Iceland & Norway Voyage on World Traveller (July 2025)

One year later, I once again set foot on Iceland, returning to the familiar yet mysterious northern capital—Reykjavík. The sky hung heavy with clouds, and a fine drizzle whispered through the air, yet none of it could dampen the joy and anticipation in my heart.

The chimes of the cathedral still echoed gently, lingering in the moist breeze. Crowds gathered, as ever, in front of the famed hot dog stand. Time, it seemed, had scarcely passed. But this time, I would aboard the World Traveller, embarking on a 12-day voyage through Iceland and Norway.

July 10, 2025 (Thursday) - Reykjavik

Around 3 p.m., I made my way to the harbor. Beneath the slowly turning Ferris wheel, the World Traveller stood poised and ready, her pristine blue & white hull glowing softly in the misty rain—serene, dignified.

As I stepped aboard, I was warmly greeted by the ship’s staff and escorted to the lounge on the 4th floor. A warm towel was offered, followed by champagne bubbling with delight, paired with delicate canapés. Unlike the long queues of check-in counters in previous trips, this time the boarding process was smooth and elegant. Staff members moved gracefully from guest to guest, scanning passports and handing over room keys with quiet efficiency.

My first impression of the World Traveller was of refinement and care—new, yet imbued with soul. I had booked a French balcony cabin. As I walked inside, I was welcomed by a spacious, light-filled room. The upper section of the floor-to-ceiling window could be opened or closed at the touch of a button by the bedside. A backpack and water bottle, courtesy of Atlas Ocean Voyages, awaited me on the bed. Along the desk, American, European, and USB power outlets were neatly arranged. The room included a coffee machine, a kettle, a minibar stocked with soft drinks and beer, and even a pair of binoculars.

The bathroom was adorned in marble, both on the floor and the walls, and stocked with luxurious L’Occitane toiletries. Even the wardrobe contained a pair of cozy slippers, tucked away with care.

The ship’s wellness facilities were no less impressive. On the seventh deck, a warm-water swimming pool and a jet jacuzzi invited relaxation; on the eighth deck, a running track circled above the ocean. A sauna, a gym, and spa completed the tranquil offerings—a floating sanctuary at sea.

Before dinner, a local choir from Reykjavík came aboard to perform. Their voices rose like the Icelandic wind, like the shimmer of the aurora—ethereal, stirring, unforgettable.

At 9:45 p.m., the World Traveller slipped quietly from the harbor, cutting through the twilight of the North Atlantic, bound for tomorrow.

July 11, 2025 (Friday) - Isafjordur

Around noon, the World Traveller is expected to arrive in Ísafjörður, the largest town on Iceland’s wild northwestern peninsula.

The open-sea crossing last night was a little rough, but with today’s leisurely itinerary, I gladly surrendered to a rare indulgence - a late sleep, rocked by the ship's sway, drifting in and out of dreams.

Before lunch, a distinguished guest lecturer onboard David Drewry, Vice-Chair of the UK National Committee for UNESCO, offered us a seminar on the fiery origins of Iceland’s landscape. Here, where glaciers and volcanoes collide, the earth reveals both its fury and its soul.

As the talk drew to a close, our ship quietly glided into the harbor of Ísafjörður. Mountains rose steep and sheer on both sides, then stopped abruptly - flattened at their peaks. These formations date back 10 to 16 million years, remnants of volcanic eruptions trapped beneath Ice Age glaciers. When molten lava met the deep freeze, it birthed the silent, brooding mountains we now see.

In the afternoon, I joined an eagerly anticipated whale-watching excursion. Our guide explained that these fjord waters are a favorite haunt of humpback whales, and if lucky enough, we might also glimpse minke whales or even orcas.

Our boat sliced through the deep fjords, seabirds danced on the wind, and puffins - those whimsical little clowns of the sea - flapped frantically across the waves in their comical takeoffs.

