LET'S GO TO SEA
day 0: Welcome to the Netherlands!
Rotterdam
Plan on arriving at least one day prior to May 30 - your sailing date! Amsterdam may be your best gateway with an easy tranfers to Rotterdam for your pre cruise stay.
Upon arrival in Rotterdam, one of Europe's most dynamic and architecturally exciting cities, make your way to your hotel and settle in before the adventure begins.
This vibrant port city seamlessly blends its rich maritime heritage with bold contemporary design, world-class museums, lively waterfront promenades, and inviting cafés. If time permits, explore the city's striking modern architecture, stroll through the bustling Markthal, visit the historic Delfshaven district, or enjoy a relaxing harbor cruise through one of the world's largest ports.
Rest well tonight. Tomorrow, you'll board the elegant M/S Rotterdam and begin an unforgettable voyage with your hosts through the breathtaking fjords, charming villages, and dramatic coastal scenery of Norway.
Our Host Hotel in Rotterdam
The S/S Rotterdam Hotel
Step aboard a legend before your Norway adventure begins. We invite our Norway Voyage guests to spend the night before departure aboard the magnificent ss Rotterdam, the former flagship of the Holland America Line. Known affectionately as “La Grande Dame,” this remarkable 228-meter ocean liner was launched by Queen Juliana in 1958 and departed Rotterdam on her maiden voyage to New York on September 3, 1959. Once one of the largest passenger ships in the world and the largest ever built in the Netherlands, she carried travelers across the Atlantic and later sailed the world on glamorous cruises for decades. Today, beautifully restored and permanently docked in Rotterdam, she offers guests the rare opportunity to actually stay aboard a piece of maritime history.
The ss Rotterdam is far more than a hotel. Behind her iconic twin funnels, guests can explore beautifully preserved public rooms, original artwork, grand staircases, lounges, decks, restaurants, and bars that capture the glamour and optimism of ocean travel in the 1950s. The ship has been thoughtfully restored while incorporating modern comforts, and its former passenger cabins have been transformed into 254 four-star hotel rooms and suites, each with its own distinctive character and nautical style. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails in the Captain’s Lounge, and simply wander the ship and imagine the thousands of passengers who once sailed aboard her.
For our Norway Voyage guests, the ss Rotterdam is the perfect place to begin the experience. Arrive a day early, relax after your travels, explore one of Rotterdam’s most iconic landmarks, and enjoy an evening with fellow travelers before your adventure continues. Your journey to Norway begins not at the cruise terminal, but the moment you step aboard this legendary ship.
Rates starts at $279.00 per night. Book early with site2sea - Rooms are based on availabity.
You can visit the S/S Rotterdam hotel here>
Day 1: Your Norway Adventure Begins
30 May 2027
After breakfast, transfer to the cruise terminal and board Holland America Line's magnificent MS Rotterdam, your elegant home for the next 7 nights.
Once onboard, settle into your stateroom and begin exploring the ship's exceptional amenities, from stylish lounges and fine dining venues to spacious outdoor decks offering panoramic views. After the mandatory safety drill, enjoy sail-away as MS Rotterdam departs the Netherlands, beginning an unforgettable voyage to the spectacular fjords, mountains, and coastal villages of Norway.
This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome reception and introduction by your host, award-winning Norwegian landscape photographer Sven-Erik Knoff / and Voyage Host, Joshua Schwartz.
They'll provide an overview of the journey ahead, discuss the unique photographic opportunities awaiting you, and share tips to help you capture Norway at its very best.
Day 2: At Sea - Sailing to Oslo
31 May 2027
Enjoy a relaxing morning at sea as MS Rotterdam cruises north toward the spectacular Norwegian coast.
After breakfast, join your host, award-winning Norwegian landscape photographer Sven-Erik Knoff / FotoKnofff, and site2sea Voyage Host, Joshua Schwartz, for an engaging morning seminar introducing the remarkable destinations you'll visit throughout the voyage.
Learn about Norway's dramatic fjords, picturesque fishing villages, breathtaking viewpoints, and the best opportunities to capture each destination through your lens. Sven-Erik will also share practical photography tips, camera settings, composition techniques, and advice for photographing in Norway's ever-changing light and weather.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy the ship's many amenities, relax on deck, or continue planning for the unforgettable adventures that await in the days ahead.
