From Iceland’s volcanic islands to the grass-roofed villages of the Faroes, a seven-night sailing on Holland America’s Rotterdam puts some of Europe’s hardest-to-reach corners within easy reach.
Each summer, Holland America Line’s Rotterdam trades the Caribbean sunshine for the rugged coastlines of Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Scotland. But is a Nordic cruise really worth swapping a classic European getaway for? We spent seven nights onboard to find out.
Ports: Heimaey and Djúpivogur in Iceland, Runavík in the Faroe Islands, Edinburgh in Scotland
Sea days: 2
Best for: Travellers wanting to tick off hard-to-reach Northern European destinations in a single week
Cabin reviewed: Verandah stateroom, Deck 4
What we loved
The remote landscapes of Faroe Islands. (Credit: Hannah Clark)
Sailing to the quaint fishing village of Djúpivogur. (Credit: Hannah Clark)
Trying out some adventurous excursions. (Credit: Hannah Clark)
The Faroe Islands, finally within reach
I honestly don’t think I would have ever made it to the Faroe Islands without a cruise. This remote archipelago feels worlds away from the typical European getaway, and it had long sat on my wish list. From Australia, though, getting somewhere this far-flung can feel nearly impossible, and this itinerary made it surprisingly easy.
A ship worth coming home to
One of the biggest surprises was just how fresh the ship felt. At five years old, perhaps it shouldn’t have been, but every corner had a premium, contemporary feel, and after long days ashore, returning onboard became something I looked forward to. When I asked Cruise Director Zyla Tijdink to describe Rotterdam in three words, she didn’t hesitate: “beauty, innovation and modernity."
According to Tijdink, the answer is almost anyone. “With the Rotterdam, because of the seven-night cruises, it really is a ship for everyone," she says.
Holland America’s longer voyages of 25 days or more tend to attract retirees with time to spare. The shorter sailings draw a much broader crowd, including families, honeymooners, first-time cruisers and plenty of Dutch guests, many of them keen to reach hard-to-get-to destinations without committing weeks to a holiday.
That matched what I saw onboard. Older travellers were still in the majority, but I was surprised by how many families with young children, Millennials and Gen Z travellers were sailing too. With dedicated spaces for kids, teens, young adults and solo travellers, it’s a good reminder that cruising isn’t just for retirees.
Cabins and suites
Sleep comfortably by the ocean. (Credit: Michel Verdure)
Our 38-square-metre verandah stateroom on Deck 4, starboard side, felt immediately spacious and modern, with plenty of room for two to settle in comfortably. At the centre was the signature Mariner’s Dream queen bed (which can convert to two single beds if need be), which proved every bit as comfortable as its name suggests.
Even the little details felt intentional, from the perfectly positioned height of the TV for late-night movie watching to the generous amount of storage for our clothes and enough space underneath the bed to tuck away our large suitcases. Another standout was the private veranda overlooking the ocean, which became the perfect spot to take in the ever-changing scenery.
The bathroom was on the smaller side, but it was modern, well laid out and made clever use of the space. The shower was surprisingly roomy for the size of the bathroom, and the water pressure was excellent.
A real highlight of our time onboard was the exceptional service from our housekeepers, August and Harry. They were incredibly attentive without ever being intrusive, always on hand whenever we needed anything and kept our room beautifully maintained with twice-daily service, which felt like an unexpected luxury. They kept us in the loop throughout the cruise, leaving daily information kits on our bed with updates on what was happening onboard and what to expect at each port. By the end of the cruise, they had become familiar and friendly faces we genuinely looked forward to seeing, and their care added so much to our experience onboard.
Dining and bars
Lido Market offers a variety of dining options for everyone. (Credit: Michel Verdure)
There’s no shortage of all-inclusive dining options on Rotterdam. Lido Market is the ship’s main buffet, serving an impressive spread of cuisines across breakfast, lunch and dinner (the menu changes daily), and let’s just say we got very well acquainted with it over the course of the cruise.
The Pizzeria, the Dining Room and the Dive-In burger joint are all included in your fare. It’s a perk many guests miss, according to Tijdink. “I wish everyone onboard knew that," she says.
Specialty restaurants such as Tamarind offer options to satisfy your palate. (Credit: Michel Verdure)
The Pinnacle Grill. (Credit: Michel Verdure)
Drink in style at the Ocean Bar. (Credit: Michel Verdure)
For something a little more indulgent, there’s also a lineup of specialty dining venues, including Tamarind, Pinnacle Grill, Club Orange and many more. They come at an additional cost, but they’re worth the splurge, especially if you’re looking to experience the best of Rotterdam’s dining options.