Suddenly, a blow was seen not far away - whales! I raised the binoculars just in time to catch a humpback surfacing in all its grandeur. The next hour passed in quiet awe: spouts, tail slaps, one moment giving way to the next, as if the ocean itself were performing. Our phones filled quickly, but no lens could fully capture the wonder of the moment.

Back at the harbor, the day was still young. I wandered the streets of the little town, just as a sunshower gave way to a brilliant clearing. The sky turned crystalline blue, clouds drifting lazily, the hillsides lush and glowing. Birds glided over mirrored waters, their reflections painting soft ripples. The sunlight warmed my skin; my heart felt just as bright.

Before I returned to the ship, I struck up a conversation with a local young man checking in guests for our ship. A second-year electrical engineering student, born and raised here. He told me that each summer, this town of just 3,000 welcomes nearly a million visitors. Since June, he’s worked daily at the port, nonstop until mid-September. Only then did I truly sense the quiet hum beneath the calm - the hidden pulse of a town caught in the swell of summer. Today alone, four ships were in port: ours, plus the Ponant, Viking, and Holland America.

At 6:30 p.m., our captain Yevgenly Lebedenko hosted a welcome cocktail party at Atlas lounge on Deck 4. This voyage is staffed by 118 crew members, each dedicated to making our journey seamless. Dinner offered an added delight - butter glazed lobster.

After dinner, I went up to Deck 7 for a walk. The wind blew hard. A few Icelandic gulls flapped alongside us, racing the ship. On either side, those flat-topped mountains still watched over us, their ancient volcanic craters stark in the fading light. The sun dipped westward, gilding the horizon in gold. Silence fell over the deck, broken only by the sound of the wind - a moment suspended in time.

July 12, 2025 (Saturday) - Akureyri

Today our ship docked in Akureyri, often called the Capital of North Iceland. With a population of just over 20,000, it’s the second-largest urban area in Iceland outside the greater Reykjavík region. Though settled since the 9th century, Akureyri wasn’t officially chartered until 1786. During World War II, it served as a base for Allied forces. Located just 60 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle, the town enjoys a surprisingly mild climate and ice-free harbor year-round, making it a vital transport and fishing hub.

After breakfast, I headed straight for the pier to join my pre-booked shore excursion. It was a six-hour journey covering several of Akureyri’s most iconic sights - and I was genuinely excited.

The sky was gray, and a light drizzle fell from time to time. Our bus carrying eleven of us, departed right on schedule, driving smoothly along the winding mountain roads. Outside the window, charming red-roofed farmhouses dotted the hills, interspersed with cows, sheep, and the occasional Icelandic horse. These horses, among the world’s purest breeds, have lived on this island for over a thousand years. To protect their lineage, Iceland strictly forbids the import or export of horses.

The sky, moody as ever in Iceland, suddenly broke open. A shaft of sunlight pierced through the clouds and illuminated green mountains still crowned with ice. Wisps of fog lingered around the mid-slopes, casting a mysterious, almost enchanted aura across the landscape.

Our first stop was Goðafoss, or Waterfall of the Gods. Around the year 1000, Iceland officially adopted Christianity. According to legend, the law speaker at the time, Thorgeir, threw his pagan idols into this very waterfall, symbolizing the nation's conversion. The name Goðafoss commemorates this act. Shaped like a horseshoe, the falls are about 100 feet wide and plunge from a height of 40 feet, thundering into the river below. The water has a milky-white hue, which our guide Luca explained is due to mineral-rich glacial melt.

Our second stop was Dimmuborgir, known as The Dark Fortress. This surreal lava field formed 2,300 years ago when molten lava flowed over a marshy area. As the lava flowed, water underneath boiled, creating steam vents that solidified into the towering pillars and unique rock formations that characterize Dimmuborgir today.

Folklore runs deep here. Dimmuborgir is said to be a gateway between Earth and Hell - and the mythical home of Iceland’s infamous thirteen Yule Lads. Each December, from the 12th to the 24th, one of the mischievous brothers sneaks down from the mountains each night. Well-behaved children receive gifts in their shoes; the naughty ones? Just a raw potato. A cue to be better next year.

