10/19/2026
Copenhagen absolutely surprised Laura.
She spent a few days there before boarding Explora III and came home saying it had quickly become one of her favorite cities.
She stayed at 1 Hotel Copenhagen, right in the center of everything, and fit in smørrebrød, the Designmuseum, a canal cruise, colorful Nyhavn, and plenty of time just wandering.
What she loved most was how easy Copenhagen felt; beautiful, stylish, walkable and welcoming, with some of Amsterdam’s canal-side charm but very much its own personality.
I always recommend arriving a few days before a cruise. You need that cushion in case flights are delayed, and who wants to start a vacation worrying about whether you’ll make the ship?
But the time before and after a cruise is also part of the trip. Don’t just fly in, board the ship, and fly home when it’s over. Some of the best experiences can happen on either side of the cruise.
Copenhagen is a perfect example. Laura came for the cruise, and discovered a city she’d happily return to.