Are you looking to find your inner calm? Havila Voyages, a family-owned, sustainably operated Norwegian coastal cruise ship company, is helping travelers embrace the “quiet travel” trend with the launch of its “Noise Forecast.” The new endeavor, which features a series of sound measuring stations strategically placed along the country’s scenic coastline, allows travelers to compare the sounds of Norway to those of major international cities; something Havila Voyages hopes will encourage listeners to embrace the polar destination’s rejuvenating and tranquil nature. Pairing with the company’s new Noise Forecast is an exclusive Spotify playlist created by the brand that features relaxing sounds recorded along the coast like birds singing by the river in Øye, rowing atop glassy waters in Geiranger and sheep grazing in Florø.
In addition to being a unique way to promote their beautiful destination, Havila Voyages says silence and natural sounds provide a bevy of feel-good health benefits. “When the mind and body calm down, positive chemicals are released in the brain, boosting the immune system and improving our overall health,” said the brand. And, as our world feels seemingly louder than ever, emerging travel trends appear to point to a rising interest in what’s being called “quiet” or “silent travel,” as vacationers seek travel experiences that bring them closer to nature and themselves, providing a much-needed escape from everyday noise.
"We know that sound levels are directly linked to our sense of well-being. As quiet places become rarer, this forecast can be a tool to show us where we can find just that,” said Bent Martini, CEO of Havila Voyages. "We cannot solve the major challenges of noise pollution alone, but we can help shed light on the issue and also inspire people to find their quiet spaces. I believe most of us could benefit from a vacation where we completely disconnect from hustle and noise and reconnect with what is real and close.”
Further exploring the idea of peace and serenity is the design of Havila Voyages’ ships, all of which were created thoughtfully to embrace this Norwegian way of life. "On board our ships, you will still be able to experience that calm and silence. Compared to ships running on traditional fossil fuels, our liquified natural gas and battery-powered ships give you a much more silent cruise experience. It reinforces the impressions from nature and the calm the areas we operate in gives you,” said Martini.
The brand went on to share that, according to parameters defined by the World Health Organization, acceptable noise levels are currently being exceeded in beloved cities worldwide. Interestingly, a recent survey conducted by Innovation Norway found that 66% of respondents hoped to visit the country to experience its peace and tranquility, cementing its silence as one of its most attractive qualities.
To learn more about Havila Voyages, visit the brand’s website. Check out the brand’s new Noise Forecast here.
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