Next came Námaskarð, a geothermal area so otherworldly that stepping off the bus felt like arriving on another planet. The ground was painted in surreal shades of brown, yellow, ochre, and ash gray. Steam hissed from fissures, and a strong smell of sulfur clung to the air. Pools of boiling mud bubbled all around us.

Námaskarð is part of the Krafla volcanic system, located on the tectonic boundary between the North American and Eurasian plates. Its Martian-like terrain has drawn filmmakers from around the world - including the 2015 Star Wars: The Force Awakens production.

Our final stop was the Skútustaðir pseudo-craters. These crater-like formations sit along the shores of tranquil Lake Mývatn and were formed 2,300 years ago when lava flowed over wetlands, triggering steam explosions. Unlike true volcanic craters, they lack a direct magma chamber, which is why they're known as “rootless cones.”

A packed day excursion came to an end. I waved goodbyes to a few new friends from the Viking cruise ship and returned home - to the World Traveller.

Before dinner, Ian Ridpath from the Royal Astronomical Society gave a captivating lecture on the history of the moon landings. Then, at 6:30 PM, we returned to our staterooms for a lovely meet-and-greet with our hallway neighbors. Interestingly, all my neighbors were American - hailing from Iowa, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. A thoughtful touch by Atlas to foster connection.

At 9:30 PM, Cruise Director Daniel hosted a themed concert night in the panoramic lounge on Deck 7: An Evening of Love Songs. As Daniel serenaded us with romantic ballads from the 1960s and ’70s, guests couldn’t help but get up and dance. Laughter, music, and shared joy filled the room - it was truly a night to remember.

July 13, 2025 (Sunday) - Seyðisfjörður

Today marks the final stop of our journey in Iceland. When I woke up this morning, our cruise ship had already docked in Seyðisfjörður, a small town in eastern Iceland. This is one of the country’s oldest settlements, with archaeological remains dating back at least to the 11th century.

In 1848, Norwegian fishermen settled here. Then in 1864, American Thomas Welcome Roys founded the world’s first modern industrialized whaling station nearby. By 1906, Iceland’s first telegraph line connecting Europe was inaugurated here, turning this remote town into an important hub for global communications - at least until the mid-20th century.

Today’s weather was exceptionally clear - bright blue skies without a single cloud. After lunch, I changed into a T-shirt and shorts, and headed out. Just across from where our ship was docked lies Budareyrarfoss waterfall. Though the path wasn't long, the incline was quite steep.

About half an hour later, I found myself standing at the foot of the waterfall. Looking up, the rushing water leapt off the cliff, sparkling in the sunlight and crashing onto the rocks below, casting mist into the air. Across the bay, green mountain slopes were dusted with snow, and in the distance, countless other waterfalls shimmered under the sun.

After descending, I strolled through the town’s charming streets. The place was bustling, with locals and visitors alike soaking in the rare sunshine. Many gathered at the iconic rainbow path in front of the church to take photos. Since there was still time, I continued south along Route 93 for a while. After admiring another cascade waterfall up close, I returned to the ship, still filled with wonder.

At 7 p.m., the World Traveller slowly pulled away from the pier. I went up to Deck 7 to take in the breathtaking scenery on both sides of the fjord, bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun.

Good bye Iceland, until we meet again!

July 15, 2025 (Tuesday) -  Ålesund

After a day and a half at sea, our ship slowly approached the western coast of Norway, drawing closer to Ålesund just around noon. The bright sun spilled over the water, shimmering like gold. Wisps of mist drifted gently across the surface as if the world hadn’t quite woken from its dream. In the distance, colorful houses nestled between lush green hills, as if a page from a fairy tale had quietly turned before our eyes.

Ålesund is Norway’s ninth-largest city and one of the country’s most important hubs for seafood exports. The city’s unique appearance today owes much to a devastating fire in January 1904, which consumed nearly all of its wooden structures. In the aftermath, the town was rebuilt from stone, brick, and mortar, with Art Nouveau as its guiding aesthetic - a style that still defines Ålesund’s elegant face.

