Det Forenede Dampskibs-selskab (DFDS, The United Steamship Company) is Northern Europe’s largest shipping and logistics company based in Copenhagen, Denmark. It is the only cruising company which sails from Oslo to Copenhagen, and hence, a favorite short holiday option for many. A month after my bf and I took the 24-hour Friday cruise from Oslo to Frederikshavn, we then booked our next cruising trip. This time, the sailing is a few hours longer and we get to stay in Copenhagen for 6-7 hours, which was enough to say ‘hello’ to my sisters living in Denmark.
DFDS was established in 1866 by Carl Frederik Tietgen, a Danish financier and industrialist. They give promos from time to time, enabling many to enjoy a cruise from Scandinavia, the UK, the Baltics and Northern Europe for an affordable price. There’s also a tax-free shop, recreational activities like arcades and spa, bars and restaurants. It can be a total short holiday for the whole family, as they also offer activities for children. See the program of child-friendly activities for autumn here. As for me and my bf, it was a romantic trip across the Scandinavian waters.
It’s awesome to get a taste of the different beverages offered on board. During the Stenacruise to Frederikshavn, I had my first strawberry daiquiri. And on board the DFDS, I had my first Irish coffee. 😀 It’s difficult for me to remember all the differences between beverages, but I think it’s nice to familiarize one’s self, aka try, them. I have always wanted to know what specific drink fits my personality, but I guess it’s going to be challenging for someone who’s not really into drinking. Word of caution, though. Drinking is part of Scandinavian culture, so it’s not surprising to see so many drunken old and young ones on board.
You’ll never get hungry on board! There are four restaurants with several dishes to choose from. There’s the 7seas buffet, where we had breakfast, Marco Polo, Explorers Steakhouse and Little Italy. Bringing your own food is, of course, allowed and that’s a common practice for Filipinos joining the cruise. It’s a fantastic barkada getaway, to say the least!
My bf knows a lot about meat, and I remember talking about it with him for hours, which was nice! 😀 I didn’t really know that steak shouldn’t be fully cooked, etc. All I know is that food MUST be well-cooked for it to be safe to eat! Imagine, even vegetables are usually overcooked, with lots of spices, when served in PH. Oh well!
The ship left Oslo at 4pm, and reached Copenhagen by 9:45 am. It was pleasant to see the city again, and we managed to visit its major attractions and do some geocaching despite the short stay of 6 hours! We had lunch with my sisters and a friend, and then, rushed back to where the ship was docked.
It was a very pleasant trip, all in all! I lived in Denmark for more than two years but I never took DFDS. The first time I went to Oslo, I took the 8-hour bus ride with a friend. 😀 Anyway, it’s nice to conquer my fear of big bodies of water from time to time, and thanks to my bf for tagging me along! Cheers to more cruises and romantic escapades! ❤
For tickets and other info about the cruise, visit: http://www.dfdsseaways.no/.
PinayOdyssey 