Advice and reccs for taking the wife up the fjords?
Discussion
We're a pair of cruise newbies and it's beginning to look like it's worth considering one.
A cruise along Norway and the possibility of the northern lights would likely be top of the list we don't have yet. The other half's mobility isn't great so a hike at every port or a few hours abseiling wouldn't really appeal.
Anyone here 'been there and done that' and can recommend the choice of Norway, or have any general advice on what to look out for when booking. Such as 'must haves', 'probably worth having' and 'don't touch with a barge pole'.
We'd be looking to go in the next three or four months I'd guess.
Any advice much appreciated.
A cruise along Norway and the possibility of the northern lights would likely be top of the list we don't have yet. The other half's mobility isn't great so a hike at every port or a few hours abseiling wouldn't really appeal.
Anyone here 'been there and done that' and can recommend the choice of Norway, or have any general advice on what to look out for when booking. Such as 'must haves', 'probably worth having' and 'don't touch with a barge pole'.
We'd be looking to go in the next three or four months I'd guess.
Any advice much appreciated.
This is something we're looking at but timing a bit further out than you.
Aside from the usual YouTube cruise bloggers some of whom are as irritating as anything David Nikel is a British guy who has lived in Norway for quite some time and is a guest speaker on various cruises up that neck of the woods.
https://youtube.com/@davidnikel?si=Xi0GpGNZRtpxeLm...
Aside from the usual YouTube cruise bloggers some of whom are as irritating as anything David Nikel is a British guy who has lived in Norway for quite some time and is a guest speaker on various cruises up that neck of the woods.
https://youtube.com/@davidnikel?si=Xi0GpGNZRtpxeLm...
There is some information in the Cruise thread but
Budget - have an idea of what you want to spend, do you want inside or a balcony
Mobility- P&O make you fill out a form should you want use a wheelchair on board you would need to have a certain room and an evacuation chair, there are only so many so spaces are limited
Decide what you want from the ship, smaller or larger with mini golf
Time of year, are you happy with it being dark and wet
We are off to the fjords in October on Britannia and next year again on Iona, that’s with family
Different ships seem to have a slightly different mix of people.
If sailing from the uk you will be limited to celebrity, p&o and msc, Cunard have the occasional one as do Royal,
If you want a smaller ship but happy to pay a bit more then P&0 Aurora is nice.
I can answer more questions later on in October once we have been.
Budget - have an idea of what you want to spend, do you want inside or a balcony
Mobility- P&O make you fill out a form should you want use a wheelchair on board you would need to have a certain room and an evacuation chair, there are only so many so spaces are limited
Decide what you want from the ship, smaller or larger with mini golf
Time of year, are you happy with it being dark and wet
We are off to the fjords in October on Britannia and next year again on Iona, that’s with family
Different ships seem to have a slightly different mix of people.
If sailing from the uk you will be limited to celebrity, p&o and msc, Cunard have the occasional one as do Royal,
If you want a smaller ship but happy to pay a bit more then P&0 Aurora is nice.
I can answer more questions later on in October once we have been.
We did Hurtigruten last year - 34 stops from Bergen - Kirkenes & back.
Was a January sailing & we missed a few stops in the Barents Sea as the ship couldn't dock due to the gale.
Days are very short in winter - but that increases the chances of seeing the Northern Lights, as does the high latitude. Hurtigruten offer a Northern Lights guarantee (but you have to pay for the air fare to Norway).
The ship is cargo / cruise so isn't similar to most cruise ships - no entertainment (although a jigsaw may be available), and TV is limited, especially in the High North.
Food is very good - they are particulalrly proud of their dinners. As someone who isn't too keen on fish, I found their offerings delicious, Artic Char in particular.
It's all about the stunning scenery. Weather depending, you may be able to do a coach excursion to North Cape.
Was a January sailing & we missed a few stops in the Barents Sea as the ship couldn't dock due to the gale.
