Please help me choose a Norway itinerary!?

I would really appreciate some guidance from those who have cruised to Norway up the North Cape. I have read so much my head is spinning and I know I can't get an itinerary that has everything I want. We need to travel between mid June and mid-August as we are taking my 17 year old, and due to financial constraints, I can't consider some of the ultra-premium lines. I would have preferred Celebrity or RCCL, however for some reason they aren't sailing during the main summer time anymore and the one cruise I found is only 7 days. I have narrowed my choice down to these two (have never sailed on either line) and from what I have read thanks to Terry from Ohio, Lofotens are not to be missed. So I am leaning towards NCL however I like the idea of the new ship and sailing through all the fjords. Or should I just wait and see what itineraries come out for 2017 and pick something else for next summer? What would you do? HELP!!

NCL STAR: June 11

Sat Copenhagen, Denmark (EMBARK) --- 5:00 pm

Sun At Sea --- ---

Mon Geiranger, Norway 7:00 am 3:00 pm

Hellesylt, Norway 5:00 pm 6:00 pm

Tue Alesund, Norway 8:00 am 6:00 pm

Wed Trondheim, Norway 10:00 am 8:00 pm

Thu CROSS THE ARCTIC CIRCLE --- ---

Fri Leknes, Lofoten Islands, Norway 8:00 am 5:00 pm

Sat Tromso, Norway 8:00 am 5:00 pm

Sun Hammerfest, Norway 8:00 am 5:00 pm

Mon Honningsvaag, Norway 8:00 am 7:00 pm

Tue At Sea --- ---

Wed Molde, Norway 10:00 am 6:00 pm

Thu Bergen, Norway 9:00 am 7:00 pm

Fri At Sea --- ---

Sat Copenhagen, Denmark (DISEMBARK) 8:00 am

or

Holland America Koningsdam

0 17 Jul 2016 Amsterdam, The Netherlands PC 04:00 PM

1 18 Jul 2016 At Sea

2 19 Jul 2016 Eidfjord, Norway 08:00 AM 06:00 PM

2 19 Jul 2016 Scenic cruising Hardangerfjord CO

3 20 Jul 2016 Bergen, Norway 08:00 AM 05:00 PM

4 21 Jul 2016 Alesund, Norway 07:00 AM 05:00 PM

5 22 Jul 2016 Trondheim, Norway 08:00 AM 04:00 PM

5 22 Jul 2016 Scenic Cruising Trondheimsfjord CO

6 23 Jul 2016 At Sea

7 24 Jul 2016 Honningsvag, Norway 11:00 AM 08:00 PM

7 24 Jul 2016 Scenic Cruising North Cape CO

8 25 Jul 2016 At Sea

9 26 Jul 2016 At Sea

10 27 Jul 2016 Geiranger, Norway TR 07:00 AM 04:00 PM

10 27 Jul 2016 Cruising Geirangerfjord CO

11 28 Jul 2016 Flam, Norway TR 07:00 AM 07:00 PM

11 28 Jul 2016 Scenic cruising Sognefjord CO

12 29 Jul 2016 Stavanger, Norway 10:00 AM 06:00 PM

13 30 Jul 2016 At Sea

14 31 Jul 2016 Amsterdam, The Netherlands PC 07:00 AM

Both itineraries are very similar.

You should also ask yourself which one of the embarkation cities are easiest to get to, both in flight time and ticket price.

Both cruises stops in Honningsvåg for the North Cape.

I would suggest you look up all these places and read about them. Look at the pictures of the ports.

You will have to ask yourself if you want to see lots of fjords and/or want to do more in the northern regions.

The price of both cruises; how much do they differ in price.

The cruise with HAL stops in more fjords.

This cruise also crosses the Arctic Circle.

The only negative on this cruise is that it only makes one stop in Northern Norway.

It has a stop in Ålesund (you could do the Trollveggen other tours from here)

Stavanger (for Lysefjord)

Eidsfjord is very unique. Not many ships stops there.

The NCL cruise has less fjords but spends more time in northern Norway.

The only fjord you will cruise into on the NCL cruise is the Geirangerfjord.

It does stop in Molde and cruises the Romsdalsfjord but this fjord is very wide so not your typical "narrow with high mountains" type fjord.

Leknes is Lofoten islands are really quaint but not a necessarily IMO.

Tromso is an interesting city and is the big draw on this itinerary (even though its a much more popular winter destination due to the Aurora Boralis)

I would choose the HAL cruise because:

Its a newer ship.