Today, I joined an excursion to two nearby islands - Godøya and Giske. Though separated from the mainland, both are connected to Ålesund by underwater tunnels that plunge up to more than 150 meters beneath the sea.

On Godøya, the most striking landmark is the Alnes Lighthouse. Originally built in 1876, the present 22-meter-high structure dates from a 1937 reconstruction. It stands firm on the coast, a silent witness to the passage of wind, waves, and time. I climbed its spiral staircase to the top, where the world opened in all directions: a quiet village below, mountains and sea intertwined in a tranquil, painterly scene. At the base of the lighthouse, there’s a small exhibition tracing the history of local lighthouses along the Norwegian coast. The young man on duty today had just graduated from high school - a local enjoying his final summer working in his hometown before moving to Bergen to begin his university studies. As he spoke of the future, I could see his eyes sparkled with anticipation and hope.

We continued on to Giske Island, where the Giske Church has stood in silence for over eight centuries. Built in the 12th century, this marble church was once the private chapel of a noble family. Today, to preserve its structure, much of the original marble is covered with plaster and chalk, though two bright white slabs remain exposed on the outer wall - gleaming reminders of its past. The church underwent significant restoration in 1756. Its most striking features are  a unique reredos, pulpit and organ loft, intricately carved by a talented local craftsman, Jakob Sørensøn Giskegaard - a beautiful blend of devotional spirit and artistic expression.

Returning to Ålesund in the evening, the sun still hung high in the sky, and my energy remained undimmed. I had spotted a white lookout point atop the nearby hill, glowing in the fading light. A quick online search revealed it to be the Aksla (or Fjellstua) viewpoint. I set off eagerly, beginning at the trailhead in Byparken park. Climbing more than 400 steps - breathless but determined - I finally reached the summit. There, all of Ålesund unfolded beneath me like a painted panorama. At sunset, golden light shimmered across the water. Distant mountains stood solemn against the horizon, nearby islands lay nestled in layers of green, and vibrant houses dotted the landscape like brushstrokes in a sun-drenched canvas.

As twilight fell, our World Traveller ship slowly departed Ålesund and slipped into the depths of the fjord. The golden sun quietly dipped behind the mountains, and the sky ignited in a blaze of crimson and gold. In that moment, the world seemed to pause - suspended in this radiant, dreamlike dusk - and I found myself unable to look away, unwilling to let go of such a perfect, painted farewell.

July 16, 2025 (Wednesday) - Geiranger

Today was another bright day. Early in the morning, our ship was already anchored just outside the port of Geiranger.

Geiranger lies at the head of the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is famous for its spectacular fjord scenery, cascading waterfalls, and lush greenery. Although the permanent population here is only about 250, it is one of the most popular visited destinations in Norway.

Since the dock was already occupied by another mega cruise ship, we took tenders back and forth between the port and our ship. A ten-minute walk from the pier, passing a camping area, led me to a roughly one-kilometer-long waterfall walk. With the roar of the water and mist in the air, I climbed 327 steps to experience the power of the Storfossen Waterfall up close.

At 9:30 a.m., I boarded a fjords sightseeing cruise. Towering peaks rose on either side of the fjord, some still bearing traces of glaciers. The cruise glided slowly through the winding waterway, with waterfalls of all sizes unfolding before our eyes like scenes from a movie: Gjerdefossen, the Seven Sisters, Friaren, and Ljosurdfossen… Each cascaded down from mountaintops, plunging into the fjord in magnificent fashion. The most famous, the Seven Sisters, stands over 410 meters tall, splitting into seven distinct streams like white ribbons hanging from the cliffs - truly breathtaking.

On the cliffside opposite the Seven Sisters lies an abandoned historic farm called Skageflå. People had lived there since the Middle Ages until it ceased operation in 1918. Rumor is that the last owner removed the ladders from the rock faces, blocking the tax collector from reaching it, proof of the hardships faced in those times.