Days are very short in winter - but that increases the chances of seeing the Northern Lights, as does the high latitude. Hurtigruten offer a Northern Lights guarantee (but you have to pay for the air fare to Norway).
The ship is cargo / cruise so isn't similar to most cruise ships - no entertainment (although a jigsaw may be available), and TV is limited, especially in the High North.
Food is very good - they are particulalrly proud of their dinners. As someone who isn't too keen on fish, I found their offerings delicious, Artic Char in particular.
It's all about the stunning scenery. Weather depending, you may be able to do a coach excursion to North Cape.
We're going with Havila. Their boats are suppose to be more modern than Hurtigruten but I suspect the experience is similar as your going for Norway not the boat experience. I'm not sure any of the UK based sailing go over winter or as north as the Arctic circle. The rooms on the Havlia boats looks pretty good, and they have accessible options.
We were lucky enough to drive our own car to Trollstegen a few years ago in the summer but a winter cruise during polar nights will be different experience.
Just about to book a couple of excursions including snowmobile in the Arctic circle on Xmas eve. Costs are eye watering, but you only live once and we can afford it so why not
.
Norway is one of the few countries I don't mind visiting again and again. Depending on how the winter cruise goes I'll be happy to book a summer cruise on a UK sailing next year as the fjords in the summer will look different in winter so be good to get the contrast.
https://www.havilavoyages.com/?gclsrc=aw.ds&&a...
We were lucky enough to drive our own car to Trollstegen a few years ago in the summer but a winter cruise during polar nights will be different experience.
Just about to book a couple of excursions including snowmobile in the Arctic circle on Xmas eve. Costs are eye watering, but you only live once and we can afford it so why not
.Norway is one of the few countries I don't mind visiting again and again. Depending on how the winter cruise goes I'll be happy to book a summer cruise on a UK sailing next year as the fjords in the summer will look different in winter so be good to get the contrast.
https://www.havilavoyages.com/?gclsrc=aw.ds&&a...
Edited by gangzoom on Wednesday 26th August 08:10
Another line sailing out of UK to Norway is Ambassador. Didn't have a good start in 2022 but they appear to have turned things around and get a high number of repeat bookings. However they do appeal to an older set and whilst there are charges for speciality dining, the prices are very reasonable, and none of the outrageous nickel and dimeing and high charges from some lines.
Towards the other end of the price scale is Viking who do cruises out of London, (Tilbury or Greenwich) and thus line really fits what we like but by heck they know how to charge. For example 13 days from Tilbury to Tromso (N Lights) they say from £3990, but in reality lowest based on availability is £4595, nearly sold out. Does include return flight from Tromso and a complimentary shore excursion each port and no up charges for speciality dining. I think if your wife has mobility issues you need to be careful and very selective on which excursions in Norway in particular. Especially if you want N lights it will be cold and icy.
Think the advice given early doors of figure out budget and what type of line you'd like. Needs a really good dig down into the detail.
For example people are getting all excited about Celebrity bringing Edge class ships in 28 to base from Southampton to cruise up to Northern Europe. As good as Celebrity are reputed with service delivery that's not for me.
For me the massive ships with crowds and a massive party culture would be an utter nightmare.
For me one thing I really like is getting up early / late and watching port entry and docking manouevres, yes a sad git I know. Therefore Hurtigruten and Havila would perhaps be my choice with the frequent docking in many small ports that the big ships cannot manage or just not allowed. Yet I know daughter would really really struggle with the food on both those. Doesn't care for fish and would probably end up with a very repetitive diet.
There's no right or wrong answer it seems.
Towards the other end of the price scale is Viking who do cruises out of London, (Tilbury or Greenwich) and thus line really fits what we like but by heck they know how to charge. For example 13 days from Tilbury to Tromso (N Lights) they say from £3990, but in reality lowest based on availability is £4595, nearly sold out. Does include return flight from Tromso and a complimentary shore excursion each port and no up charges for speciality dining. I think if your wife has mobility issues you need to be careful and very selective on which excursions in Norway in particular. Especially if you want N lights it will be cold and icy.
