixture on cruise itineraries like Bergen or Ålesund, Trondheim still sees a steady flow of ships, especially on voyages heading north toward the Arctic. It serves as a cultural and geographical midpoint, with lines such as Silversea, Holland America, MSC Cruises, Ambassador Cruise Line, and AIDA making regular appearances throughout the cruise season. Whether you're planning to join a ship excursion or venture out independently, here's how to make the most of a cruise stop in Trondheim. Where Ships Dock In Trondheim Most cruise ships dock at Kai 68 in the Brattøra district, just a 10-minute walk from the city center. While some cruise lines provide shuttle buses, the walk is straightforward and manageable for most visitors. MSC 'Preziosa' cruise ship docked in Trondheim, Norway. David Nikel The route is clearly signposted and passes Rockheim, Norway's national museum of popular music, housed in a striking modern building. A pedestrian bridge crosses the railway tracks near Trondheim Central Station. It's steep, but there's an elevator for those who need it. On busy days, when multiple ships are in port, overflow vessels may be directed to an alternate pier in the Ila district, roughly a 25-minute walk from the city center. In this case, shuttle buses are often provided, though public buses also run nearby. If walking, take Hospitalsgata and Dronningens gate for a quieter, more picturesque route. Travelers arriving on the Norwegian coastal voyage with Hurtigruten or Havila will dock at the designated coastal terminal, separate from the main cruise pier. From there, it's roughly a 15-20-minute walk to the central area. Must-See Trondheim Highlights Your first stop should be Nidaros Cathedral, Norway's national shrine. Built over the burial site of Saint Olav, the Viking king who brought Christianity to Norway, it has been a site of pilgrimage for nearly a thousand years. If time and mobility allow, venture down to the atmospheric crypt to see a collection of medieval gravestones and climb the narrow spiral staircase to the tower for sweeping views over the city. The striking west front of Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, Norway. David Nikel Just next door, the Archbishop's Palace houses a well-curated museum showcasing Norway's royal regalia and archaeological finds from the cathedral's past. If history is your thing, a combination ticket covering all these attractions is both convenient and excellent value. From here, it's a short walk to Bakklandet, the city's prettiest neighborhood. Cross the red-painted Old Town Bridge to enter a photogenic district of colorful wooden houses, many of which are home to cozy cafés. Just watch out for cyclists. Excursions Or Independent Exploration? Trondheim is one of the easiest Norwegian ports to explore on your own, but excursions may appeal if you're looking to dig deeper. Some tours take guests to Kristiansten Fortress for panoramic views and often incorporate Trondheim's hidden Second World War history. Others venture outside the city to Sverresborg, an open-air folk museum that recreates rural Norwegian life with historic buildings relocated from across the region. At approximately $45, the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus is expensive, yet it's likely a cheaper option than a sightseeing tour of the city arranged by your cruise line. It only has four stops but they are spaced out, so plan your tour carefully to ensure you don't face a long wait or a long walk. Another alternative to consider is walking into the city to visit Nidaros Cathedral, then taking the tram up to the city forest. On the way, you'll get wonderful views across the city plus a taste of the Norwegian outdoors lifestyle. If the weather is nice, take a picnic lunch to enjoy by the lake. Know Before You Go To Trondheim The weather in Trondheim can be unpredictable, even in summer. Bring a light waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes. Credit cards are accepted everywhere, and tap-to-pay is standard. English is widely spoken. One place you can't pay by card is on the bus or tram, where only cash is accepted, albeit with limited to no change. That's because virtually all Norwegians use a physical travel card or the AtB app, available in English, to buy and display tickets. If you have cell coverage available, the app is by far the easiest and cheapest way to buy tickets. If not, consider buying a day pass in advance from Narvesen or 7-Eleven outlets throughout the city. If your time in Trondheim is limited, prioritize the cathedral, Bakklandet, and a stroll along the Nidelva river. With a little planning, even a short port stop can offer a memorable glimpse into one of Norway's most livable cities. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes How To Spend A Weekend In Trondheim, Norway By David Nikel Forbes How To Plan A Norwegian Fjords Cruise In 2025 By David Nikel Forbes Avoid These 10 Rookie Mistakes On Your First Cruise By David Nikel