There is a hiking trail from the water below the farm to Geiranger, about 8 kilometers long with a 550-meter elevation gain, taking 4 to 5 hours to complete. Since our cruise ship was scheduled to depart at 2:30 p.m., I decided to only hike up to the farm and return the same way.

To be honest, I was a bit anxious when I decided to hike the trail the night before. Although the route wasn’t long, it was steep, and the pickup service back to the port was limited. If I didn’t manage my time well, I could easily miss the ship.

As our boat neared the shore, I stood at the bow and couldn’t even make out where the trail began. A crew member on board seemed to notice my hesitation and cheerfully called out, “Head to the right!”

To my surprise, quite a few people disembarked. Besides a young couple with two little girls who were sitting next to me, there were also two or three dozen high school students. Before I had time to think, I was already in the crowd, beginning today’s hike.

The trail was definitely challenging. From the very first step, it was a steep uphill climb. Following closely behind the person in front, I was soon out of breath. Though I wanted to rest, the narrow path made it difficult to stop, so I gritted my teeth and kept going.

I don’t know how long I hiked - stopping briefly two or three times - before finally emerging from the forest. The fjord below suddenly opened up before me. Excited, I posed for a selfie. A French couple passed by with their two teenage sons. After helping each other with photos and chatting, they warmly invited me to join them on the return hike to Geiranger.

The high school students had already raced ahead, while I gradually approached my destination. The once-busy farm was now just a few wooden cabins. In front of them, a rare flat patch of land had become the perfect spot for photos, with laughter echoing through the valley.

During our chat, I learned the high schoolers were from the same church in Germany. Every two years, they organize an activity like this. Next time, they plan to climb Vesle Galdhøpiggen, Norway’s sixth-highest peak. After waving goodbye to these energetic young people heading to Geiranger, I started chatting with the young couple. They were from Silicon Valley in the U.S. and had both recently quit their corporate jobs. Taking advantage of their daughters being just 3 and 1 years old, they decided to travel the world with them, hoping to show them as much of it as possible.

The descent was even more challenging than the climb. The steep slope was tough on the knees, and I was glad I had left enough buffer time to avoid rushing. I was genuinely grateful for all the lovely people I met along the way. Without them, this hike wouldn’t have been nearly as smooth.

Even the ship’s crew seemed to know how exhausted I was. Dinner that night was especially lavish, an event called the “Circus Dinner Extravaganza.” It was quite mysterious: everyone had to surrender their phones, which were sealed away. A ten-course gourmet meal was served, ending with a luxurious dessert buffet - a perfect finale to a truly special day!

July 17, 2025 (Thursday) - Flåm

Norway truly lives up to its name as the land of fjords. Today, the World Traveler docked near Flåm, right between two famous fjords—Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. Since 2005, Nærøyfjord, together with Geirangerfjord, has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a representative of the West Norwegian Fjords.

Once again, the sky was clear and blue. Our good fortune continued to follow us. Today's shore excursion centered around these two magnificent fjords.

Our group first took a bus to Stalheim. After passing through several tunnels, the bus slowly ascended and stopped in front of the Stalheim Hotel. Behind the hotel is a superb vantage point overlooking the valley. Towering mountains rise on both sides, with a winding river and road running through the middle, all covered in layers of green in varying shades. In the distance, snow still clings to some mountain peaks, and waterfalls cascade down from the heights.

Afterwards, the bus took us back to the small town of Gudvangen, the starting point of our fjord cruise. A brand-new fully electric ship, Legacy of the Fjords, awaited us. Its white hull interlaced with tea-colored panoramic glass gives it a sleek, modern design. Looking upward, waterfalls of all sizes tumbled down the mountains on both sides, as if welcoming our arrival.

The ship slowly cruised along Nærøyfjord. Sunlight pierced the vast clouds, casting deep shadows across the mountains. Dark green mountains and water, occasionally interrupted by patches of tender green or yellow grass along the shore. Red-roofed cottages and colorful tents dotted the landscape. Now and then, red, blue, and yellow kayaks glided across the water, making it feel like we had stepped into a fairytale world.