Think the advice given early doors of figure out budget and what type of line you'd like. Needs a really good dig down into the detail.
For example people are getting all excited about Celebrity bringing Edge class ships in 28 to base from Southampton to cruise up to Northern Europe. As good as Celebrity are reputed with service delivery that's not for me.
For me the massive ships with crowds and a massive party culture would be an utter nightmare.
For me one thing I really like is getting up early / late and watching port entry and docking manouevres, yes a sad git I know. Therefore Hurtigruten and Havila would perhaps be my choice with the frequent docking in many small ports that the big ships cannot manage or just not allowed. Yet I know daughter would really really struggle with the food on both those. Doesn't care for fish and would probably end up with a very repetitive diet.
There's no right or wrong answer it seems.
FiF said:
Another line sailing out of UK to Norway is Ambassador. Didn't have a good start in 2022 but they appear to have turned things around and get a high number of repeat bookings. However they do appeal to an older set and whilst there are charges for speciality dining, the prices are very reasonable, and none of the outrageous nickel and dimeing and high charges from some lines.
Towards the other end of the price scale is Viking who do cruises out of London, (Tilbury or Greenwich) and thus line really fits what we like but by heck they know how to charge. For example 13 days from Tilbury to Tromso (N Lights) they say from £3990, but in reality lowest based on availability is £4595, nearly sold out.
Neither of these companies seem to offer sailings in the middle of winter, November - February to time? Reading their blurb they talk about 'opportunity' see the Northern Lights versus the Norwegian companies what are so confident they give a free repeat sailing if you don't see the lights.Towards the other end of the price scale is Viking who do cruises out of London, (Tilbury or Greenwich) and thus line really fits what we like but by heck they know how to charge. For example 13 days from Tilbury to Tromso (N Lights) they say from £3990, but in reality lowest based on availability is £4595, nearly sold out.
The cabins on the Ambassador ship also don't look at new as the Havila ships, though costs are cheaper.
Many thanks for the answers gents, I'll put my shopping boots on.
Budget isn't too much of an issue but don't want to be accused of being profligate, once I start enquiring I'm sure I'll get a better feel for the pricing.
A weeks sounds about right atm, and yes a party boat isn't exactly my cup of tea either, although I'm not sure how I would pass the time apart from looking at the scenery.
Some great tips, - thanks again.
Budget isn't too much of an issue but don't want to be accused of being profligate, once I start enquiring I'm sure I'll get a better feel for the pricing.
A weeks sounds about right atm, and yes a party boat isn't exactly my cup of tea either, although I'm not sure how I would pass the time apart from looking at the scenery.
Some great tips, - thanks again.
gangzoom said:
Neither of these companies seem to offer sailings in the middle of winter, November - February to time? Reading their blurb they talk about 'opportunity' see the Northern Lights versus the Norwegian companies what are so confident they give a free repeat sailing if you don't see the lights.
The cabins on the Ambassador ship also don't look at new as the Havila ships, though costs are cheaper.
Errr screen grab from Viking website just now.The cabins on the Ambassador ship also don't look at new as the Havila ships, though costs are cheaper.
There's another return trip depTromso Mar 19.
Also nobody can guarantee seeing Aurora Borealis it depends how your priorities lie. As stated I'd be more than ok with either Hurtigruten or Havila, others not so much which limits options.
As for Ambassador, yes the Ambience is an old ship, 30 odd years old. Stephen Payne designer of QM2 was present during the refit and he reckons the ship was worth saving which opinion I respect.
It's as said above it's a different price bracket, aimed at a different market. Would it suit me, no idea, but would not dismiss it out of hand as judging by the apparently loyal fan base must be doing something right. Not looked to see what they're doing over winter. But away from that detail would not discount.
There are some lines where even accepting this is a physical impossibility if they could sail up the R Severn and moor up in sight of the house so we just had a walk down the path across a field you still couldn't pay me enough to board.