USA Today
5 days ago
- USA Today
How are cruise ship itineraries planned? Inside the years-long process
Holland America Line will visit a maiden port in 2026, stopping for the first time in Odda, Norway. Before the town was added to more than a dozen itineraries, Paul Grigsby, the cruise line's vice president of deployment and itinerary planning, had to see it for himself. He and Robert de Bruin, director of deployment and itinerary planning, traveled to Bergen in January 2024 and on to Odda, where they surveyed the port's conditions, met with officials and explored the surrounding region. 'Even in the harsh conditions of January (everything was frozen and snowy – shows the grit of our Pacific Northwest cruise line to do port research in the Norwegian winter!), it was clear it would be the perfect stop during a cruise of the fjords, sailing past the region's apple orchards and offering some excellent shore excursions,' Grigsby told USA TODAY. That's all part of the itinerary planning process. Well before guests embark, many months of preparation go into crafting the routes they'll take during their trip. Here's how cruises are planned. How are Holland America cruises planned? When creating new itineraries, Grigsby said guest feedback informs the team's thinking. 'We take seriously the surveys that we do,' he said. 'We do a couple of those a year where we get a sense of what destinations guests are interested in.' They ask about preferred ports, how long they'd like to visit and more. The cruise line also keeps an eye on industry trends and 'what's motivating people to travel these days.' Grigsby cited astrotourism, for example, which has shown up in itineraries designed around seeing solar eclipses or the Northern Lights. After developing the concept, the cruise line incorporates it into an itinerary plan, utilizing the expertise of its team members. 'I have a couple of navigators that came off the ships that are the ones that are really essentially designing these cruises to make sure that they are, let's say, navigable, right? That you can actually sail these things,' Grigsby said. The cruise line's port operations team is typically the 'boots on the ground' when it comes to scouting out new ports the cruise line hasn't visited before, while its marine team investigates whether these ports can accommodate its ships. 'Not just if it's a dock, but also if it's an anchorage, they need to make sure that the tender docks are adequate and meet the expectations of our brand,' Grigsby said. Because Holland America is part of Carnival Corp. – which includes Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn and other brands – he added that even if their team hasn't visited a given destination, they can tap their colleagues elsewhere in the company who may have. 'And we'll use some of their research to help guide us,' Grigsby said. Some destinations also demand a certain amount of flexibility. 'We have a few cruises that go to Greenland, and you really never know until you get to a couple weeks before a departure what the ice conditions are going to be like,' he said. 'So, what we do is we build in some buffers. We add some slow speed – slow steaming, as we call it – so that the ship can adapt to whatever ice conditions they may be dealing with.' The planning isn't limited to what happens on the ship, either. The cruise line has a dedicated shore excursion team that helps build out a selection of land-based activities to accompany the ocean-going adventures. How long does it take to plan a cruise? Itineraries usually take between two-and-a-half to three years to plan, according to Grigsby. Sometimes the process can take even longer. What makes a good cruise itinerary? Some cruises – such as Alaska itineraries, where there are only so many ports ships can visit – are more straightforward. Those satisfy guest expectations, but Grigsby particularly enjoys planning voyages that have something extra thrown in. For example, he designed a 2025 sailing through the Coral Triangle – the most diverse marine ecosystem on Earth – in collaboration with a marine biologist. The cruise, which is available to book again for 2027, incorporated programming about wildlife, volcanology and indigenous cultures. 'I think that the best itineraries are those that have various layers of stories and themes, and not just a collection of ports,' Grigsby said.
