What's a Holland America Norway cruise like?

Рет қаралды 68,049

Жыл бұрын

Tom and I just got back from spending a week in Norway aboard Holland America Line’s newest ship, the Rotterdam. Let me say upfront that Norway is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited and I’m so grateful for our time there. Lush, clean, and with landscapes that look like something out of a fairytale, Norway is one of those places I’ll remember forever. The Norway cruise experience with Holland America aboard the Rotterdam was the perfect way to see Norway, so I hope you enjoy the video!
Thank you to Holland America for hosting us on this media trip.
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Salut! I'm Diane, an American who has lived in France since 2012 and the creator of the blog/KZfaq channel Oui In France. My channel's focus is "Everyday French life and beyond." I make videos on French culture topics, France vs. US culture comparisons, food, travel, language, and give you my thoughts about what it's like living in France as an American in the Loire Valley. Thanks for being here and if you enjoy this sort of thing, please share with friends and subscribe!
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#hollandamerica #norway #travelvlog

Пікірлер: 117

@sergel02 Жыл бұрын

Holland America is a great line for people who don’t want large of crowds or too much partying, but want good food, nice staff, and some enrichment. Also very good for introverts.

@yaowsers77 Жыл бұрын

This looks like my kind of cruise! Very easy going, no over exertion, and low temps in the middle of summer. Thanks for this!

@OuiInFrance Жыл бұрын

Our pleasure!

@cltransler Жыл бұрын

The thing I love about cruising is that you can do as much, or as little, as you want. I've done a number of cruises to Mexico (I'm in California) and I found that I no longer need to go on the excursions, so I hang out on the ship. We had the ship almost completely to ourselves! The staff was so attentive, because there was no one else there. We took a bunch of board games from the library and spent the afternoon drinking and playing games. My favorite cruise pastime is when the ship is leaving port from an excursion, the people that don't believe the "be back by five or we'll leave without you" rule. Everyone stands on deck or at their balconies encouraging the late people to run and catch the boat. Everyone cheers when they make it! It looks like you had a great time! That looks like a fun cruise to try.

@MissNCGirl Жыл бұрын

Norway is beyond stunning!! Thank you, and Tom, for sharing your vacation!

@semilvr Жыл бұрын

Norway is a dream destination for me! Loved this, looked like a great time. Thank you!

@robind.2290 Жыл бұрын

I have never taken a cruise so this was a wonderful introduction to a beautiful ship, thank you!

@sarahbutler4753 Жыл бұрын

I love that you won the flower raffle! 😊

@OuiInFrance Жыл бұрын

Yessss, was so nice to have fresh flowers for the week!

@andyshacks7812 Жыл бұрын

Norway has been on my go-to list for years. It does look absolutely stunning! The ship looked really well run and immaculate and the food - wow.

@abigray8585 8 ай бұрын

It is incredible. Flåm is the best place in Norway.

@denisescull4227 Жыл бұрын

Beautiful footage and I appreciate that you explained what you were doing and the tidbits of info along the way. Thank you for taking us along, it was lovely

@OuiInFrance Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@donnabennett4799 Жыл бұрын

That was stunning! Thank you I am glad y’all had a beautiful time!💚

@OuiInFrance Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!!

@peggy2429 Жыл бұрын

We were on this ship in June also sailing in Norway. Beautiful ship and loved Norway.

@abigray8585 8 ай бұрын

Always wanted to go to Oslo, but I have been to Flåm, Olden, Hagusund and Stavanger.

@cherienewlove5666 10 ай бұрын

Hi, i loved the way you edited this video. Loved your relaxed tone and great commentary. This cruuseline looks awesome!

@tiggergutt70 Жыл бұрын

Nice to hear you enjoyed your stay in my beautiful and lovely country! A former french who became norwegian for 22 years ago. Cheers from Bergen!

@OuiInFrance Жыл бұрын

Thank you! 😃

@maobfh Жыл бұрын

My sister and her husband are big fans of Holland America. As an Art Major, it would be no big surprise that she seems to enjoy the artwork on every ship she has sailed. She likes some of the entertainment, which I would guess would be their (Holland America) goal. That there be at least one show that everyone would enjoy. I have never been on a cruise ship as being onboard a ship is something he vowed he would never do again once he finished his military career after leaving the USS Neverdock. ; D He has recently departed and once my brain gets used to the idea, I think I will put a cruise back on the table to consider. A cruise to/from Norway has a much better appeal than the Caribbean, but what do I know? Thanks for a good overview of your cruise! I enjoyed it!

