Today, you will never travel like before. This could be a post-Covid-19 pandemic advertising slogan. The French have regained their taste for traveling but are looking to escape differently. No more trips that are too far away and too traditional, make way for destinations that are less frequented, rarer and therefore also less expensive.
Liverpool rather than London, Girona rather than Barcelona, Sweden rather than Finland, the Sporades Islands in Greece rather than the Cyclades, etc. Without forgetting a strong trend in current tourism: the craze for cruises. From the Mediterranean to the Baltic, they are another way to discover Europe, far from the beaten track. Ready to get fitted?
Norwegian fjords aboard the MSC Euribia
Magnificent nature and villages bathed in exceptional light: a cruise remains the safest way to succumb to the unique atmosphere of the North Sea. From April to October, when the days lengthen here more than elsewhere, the new ship MSC Euribia is entirely dedicated to the discovery of the Norwegian fjords as well as to journeys between England, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. The cruise line offers seven-night itineraries with slight variations to suit everyone’s desires. One of the flagship trips departs from the port of Kiel (Germany). The ship makes a first stopover in Copenhagen, before heading to Norway to stop at Hellesylt, an adorable village in the heart of Sunnylvsfjord. The opportunity to disembark to visit its alleys, but above all to walk on the banks of Lake Olden, to the spectacular Briksdal glacier.
The cruise then crosses the Aurlandsfjord, included on the UNESCO world heritage list since 2005, whose impressive waterfalls hypnotize travelers, before reaching the port city of Alesund, where one of the most large aquariums of Scandinavia. Before returning to Kiel, the last stop is at the fishing village of Flam, which offers the opportunity to embark on a ride on a retro train crossing breathtaking landscapes.
The company’s latest flagship, the MSC Euribia is powered by LNG, in order to reduce greenhouse gases by 20% and nitrogen oxide emissions by 85%. On board, cabins with designer decor, but above all numerous innovations dedicated to entertainment. Thus the Galleria is organized like a promenade with Mediterranean inspirations, overlooked by an astonishing LED dome and lined with shops and restaurants. Scattered across several decks, five swimming pools invite you to relax, while a huge coral-themed water park attracts young and old, with a large pool and slides. Seven rooms on the boat are also dedicated to children, who can discover the MSC Foundation’s first youth center, whose activities focus on sustainable development. Installed in the beautiful 954-seat room, travelers can attend a show in the spirit of Broadway every evening, before continuing the evening at the casino or in one of the ship’s many bars.
From 799 euros per person for a seven-day cruise.
More details on the MSC Cruises website.
And also from Bergen with Hurtigruten Expeditions (from 2,120 euros).
Discovering Greenland
Who hasn’t imagined themselves as an explorer, breaking ice and brushing past icebergs in the footsteps of Paul-Emile Victor or Roald Amundsen? A pioneer of polar adventure for all, Quark Expeditions was launched in 1991, breaking new ground with the first non-scientific voyages to the North Pole and South Pole. This year, the company has set up two new itineraries for Greenland, departing from Iceland, planned for August 2024. The 14-day Under the Northern Lights cruise will depart from Reykjavik, and, after a stopover in the Icelandic fjords, will anchor on the northeast coast of Greenland. Every day, the inflatable boats will take passengers ashore for long walks in the tundra or towards the cliffs sheltering bird colonies, visit an Inuit community or watch for the Northern Lights. On board theOcean Adventurerrecently renovated, the 128 passengers are accommodated in spacious cabins with contemporary decor, all with sea views. From a technical point of view, the ship has been equipped with Rolls-Royce engines offering optimization of its fuel consumption. fuel and its carbon footprint.
From €8,270.
More details on the Quark Expeditions website.
And also departing from Reykjavik with Explore (from €4,585 for 8 days).