CBC
7 days ago
- CBC
Corner Brook cruise season is well underway as the Volendam makes call to port
More and more cruise ships have made stops in Corner Brook in recent years, and that means more and more tourists coming ashore. The Holland America MS Volendam and its 1,400 passengers arrived on Wednesday, and the CBC's Leila Beaudoin was there.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Yahoo
Holland America Line Marks America's 250th Anniversary in 2026 with Cruise to Historical U.S. Ports
The July 4 departure aboard Zuiderdam sails roundtrip from Boston and includes an overnight in New York and a visit to Norfolk, Virginia SEATTLE, July 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of America's 250th birthday in 2026, Holland America Line is sailing a landmark cruise roundtrip from Boston — the epicenter of the American Revolution. The seven-day "America's 250th Celebration: Stars & Stripes Voyage" aboard Zuiderdam departs July 4, 2026, and includes a visit to Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, an overnight visit to New York City, as well as a special call at Norfolk, Virginia, with access to Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown. Guests will have a front-row seat to explore the heart of American culture and history. As Zuiderdam departs Boston, the ship plans to position in Boston Harbor, so guests can take in the city's iconic Fourth of July fireworks from a distance, a truly unique sailaway celebration. Following Saint John, guests will enjoy a rare call at Norfolk and an overnight at New York before returning to Boston. "America's 250th anniversary is a singular milestone, and we're excited to mark this historic occasion with a cruise that brings our guests closer to the places where our nation was born," said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line. "From walking the grounds of Williamsburg and visiting Ellis Island to exploring Boston's Freedom Trail, this voyage offers an unforgettable journey through American history. And with special events planned to celebrate the Fourth of July in true patriotic style, it promises to be a meaningful and memorable experience for everyone on board." Tours in Norfolk Offer Visits to Important Historical SitesCombining key Revolutionary War ties, an important naval legacy and significant Semiquincentennial celebrations, a visit to Norfolk opens the door to historical exploration. During the call, guests can take shore excursions to three Virginia towns that are among the most important in American history: Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown. The "Colonial Williamsburg & Governor's Palace" shore excursion takes guests to Virginia's historic peninsula, home to Jamestown, Yorktown and Colonial the "Jamestown Settlement & American Revolution Museum at Yorktown" tour, guests visit Colonial National Historic Park, connecting Jamestown and Yorktown. Overnight at New York Coincides with 'Sail 4th 250' Tall Ships VisitZuiderdam arrives in New York in time to catch the conclusion of the "Sail 4th 250" tall ships flotilla that takes place in the city July 3-8, 2026. For Sail 4th 250, the largest fleet of the world's tall ships and gray hull ships will assemble in New York Harbor for the week. When Zuiderdam cruises into New York July 8 past Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, Sail 4th's "Farewell to the Fleet" will be happening as the tall ships depart for Boston, offering the possibility to get a glimpse of some of the tall ships sailing by. With an overnight visit, guests have more time to explore New York, see the sites and experience the vibrant nightlight of the city that never sleeps. Guests who want to delve into America's history while in the Big Apple can take the "Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island" shore excursion that includes a visit to both of these iconic locales. The "New York City by Land & Sea" features a cruise on the city's waterways for unique views of several landmarks, including Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Fares for the seven-day "America's 250th Celebration: Stars & Stripes Voyage" start at $1,459 per person, double occupancy, and include port fees and taxes. For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit Find Holland America Line on Facebook, Instagram and the Holland America Blog. You can also access all social media outlets via the home page at About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)] Holland America Line has been exploring the world for more than 150 years with expertly crafted itineraries, extraordinary service and genuine connections to the destinations. Offering a perfectly-sized ship experience, its fleet of 11 vessels visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world and has shared the thrill of Alaska for more than 75 years — longer than any other cruise line. Savour the Journey isn't just a tagline, it's a reinforcement that the cruise line provides experiences too good to hurry through, connecting travelers to the world and each other. Award-winning enrichment programming, entertainment and cuisine that brings each locale on board, including a revolutionary Global Fresh Fish Program, put Holland America Line at the forefront of premium cruising. CONTACT: Bill Zucker PHONE: 800-637-5029, 206-626-9890 EMAIL: pr@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Holland America Line
