What makes this Boston-to-Europe cruise special is that it follows the path that Viking ships may ha

Once a year, beginning in July, a luxury cruise liner from Holland America's top-of-the-line fleet (usually the Rotterdam or Veendam) embarks on a very special Transatlantic Voyage of the Vikings cruise from Boston to Europe, hampton inn ft walton beach florida and then back to Boston.
What makes this Boston-to-Europe cruise special is that it follows hampton inn ft walton beach florida the path that Viking ships may have taken on their expeditions to the New World hundreds of years before Christopher Columbus made his 1492 voyage.
The frequent stops along the way let you visit scenic villages and sophisticated cities , plus you'll see spectacular scenery as you cruise through fjords and channels past sights not visible from land.
Whether hampton inn ft walton beach florida you choose to cruise from Boston to Europe, Europe to Boston, or do a round trip voyage, you'll see and visit an exciting mix of major cities, villages, and scenic locations along the New England coast, several Canadian provinces including Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Labrador, Iceland, Greenland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway, and The Netherlands.
hampton inn ft walton beach florida Located almost at the edge of the Arctic Circle, the city enjoys almost non-stop light throughout most of the night during the summer, so the Path of the Vikings cruise arrives at the perfect time for enjoying the sunlight.
The combination of mountains and water make every Reykjavik view a gorgeous one. You'll enjoy walking hampton inn ft walton beach florida around the compact city, sampling the shops and perhaps a cafe or pub as well. Since you'll be there overnight, you can experience the nightlife if you're so inclined.
Your cruise may also make a Port of Call at one of Iceland's smaller villages such as Djupivogur, where you'll get a glimpse of a whole different way of life. Traders set up camp in Djupivogur as early as 1589. You can visit an 18th century house, now a museum, or enjoy nature walks, boat trips, and breath-taking scenery. Mount Bulandstindur, believed to have mystical powers, dominates the landscape.
Amsterdam or Rotterdam may be the European destination of your Voyage of the Vikings cruise. Both cities, located about 30 miles apart, feature beautiful hampton inn ft walton beach florida canals, historic sections filled with mellow brick and stone buildings, numerous museums, hampton inn ft walton beach florida bookstores, bicycles, and cafes, and are among the most charming cities in Europe.
Amsterdam's most famous museum is Rijksmuseum , where you should head straight for the Rembrandts, and the Van Gogh Museum runs a close second. hampton inn ft walton beach florida Flower lovers should visit Bloemenmarkt, the world's only floating flower market where several houseboats display stunning tulips. Save an hour at the end of the day for a canal cruise - the best way to see this water-laced city.
Rotterdam's must-see attractions include vintage ships at the Maritime Museum, 360-degree views from atop the Euromast hampton inn ft walton beach florida building (the tallest in Rotterdam), and soaring modern architecture in sections of the city destroyed by German Nazi bombs during World War II. Visit the 17th century hampton inn ft walton beach florida Delfshaven neighborhood to enjoy canal-side boutiques and visit the Pilgrim Father's hampton inn ft walton beach florida Church, departure point for English Separatists who sailed to America on the Mayflower in 1620.
With soaring mountains, sky blue skies, and gorgeous fjords, Norway is a country you'll enjoy for the scenery hampton inn ft walton beach florida alone. As an added plus, though, you may have a Port of Call in Bergen, founded in 1070 and the second largest city in Norway.
Bergen is located on the western coast amid seven mountains but thanks to the Gulf Stream, it is relatively warm and rainy. Weather should be pleasant, although perhaps wet, during your cruise from Boston to Europe.
You can explore the wharf area, the many museums surrounding an ornamental lake near the wharf, and art galleries, all an easy walk from the cruiseport in this picturesque small city. Bergen is also home to renowned musical groups ranging from the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra to rock groups dubbed the Bergen Wave, along with numerous bands and marching groups.
Cruises already give you a great deal - the cost per day (or night) is usually MUCH less than you'd spend on a hotel . . . plus you get meals, entertainment, spectacular scenery, and the chance to visit lots of interesting places.
But cruise deals and discounts make this picture even more interesting! You'll typically get the best cheap cruise deals if you book early (4-6 months before departure) or late (few weeks before departure), hampton inn ft walton beach florida but you can almost always find great deals and discounts at almost any time if you know where to look.
In the formal and casual dining areas, you'll enjoy an extensive list of excellent wines , gourmet cuisine, and elegant table linens, crystal, and china. Formal nights give you the chance to get dressed up; casual dining options mean you don't have to if this is not your thing!
Excellent recreational facilities, top-flight entertainment, and enrichment opportunities such as digital photography and cooking classes ensure that you'll have plenty to do on your days at sea. Welcoming common areas give you lots of places hampton inn ft walton beach florida to hang out, socialize, and relax.
Although the Voyage of the Vikings cruise occurs in July and August, you'll hampton inn ft walton beach florida visit places that range from hot and humid to chilly and windy. Plus, you might encounter rain at almost any of the Ports of Call at this time of the year, including Boston.
This wide range of climate conditions poses packing challenges. Your best strategy is to bring items to layer , such as sweaters and jackets, that you can put on or take off as needed. A waterproof jacket and hat or umbrella can be a plus.
Remember to pack at least one dressier outfit for the ship's formal nights. Guys, a jacket and tie will be fine. Gals, this is your chance to dress up if you want . . . otherwise, just pack something black along with a nice scarf or pashmina shawl.
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