Fairytale return to the classic days of cruising
THE opening chapter of our Scandinavian Cities & Fairy Tales Cruise was turning into a dream come true. To join our ship, the Magellan, at Tilbury Docks, we’d zipped down from Yorkshire in just four hours, a much faster drive than I’d dared to imagine.
And the sun was blazing as we glided down the Thames, frozen mango margaritas in hand, all set to enjoy our voyage to Scandinavia. We were celebrating two milestones along the way: my friend Kathryn’s 50th, and the 30th birthday of our ship. Hence we were calling at Aalborg, a Danish gem, where Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ Magellan was originally built.
Being high summer, the ship was almost full with just under 1,250 passengers. This mid-sized vessel harks back to bygone cruising days. There are no fancy gimmicks (other than wi-fi), just excellent dining, theatrical entertainment, a spa, casino, and shopping. There are also plenty of opportunities to make friends... either dancing, at the Knit & Natter craft classes, around the pools or in the nightclub.
Copenhagen may be known for The Little Mermaid and other childhood fables by the city’s Hans Christian Andersen, but the Danish capital also has a growing culinary reputation. An overnight stay gave time for tastings at Torvehallerne Market, a boat trip from Nyhavn, refreshment at the lively, waterfront cafes and a visit to the Tivoli Gardens.
Helsingborg, with views of Hamlet’s Kronborg Castle, was another highlight. In this charming Swedish town (which belonged to Denmark for over 200 years), we strolled around the beautiful gardens at Sofiero and one of the largest open-air museums at Fredriksdal.
Aalborg literally pushed the boat out with a welcoming three-gun salute in honour of Magellan’s 30th anniversary. Our party was given a special initiation by the local King Christian IV’s Guild to accept the key to the city (or at least a wine cellar). This involved lots of swilling, sausages and singing through the streets. Normally reserved for visiting royalty, the ceremony was a once-in-a-lifetime occasion.
Following a celebratory lunch and more toasts of ‘skol’, we sailed for home in a glow of ‘hygge’ (bonhomie in Danish), schnapps and sunbathing bliss, happy ever after…
During 2016, Magellan will visit Amsterdam and Copenhagen on a number of cruises. Prices for a seven-night cruise from Tilbury start at £564pp. 0844 414 6185, cruiseandmaritime.com.