Norway’s Coastal Voyage Is Even More Stunning In Winter

Exploring the wonderful natural beauty of Iceland doesn't have to mean emptying your wallet. Despite its reputation for being on the pricier side, Iceland offers a treasure trove of experiences that don't cost a dime.

With the release of Dune: Part Two, audiences will return to Arrakis and find it largely unchanged. As in the first film, the desert planet is compiled largely of plots of Earth we know as Jordan’s Wadi Rum and Abu Dhabi. This time around, however, we get to go deeper. As Paul Atreides and his mother Lady Jessica (Timothee Chalamet and Rebecca Ferguson, respectively) assimilate to life amongst the Indigenous Fremen people, they unlock access to parts of the planet previously unknown to outsiders.

Cruise fans on the West Coast are about to have a major new option.

Transatlantic and other lengthy, ocean crossings once defined sea travel, but in modern times only one true ocean liner remains. Aside from Cunard’s Southampton to New York service, travelers seeking a transatlantic cruise are mostly left with world cruises or lengthy grand voyages, but there is another option.

The view from the ship’s bridge is what I expected: a ribbon of dark Arctic water leading through a maze of snowy mountain islands. But the view of the bridge is a shock. Where is the wheel, the chart and that big metal thing that goes “ting”? You know, the one marked “Dead Slow” and “Full Steam”, like you see in Titanic when they spot the iceberg? In its public areas, the Havila Capella looks like any modern cruise ship or upmarket ferry. There are lounges, a panoramic bar, a couple of gyms and a deck that can be strolled. It is what lies behind the bulkheads that is very different.

Holland America Line is charting a course for adventure with its 2026 Grand World Voyage—one of its most ambitious ever, promising an unparalleled travel experience for adventurers eager to explore the entire globe. The company’s president, Gus Antorcha, announced the details of this epic voyage to guests sailing the current 2024 Grand World Voyage aboard Zuiderdam, which is presently positioned between Okinawa and Tokyo.

Starting January 1, 2025, Norway plans to introduce new restrictions for cruise ships and other tourist activities in Svalbard to protect its unique wildlife, including a cap on ship passengers and designated landing sites. Svalbard, a remote archipelago situated above the Arctic Circle, is set to see significant changes in tourism regulations aimed at preserving its pristine environment and diverse wildlife. Known for its dramatic landscapes and as a haven for species like polar bears, reindeer, and walruses, Svalbard’s popularity among adventurous travelers has prompted the Norwegian government to take action to ensure the archipelago’s protection.

From enjoying a spectacular pink-orange sunrise over snow-covered mountains to taking part in an exhilarating snowscooter tour before the thrill of a mesmerizing northern lights display overhead, winter cruises in Norway are unique from any other kind of cruising.

No matter your taste in beach, Europe obliges.

Envious voyeurs of world cruise TikTok can soon become the stars themselves on a new seven continent world cruise.

Traveling by train in Europe is as easy as pie. You can go across France in half a day, you can get from London to Amsterdam in just four hours, or even travel between Austria and Hungary for less than $10. Even in Scandinavia, the rail network is extensive, providing rail transport to and from large cities, small towns, neighboring countries, and even in the far reaches of the Arctic.

Looking for a new read to tide you over until your next vacation? Pick up one of these Nordic noir hits and be whisked away to Norway, where you’ll find Norwegian authors all too keen to lift the lid on the darker side of Scandinavian society.