78 REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT: NORTHERN EUROPE Endless possibilities From Nordic capitals and dramatic fjords to winter sailings and cultural experiences, Robert de Bruin tells Laura Hyde why Northern Europe remains one of the most versatile cruise destinations For Robert de Bruin, director of deployment and itinerary planning at Holland America Line, Northern Europe’s appeal lies in its ability to offer dramatically different experiences for guests within one itinerary. “In a single cruise, guests can experience everything from Norway’s breathtaking fjords and dramatic coastal scenery to vibrant cities like Copenhagen in Denmark, Stockholm in Sweden and Tallinn in Estonia,” he says. “There is an incredible mix of natural beauty, history, culture and architecture, and each destination feels distinctly different from the next. What makes the region even more compelling is that it offers something new throughout the year. Summer is what most people know, but autumn brings experiences like Oktoberfest and Northern Lights sailings, “The combination of geographic diversity and seasonal variety is what keeps guests coming back time and time again” Photo: Holland America Line Photo: Holland America Line Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam sails out of Dover, UK
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