Amsterdam getaway: Kent David's tips
Are you looking for the ideal weekend getaway destination to explore with friends? Look no further than Amsterdam! Kent David Strand, a Senior Cabin Crew member at Norwegian and travel enthusiast, shares his top recommendations for an unforgettable trip to this charming city.
- Name: Kent David Strand
- Position: Senior Cabin Crew in Norwegian
- Residence: I live in Oslo, Norway. But I´m originally from Hommelvik (Bumble bee bay) in Trøndelag, outside of Trondheim.
- Other: When I graduated from high school I wanted to do something fun, so I moved to Tanzania to do an internship where I worked for a safari company and also served as an assistant hotel manager for a beach resort. At this resort, I was the only English-speaking person. Eventually, I learned some very basic Kiswahili to communicate with my colleagues. It was a challenging and fun experience!
Where is your favorite travel destination for a weekend getaway with friends?
Amsterdam is the perfect weekend destination. There’s so much to do and explore in this city, and I never get tired of wandering around and admiring the beautiful architecture and the canals. From the historic museums to the cozy cafes, excellent restaurants and great shops, there's something for everyone here.
The city also feels safe and the locals are very helpful and friendly. A small tip, you don’t necessarily need to stay right in the city center to experience everything the city has to offer. Public transportation is excellent, making it easy to get around the city. It's easy travel to and from the airport as well.
Top 3 tips to Amsterdam:
Restaurant – Maris Piper
Although it’s not a typical Dutch cuisine, they serve amazing French food and I had the pleasure of tasting the best chocolate fondant ever. I would recommend sitting in the conservatory; The atmosphere there makes the experience even more authentic, and the venue is stunning.
Canal cruise – Flagship Amsterdam
You haven’t really been to Amsterdam if you haven’t been on a canal cruise. It is such a nice and authentic way to expeience the city. I can recommend using the operator called Flagship Amsterdam, as they offered a luxury tour where cheese and wine is included.
The upside down museum
This illusion museum is a fun thing to do when visiting Amsterdam. It’s incredibly engaging and interactive, giving you the opportunity to create amusing and creative photos. It’s a cool experience, and additionally, they have a stylish café with a wide selection of delicacies.
What do you always pack in your suitcase?
Hairdryer, saltwater texture spray and curling gel. My hair is important to me, it’s my pride, and I’m so tired of hotels that have clogged and dusty hairdryers that don’t work.
How did you land in Norwegian?
In 2015, I was enrolled in the apprenticeship program within travel and tourism here in Norwegian. It was an incredibly exciting experience where I learned a lot about the aviation industry and Norwegian.
Two years later I graduated with top honors on my test, and shortly afterwards I was offered a permanent position as cabin crew in Norwegian. In 2023 I finished my senior course and are now proudly a Senior Cabin Crew.
What's the funniest thing you’ve ever experienced while working?
A passenger commented that I moved around on board like an Indian/snake-man/belly dancer. To this day, I still don’t know if this was a positive compliment! I was a bit surprised, but I think it was with good intention. So I politely said “Thank you!”. There is nothing that surprises me on board an airplane anymore!
What characterizes a Norwegian employee for you?
A caring heart. My amazing colleagues in Norwegian are like family, and we care for and look after each other and all our passengers.
Any last travel tips?
A personal travel tip I’d like to share is to download the GetYourGuide app. In this app you get a good overview of various attractions in a destination and it also offer airport transportation. You can even purchase packages that includes entrance tickets to attractions and transportation. I use this app a lot.
Tip: Norwegian Reward members can earn 5% CashPointson all bookings through GetYourGuide.