Bergen view from the water on a sunny day (Alexis Weinrich)
For many travelers, flying is the obvious choice for convenient tourism across Europe, but for those that crave a plunge into less conventional settings, it is not always the most fitting option. Departing from Kiel (with additional opportunities in Hamburg), Costa Cruises, a cruise line known for its Mediterranean flair, presents an immersive opportunity to explore Scandinavia without the stressors of flights, rental cars, food budgets and hotels.
At the time of writing, a seven-day cruise for two via the Costa Diadema including lodging with meals, gratuities and once-in-a-lifetime experiences costs approximately $2,800.
Copenhangen view from the water on a sunny day (Alexis Weinrich)
Cruise-goers are then immediately immersed in the modern yet historic charm of Copenhagen. This entails seeing the Changing of the Royal Guard at Amalienborg Palace, visiting the Little Mermaid statue and discovering iconic spots throughout Nyhavn. Electric bikes line the streets and provide couples with a cheap and memorable excursion around the city that is truly their own.
After a day of relaxed frivolity at sea, travelers devote the rest of the journey to exploring Norway’s fjords. Of note, visiting these destinations would require up to a seven-hour drive by car from Oslo or Bergen International Airport.
Passengers awake the following morning as the ship passes by the ancient Viking port of Hellesylt and enters the Geiranger Fjord. With a warm beverage in hand, they are able to listen to the tale of the Seven Sisters from the deck as they pass by their namesake waterfalls.
Hellesylt Geiranger Fjord (Alexis Weinrich)
At the northernmost destination is Geiranger where travelers have the opportunity to hike the Vesterasfjellet trail and experience the stunning fjord views from above before continuing along the Storsaeterfossen trail for a close-up waterfall experience. The time saved by not driving from Oslo allows couples the opportunity to breathe the clean air, sip the glacial water, or stop at the Bryggeri Brewery along the trail for a well-earned IPA. A quick stop at Sjokolade Fjordnaer at the port provides voyagers a great chance to experience Norway’s “brown cheese,” covered in their locally made chocolate.
Further south lies Norway’s second-largest city, Bergen. Travelers can experience panoramic views on the Floibanen funicular, pet domesticated goats, see the colorful wooden houses of Bryggen, and even stop by the Leprosy Museum for a unique and educational history of the disease and Norway’s native, Armauer Hansen. Not far from the wharf lies the Bergenhus Festning, a fortress constructed around 1250 and used during World War II. Tourists can end their adventure in the fish market and experience the local cuisine by grabbing a reindeer hot dog or moose burger before boarding the ship.
The cruise wraps up in Stavanger, the petroleum capital of Norway and the city known for its street art. The Ovre Holmegate (the color street) provides a vibrant conflation of colors, cobblestone, and cafes for tourists to savor. Boker og Borst is a particular fan-favorite for bookish comforts and a homemade cinnamon bun.
The excitement of this city is in its knowledge, where one museum ticket gets you access to many. It is especially known for the comprehensive experience within the Petroleum Museum. For nature lovers, taking a trip to the Sverd i fjell (Swords in Rock) or booking an excursion through the cruise line to the Lysefjord and Pulpit Rock is a brilliant opportunity to see the landscape, but expect to pay extra.
Stavanger with a cloud-filled sky (Alexis Weinrich)
Excursion packages are not necessary to have a lively adventure on this cruise, but they can provide unforgettable memories.
These experiences available to cruise-goers are remarkably more difficult to achieve via flights. A roundtrip flight for two from Frankfurt to Copenhagen costs roughly $500, with the same going for Oslo. With hotel fees approximating $100 per night, plus rental car expenses ranging from $35/day and up, gas, and the mental complexities of traveling in a mountainous landscape to more remote destinations, such as Geiranger, and it can quickly become apparent how a cruise can dramatically simplify these travel intricacies.
Alongside the memories offshore, one should not forget the additional benefits onboard. From daily trivia to nightly performances (included with even the most basic cruise packages), couples can find plenty of entertainment when not sightseeing. Buffets and restaurants allow for hearty meals and even the opportunity to meet fellow travelers if desired. With a sprinkle of late-night bashes, flash mobs by the waitstaff and even a gymnasium/running track for the health conscious, a cruise has the best of both worlds for every kind of traveler.
Living in Europe provides a unique opportunity to see these parts of the world, and it does not have to be difficult to do so. When it comes to balancing finances with the delights of travel, a cruise offers couples the best opportunity to take advantage of their finite time in Scandinavia.
Costa Diadema cruise shop sitting on the water on a foggy day (Alexis Weinrich)
Editor’s Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of Defense.