Day 3: Cruising Oslofjord
1 June 2027
Awake early this morning as the M/S Rotterdam begins its scenic journey through the breathtaking Oslofjord, one of Norway's most beautiful waterways. Rather than a narrow fjord, the Oslofjord is a broad, island-dotted inlet stretching nearly 70 miles (110 km) from the Skagerrak Sea to Norway's vibrant capital.
From the open decks, watch as forested islands, colorful seaside villages, historic lighthouses, and elegant waterfront homes glide past. The ever-changing light reflecting off the calm waters creates stunning photographic opportunities, while each bend in the fjord reveals another picturesque vista.
As the ship draws closer to Oslo, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, with green hillsides giving way to the city's modern skyline, iconic architecture, and bustling harbor. It's a peaceful and unforgettable approach that perfectly introduces Norway's capital.
Keep your camera close—this leisurely cruise through the Oslofjord is one of the voyage's most memorable experiences and the perfect prelude to a day exploring the historic and cultural treasures of Oslo.
Day 3: OSLO
1 June 2027
After arriving in Oslo, enjoy a full day to discover one of Scandinavia's most vibrant and livable cities. Nestled between the fjord and surrounding forests, Oslo seamlessly blends modern architecture, rich Viking heritage, world-class museums, and abundant green spaces.
Stroll along the lively waterfront at Aker Brygge, admire the striking architecture of the Oslo Opera House, explore the historic Akershus Fortress, or visit one of the city's outstanding museums. Photography enthusiasts will find endless inspiration in Oslo's waterfront reflections, contemporary skyline, colorful neighborhoods, and scenic parks.
As evening falls, return to MS Rotterdam and enjoy dinner on board as your Norwegian adventure continues northward.
Day 4: Kristiansand
02 June 2027
This morning, arrive in Kristiansand, one of Norway's most picturesque seaside cities and the gateway to the country's beautiful southern coast. Known for its colorful waterfront, inviting marina, and relaxed atmosphere, Kristiansand blends maritime heritage with modern Scandinavian charm.
Wander through Posebyen, Northern Europe's largest collection of historic white wooden houses, where flower-filled streets, artisan boutiques, and cozy cafés create endless photographic opportunities. Stroll along the bustling harbor, visit the lively Fish Market, or relax at one of the waterfront restaurants while watching fishing boats and yachts come and go.
For photography enthusiasts, Kristiansand offers beautiful compositions at every turn—from vibrant harbor scenes and historic architecture to scenic coastal parks and sparkling waterfront vistas.
Whether you're capturing the morning light over the marina, colorful facades reflected in the harbor, or candid moments of local life, your hosts will share tips for creating memorable images.
BONUS: INCLUDED LYSEFJORD CRUISE FEATURING PULPIT ROCK (Preikestolen )
Experience the premium, eco-friendly Lysefjord cruise from Stavanger at the best value. Enjoy uncompromising comfort, local in-person guides, and silent sailing with our hybrid electric boat. On the 3.5hr cruise past the iconic Pulpit Rock, passing by the Stavanger islands and into the Lysefjord. Seeing these iconic landmarks from the water is majestic, and as we sail along, you will get multiple perspectives of this iconic location.
Day 5: Stavanger
3 June 2027
Today we arrive in Stavanger, one of Norway's most captivating cities and the gateway to its spectacular fjords. Rich in history yet distinctly modern, Stavanger combines centuries-old maritime heritage with a lively waterfront, colorful streets, and world-class cultural attractions.
After your INCLUDED LYSEFJORD CRUISE, Stroll through Gamle Stavanger, Europe's best-preserved collection of white wooden houses, where charming cobblestone lanes, colorful gardens, and quaint cafés provide endless opportunities for photography. Along the bustling harbor, you'll find an inviting mix of restaurants, boutiques, museums, and galleries set against a backdrop of sailboats and the sparkling North Sea.
Photography enthusiasts will delight in capturing Stavanger's unique blend of historic architecture, vibrant waterfront scenes, and dramatic coastal landscapes.