@pipo5933 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the great video. HAL is my favorite line and I always want to ride the Rotterdam (including the previous one). After viewing your video, I think I would enjoy this itinerary and I definitely want to go.😊

@alexandravalerious3274 Жыл бұрын

this was such a peaceful and informative vlog thank you for sharing this

@OuiInFrance Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@Xsh755 Жыл бұрын

A very nice video and thank you for letting us come along. Looks like an extremely nice cruise and definitely one to go for for me if I can find a decent deal without the full single supplement😊 A cruise to the Fjords of 🇳🇴 is on my list and it looks stunning❤

@sandrad3346 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for taking us along on your Norway cruise with Tom. It looked fantastic! 😊

@OuiInFrance Жыл бұрын

You're very welcome!

@lesshustlemorecoffee Жыл бұрын

That was amazing. You did such a great job putting this together. I’ve never been on a cruise. But I’d like to someday. I enjoyed this so much while I stuffed payroll checks! ha

@OuiInFrance Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much. So glad you enjoyed it!

@laarnisoriano2393 Жыл бұрын

I went cruising in Alaska with Holland America. I love it. Very relaxing. Food and service is great! looking forward for my next adventure in Norway with Ms. Rotterdam 🚢

@AlisonPickering1960 Жыл бұрын

Great video - thank you so much for posting!

@OuiInFrance Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@robertlemoine3500 9 ай бұрын

Thankyou 😊

@kestag2110 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video. We are looking at Scandinavian/Baltic cruise or Norway Fjords and have been looking at HAL, this is helpful.

@naren2k6 9 ай бұрын

You lucky Hound, Norway simply rocks. Great video

@KAFNOR Жыл бұрын

You were in my neck of the woods! 😍I live in Bergen. I also stopped in Eidfjord on my vacation this year, took a picture of that very same glacier as you, and also ended up at the port in Oslo. Loved watching your trip! And yes, it's been our wettest, coolest summer in 60 years, while your rivers have been drying up. BTW, my grandma (an American who married a Norwegian and therefore ended up here) said she loved Norway in part because it was so close to the rest of Europe. 😀

@julieparker8176 Жыл бұрын

Nice video, Diane!

@kathleemcallister 5 ай бұрын

love our formal outfit

@ladysparkymartin Жыл бұрын

That was fun and different! Glad you had a good time! (My only cruise was over 20 yrs ago, short trip from LA to Ensenada, economy room with too may friends and no windows! Bleh! But maybe I’ll try another proper one someday) 😂💃😊👍

@NewMexico-FrankJen Жыл бұрын

We really enjoyed this vlog! Great job! I never thought I’d want to cruise on Holland, but that’s changed 😊.

@OuiInFrance Жыл бұрын

So glad!

@lisadeleon262 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the review. We're doing this in June!

@OuiInFrance Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful! Have a great trip!!

@robinmize4798 Жыл бұрын

Never been on a cruise but this looked like a really nice trip!

@OuiInFrance Жыл бұрын

It really was and Norway in the summer is perfection!

@foreverlearningfrench Жыл бұрын

Salut Diane ! This video was amazing.

@OuiInFrance Жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!!

@alanjames7877 Жыл бұрын

I can’t wait to sail on Holland America again. We booked the greenhouse spa package for the entire week and I loved that therapy pool. The food and entertainment was and still looks superb! You’re right about the distance issues from the US. We tried to do a Norway cruise this October but the airfare was ridiculous. Someday 🤞. Great video, Diane!

@OuiInFrance Жыл бұрын

Ooooh when are you going? The spa is sooo nice. Yes, the airfares (especially now) from the US are not great. Glad you enjoyed this one, thanks!

@sandylee1717 Жыл бұрын

“Twerking contests”. Lol

@raffinataonline Жыл бұрын

Well done. Merci. Thinking about booking my first cruise. 👍👏

@OuiInFrance Жыл бұрын

You're very welcome! Yes, check them out, so many great destinations!

@livingthegoodlifechannel Жыл бұрын

I cannot imagine how good 50F feels after 100+ degree weather. Enjoy!

@drachenfeuer5042 Жыл бұрын

Great food .older crowd ,older but cared for ships

@Alice_Novelland Жыл бұрын

Thank you for this wonderful review! :) Do you need wifi for the navigator app?

