Why I Chose This Cruise 🌍

After a chaotic year, I was craving something different — fresh air, epic landscapes, and some much-needed escapism. The Norwegian fjords had always been on my bucket list — wild, rugged, and just remote enough to feel like another world.

Honestly, the second I saw the itinerary, my camera packed itself before I even had! 📸✨ I was drawn to the raw, untouched beauty of Norway — the promise of glaciers, towering cliffs, mirror-like waters, and those magical little villages that looked like they’d stepped out of a storybook.
I wanted a trip that wasn’t just a getaway but an experience — somewhere that would leave my soul and my memory cards overflowing.

Day 1: At Sea — Finding My Groove 🌊🎧

First day at sea — a full day to settle in and explore everything the ship had to offer!
Sea days can sometimes drag if you’re not careful, but I made it my mission to squeeze the most out of it.

• 📖 I caught up on reading (and a bit of cheeky people-watching from the sun deck).
• 🍴 I explored the ship’s buffet way more enthusiastically than I should probably admit.
• 🏋️‍♂️ I even found time for the gym — though let’s be real, it was mainly to scout the spa prices next door.
• 🎶 And the highlight? The ship’s Silent Disco — which I absolutely fell head over heels for!
  Picture it: a dancefloor full of people, all grooving to different tunes, each wearing headphones…
  Switch the channel and suddenly you’re singing Spice Girls at the top of your lungs while the guy next to you is headbanging to Metallica. It was pure chaotic joy and I live for it!
  Honestly, I never thought I’d love something so weird so much. It ended up being one of my favourite memories from the trip.

Day 2: Stavanger — A Charming Start + Epic Trek 🏡🥾

First port! Stavanger was the perfect warm-up act. A quaint city with colourful houses, cosy cafes, and cobbled streets that felt straight out of a fairy tale. I wandered around the Old Town, soaked in the harbour views, and had my first taste of Norwegian waffles.

But the adventure didn’t stop there! We decided to take a LONG walk out to visit Sverd i Fjell — the iconic giant swords monument.
It was a trek and a half (seriously, bring good shoes!) but along the way, we got a real glimpse of true Norwegian suburban life — peaceful streets, kids playing outside, and a sense of calm that’s hard to find anywhere else. Totally worth the walk!

Day 3: Olden — The Showstopper 🏔️✨

Olden stole my heart — and honestly, it did it the moment I opened my cabin curtains that morning.
We were gliding silently into port, the ship carving through a mirror-like fjord with towering mountains on either side. It genuinely felt like waking up in another world. The air was crisp, the sunlight bounced off the mountains, and the crystal-clear waters gave these jaw-dropping, perfect reflections that made the whole scene feel almost surreal. 🪞🌄

Later, I set off on a glacier excursion and it just kept getting better. Vast valleys, icy-blue glaciers, and scenery so dramatic it could make a poet cry. The air was so fresh it practically slapped me awake. Honestly, if I could bottle up the magic of Olden and carry it with me forever, I would. ✨

Day 4: Alesund — Steps, Steps, and More Steps! 🥾🏞️

Alesund is gorgeous with its Art Nouveau architecture, but to really see it shine you’ve got to climb. 418 steps up to Fjellstua Viewpoint — and yep, I climbed every single one! 🥵 The reward? Some of my best drone footage and panoramic views that honestly made me a little emotional.

Day 5: Langfoss Waterfall — Pure Drama 🌊🚐

This was a shore excursion day to the epic Langfoss waterfall — one of the most powerful and breathtaking sights I’ve ever seen. Towering cliffs, relentless roaring water… it was nature in full drama mode, and I was absolutely here for it.

But here’s the part I’ll never forget — I drank straight from the waterfall itself. 💦 No bottled water, no filter — just pure, glacier-fed, ice-cold freshness. It was hands down the freshest, cleanest water I’ve ever tasted, and perfectly safe too. There’s something magical about sipping straight from nature’s own tap! It made me feel connected to the place in a way that no souvenir ever could.

If you ever get the chance — do it. You won’t taste anything purer.

Day 6: At Sea — The Struggle Was Real 😅

Second sea day — and let’s just say finding entertainment was harder this time! After such action-packed days, cabin fever crept in. I lounged, I journaled, and I may have eaten my bodyweight in buffet desserts just to pass the time. (No regrets.)

Day 7: Disembarkation — The End (For Now) 🚪🚶‍♂️

Just like that, it was time to say goodbye to my floating home. Disembarking is always a weird mix of sadness and excitement for what’s next. I left with a camera full of photos, a heart full of memories, and one very full stomach. 😉

Reflection + Future Cruise Dreams 🛳️🌟

This trip was exactly what I needed — adventure, stillness, and a serious injection of inspiration. The Norwegian fjords are truly nature’s masterpiece. It has reignited my love of travelling and I cannot wait for the next adventure.

Looking ahead?
I’ve already got my next big cruising adventure lined up — we are planning a 14-night extravaganza exploring the Canary Islands, Spain, Madeira and Morocco in 2027! ☀️🌴🌍

And one thing’s for sure:
🚨 Future cruise requirement: must have a Silent Disco! 🚨

Until the next adventure… 🌍✨

---

Dan (StudioDJC)