The Family Adventure
Organizing a voyage for eleven members of a three-generational family living in two different countries, while ensuring that everyone is entertained for a whole week, is easier said than done. This family found the perfect solution.
Alessia, 22, from Italy, does not remember whether she or her German cousin, Franziska, 23, first discovered Havila Voyages. All they can recall is that the two of them – and their mothers – met for countless video calls via the internet before deciding where and what kind of trip could accommodate the varied interests and needs of a large multi-generational family.
The task they had undertaken was far from easy: Not only did they have to find a location that appealed to everyone: they also had to provide suitable activities for all – from the youngest, Paola, 15, to grandfather Rocco, 84.
“But in the end, all our research led us back to Havila Voyages”, says Alessia.
Cousins: Franziska, 23, from Germany and Alessia, 22, from Italy.
I meet her and Franziska in the lounge of deck nine on board the Havila Capella. This is where they normally meet up with the extended family. They usually play a game of cards.
“Well, I don't play myself, but I'm still coming to the lounge, for the sake of the conversations and to spend time with my family”, says Alessia.
“It’s not like the whole family is spending all our time together”, she continues. “We have different interests. But in the end of the day , after everyone has done whatever they like to do, we gather here once more”.
Other popular meeting spots are around the dinner tables in the restaurant – the family is so numerous that they need to split on to two tables – and in the outdoor jacuzzies on deck eight.
“In my opinion, one of the best benefits from traveling this way is that we can spend quality time with the whole family”, says Alessia.
The idea came from the girls' grandparents, Chiara, 80, and Rocco, 84, who have been married 55 years. They are seasoned travelers and have been to all seven continents. Yet, of all the places the couple has visited, there was one country that always stood out.
Chiara and Rocco, who love nature and have a passion for landscape photography, longed to return to Norway. Now, 40 years after first visiting the idyllic country of the North, and thanks to the persistent efforts of the younger women to find something that fit all ages, they looked forward to sharing their experience with their children and grandchildren.
This is not the first time the family of eleven has embarked on a collective journey.
“However, it is the first time we're doing it as young adults,” says Alessia, obviously referring to her own generation, consisting of cousins from both Germany and Italy.
The family now has been on the Havila Capella for almost a week, and they have all been on several excursions. I wonder how important these off-ship experiences have been for the family. Alessia hesitates for a moment before answering.
“The view alone is reason enough to go on a voyage with this ship. For example, we sailed through a narrow fjord one night (Trollfjorden), and it was so beautiful!"
"I don't think we could have done that on a bigger ship. With that said, I think we need the excursions as well because they provide fun for all age groups”.
Alessia's personal highlight so far, was the RIB safari from Bodø to the world's strongest tidal rapids, Saltstraumen. On this tour, she, and the seven other family members who came along, even got to see a family of sea eagles up close, and they learned about the fascinating climate and geology in this part of Norway.
“It was great fun. I also really enjoyed the excursion we had to Lofoten ("Meet and Greet Lofoten”) because of the stunning scenery,” says Alessia.
Franziska smiles.
“The RIB safari was absolutely gorgeous!”
“I also really enjoyed the first excursion we had: A long bus tour from Geiranger to Molde, because we made a lot of stops along the way, and we got to see many different types of nature. Nevertheless, I think today's excursion, where I got to ride an ATV on the North Cape plateau, was the most fun activity I've done so far. I like some action”, Franziska continues.
It turns out that one of them have even experienced a bit of action aboard.
“I had an icy shower”, Alessia laughs.
“Oh, really? Did you find ice cubes in your underpants”, I ask, thinking back at the shocking moment when the Viking character Njord "baptized me" with a shower of ice cubes outdoors on deck eight. The occasion: We had just passed the Arctic Circle.
“Yes, and they were all over my cabin floor too!” Alessia replies.
That same afternoon, she even went for a dip in the sea.
“It was just crazy”, Franziska exhales.
“Yes”, Alessia laughs; “I'm not used to such cold water, but I think it was good for me”.
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When grandchildren in their 20s scour the web for the best travel routes and types of transportation, it’s likely that the results will be different from those of their parents and grandparents. The girls are very conscious when it comes to environment. For example, being able to choose the most eco-friendly option for their journey along the Norwegian coast was important to them.
However, the girls had other requirements as well, such as an accurate climate.
“Norway is not too hot, which would have been a problem for our grandparents, and we needed to go somewhere with a good health care system”, says Alessia.
Another thing that Fraziska, Alessia and their mothers made sure to research before deciding on Havila Voyages was the quality of food that was served on the ships.
“We are all foodies, and our grandma is an amazing cook. It will take a lot to meet our standards”, the girls say.
Luckily, the family was not disappointed.
“One of our first comments upon boarding was about how fantastic the quality of the food is. We really like being served locally-produced food, and the menus say where most of it comes from. We also appreciate that the menus change depending on where we are on the route”, says Alessia.
“I actually have a "special menu" because I’m a vegetarian. It was nice to discover that I have a good selection of choices even though I don't eat meat or fish”.
“And I love the concept of limiting food waste”, Franziska interjects. “When we know that this is how it’s done, we become more aware of what and how we eat. We don't order more than we think we can handle, and we try to finish our plates”.
“I like the personal tone with the crew. It almost feels like a big family”, says Franziska.
Among other things, she appreciates that the same waiter serves the family at almost every meal.
“In a way, we have become friends with our waiter “, she says.
I check the time. We have exactly ten minutes to snap a couple of photos before Havila Capella docks in the next port and we go on another excursion. Before we go, I manage to ask the girls what they think they will tell their friends back home about their experience in Norway.
“First of all, I want to say that I have had a fantastic time. I think traveling with the family is the most relaxing way because they just know me. When you travel with friends or other people that you don't know so well, you may feel that you must adapt to them”, says Franziska.
Alessia nods in agreement. This multi-generational journey with the family has created memories for life, and it is something they will all talk about for a long, long time.
“If you can afford this voyage, I would definitely recommend people to choose this exact journey with Havila Voyages”, says Franziska.
Fortunately, she is not the only on to do just that.