Nærøyfjord is extremely narrow. At its narrowest point, it's said to be only 250 meters wide. At some point, a group of seagulls began following our boat, circling and dancing around the vessel, as if to add color to our journey.

As we entered Aurlandsfjord, the water opened up, and houses began appearing here and there halfway up the mountains. To my surprise, even on such steep slopes, we saw a group of sheep leisurely grazing. The scenery was like a painting - so enchanting, it was impossible to look away.

July 18, 2025 (Friday) - Bergen

Bergen is Norway’s second-largest city, after the capital, Oslo, with a population of around 300,000. The Bryggen district, with its colorful old houses by the harbor, dates back to the 12th century or even earlier. The buildings seen today were reconstructed after a major fire in 1702.

This is my second visit to Bergen. The clean, tidy, and historically and culturally rich old city continues to captivate me.

Passing through the bustling fish market, I headed toward the top of Mount Fløyen and its park. There are two mountains around Bergen that are popular among hikers. In addition to Fløyen, the other is the taller Mount Ulriken. The Vidden trail connecting the two peaks takes about four to five hours in total. I was considering to try it this time, but considering tomorrow’s itinerary, I had to reluctantly let it go. I’ll save this small regret for my next visit.

I took the funicular up to the top of Mount Fløyen for a panoramic view of the city, then picked a hiking trail at random, immersing myself in the tranquility and comfort of this natural oxygen bar. The park features forests, lakes, and even a playground for children. Many locals can also be seen hiking or biking here.

The afternoon sunlight gently bathed me in warmth. After descending Fløyen, I wandered through this beautiful city, feeling its heartbeat. For a moment, I felt as if I were living inside a moving postcard. Any casual photo taken here turns out to be a masterpiece.

At 9:30 p.m., our ship departed southward right on time. I came up to the top deck, enchanted by the scenery of islands large and small gliding by on both sides under the setting sun. Amidst lush greenery, colorful houses were scattered in harmony. Several local yachts approached our cruise ship, curiously glancing over before sailing away contentedly.

July 19, 2025 (Saturday) - Stavanger

Today was the day I had been looking forward to the most on this trip!

At 8 a.m., the World Traveller slowly sailed into Stavanger. The water was shrouded in thick fog, the ship's horn echoed repeatedly, and my heart sank a little - could my streak of good luck be ending here?

Stavanger is an important port city in southwestern Norway and the country's fourth largest city, with a population of about 140,000. It lies at the entrance of Lysefjord, serving as the gateway to natural wonders like Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) and Kjeragbolten.

Stavanger's history dates back to the Middle Ages and is home to one of Norway's oldest surviving cathedrals — Stavanger Cathedral (Stavanger Domkirke), which was built in the 12th century. The city center still preserves many well-maintained wooden houses. In modern times, Stavanger is known as Norway’s oil capital. Since the development of the North Sea oil fields, it has become the country’s energy industry hub.

Today’s plan was to hike to the famous Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock). The excursion would take about seven hours. After a quick breakfast, I headed to the Atlas Lounge on the 4th floor to meet up with the group. Our bus departed promptly at 8:45.

The one-hour bus ride flew by in my anticipation. The fog gradually lifted, sunlight peeked through the clouds, and the sky turned a brilliant blue! In a region that’s cloudy over 230 days a year, having weather like this was incredibly lucky!

We finally arrived. I quickly adjusted my gear. I left my waterproof and warm clothes on the bus and changed into shorts - time to go!

The hike began with a steep incline, a real wake-up call. After a short gravel path, we hit stone steps. The trail is 4 km each way, with a total elevation gain of 320 meters. The first kilometer alone climbs 140 meters - nearly half of the total elevation.

After a flat stretch to catch our breath, the trail steepened again. Once I reached the second kilometer, I was only 50 meters from the highest point. From here, I could already catch glimpses of the stunning fjord views in the distance.

After passing a few peaceful, mirror-like mountaintop lakes, I started to push ahead on the final kilometer. The path narrowed, and the fjord came into clearer view. The last 200 meters consisted mostly of bare rock. All I could see ahead were hikers’ backs and the blue sky overhead.