I prefer the stunning fjord landscapes to the rugged northern Norway sceneries.

My favourite city in Norway is Trondheim. Lots of history and culture.

More sea days where you get to relax and enjoy the vistas from the ship.

Probably easier and cheaper to fly into Amsterdam.

Celebrity will probably release their 2017 itineraries in November this year. Hopefully they will re instate their Norway cruise.

RCL 2017 schedule will probably not be out before March 2016.

I hope this helps you a little on the way.

If you prefer to see and sail through the fjords (awesome!) I suggest you take cruise nr. 2

Both itineraries are very similar. You should also ask yourself which one of the embarkation cities are easiest to get to, both in flight time and ticket price. I would suggest you look up all these places and read about them. Look at the pictures of the ports. You will have to ask yourself if you want to see lots of fjords and/or want to do more in the northern regions.

bjksgk: Please help me choose a Norway itinerary!? I would really appreciate some guidance from those who have cruised to Norway up the North Cape. I have read so much my head is spinning and I know I can't get an itinerary that has everything I want. I have narrowed my choice down to these two (have never sailed on either line) and from what I have read thanks to Terry from Ohio' date=' Lofotens are not to be missed[/b']. So I am leaning towards NCL however I like the idea of the new ship and sailing through all the fjords.

Excellent above points, questions and thoughts from I-Cruiser. Copenhagen versus Amsterdam?? Both can be charming and interesting. Personally, we would lean towards Copenhagen for its historic character, but Amsterdam might be easier for your air logistics.

The NCL Star offers the amazing Lofoten Islands that we loved and enjoyed so much as you indicated. We loved the Flam rail adventure. If you like such rail trips, that could be a factor. Lots of consider!! Either could work very, very well. Let cost and/or best air/pricing decided!!

KEY NORWAY COAST CHALLENGE/QUESTION: A major issue for some is whether to just focus on the lower Norway fjords, Bergen, etc. Nice and wonderful. BUT, there is the option of going up, UP farther north, above the Arctic Circle, seeing such great places as the Lofoten Islands, the North Cape, interesting cities such as Tromso and Trondheim, etc., in taking more time to go more north. Only doing the lower portion requires less time, has more sailing/ship options and costs less. That’s very good! BUT, if you can take the added time, seeing farther up this Norway coast can be very special and unique. Especially, if you really love/seek nature, great scenery, wildlife, etc. Your choice?

From our previous travels to these great cities/ports of Europe, here are some of my book, visual and research tips. You might grab, maybe from your public libraries or ask for them to do a book transfer they can process for you, such super excellent visual books such as Eyewitness, Insight, etc. Rick Steves, Fodors, Frommers, Lonely Planet, RoughGuide, etc., can work well, too. In my opinion, no one travel book has it "ALL", perfectly and completely for all of your needs. These resources, especially the visual ones, can help you better figure out your priorities, in advance, for what you want to do and see. That early research is very important. Don't wait until you get on the ship to "GUESS" what might be of interest. I always build a "file" on my laptop computer for each port stop with highlights from that reading and then pulling up stories/articles from the travels sections of the New York Times, Telegraph of London, Wikipedia, etc. All of those help to consider your many great options. Especially in these days of the Internet, it makes things easier to research and plan ahead. You can use Bing.com and Google.com for great access to various visuals and maps. One option for some private tour and other local options is to contract the tourism office in each of your ports. You can use Google.com and put in the search term such as "city/port name tourism office". Then follow-up to each of those office by e-mail, ask your questions, get their suggestions, options to consider, etc.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 183,389 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

I would really appreciate some guidance from those who have cruised to Norway up the North Cape. I have read so much my head is spinning and I know I can't get an itinerary that has everything I want. We need to travel between mid June and mid-August as we are taking my 17 year old, and due to financial constraints, I can't consider some of the ultra-premium lines. I would have preferred Celebrity or RCCL, however for some reason they aren't sailing during the main summer time anymore and the one cruise I found is only 7 days. I have narrowed my choice down to these two (have never sailed on either line) and from what I have read thanks to Terry from Ohio, Lofotens are not to be missed. So I am leaning towards NCL however I like the idea of the new ship and sailing through all the fjords. Or should I just wait and see what itineraries come out for 2017 and pick something else for next summer? What would you do? HELP!!