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Yahoo
Holland America Line Marks America's 250th Anniversary in 2026 with Cruise to Historical U.S. Ports
The July 4 departure aboard Zuiderdam sails roundtrip from Boston and includes an overnight in New York and a visit to Norfolk, Virginia SEATTLE, July 3, 2025 /CNW/ -- In honor of America's 250th birthday in 2026, Holland America Line is sailing a landmark cruise roundtrip from Boston — the epicenter of the American Revolution. The seven-day "America's 250th Celebration: Stars & Stripes Voyage" aboard Zuiderdam departs July 4, 2026, and includes a visit to Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, an overnight visit to New York City, as well as a special call at Norfolk, Virginia, with access to Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown. Guests will have a front-row seat to explore the heart of American culture and history. As Zuiderdam departs Boston, the ship plans to position in Boston Harbor, so guests can take in the city's iconic Fourth of July fireworks from a distance, a truly unique sailaway celebration. Following Saint John, guests will enjoy a rare call at Norfolk and an overnight at New York before returning to Boston. "America's 250th anniversary is a singular milestone, and we're excited to mark this historic occasion with a cruise that brings our guests closer to the places where our nation was born," said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line. "From walking the grounds of Williamsburg and visiting Ellis Island to exploring Boston's Freedom Trail, this voyage offers an unforgettable journey through American history. And with special events planned to celebrate the Fourth of July in true patriotic style, it promises to be a meaningful and memorable experience for everyone on board." Tours in Norfolk Offer Visits to Important Historical SitesCombining key Revolutionary War ties, an important naval legacy and significant Semiquincentennial celebrations, a visit to Norfolk opens the door to historical exploration. During the call, guests can take shore excursions to three Virginia towns that are among the most important in American history: Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown. The "Colonial Williamsburg & Governor's Palace" shore excursion takes guests to Virginia's historic peninsula, home to Jamestown, Yorktown and Colonial the "Jamestown Settlement & American Revolution Museum at Yorktown" tour, guests visit Colonial National Historic Park, connecting Jamestown and Yorktown. Overnight at New York Coincides with 'Sail 4th 250' Tall Ships VisitZuiderdam arrives in New York in time to catch the conclusion of the "Sail 4th 250" tall ships flotilla that takes place in the city July 3-8, 2026. For Sail 4th 250, the largest fleet of the world's tall ships and gray hull ships will assemble in New York Harbor for the week. When Zuiderdam cruises into New York July 8 past Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, Sail 4th's "Farewell to the Fleet" will be happening as the tall ships depart for Boston, offering the possibility to get a glimpse of some of the tall ships sailing by. With an overnight visit, guests have more time to explore New York, see the sites and experience the vibrant nightlight of the city that never sleeps. Guests who want to delve into America's history while in the Big Apple can take the "Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island" shore excursion that includes a visit to both of these iconic locales. The "New York City by Land & Sea" features a cruise on the city's waterways for unique views of several landmarks, including Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Fares for the seven-day "America's 250th Celebration: Stars & Stripes Voyage" start at $1,459 per person, double occupancy, and include port fees and taxes. For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit Find Holland America Line on Facebook, Instagram and the Holland America Blog. You can also access all social media outlets via the home page at About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)] Holland America Line has been exploring the world for more than 150 years with expertly crafted itineraries, extraordinary service and genuine connections to the destinations. Offering a perfectly-sized ship experience, its fleet of 11 vessels visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world and has shared the thrill of Alaska for more than 75 years — longer than any other cruise line. Savour the Journey isn't just a tagline, it's a reinforcement that the cruise line provides experiences too good to hurry through, connecting travelers to the world and each other. Award-winning enrichment programming, entertainment and cuisine that brings each locale on board, including a revolutionary Global Fresh Fish Program, put Holland America Line at the forefront of premium cruising. CONTACT: Bill Zucker PHONE: 800-637-5029, 206-626-9890 EMAIL: pr@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Holland America Line View original content to download multimedia:
