This July, we are embarking on our very favorite cruise, known as the Holland America Line Voyage of the Vikings, for the 7th time.
We start on August 2nd in Boston and in the 35 days allotted, we visit Atlantic Canada, Iceland, Greenland, some combination of Ireland, Norway, and United Kingdom before turning around in the Netherlands and stopping at different ports in the same countries on the way back.
We are following the northern Transatlantic route that Viking ships are thought to have taken centuries before Christopher Columbus embarked on his voyages.
WHY A REPEAT JOURNEY?
When people hear we have repeated this once a year adventure so many times, they always ask why we do it and what makes it so special.
The short answer – it’s never the same experience twice. The places are unique, the scenery is amazingly beautiful and ever-changing, and the local people are friendly and happy to have us visit.
The itinerary: Although it follows generally the same route every year, there is just enough variation in the ports to keep it fresh. For example, one year we’ll make several stops in Norway, the next might be Ireland or Scotland instead.
The ports: We have so many favorites here, it’s hard to pick just a few:
- St John’s Newfoundland: a beautiful small city with a wonderful waterfront; a gorgeous, rugged coastline; and amazingly warm and welcoming people.
- Qaqortoq, Greenland: a unique and remote place where we are often surrounded by icebergs, tundra and a fascinating mix of native Greenlanders and Danish transplants.
- Djupivigor, Iceland: a small village with black sand beaches, great hiking trails, and delicious Icelandic waffles.
- Prins Christian Sund – a spectacular passage through the 66-mile long fjord that separates mainland Greenland from the archipelago off the southern tip – weather and icebergs permitting.
The weather: This is a cooler weather trip but not cold as some people think. We’ve experienced it all over 6 different years. That is what makes it fascinating. Sailing through an iceberg field is truly memorable – in fog, rain, hail or sun.
And of course, we do it all from the comfort of a mid-sized luxury cruise ship, where we have made some wonderful friends who share our joy in this kind of adventure.
In 2017, we’re doing it again, as hosts for Cruise Specialists. Wouldn’t you like to come along?
We leave on August 02, 2017 from Boston!! Just click below to get all the details.
Click here to learn more about this hosted voyage!