@tiggergutt70 Жыл бұрын

I feel so sorry for you, because this weather this summer was quite ugly in Norway. When sunny, this country is definitively one the most beautiful you can visit.

@leslikuyweski4576 Жыл бұрын

The first cruise I went on was with Holland America. The Vollendam. It was great!

@OuiInFrance Жыл бұрын

Awesome, was it Alaska?

@leslikuyweski4576 Жыл бұрын

@@OuiInFrance, from New York to Bermuda!

@jml4774 Жыл бұрын

Looks like fun, but you must like the boat experience as much as the off-boat trips (so, maybe you see less of the country than you would otherwise.) I LOVE the idea of you cruising with your dad. How nice and I'm sure it will be great fun.

@OuiInFrance Жыл бұрын

Yes, we can't wait!

@davidtavakoli5858 11 ай бұрын

Very well done video - thank you! Sailing on sister ship Koningsdam to Hawaii for 17 days in January 2024. First time to sail Holland America and I can't wait!😃

@OuiInFrance 11 ай бұрын

Have fun! Great ship and itinerary!!

@jhollie8196 Жыл бұрын

On my bucket list. Doing the Panama Canal full transit in Feb on Zaandam and after that planning on a Norway adventure on HAL. Any excursions you would recommend? Thanks for video

@sherrieshatzen3801 Жыл бұрын

Loved the cruise. I've never done a cruise but you have piqued my curiosity. Norway seems like an ideal destination--especially as we are having triple digit temps here in Northern CA right now. Lots of beautiful scenery. Did you get any sense of the Norwegian people? Being on a cruise probably proivdes a lot less opportunity to mingle & get to know the people who live there. Where are you & your father going to go?

@ilhuicatlamatini Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing this, I’ve always been interested in a cruise but afraid maybe I’d be letdown and seasick. This helped a lot, let me see what to expect! I really appreciate your attention to details. I won’t be going anytime soon, it this one is definitely a goal for the next 2 to 3 years :)

@OuiInFrance Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@ankra12 Жыл бұрын

Welcome to my country.

@robertlemoine3500 9 ай бұрын

Excellent Job Miss , new sub .

@OuiInFrance 9 ай бұрын

Welcome!

@TheArmouredArmadillo Жыл бұрын

Did a 14 day cruise on Rotterdam last July, was absolutely amazing, won derful time. Great ship and a beautiful country. May well have been on your ship ofc, given the 14 day cruise we did started in Amsterdam, went to Rotterdam instead in the middle due to Amsterdam canal being restricted, then ended in Rotterdam too for the same reason.

@OuiInFrance Жыл бұрын

Glad you had a great trip!!

@chateau7 Жыл бұрын

That was fun - gorgeous: and the "typical cruises" make me cringe. Thank you. By the way, for your Amazon book list, I'd recommend three more books. The first: "My Family and Other Animals" by British naturalist Gerald Durrell. (The audiobook is incredibly charming. If you enjoy Peter Mayle, you'll love Gerald Durrell.) The second: "The New Well-Tempered Sentence: A Punctuation Handbook for the Innocent, the Eager, and the Doomed." The third: "The Deluxe Transitive Vampire: The Ultimate Handbook of Grammar for the Innocent, the Eager, and the Doomed."

@semsemeini7905 10 ай бұрын

They used to have Tubs. I don't like showers.

@MelanieHenderson-bu5fj Ай бұрын

Great video. What time of year was this? Thanks

@OuiInFrance 24 күн бұрын

July ;-)

@helpicantfindaname1 Жыл бұрын

Could you please please please please tell me where you went hiking and if there are other opportunities to get away from people and do some hiking?

@juniperdog5523 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for this! I know the destinations were very different but how did this cruise line compare to Costa?

@OuiInFrance Жыл бұрын

Both were brand new ships and staff was great on both, but HAL is a bit more low-key with entertainment such as a string quartet whereas Costa had a their own rendition of The Voice singing show. HAL had an older crowd overall, so think fewer kids running around, and I found the food to be better on HAL. But it's not an apples to apples comparison since they were different destinations. Just two different vibes. ;-)

@drduplessie Жыл бұрын

McDonalds - did you ever go to the one across from Century 21 at WTC? They had a Maitre'd and a baby grand.

@OuiInFrance Жыл бұрын

I'm trying to picture it but nothing is coming to mind... sounds beautiful though!

