The Globetrotter

For many, a holiday means relaxation: indulging in fine food and drink, basking in beautiful and comfortable environs, and embracing the art of doing as little as possible. Yet for others, like Maitê Fressato from Brazil, vacation is synonymous with memorable experiences and fully engaging in the moment. Maitê enjoys a blend of leisure and adventure, always keeping an eye on potential new business ventures.

Our introduction to Maitê occurred under a cloud-free October sky in the tiny village of Urke near Ålesund on Norway’s west coast. She was intently focused on photographing a nearby stream surrounded by the warm hues of autumn.

“If you go a bit further that way, you’ll get some excellent shots,” we suggested. A smile spread across her face. “Really? Thank you,” she replied, then bustled down the narrow, vehicle-free street to capture a quaint power station against the scenic backdrop of the fjord and the Sunnmøre Alps.

Minutes later, we reconvened on the Urke quay, and it was there that Maitê mentioned that her travels were solitary because she was always looking for new entrepreneurial ideas and opportunities to take back to her businesses in Brazil. We agreed to meet for an interview in the following days.

Then, a tender boat arrives at the quay and takes us back to the Havila Pollux, which is waiting for us in the Hjørundfjord.

Attracted to the "New and Different"

Two days later, we met with Maitê in the Havblikk Bar & Lounge on deck nine. With a glass roof and panoramic windows, the lounge offered a view of the mesmerizing landscapes bathed in the afternoon sun as we sailed past. Maitê was shivering faintly, having just returned from a RIB excursion to Saltstraumen near Bodø, noted for being one of the world's most powerful maelstroms. “Sitting at the bow wasn’t the wisest decision as I braved the biting wind and spray,” she recounted with a wry smile. “Nevertheless, this might just be my preferred excursion yet. It diverged so markedly from my norm, and the guide was nothing short of exceptional.”

Could Norway’s chilly October weather deter a Brazilian? “Not at all,” Maitê reassured us. She had become acclimated to cooler climates after spending years in London post-high school. There, she earned a degree in history and politics from an American university. She then returned to Brazil to practice dentistry and start her own business. She now owns five.

“I’m quite career-driven, and because I’m involved in several types of businesses, I’m always in search of inspiration," Maitê confided. "I'm energized by fresh prospects for the spa and art supply store I operate in Brazil, along with other budding entrepreneurial ideas." The journey along Norway’s coastline, which began in Oslo and continued to Bergen where she then boarded the Havila Pollux, had already inspired a novel spa concept that includes a sauna and an ice bath. “I crafted the service menu and shared it on Instagram right after the idea struck. Delaying means losing momentum,” she said.

It’s her work that funds her travel – an annual journey, invariably in October, when her professional life grants her a break.

The Globetrotter’s Top Pick

"I'm not keeping count, but I'm certain I've visited over 40 countries worldwide. Before coming to Norway, Iceland and Japan were the standouts on my list – Iceland for its nature and Japan for its culture and society. But now, Norway takes the top spot."

And why is that?" we asked. "Norway stands out, not just because of the beautiful scenery, but because every Norwegian I've encountered has been so friendly and polite. They may not always be overt, but that doesn't bother me; I appreciate practicality in places and people. It suits my travel purpose."

Given what we've learned about Maitê, it's no surprise she spots business opportunities everywhere – even in the ship's bedding. "The mattresses and duvets here are so cozy, unlike anything I've experienced before. I believe they would be a hit back in Brazil. Perhaps they represent a future business venture for me – who knows," she says with a smile.

A Softer Side

Work at home, work on vacation – is Maitê’s life all about work? It turns out, no. She has another passion, or seven, to be precise. “I have six rescue dogs and one parrot that I dearly miss,” she revealed, her enthusiasm evident as she recounted how Boston, Dora, Bennie, Monalisa, Rex, and Miley each came into her life under different, often dramatic, circumstances. Together, they form a diverse and lively household where, in keeping with Brazilian tradition for unmarried women, Maitê still lives with her parents.

“How do your parents feel about looking after six dogs and a parrot while you’re away?” we inquired. “They’re fine with it; they love dogs as much as I do. They turned into dog enthusiasts after I adopted my first dog. In fact, my mom rescued one of them while I was on vacation in Boston. He was wandering near our house, and when she realized he was lost, she called me to ask what she should do. I told her to take him in, and our family has kept growing since then.”

Rather a "Calm Bubble than Crowded and Hectic"

Though Maitê was only on the third day of her twelve-day round trip from Bergen to Kirkenes and back, she had had enough time to form opinions, not just on the stunning vistas but on the onboard experience. “I have been on cruises before, but they were different: crowded and with a lot going on all the time. This ship is much more relaxed, which suits me; it provides the space and tranquility I need to focus on my ideas," she reflected.

We asked Maitê if she liked the frequent stops the Havila Pollux makes while it served its government mission of transporting mail, goods, and local passengers living along the coast. She anticipated the frequent stops would offer ample opportunities to explore the route’s major cities and distinctive areas including Ålesund, Trondheim, Bodø, Tromsø, Honningsvåg, Kjøllefjord, Kirkenes, Hammerfest, Harstad, Svolvær, Brønnøysund, and Kristiansund.

“Life on board, however, presents a unique human experience,” Maitê shared. “We are literally in the same boat, as if in a bubble. There is an entire world out there that we are not part of, and I have never vacationed like this before. I didn’t think this would affect me at all, but it has. It has enabled me to interact with others in a new way that I find overwhelming, but in a good way."

The ship itself also impressed her. “My expectations were high, but this is truly exceptional. The food, served à la carte, is particularly impressive. I really value the company’s commitment to environmental consciousness, evidenced by minimal food waste and the use of local produce. Plus, as someone who favors a meat-free diet, the wide range of vegan and vegetarian options is very satisfying.”

A favorite dish? “The Golden Coastal Panna Cotta, and for dinner, the bean cassoulet with grilled cheese!”

A Reminder of Opportunities

Our conversation drew to a close, but Maitê's adventure along the Norwegian coast was far from finished. Yet, the insights and ideas she had collected were already beginning to influence her way of thinking, and there was certainly more to come.