Latest news with #Silversea
Forbes
4 hours ago
- Forbes
How To See The Best Of Trondheim On A Norway Cruise
These colorful buildings lining the river are a highlight of Trondheim's Bakklandet neighborhood. David Nikel Tucked between forested hills and a winding river, Trondheim might not be the most obvious stop on a Norway cruise, but that's exactly what makes it special. This former Viking capital is home to Norway's grandest cathedral, a thriving café culture and quiet cobbled streets where locals cycle to work year-round. Compact and walkable, it offers just enough history, charm and character to fill a rewarding day ashore, with fewer of the crowds you'll find in some Norwegian cruise destinations. Although not a constant fixture on cruise itineraries like Bergen or Ålesund, Trondheim still sees a steady flow of ships, especially on voyages heading north toward the Arctic. It serves as a cultural and geographical midpoint, with lines such as Silversea, Holland America, MSC Cruises, Ambassador Cruise Line, and AIDA making regular appearances throughout the cruise season. Whether you're planning to join a ship excursion or venture out independently, here's how to make the most of a cruise stop in Trondheim. Where Ships Dock In Trondheim Most cruise ships dock at Kai 68 in the Brattøra district, just a 10-minute walk from the city center. While some cruise lines provide shuttle buses, the walk is straightforward and manageable for most visitors. MSC 'Preziosa' cruise ship docked in Trondheim, Norway. David Nikel The route is clearly signposted and passes Rockheim, Norway's national museum of popular music, housed in a striking modern building. A pedestrian bridge crosses the railway tracks near Trondheim Central Station. It's steep, but there's an elevator for those who need it. On busy days, when multiple ships are in port, overflow vessels may be directed to an alternate pier in the Ila district, roughly a 25-minute walk from the city center. In this case, shuttle buses are often provided, though public buses also run nearby. If walking, take Hospitalsgata and Dronningens gate for a quieter, more picturesque route. Travelers arriving on the Norwegian coastal voyage with Hurtigruten or Havila will dock at the designated coastal terminal, separate from the main cruise pier. From there, it's roughly a 15-20-minute walk to the central area. Must-See Trondheim Highlights Your first stop should be Nidaros Cathedral, Norway's national shrine. Built over the burial site of Saint Olav, the Viking king who brought Christianity to Norway, it has been a site of pilgrimage for nearly a thousand years. If time and mobility allow, venture down to the atmospheric crypt to see a collection of medieval gravestones and climb the narrow spiral staircase to the tower for sweeping views over the city. The striking west front of Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, Norway. David Nikel Just next door, the Archbishop's Palace houses a well-curated museum showcasing Norway's royal regalia and archaeological finds from the cathedral's past. If history is your thing, a combination ticket covering all these attractions is both convenient and excellent value. From here, it's a short walk to Bakklandet, the city's prettiest neighborhood. Cross the red-painted Old Town Bridge to enter a photogenic district of colorful wooden houses, many of which are home to cozy cafés. Just watch out for cyclists. Excursions Or Independent Exploration? Trondheim is one of the easiest Norwegian ports to explore on your own, but excursions may appeal if you're looking to dig deeper. Some tours take guests to Kristiansten Fortress for panoramic views and often incorporate Trondheim's hidden Second World War history. Others venture outside the city to Sverresborg, an open-air folk museum that recreates rural Norwegian life with historic buildings relocated from across the region. At approximately $45, the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus is expensive, yet it's likely a cheaper option than a sightseeing tour of the city arranged by your cruise line. It only has four stops but they are spaced out, so plan your tour carefully to ensure you don't face a long wait or a long walk. Another alternative to consider is walking into the city to visit Nidaros Cathedral, then taking the tram up to the city forest. On the way, you'll get wonderful views across the city plus a taste of the Norwegian outdoors lifestyle. If the weather is nice, take a picnic lunch to enjoy by the lake. Know Before You Go To Trondheim The weather in Trondheim can be unpredictable, even in summer. Bring a light waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes. Credit cards are accepted everywhere, and tap-to-pay is standard. English is widely spoken. One place you can't pay by card is on the bus or tram, where only cash is accepted, albeit with limited to no change. That's because virtually all Norwegians use a physical travel card or the AtB app, available in English, to buy and display tickets. If you have cell coverage available, the app is by far the easiest and cheapest way to buy tickets. If not, consider buying a day pass in advance from Narvesen or 7-Eleven outlets throughout the city. If your time in Trondheim is limited, prioritize the cathedral, Bakklandet, and a stroll along the Nidelva river. With a little planning, even a short port stop can offer a memorable glimpse into one of Norway's most livable cities. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes How To Spend A Weekend In Trondheim, Norway By David Nikel Forbes How To Plan A Norwegian Fjords Cruise In 2025 By David Nikel Forbes Avoid These 10 Rookie Mistakes On Your First Cruise By David Nikel
Sydney Morning Herald
6 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
New Australian cruise ship, converted from a luxury yacht, ready to sail
This article is part of Traveller's guide to luxury cruising. See all stories. True North and Coral Expeditions ran cruises in the Kimberley before most knew where the Kimberley was, with True North's fishing charter business there going back as far as the 1980s. Their guests had those distinctive blue waters, orange cliffs, astonishing tides and wondrous natural phenomena pretty much to themselves, when it came to commercial operators, for many years. But in recent times, small-ship cruising has taken hold in the Kimberley. Though the conditions in and remoteness of the region along the north-east and north of Western Australia dictate the ships be on the smaller size, the likes of Ponant and Silversea are now deploying relatively larger vessels carrying upwards of 150 passengers into the region. Almost 30 years after Coral Expeditions launched its modified submarine chaser, Coral Princess, in the waters where the Indian Ocean meets the Timor Sea, a famous Kimberley name is seeking to recapture the spirit of truly small-vessel adventure in one of the world's great wildernesses. The pearl company Paspaley, one of the Kimberley's best-known family businesses, has launched Paspaley Pearl, a former motor yacht modified to become a 30-guest luxury cruise vessel. The yacht, previously called Island Escape and operated by New Zealand's collapsed Island Escape Cruises, was initially bought to be a collaboration between Paspaley and Ponant.