Seeing Preikestolen with my own eyes was truly breathtaking. A sheer cliff wall rose to the right, and to the left was a completely exposed abyss. At its narrowest point, the trail allowed just one or two people to pass at once. A large rock jutted out ahead, its surface flat, where a line of people waited to take photos on the cliff’s edge.

By rough estimate, it had taken about 1 hour and 40 minutes to climb up. At that moment, I suddenly realized how hungry I was. Looking around, I noticed some people had climbed up to a high point on the cliff behind Preikestolen. I followed a side trail to the right of the rock for a bit, but going further required using both hands and feet to scramble upward. Looking at the steep drop below, I decided to call it a day & sit down right where I was and fully enjoy the view.

I ate the packed lunch provided by the ship, soaking in the incredible scenery, and struck up a conversation with a few young folks nearby. They were locals from Norway, but it was also their first time visiting Preikestolen. I showed them photos of Trolltunga (the Tongue of the Troll) and Kjeragbolten, and we made a bet on who would finish hiking the three great stones first.

July 20, 2025 (Sunday) - Arendal

Today marks the final town to call of this journey: Arendal, a port city in southern Norway. Once again, the weather was sunny and pleasant.

On a Sunday morning, the streets of this small town were quiet and peaceful. I strolled along the waterfront and spotted a glass elevator on a nearby hill. From the top, I had a panoramic view of the town’s charming layout.

Arendal Church, originally built in 1670, is a red-brick neo-Gothic building. Sunlight filtered through its ornate stained-glass windows, casting a warm glow inside. After leaving the church, I wandered back toward the waterfront. The narrow alleys were lined with brightly colored old houses, many with nameplates showing they were built as far back as the 17th century.

Down by the water was a small, shallow beach where children splashed and played. The harbor was full of yachts, coming and going in a lively scene. Nearby, there was even a floating swimming pool. I was very tempted to jump in and enjoy!

I noticed a crowd gathering at the dock and learned they were waiting for the ferry to Merdo Island. I decided to join them. Though small, Merdo Island was bustling. The beach was packed, and the campground was filled with tents. I had planned to have lunch at the island’s only restaurant, but the wait was over an hour, so I gave up. A kind local pointed me toward a small shack selling ice cream. It was self-service and payment was on the honor system — quite a unique experience.

While waiting for the return ferry, I struck up a conversation with a young boy fishing on the dock. His family lives in central Norway and had driven two hours for a holiday. He told me that in Norway, children begin learning English and other languages from elementary school. He would be starting high school this fall. I asked if he hoped to attend university in Oslo or Bergen one day. He shook his head firmly: “Too many people in the big cities - I don’t like that. I want to study close to home.” And what about his future career? He said, “If I can’t become a professional football player, I’ll be an electrician.” He was still young but already had a strong sense of direction. I was genuinely impressed.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sea was calm and peaceful. Most people were already asleep as the World Traveller sailed toward Oslo, bringing this journey through Iceland and Norway to a beautiful close.

Epilogue

Twelve days passed in what felt like the blink of an eye. The warm hospitality and attention to detail from the ship’s crew impressed me a lot. From the very first day, the restaurant staff warmly greeted me by name and soon remembered my usual drink.

Luna, our  stewardess, always wore a sincere smile. Guest lecturers David and Ian were incredibly knowledgeable and gave over a dozen fascinating talks. The performances by Cruise Director Daniel and pianist Paul were the perfect way to unwind after a full day.

My favorite spot on the ship was the running track on Deck 8. Every morning, I took my first photo of the day from there as we arrived in port. In the evenings, I would brisk walk a few laps while enjoying the sunset. If I have the chance again, I’ll definitely make more use of the heated pool, jacuzzis, and sauna on Deck 7. The observation decks at the front of Decks 5 and 7 were also excellent spots for meeting new friends and taking in the views.

Farewell, World Traveller -I’m sure we’ll meet again!