"Different and Fantastic" 

A Trip Sparked by Isolation

Antony Stewart first fell in love with Norway during a business trip in 2002, when he joined a guided fjord tour. Upon returning to Australia, he told his wife, Ally, that Norway was "the best country." However, it took 20 years and the isolation brought on by COVID-19 for Antony and Ally, along with Ally's sister Frances and her husband Greg, to finally embark on a Norwegian adventure aboard the Havila Castor. "I got COVID in March; I was sick and couldn’t do anything," Ally Stewart recalls. "We couldn’t get out of the house." While stuck at home, the couple watched a TV show about Norway, which reignited Ally's interest. "Antony showed me the website with pictures of Norwegian nature and the ships, and everything was beautiful. Why wouldn’t I go?" Ally says with a smile.

Choosing Havila Voyages

The journey from Bergen to Kirkenes along the Norwegian coastal route was recommended to Antony by a Swedish friend, but it was a travel agent at 50 Degrees North in Australia who suggested Havila Voyages. "She said the ships are greener and the captains friendlier," Antony notes with a grin. The decision was made, and soon Frances and Greg were also on board, eager to explore the Norwegian fjords they'd learned about in school. "We always love traveling with Antony and Ally," Frances says, "and we knew that Antony would organize everything."

Impressions and Experiences

The group was impressed by the ship's amenities, including the quality of the food, the tasteful interior, and the excellent service on board. "The crew’s brilliant," Greg remarks. Antony adds, "José in the bar is cool," while Ally praises Mirielle and Rita in the restaurant and café. Their positive interactions extended to the entire crew, whom they got to know by name, fostering a sense of camaraderie during their voyage.

Excursions and Adventures

Not content with staying on the ship, the couples eagerly participated in various excursions. One highlight was an electric bike tour in Nordangsdalen, which Antony describes as "fantastic." Frances and Greg chose to explore Urke on their own, admiring the stunning scenery. "We still loved Urke! Everywhere we turned, the view was stunning," Frances recalls.

A hike to Torghatten, a mountain with a naturally formed tunnel, ranked as Antony and Ally's second favorite excursion. The geological history of the site added an educational dimension to their adventure. The entire group also took a guided tour to the North Cape Plateau, where they even spotted reindeer. "The information the guide presented to us on the bus was awesome," Ally enthuses.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

As their journey approached its end, the couples reflected on their time in Norway. "Overall, it’s been fantastic; something entirely different," Greg says. Antony looks forward to sharing their experiences, saying, "I’m probably going to bore my Swedish friend who recommended this trip with five hours of talk about everything we’ve done." Traveling in mid-late September allowed them to avoid large crowds, which added to the charm of their experience. "This is a bucket list thing that I really recommend," Antony concludes. "And do come at this time of the year to avoid the large crowds. When you travel out of season, you might miss some things – but you get something else."

We believe he is right. And regardless of when you choose to travel, it is always wise to plan well ahead to get the most out of your voyage along the magnificent Norwegian coast.

More to read: The Mysterious Mountain Tunnel: A Troll Story