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    A Romantic Honeymoon Along the Norwegian Coast

    Sabrina and Daniele from Italy found love in Tuscany, but their honeymoon adventure unfolded along Norway's spectacular coastline. With Havila Voyages, their week-long getaway exceeded their expectations, supassing what they could have achieved on their own.

    A Dream Wedding in Tuscany

    On October 7, 2023, Sabrina Viviani and Daniele Sciotti exchanged vows near the rolling hills of Tuscany. Known for its rich cultural history, breathtaking views, and culinary delights, it was a beautiful ceremony surrounded by family and friends. Every detail of the day had been carefully planned, but planning their honeymoon was a different story.

    Sabrina, a 33-year-old programmer, and Daniele, a 34-year-old lawyer, found their busy careers had left little time for planning their first adventure as a married couple. They knew they wanted to venture north, hearing that Norway was stunningly beautiful and a perfect retreat from the heat of their homeland. With just a week to spare, they sought the help of a travel agency.

    Discovering the Coastal Route

    The travel agent informed them that the big cruise ships don't sail in Norway at that time of year but suggested the Coastal Route option. This was a revelation to Sabrina and Daniele. They decided to follow the agent's recommendation, finding the smaller ship size, intimate atmosphere, and numerous port stops along the Norwegian coast to be a perfect fit.

    Bergen: The Gateway to a Nordic Adventure

    Nine days following their wedding, the newlyweds found themselves in Bergen, Norway's second-largest city, and the vibrant core of the Norwegian fjords. Bergen served as the gateway to their Nordic adventure, promising a blend of experiences.

    They explored the World Heritage site known as BRYGGEN, famous for its bustling fish market, cobblestone streets, and lively atmosphere.

    Despite the incessant rain, Daniele and Sabrina remained undeterred; after all, it was autumn.

    The following day, they embarked on the coastal ship Havila Pollux, bound for Kirkenes.

    The Journey Becomes the Destination

    During their northbound voyage, the young couple savored Norwegian culinary delights at the ship’s main restaurant daily. They uncovered hidden gems in rural Norway, marveled at the historical city of Trondheim, met huskies in Tromsø's wilderness, and captured selfies at the North Cape plateau, Europe’s northernmost point.

    The couple in Trondheim
    Selfie in Trondheim.
    Sabrina in Hjørundfjorden
    Visiting Urke near the Hjørundfjord.
    Sabrina with a husky in Tromsø
    Meeting huskies in Tromsø.
    Sabrina at the North Cape Plateau
    The North Cape Plateau.
    The couple taking a selfie in Ålesund
    Visiting Ålesund
    Daniele in an Ice bar
    Daniele Enjoying a drink at the 'Magic Ice' bar in Lofoten.

    Though they participated in various activities and programs, they also wanted time to spend with each other. "The essence of this journey is to spend quality time together, free from distractions," Daniele said. Their cabin, a standard Seaview Superior Double, exceeded their expectations with its private bathroom, spacious bed, desk, and roomy closet.

    Spacious room featuring a large bed, comfortable sofa, window with natural light, desk, chair, and a TV for entertainment.

    This is what the standard Seaview Superior Double cabin looks like.

    Embracing the Nordic Experience

    Sabrina and Daniele embraced the Nordic breeze, finding a certain coziness and romance in standing close to each other in the crisp air. They were particularly captivated by the Norwegian scenery and the pure air. Daniele appreciated exploring the "big cities" of Bergen and Trondheim, noting the contrasts between Trondheim and the university city of Pisa, near where they live. He also admired the abundance of electric scooters in Trondheim, a sustainable and enjoyable form of local transport.

    Daniele holding a cup of coffee
    Sabrina smiling in a snow-covered landscape.
    Picture taken on the North Cape Plateau.
    Sabrina gazes out at the sea in Ålesund
    City Sightseeing in Ålesund.
    photo-2023-10-21-21-15-31-1308x1749
    Daniele is enjoying some time at the Havblikk Bar & Lounge.
    kystruteskip-i-nord-redigert-av-jos-2-4096x3071
    kystruteskip-i-nord-redigert-av-jos-2-4096x3071

    Eating Locally While Traveling

    Italy, especially Tuscany, is renowned for its simple yet delicious culinary traditions, and Sabrina enjoys experimenting in the kitchen. Therefore, it takes a bit to impress the couple when it comes to food. "The food on board is really tasty, but I don’t think I’ll try the pasta," Sabrina chuckled. They preferred to sample local cuisine, considering it part of the travel experience. Sabrina tried stockfish prepared with an Italian twist, which she enjoyed. Daniele emphasized that all the food they tasted on board had been delicious and appreciated Havila Voyages' commitment to minimizing food waste.

    Sharing Their Journey

    Through the app "FindPenguins," the couple provided friends and family in Italy with daily updates from their honeymoon. The app allowed them to plan, track, and blog about their daily adventures, sharing photos and text with anyone they chose. Sabrina explained enthusiastically how the app served as a digital diary, which could also be turned into a physical diary after the trip.

    Not Enough Time

    In just one week along the Norwegian coast, Sabrina and Daniele experienced a lot but were left longing for more. "It's bittersweet that we're heading home in just a few days due to work commitments. We wholeheartedly recommend this type of journey to everyone," Daniele remarked. "Perhaps we'll have to return to Norway and explore the southbound coastal voyage the next time."