Advice about cruises to Norway.

Looking for advice from cruisers that have taken the 7 day (Norwegian Fjords) and/or the 14 day (Land of the Midnight Sun) cruises in Norway. These are on Princess but any advice about the ports would be helpful.

The Norwegian Fjords goes to Stavanger, Olden, Hellesylt, Geiranger, and Bergen.

The Land of the Midnight Sun goes to Stavanger, Flaam, Hellesylt, Geiranger, Trondheim, Honningsvag, Tromoso, Gravdal, Aalesund, and Bergen.

My question is it really worth it to take the 14 day instead of the 7 day. What would I miss taking the 7 day? I am talking about the sites and scenery.

Cost is a factor and I really need to justify the added expense.

Thanks in advance for any help and suggestions.

What would I miss taking the 7 day?

:rolleyes:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2504130

:rolleyes:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2504130

I posted on both boards to get cruisers that are not necessarily Princess Cruisers to offer advice.

I have done the 7 day Princess Norwegian Fjords in 2004 and plan on doing the same cruise in July 2018. This a beautiful scenic cruise, spend time outside to enjoy the scenery.

I am limited on how many vacation days I can take, doing the 7 days cruise I am able spend some days in London plus cruise.

The shorter cruise will only be in southern Norway, and does not cross the Arctic Circle. You will miss out on the Lofoten Islands, North Cape, and some of the most spectacular scenery in Norway.

Instead of taking a Princess cruise, if you want to see a lot of beautiful Norway, consider a Hurtigruten cruise (one way) from Bergen to Kirkenes (or reverse). You can do this in 6 or 7 days, flying to or from Kirkenes. You won't have all the fru-fru of a traditional cruise ship (no casino, no show room, Bingo, art shows, or silly games on deck) but the views from the ship can't be beat.

The shorter cruise will only be in southern Norway, and does not cross the Arctic Circle. You will miss out on the Lofoten Islands, North Cape, and some of the most spectacular scenery in Norway.

 

Instead of taking a Princess cruise, if you want to see a lot of beautiful Norway, consider a Hurtigruten cruise (one way) from Bergen to Kirkenes (or reverse). You can do this in 6 or 7 days, flying to or from Kirkenes. You won't have all the fru-fru of a traditional cruise ship (no casino, no show room, Bingo, art shows, or silly games on deck) but the views from the ship can't be beat.

I second the Hurtigruten cruise suggestion. We have traveled throughout Norway on land-based trips and have cruised extensively, mostly with the mid-range larger cruise lines. We chose Hurtigruten for our Norway cruise. A smaller more focused cruise such as Hurtigruten is the best for Norway's fjords. You will cruise closer to the spectacular scenery. Port stops are interesting as are the optional excursions. We cruised with Hurtigruten out of Bergen.

We recently took an 8 night Norwegian cruise, returning yesterday. Of the ports you have mentioned:

Stavanger - this is a must see if you are planning to hike pulpit rock. Otherwise, I'd put this city on the less important list of cities to visit.

Olden - the recently opened (May 20th) Loen skylift is quite impressive, and visiting Briksdal Glacier is nice (not the actual glacier which has been receded by global warming but the ride to it and the actual hike to the glacier is nice.)

Geiranger - you should be smarter than me and not sail in May, as the roads to the mountains may not be open and you won't be able to see some of the scenery in Geiranger (this included the Geiranger skywalk). These roads may open as early as May 15th, but could open as late as early June based upon snow conditions and when the major annual spring avalanche happens. The sail in to Geiranger is spectacular, as is the view from the roads open year round.

Flaam - You are probably already aware of the historic and amazing Flaam railway. We also had a really nice opportunity to visit a goat farm and then sample local cheeses and meats at a local restaurant.

If you need the railway, you can find shorter norway cruises that visit Flaam, plus you can use Hurtigruten to completely customize your itinerary (we were traveling with a 2 and 6 year old so we needed to be on a cruise ship with daycare). Sorry I can't help you with the northern ports, but you will have an amazing time either way.

The Norwegian Fjords is a good quick overview of the southern coast (Stavanger for the modernity and oil industry, Bergen for the historic city center, and Geiranger for the beautiful fjord scenery), but if you're looking for arguments why the Land of the Midnight Sun might be worth the extra time/money...

First, Gravdal. The Lofoten Islands are often considered by Norwegians to be the most beautiful place in the country. The scenery really is stunning and very different from what you'll see farther south. The mountains drop practically straight into the sea, the water is extremely clear, and the colorful wooden fishing villages provided a lovely contrast to the blues and greens of nature.

Second, Tromsø. Again, this is a very different place from the towns farther south. It's a charming little city, and there's a lot to see considering its size. Again, gorgeous scenery with the Lyngen Alps, which still have snow at the peaks in early June. Tromsø is actually one of my favorite cities in Norway, and I would be happy to go back for another visit!

Third, the midnight sun is pretty cool to see if you'd be traveling mid-June to mid-July. Spending that many days above the Arctic Circle gives you a good chance at a clear night, when you can stay up and watch the sun dip towards the horizon and then start rising again right in front of you. (This is especially nice to do from a ship, since there are no hills or buildings in the way.)

Adding in Flåm gives you the chance to see the second UNESCO-listed fjord, the Nærøyfjord (the other is Geirgangerfjord). Or, of course, you can take a trip on the famous Flåmsbana railroad, which carries people up and down the steep grade between the surrounding plateau and the sea-level fjord.

Honningsvåg provides the chance to visit Nordkapp if you're interested in geography. It's kind of cool to know that you're at the very tip top of Europe (and only a few miles south in latitude compared to Point Barrow, Alaska).

If that's not enough, Trondheim and Ålesund are also nice ports to visit, and each has its own charms!

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions and very thoughtful insights. We will probably take the longer cruise. I am investigating many of the suggestions here!