Edited to add, I thought Ambassador did winter cruises to Norway.
Next one October 26 from Tilbury 16 nights £1199
March next year
Feb 28 15 nights £+1499
So it's not black and white. Accept these are longer than OP wants, maybe other itineraries are available.
Edited by FiF on Wednesday 26th August 10:35
Callerton said:
We did Hurtigruten last year - 34 stops from Bergen - Kirkenes & back.
Was a January sailing & we missed a few stops in the Barents Sea as the ship couldn't dock due to the gale.
Days are very short in winter - but that increases the chances of seeing the Northern Lights, as does the high latitude. Hurtigruten offer a Northern Lights guarantee (but you have to pay for the air fare to Norway).
The ship is cargo / cruise so isn't similar to most cruise ships - no entertainment (although a jigsaw may be available), and TV is limited, especially in the High North.
Food is very good - they are particulalrly proud of their dinners. As someone who isn't too keen on fish, I found their offerings delicious, Artic Char in particular.
It's all about the stunning scenery. Weather depending, you may be able to do a coach excursion to North Cape.
Steve Marsh has a few videos on his channel about Hurtigruten. Cruses aren't my thing, but the scenery looked epic!Was a January sailing & we missed a few stops in the Barents Sea as the ship couldn't dock due to the gale.
Days are very short in winter - but that increases the chances of seeing the Northern Lights, as does the high latitude. Hurtigruten offer a Northern Lights guarantee (but you have to pay for the air fare to Norway).
The ship is cargo / cruise so isn't similar to most cruise ships - no entertainment (although a jigsaw may be available), and TV is limited, especially in the High North.
Food is very good - they are particulalrly proud of their dinners. As someone who isn't too keen on fish, I found their offerings delicious, Artic Char in particular.
It's all about the stunning scenery. Weather depending, you may be able to do a coach excursion to North Cape.
https://www.youtube.com/@steve-marsh/videos
gangzoom said:
I hasn't seen that option, so its good to see more choices.
It's annoying the Newcastle to Norway ferry stopped, I would to get to Norway in our own car without having to drive through Holland, Germany, Denmark.
Yes, although Newcastle is not that handy for me, and Harwich is a bit closer regularly used to use the services to Kristiansand, or Gothenberg or Esbjerg. When the Newcastle route closed carried on from Harwich but the fare to Esbjerg just got crackers.It's annoying the Newcastle to Norway ferry stopped, I would to get to Norway in our own car without having to drive through Holland, Germany, Denmark.
Tried lots of alternatives on the basis of still needed to do the drive, but ended up using Harwich - Hoek of Holland as shorter and cheaper crossings involved and extra hotel night and a *lot* more diesel.
Must admit these days, hang the expense rather than the long drive for a cruise that, say, started or finished somewhere in Norway I'd be tempted to train it. Long sleeper train journey is on the bucket list, probably quite mad. Not investigated the cost too closely though but an experience. Have spent so many days faffing around airports and flights no desire to fly ever again. There's not the sense of occasion and arrival that ship / land transport gives.
peter tdci said:
Steve Marsh has a few videos on his channel about Hurtigruten. Cruses aren't my thing, but the scenery looked epic!
https://www.youtube.com/@steve-marsh/videos
Norway is amazing, watched part of the coach trip to Trollstegen which isn't open in winter. The scenery is even more amazing if you have your own car and can arrive before the coaches. https://www.youtube.com/@steve-marsh/videos
Geirangerfjord I think is where alot of cruise ships dock in summer, again amazing place to experience in your own car.
One option I haven't considered is taking the cruise one way up the the north tip and than hiring a car to drive down south. That way you get to enjoy the cruise about also freedom of your own transport, it would take some planning though for the trip down - Google says it's 2000km just on the inland most direct route!!!
https://youtu.be/Y52z75XBfZg?is=oLHx9PvRunnwQaNF
Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff