If I had one day left in my life and God spoke asking me “where would you like to go?” it would be Norway. Talk about having a spiritual experience. Sailing through the fjords of Norway is mesmerizing defined; ever have an epiphany?  My first voyage to Norway was in 2017 on Holland America Line’s M/S Rotterdam (acquired in 2020 by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, renamed Borealis) to Kristiansand, Flam, Stavanger and Oslo. After sailing out of Rotterdam and a day at sea, I awoke (early) to the twists and turns of the ship as we navigated into and through Sognefjord, then Aurlandsfjord arriving at our first port of Flåm . The morning was dreary but exceptional in that the contrast lent itself so much to my trademark black and white medium. When the sun pierced through the clouds and valleys, more was revealed and never ended. 

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Since my first adventure into this land of exponential and illuminating beauty in 2017, I have sailed on three other ships (Bramer, Black Watch and Prinsendam); visited 15 ports and sailed through a total of seven fjords. A grand total of 42 days. These voyages featured the Arctic Circle where I witnessed the northern lights, winter carnivals, and springtime festivals. Who cruises to Norway in the winter? Add it to your bucket list.

 

The fjords are a maze of waterways utilized by the Vikings to commute from one place to another. The country still considers their fjords as part of their roadway system. Small villages and towns dot this fluid highway and represent a most amazing and captivating display of God’s creation – accessible from the comfort and convenience of a plush cruise ship.  Send me to heaven. I believe the fjords of Norway are as close as you can get.