Breathtaking beauty in Kristiansand, Norway

One of the best parts about a world cruise is that travelers will be able to visit destinations that they would otherwise have never heard of. Kristiansand, located on the southern coast of Norway, definitely falls into that category, although it's just as exciting as some of the more famous destinations you'll travel to.

Norway is renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery, and you'll see that first-hand if you book a shore excursion that takes you through the Blindleia Passage. This salt-water channel weaves in between an archipelago of small rocky islands, while offering glimpses of the picturesque villages that dot Norway's southern coast.

You'll get a chance to explore one of these villages firsthand when you travel to Lillesand. Spending a day simply marveling at the beauty of this quaint little town is more than enough, but Lillesand is well known for its boutique shops. This is the perfect place to pick up a unique souvenir from an expert craftsman.

Traveling along the coast in a boat is one way to see Norway, but equally impressive is viewing the region by train. The Sedestal Vintage Railway provides the experience of a turn-of-the-century steam engine while allowing you to bask in the stunning beauty of the mountains, fjords and valleys that you'll see along the way.