 

NCL STAR: June 11

Sat Copenhagen, Denmark (EMBARK) --- 5:00 pm

Sun At Sea --- ---

Mon Geiranger, Norway 7:00 am 3:00 pm

Hellesylt, Norway 5:00 pm 6:00 pm

Tue Alesund, Norway 8:00 am 6:00 pm

Wed Trondheim, Norway 10:00 am 8:00 pm

Thu CROSS THE ARCTIC CIRCLE --- ---

Fri Leknes, Lofoten Islands, Norway 8:00 am 5:00 pm

Sat Tromso, Norway 8:00 am 5:00 pm

Sun Hammerfest, Norway 8:00 am 5:00 pm

Mon Honningsvaag, Norway 8:00 am 7:00 pm

Tue At Sea --- ---

Wed Molde, Norway 10:00 am 6:00 pm

Thu Bergen, Norway 9:00 am 7:00 pm

Fri At Sea --- ---

Sat Copenhagen, Denmark (DISEMBARK) 8:00 am

 

or

 

Holland America Koningsdam

0 17 Jul 2016 Amsterdam, The Netherlands PC 04:00 PM

1 18 Jul 2016 At Sea

2 19 Jul 2016 Eidfjord, Norway 08:00 AM 06:00 PM

2 19 Jul 2016 Scenic cruising Hardangerfjord CO

3 20 Jul 2016 Bergen, Norway 08:00 AM 05:00 PM

4 21 Jul 2016 Alesund, Norway 07:00 AM 05:00 PM

5 22 Jul 2016 Trondheim, Norway 08:00 AM 04:00 PM

5 22 Jul 2016 Scenic Cruising Trondheimsfjord CO

6 23 Jul 2016 At Sea

7 24 Jul 2016 Honningsvag, Norway 11:00 AM 08:00 PM

7 24 Jul 2016 Scenic Cruising North Cape CO

8 25 Jul 2016 At Sea

9 26 Jul 2016 At Sea

10 27 Jul 2016 Geiranger, Norway TR 07:00 AM 04:00 PM

10 27 Jul 2016 Cruising Geirangerfjord CO

11 28 Jul 2016 Flam, Norway TR 07:00 AM 07:00 PM

11 28 Jul 2016 Scenic cruising Sognefjord CO

12 29 Jul 2016 Stavanger, Norway 10:00 AM 06:00 PM

13 30 Jul 2016 At Sea

14 31 Jul 2016 Amsterdam, The Netherlands PC 07:00 AM

Please do come back and tell us which itinerary you choose.

We are super exited:D to know!!

We are also investigating these cruises and I was at first leaning towards a princess cruise but it didn't do Geringer. I am now leaning towards ncl....geringer, lofoton islands, honningsvag, tromso...4 of our top 5 ports that we want to see...just not thrilled that it's ncl....would not be my first pick...but I think the itinerary is going to decide our choice.

Having done a HAL 'voyage of the midnight sun' in July my thoughts would be Geiranger should not be missed, sailing up the fjord at 5am is something I will never forget even in low cloud & rain! The weather did improve slightly through the day.

Honningsvag & the North Cape is another not to be missed day, we were lucky & saw it in Sunshine both on our trip during the day & at night when sailing past. The experience was fantastic and although I probably wouldn't return I am so glad that I have had the opportunity to visit.

Traveling so far north you really do see a vast variety of coastline.

To quote my 15 year old on Twitter when we got home '@HAL cruises, your crew were amazing, the ship fantastic. It truly was a holiday of a lifetime' so I think it's fair to say wherever you visit in Norway will be memorable & amazing

We were in the same boat as you. I actually booked one with Royal Caribbean and then booked one with Princess and then spoke to somebody on the net from Norway that I communicate with here and there since I am into photography and it is a photo group that I know him from. I asked him for advice as my head was spinning--I've been looking for a year. He looked at both itineraries and said nope--he told me the lofoten islands are a must as was geiranger--now to try to find a cruise that has the lofoten islands that I can afford. I came up with NCL Star. This is NOT my favorite cruise lines--in fact I didn't think I'd ever go on it again but I saw the itinerary and knew immediately he would say yep that's it and guess what he did. We went on the Dawn last year and it was awful. Food was worse than Carnival if that's possible. Did we have fun. Yes we did. Do I go on a cruise for that. Nope so for me the itinerary was the most important and then of course financial. It is very reasonable. Will we have fun. You bet we will. I am a full blooded norwegian but american and so want to see my heritage and I know I will never go back again so this trip was all about seeing as much as I could. Hope this helps you decide. I also almost went with Holland America but the breaking point is the lofoten islands which I have read is one of the most beautiful places in Norway and the world. Macaroni I'm with you in regards to NCL but have only tried it once and who knows maybe the second time it will be wonderful.