There are seven bars and lounges spread across Rotterdam, each with its own selection of cocktails, wines, beers and spirits. If you opt for the Elite Beverage Package or the Have it All Package, you can enjoy up to 15 drinks per day.
Pools, spa and wellness
The hydrotherapy pool looks worth the extra splurge. (Credit:: Michel Verdure)
The fitness room will help you stay active at sea. (Credit: Michel Verdure)
The thermal suite of the spa has stunning portside views. (Credit: Michel Verdure)
The Lido Pool is the ship’s main swimming pool and is open to all guests, including children, while the adults-only Sea View Pool at the aft of the ship offers a quieter spot to soak up the sun. Both pool areas also have hot tubs, which are available to guests aged 16 and over.
The Fitness Centre on Deck 9 is well equipped with a broad selection of cardio machines and weight-training equipment, alongside group fitness classes and personal training sessions.
There are also walking tracks onboard, plus a pickleball and sports court on the top deck.
And when it’s time to properly switch off, the full-service Spa & Salon on Deck 9 offers an extensive menu of treatments, from massages and facials to more indulgent spa experiences. There’s also a Hydrotherapy Pool, saunas, steam rooms and a Thermal Suite. Up on the top deck, the Retreat has private cabanas and a hot pool to unwind in.
One thing to keep in mind is that these facilities aren’t included in the cruise fare. Access comes at an additional US$199–$240 (A$285-$344), depending on the package and your cruise length, so it’s worth factoring that into your budget if a spa day is high on your list.
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Entertainment and onboard activities
The B.B. Kings houses high‑energy blues and soul performances. (Credit: Michel Verdure)
The Library as haven for book-loving cruise guests. (Credit: Michel Verdure)
The World Stage features a massive wraparound LED screen. (Credit: Michel Verdure)
It’s safe to say Rotterdam has no shortage of entertainment and onboard activities. One of the highlights of our cruise was the ‘Orange Party’, where Holland America celebrates its Dutch heritage with an evening dedicated to all things orange. Guests are encouraged to dress in orange and party the night away, with Aperol Spritz in hand, at B.B. King’s Blues Club and the Rolling Stone Lounge.
The World Stage and Billboard Onboard keep the entertainment going with live shows and sing-alongs, while the casino is a popular spot for some late-night fun.
For something quieter, the Crow’s Nest, Games Room and Library offer plenty of space to unwind, pick up a game or activity, or simply settle in with a glass of wine and get some work done.
What’s included (and what costs extra)?
The main dining room exudes elegance. (Credit: Michel Verdure)
The cruise fare covers your accommodation, most meals, entertainment and plenty of onboard activities, while extras such as drinks, wi-fi, specialty dining and shore excursions can quickly add to the bill, unless you’ve booked a package such as the Have It All Package. The package bundles these extras into your fare, including the Elite Beverage Package, which alone costs US$55.95 (A$80) per person, per day when purchased separately. The Have It All Package cost can vary depending on the voyage.
Shore excursions worth booking
Excursions at the Faroe Islands are highly recommended. (Credit: Hannah Clark)
My standout shore excursion was the Faroe Islands countryside tour, which took us by bus through the dreamy rural landscapes of the islands. We stopped at a sheep farm, where we met a sixth-generation farmer, fed his sheep and got a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to run a farm in the Faroes.
Reviewer’s verdict: Is this cruise worth it?
Overall, this cruise was absolutely worth it. The chance to see some of Europe’s most remote and remarkable scenery, far beyond the usual tourist trail, while having all the logistics taken care of and Rotterdam waiting to welcome you back made the experience incredibly enjoyable.
My only small regret was skipping the Hydrotherapy Pool and saunas. If a spa day is on your wish list, it’s worth budgeting for a pass from the outset. I’d also be choosier with shore excursions, saving my budget for experiences like the Faroes farm visit, and exploring the walkable ports independently.
The currency rate conversions were all accurate at the time of publishing. These are subject to change.
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Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.
The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.
1. Easy access to good food
Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.
One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.
In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.
In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.
Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.
At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.
While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.
It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.
2. Better sleep options
Sleep deeply with Novotel.
There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.
For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.
The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.
3. More ways to move
Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)
Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.
At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.
Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.
4. Better connections
Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.
One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.
Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.
A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.
Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.
All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.