@mariovanhulten9505 Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for sharing this video. We are planning a Norway cruise with the Rotterdam next year. Heard you talking about "rocking of the ship". My wife is very nervous for getting sea sickness. She gets motion sickness while driving a car in the mountains. Did you take any medicine? Which one?

@OuiInFrance Жыл бұрын

I had Bonine with me but as it turned out we didn't need it. There were a few times when you could tell you were moving but it wasn't anything strong enough to warrant my Bonine. I'm sensitive to motion as well. But it's all dependent on the weather. Definitely look into the patch behind the ear. I've heard they work great. Have a great trip!

@janethunt4037 Жыл бұрын

Did you feel like you had enough time at each stop?

@ltp959 Жыл бұрын

Oh gosh…it is not a boat, it’s “ship”.

@1000000000528 Жыл бұрын

Very helpfull Diane! Do you think it's fun for a honeymoon? And do you think staying on the boat, so no day trips is fun enough knowing there a plenty of things to do on the boat?

@OuiInFrance Жыл бұрын

Hi there, it really depends what you're looking for. Holland America isn't a party ship so you won't find crazy gameshows and contests or indoor rock climbing or anything like that. Their focus is more on music, smaller entertainment shows and quality food and drink. The crowd will be older than a Carnival cruise, so if you just want to lounge by the pool, have great food, take in some refined entertainment and enjoy your cabin, I think you'd have a great time. But if you want a party ship with a lot of entertainment and ice skating and sky diving and that sort of thing, HAL doesn't offer that. On sea days, their library room was amazing and their spa and gym were also A+. We enjoyed the casino and music as well when we weren't out on an excursion. Hope that helps!

@markbernier8434 Жыл бұрын

How comfortable did you feel with the kitchen? Does the staff give the impression they really understand?

@OuiInFrance Жыл бұрын

Yes, they take allergies seriously and even at the buffet, the person who made the food was often the one serving it (and if not, could find out about ingredients easily). As I showed in the video, you have a look at the main dining room menu the day before so they have time to check everything. If I had a life threatening peanut allergy though, I'm not sure I'd ever eat out anywhere. Just too risky.

@vettybettyblu Жыл бұрын

We are doing this exact cruise in 2 weeks. I have a food allergy, do I need to do anything before boarding to ensure I have the necessary food options?

@OuiInFrance Жыл бұрын

I let them know once I was on board and everything was fine but maybe you can note it on your booking ahead of time if you contact customer service. You should be fine though once you get on board. They were really accommodating Hope you have a great trip!

@vettybettyblu Жыл бұрын

@@OuiInFrance Thanks so much! We are so excited! :) I really appreciate the reply, as well as the well-documented trip!

@russcattell955i Жыл бұрын

Is it fair to say the food is a mix of Euro-American ? I suppose it gives the choice of familiar & discovery whichever side of the pond you are from.

@OuiInFrance Жыл бұрын

Sounds right, yes. No pigeon or octopus. Quality food, lots of simple stuff done well. Prime rib, a carving station with turkey, vegetarian options, sushi, sandwiches, a salad bar and so much more at the buffet

@cj4607 Жыл бұрын

i thought the view was tom! lol

@OuiInFrance Жыл бұрын

😜

@Pkerr1000 2 ай бұрын

The mini fridge... you have to pay for that? I've never cruised but I was under the impression that just about everything was included in your ticket. Can someone enlighten me? Thanks!

@OuiInFrance 2 ай бұрын

Items in the minibar are not included in your fare, nor are drinks unless you have a drink package.

@limledi9911 11 күн бұрын

Hi. Am having doubts about cruising on the notorious North Sea. Is it really dangerous & scary? What’s your experience?Thanks!

@OuiInFrance 11 күн бұрын

Not scary as all. There's always the possibility of bad weather on a cruise and the North Sea isn't any different. If you're prone to seasickness, I'd take Bonine or similar just in case. ;-)

@limledi9911 11 күн бұрын

@@OuiInFrance thanks!

@flygirllayne 10 ай бұрын

How do you let them know about a food allergy

@OuiInFrance 10 ай бұрын

I just walked up to one of the managers in the buffet when I'd eat there and made sure my waiter knew about it in the main dining room.

@gregsholly120 10 ай бұрын

$17 for 5 oz of wine!! After paying thousands for the cruise, the price gouging and Nickel and Diming are a bit much for me. Personally, I don’t drink on cruises for this reason. Make the prices reasonable and you’ll make more money in volume… not to mention create happy customers in an industry and relies on repeat customers. #idiots