Sailing smoothly into Copenhagen, past an array of beautiful Scandinavian islands, my wife and I enjoyed breakfast on our sun-soaked stateroom balcony.

As first-time cruisers, we had few expectations when setting off on our trip around the Norwegian Fjords and Scottish Highlands. But after only two days at sea, I realised this was a lifestyle we could very quickly adapt to.

On our 14-night cruise aboard the Holland America Line’s ms Rotterdam – visiting Copenhagen, Oslo, Kristiansand, Bergen, Greenock and Kirkwall – we would be treated to wonderful panoramas and excellent cuisine.

The first stop Copenhagen proved a shopper’s paradise. But while my wife went in search of a new wardrobe, I decided to explore Nyhavn, a picture postcard setting, with lovely bars, cafes and restaurants fringing the canal.

Next stop, Oslo, the Norwegian capital, brought a number of good museums exploring the country’s rich history. The highlight, though, was a trip around the fjords on a vintage sailing ship.

At Kristiansand, a small town with traditional wooden houses, we took a boat trip through Sogne’s spectacular archipelago region then walked through Ravnedalen Park’s gorgeous forests.

Bergen was our final port of call in Norway, famous for its Floibanen Funicular — a cable railway that takes you up Mount Floyen for spectacular views.

Back across the North Sea, Greenock was our next stop. I visited Loch Lomond and Inveraray Castle.

MS Rotterdam’s guests can eat breakfast in the classy La Fontaine Dining Room or the Lido Restaurant. But room service is recommended. Enjoying your first meal as the ship glides around the stunning Scandinavian coast is not to be missed.

The La Fontaine and Pinnacle Grill both cater for lunch, while The Lido is the dining hub of the vessel. Evening dining on the Rotterdam is a special experience, and the occasional formal night (suits for men, cocktail dresses for the women) adds to the atmosphere.

Regular tutorials in the Culinary Arts Center help guests learn how to prepare a number of tasty dishes. BBC cook Valentine Warner from What To Eat Now was the guest chef for my trip.

  • Chris Brady was a guest of Holland America Line on their 14-night Fjords, Highlands and Ireland cruise. Prices start from £1,398pp cruise only, based on August 17 departure. For more details call 0843 374 2300 or visit hollandamerica.co.uk