The Age
7 days ago
- The Age
Former luxury yacht, converted to Australian cruise ship, ready to sail
This article is part of Traveller's guide to luxury cruising. See all stories. True North and Coral Expeditions ran cruises in the Kimberley before most knew where the Kimberley was, with True North's fishing charter business there going back as far as the 1980s. Their guests had those distinctive blue waters, orange cliffs, astonishing tides and wondrous natural phenomena pretty much to themselves, when it came to commercial operators, for many years. But in recent times, small-ship cruising has taken hold in the Kimberley. Though the conditions in and remoteness of the region along the north-east and north of Western Australia dictate the ships be on the smaller size, the likes of Ponant and Silversea are now deploying relatively larger vessels carrying upwards of 150 passengers into the region. Almost 30 years after Coral Expeditions launched its modified submarine chaser, Coral Princess, in the waters where the Indian Ocean meets the Timor Sea, a famous Kimberley name is seeking to recapture the spirit of truly small-vessel adventure in one of the world's great wildernesses. The pearl company Paspaley, one of the Kimberley's best-known family businesses, has launched Paspaley Pearl, a former motor yacht modified to become a 30-guest luxury cruise vessel. The yacht, previously called Island Escape and operated by New Zealand's collapsed Island Escape Cruises, was initially bought to be a collaboration between Paspaley and Ponant.
Sydney Morning Herald
7 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Former luxury yacht, converted to Australian cruise ship, ready to sail
This article is part of Traveller's guide to luxury cruising. See all stories. True North and Coral Expeditions ran cruises in the Kimberley before most knew where the Kimberley was, with True North's fishing charter business there going back as far as the 1980s. Their guests had those distinctive blue waters, orange cliffs, astonishing tides and wondrous natural phenomena pretty much to themselves, when it came to commercial operators, for many years. But in recent times, small-ship cruising has taken hold in the Kimberley. Though the conditions in and remoteness of the region along the north-east and north of Western Australia dictate the ships be on the smaller size, the likes of Ponant and Silversea are now deploying relatively larger vessels carrying upwards of 150 passengers into the region. Almost 30 years after Coral Expeditions launched its modified submarine chaser, Coral Princess, in the waters where the Indian Ocean meets the Timor Sea, a famous Kimberley name is seeking to recapture the spirit of truly small-vessel adventure in one of the world's great wildernesses. The pearl company Paspaley, one of the Kimberley's best-known family businesses, has launched Paspaley Pearl, a former motor yacht modified to become a 30-guest luxury cruise vessel. The yacht, previously called Island Escape and operated by New Zealand's collapsed Island Escape Cruises, was initially bought to be a collaboration between Paspaley and Ponant.
Travel Weekly
15-07-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
How Silversea is streamlining its expedition cruise experience
Teri West Galapagos cruising got cushier this month for those sailing with Silversea's Silver Origin. The cruise line is now providing passengers with charter flights in Ecuador from Quito to San Cristobal Island, a two-hour trip that forgoes the previous layover in Guayaquil. It is becoming ever clearer that Silversea believes luxury in expedition requires eliminating, as much as possible, unpredictability and discomfort before and after the cruise. For Antarctica cruises, the line offers charter flights from Chile and will soon also host guests before their flight at a Silversea-built and owned hotel. In the expedition space, the trick in crafting the journey is leaving room for error, so Silversea's pre- and post-cruise services are a true value, said David Lauwers, a luxury cruise and expedition travel advisor at Q Cruise + Travel. "It's padding out an expedition," he said. "It isn't like going to Europe, where you can get on the next flight, there's loads of carriers and it's not a problem." Lauwers said he likes to direct clients toward Silversea because it eliminates so many of the logistical challenges involved in ensuring his customers are aboard the ship when it leaves the homeport. The services also differentiate Silversea from competitors, and once guests try the Silversea flights there is a high satisfaction rate, Lauwers said. They find the plane ride to be an exciting kickoff for the cruise itself, with Silversea-branded napkins and menus and the opportunity to commune with fellow passengers. "They love that they're all Silversea guests, because they can all chat and talk about the trip, especially on the return," he said. Silversea president Bert Hernandez said the company is focused on evolving. "This enhanced guest journey to the Galapagos reflects this dedication -- streamlining every touchpoint to make visiting this bucket list destination more accessible and seamless than ever," he said. "We always put the guest at the center of everything we do, creating opportunities for deeper connections to the destination, and this is one more way we're leveraging our deep expedition and destination expertise to further elevate the Silversea experience." Lauwers said he expects other cruise lines to take a wait-and-see approach in deciding whether to operate their own Galapagos charter flights, but those that might consider it would also be in the luxury space. "I think they've got quite a niche in the Galapagos," Lauwers said of Silversea. "I think that'll be a big differentiator for them."