Whether you choose to explore independently, visit one of Stavanger's renowned museums, or simply relax along the picturesque harbor, this unforgettable port offers a wonderful balance of history, culture, and natural beauty before we continue our journey deeper into Norway's breathtaking fjord country.
Day 6: Scenic Cruising through Sognefjord
4 June 2027
Today is one of the most spectacular days of your voyage as the M/S Rotterdam sails deep into the majestic Sognefjord—the longest and deepest fjord in Norway and one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world.
Stretching more than 125 miles (204 km) inland from the North Sea and reaching depths of over 4,200 feet (1,300 meters), Sognefjord is often called the "King of the Fjords." Carved by massive glaciers during the last Ice Age, this UNESCO-recognized region showcases some of the most dramatic scenery on Earth.
As the ship glides silently through the calm waters, you'll be surrounded by towering granite cliffs, snow-capped mountains, emerald forests, and waterfalls cascading hundreds of feet into the fjord below. Tiny villages and centuries-old farms cling to impossibly steep mountainsides, many accessible only by boat, offering a fascinating glimpse into Norway's rich cultural heritage and the resilience of those who have called these remote landscapes home for generations.
This is a day to slow down and immerse yourself in the grandeur of nature. Find a comfortable spot on deck with your camera and simply enjoy the ever-changing panorama unfolding before you. Every bend in the fjord reveals a new masterpiece—dramatic peaks emerging from the morning mist, waterfalls sparkling in the sunlight, and mirror-like reflections that transform the landscape into a living work of art.
Day 6: Arrive Flåm
4 June 2027
By early-morning, we arrive in the idyllic village of Flåm, nestled at the end of the fjord beneath soaring cliffs and snow-capped peaks. This charming village is renowned for its spectacular scenery and is home to the famous Flåm Railway, considered one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. Explore at your own pace, discover waterfalls, hiking trails, local artisan shops, and cozy cafés, or simply soak in the peaceful beauty that surrounds you.
Nestled at the end of the breathtaking Aurlandsfjord, a spectacular branch of the mighty Sognefjord, Flåm is one of Norway's most iconic and picturesque destinations. Surrounded by towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, emerald valleys, and crystal-clear waters, this charming village of just a few hundred residents welcomes visitors from around the world seeking some of Scandinavia's most dramatic scenery.
From the serene waters of Sognefjord to the unforgettable landscapes of Flåm, today offers some of the finest scenery—and the most rewarding photographic opportunities—of the entire voyage.
Day 7: Sea Day - A final farewell
5 June 2027
After an unforgettable journey through Norway's spectacular fjords and charming coastal towns, today is yours to relax and reflect as the M/S Rotterdam sails across the North Sea toward Rotterdam.
Enjoy the ship's exceptional amenities, revisit your favorite photographs, or join your hosts for a final gathering celebrating the remarkable experiences and friendships made throughout the voyage. This is the perfect opportunity to exchange travel stories, share your favorite images, ask final photography questions, and relive the highlights of an extraordinary week in Norway.
This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special site2sea Farewell Reception, where we'll raise a toast to an unforgettable adventure and the memories we've created together. As the sun sets over the sea, celebrate new friendships, remarkable photographs, and the shared experience of exploring one of the world's most breathtaking destinations.
Tomorrow morning, we arrive back in Rotterdam, bringing this remarkable photographic journey to a close—but with memories and images that will last a lifetime.
Day 8: Rotterdam - Onward!
6 June 2027
This morning, we arrive back in Rotterdam, bringing our unforgettable journey through Norway's magnificent fjords to a close.
After breakfast, it's time to disembark and begin your onward travels. You may choose to transfer directly to the airport for your flight home or extend your European adventure with an optional post-cruise stay in Rotterdam, Amsterdam, or another destination.
As you depart, you'll take home far more than beautiful photographs—you'll leave with unforgettable memories, new friendships, and a deeper appreciation for Norway's extraordinary landscapes and culture.
We hope you'll join us again on another site2sea hosted adventure. Until then, safe travels and happy shooting!
The site2sea TEAM and our friends at Holland America thank you for joining us on this EPIC adventure!