Swedish Couple Travelled the World only to Find the Perfect Escape Next Door
Anette and Håkan Ljungqvist had
travelled the world, but the Norwegian
Coastal Route had only been a subject
of conversation – for 20 years.
Then, on her 60th birthday,
Anette was surprised by
her husband.
"It's funny. We have been to Mauritius, gone on a wildlife safari in South Africa, travelled by our own sailboat in French Polynesia... But this – just a short flight from Stockholm – we haven’t done until now, even though it’s at least as wonderful," Håkan Ljungqvist said, grinning at the thought of how he and many other Swedes typically chose their holidays. “It's as if one must go far to make the travel worth it. If Norway hadn't been so close, we surely would have made this journey long ago. Ever since I was a boy, I’ve heard about how incredibly beautiful and spectacular the Norwegian coastal route is," he continued.
Finally, after two decades of waiting, his lifelong dream became a reality.
We met the couple in the cozy ambiance of Havblikk Bar & Lounge, on the ninth deck of the Havila Castor, on a late afternoon in May. They were still wearing the hiking clothes they put on that morning for an organized excursion to the North Cape plateau, at the very edge of Europe's northern tip. Now, they wanted to relax with a beer in the bar before returning to their cabin to shower and change for dinner. On this night, they planned to enjoy a five-course menu in the Hildring Fine Dining restaurant for the second time on their northbound sailing from Bergen to Kirkenes. It was a fitting conclusion to seven days along the Norwegian coast, before disembarking in Kirkenes the next day. Along the way, they had gone ashore many times to explore coastal towns or participate in excursions organized by Havila Voyages. They had quite a story to tell! But first we asked them how they found out about the cruise.
"I learned about Havila Voyages from an acquaintance who runs a travel agency in Sweden”, he replied. “We were just chatting one day. I mentioned that my wife and I wanted to experience the Norwegian coastal route and I was thinking of buying a trip as a birthday gift for Anette”, Håkan explained. "Then he said: 'OK, but then you must travel with Havila Voyages because they have a sustainable profile with new, modern ships and a very good dining concept.'"
It was more than just a suggestion; it was a declaration of quality. The person Håkan spoke with believed firmly that Havila Voyages’ offerings were far superior to those of its competitor.
Thus, he booked a trip, wrote a small greeting on a gift card, and handed it to his wife at breakfast on her birthday.
"Now I'm starting to cry," said a soft voice from the the sidelines. Håkan, however, appeared unfazed by Anette's tears. Her emotional reaction, he explained, was not uncommon for her; it was something he had witnessed many times before.
"Did you do anything special when you gave her the gift?" we asked. "No, no fuss. Just 'Congratulations,'" Håkan chuckled; "But the tears came then too". "That's just how I am," Anette said, smiling.
Havila Voyages' coastal cruise ships
operate the classic Norwegian coastal
route from Bergen to Kirkenes.
Emphasizing Nature and Cuisine
When asked what they would tell their friends when they returned home, Håkan replied, "First and foremost, we will highlight the nature experiences". "Yes, and that the on-board life is very peaceful," Anette added. "It’s not cramped or crowded, and everything’s so relaxed".
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"Furthermore, we will tell them about our food experiences," Håkan continued, admitting that his interest in food and drink might exceed that of the average tourist. Working in the food service industry supplying the entire Nordic region, his connection to culinary delights goes beyond a mere hobby. Anette also stressed the significance of the dining experience on board. "The dishes were expertly crafted, incredibly flavorful, and elegantly served in small portions at the table. It all exuded a sense of luxury”.
Anette, enjoying a fish dinner at the Havrand Restaurant. Photo: private
Curious about the couple’s culinary preferences, we asked, "Have you found a favorite dish?" Anette quickly responded, "Yes, the fish soup on the lunch menu! The white and creamy one," her words filled with enthusiasm, and Håkan nodding in agreement.
Håkan and Anette toast during the last dinner of the trip in the exclusive Hildring Fine Dining restaurant .
Memorable Moments Ashore
During our interview, we were briefly interrupted by the daily announcement detailing available spots for the next day's excursions in Kirkenes, including king crab fishing with a RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) and a visit to the Kirkenes Snow Hotel. Regrettably, Anette and Håkan wouldn't be able to participate in either of them since they needed to catch a flight back home. However, they took part in several other excursions.
"I thought the hike at Sukkertoppen (Sugartop) in Ålesund was lovely, as we got to see a lot while getting outdoor exercise," Anette recalled.
Anette and Håkan taking a storytelling and photo break during their hike up Sukkertoppen (The Sugar Top mountain). They found the guide (also in the picture) both friendly and skilled.
These kinds of views are worth preserving in pictures!
"Then we took a bus to Saltstraumen, the world's strongest maelstrom, in Bodø. The trip also included a short hike along the beach. And today we visited the North Cape, which was really astonishing”, Håkan added. “We had seen pictures, but being there... It was powerful. Really powerful.
Anette and Håkan at the North Cape Plateau, with the iconic globe in the background. Photo: private
“Yes, seeing the North Cape was wonderful”, Anette interjected, “but I must say I also thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful film they screened at the visitor center up on the plateau. It gave a captivating overview of an entire year at North Cape, showcasing panoramic views in a cinema hall. Moreover, our bus ride was accompanied by a highly skilled guide who shared plenty of fascinating information and delved into the area's rich history. All in all, the entire excursion was exceptionally well-organized”.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Journey?
Anette and Håkan have never gone on an ordinary commercial cruise. They value authentic experiences close to nature, far from the hustle and bustle of city life. Being able to combine these nature experiences with modern comfort and delicious food and drink on a coastal cruise ship along the breathtaking Norwegian coast made this journey with Havila Voyages unforgettable for them. They didn't hold back on making it perfect. "We stay in a junior suite with a separate sleeping area and a private balcony. It’s wonderful," said Anette.
Looking back at their experience, they've come to a heartfelt conclusion: "This really is a good product. The ships are beautiful, and everything is new. We will definitely recommend Havila Voyages to our friends back home in Sweden".