Linda

I must admit above has me now rethinking because of the fjords. Uggggghhhh---It's this loften islands that had me go with NCL. I have been on many Holland America ships and much nicer. Oh my gosh why did I come in here the first place. If I have to call travel agent to cancel and reschedule ughhh. lol

If you really want to see the Norwegian coast, esp. the Lofotens, then you might want to consider taking a Hurtigruten cruise instead. These is a ferry/freight/cruise ship line in Norway. Round trip out of Bergen is 11 or 12 days (depending on the season) but you can do any segment of the cruise. Many people fly to or from Kirkenes (the furthest north port) to or from Oslo or Bergen, taking just a 6 day cruise.

This was a "back to my roots" trip for me too, as my grandfather was born in Norway, and actually left from Bergen on a steamer, a babe in arms, in 1886 bound for the USA.

The newer Hurtigruten ships are very nice, although not like a traditional cruise ship (for example, no show room, no casino, no pool) but the food is good, the cabins are fine, and the views and sights you will see unsurpassed by what is seen from a traditional cruise ship.

I did this in May (round trip from Bergen) and it was the trip of a lifetime. I took 1500 photos and am still sorting through them and editing!!

For those having to decide about itinerary: You WILL get as many options as there are members:D just so to confuse you more:)

Just some added info on the hurtigruten; Some of the stops will only be for as little as 30 minutes and some will be at night.

Its a different experiance then a cruise but one well worth doing.

I had checked out Hurtigen more than once. Splinter I assume you are into photography also since you mentioned the "editing". I-Cruiser yes I know will get many opinions. On Hurtigen do you have time to stop in the cities or ???? Splinter do you have your photos uploaded to any site like flickr etc. I'd love to see them. Going to check out Hurtigen again. I know I will be happy no matter what I choose. This has been so hard for me to decide as hubby is leaving it up to me since this is "my" trip. This has been more hard than a 30 day trip to Europe in 2008.

Linda

That is why NCL looks good....lofoton, Geringer and honningsvag...though I would have liked stavenger to see pulpit rock...can that be done from any other stop? We had pretty mediocre food on the dawn last year and I said I wouldn't go back to NCL. But here we are. Good itinerary. More time in Bergen compared to Princess and Geringer over Flam that princess does.....we are looking for 2017 so we'll see if itineraries change and then decide.

.....we are looking for 2017 so we'll see if itineraries change and then decide.

Very good and smart that you are taking your time and considering your many options for cruises and stops along the super scenic Norway coast. It appears you are being very realistic about how no one cruise will be a perfect, ideal fit. Keep researching and planning. Let us know any added question and info needs.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 183,605 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

..... On Hurtigen do you have time to stop in the cities or ????

 

Linda

Linda - Even tho the Hurtigruten markets themselves as a cruise they are really not anything like a cruise ship.

The ships are more low key and the main focus is on the voyage/scenery itself.

Hurtigruten does cruise the entire "inland passage" so you will not miss a thing.

To answer your question; Yes, Hurtigruten does dock in in each town/village and you can go ashore in most of the ports.

Enclosed in the link is the schedule with time in port on both the Northbound and Southbound Hurtigruten voyages:https://www.hurtigruten.com/uk/repository/Traffic-info-service/schedule-and-traffic-info/?direction=Northbound&season=Summer

Macaroni--we did the Dawn too and met my brother and niece and her friend. We came from 3 states. It was my niece's first cruise and she hated it. Brother said he'd never do another cruise. I guess you get what you pay for. The food stunk and I keep remembering that. Also, we ate in the dining room twice as dinner was a 3 hour ordeal and after that ate in the lido which wasn't good either. Service sucked and the tables were so close the server couldn't get around our table. On and on. This morning I did check Hurtigruten again--mind you I've been researching for a year--started out that we were going to do a land sea combination. Ended that one. Well, right now I'm sitting with two cruises booked--NCL and Holland America. I know I can't get it all in one cruise. I've been on 4 Holland America cruises and now going towards them. Giving up Lofoten. Told travel agent we'd decide in a week but it doesn't really matter as our deposits are refundable. The saga goes on. We've been to Amsterdam before so would be giving up Copenhagen also. I like the idea of more fjords. Flying to Amsterdam is a 8.5 hr straight shot from Atlanta which is nice. 14 days is a long cruise--12 days is the longest we've done and I was on Holland America which the food was good but was getting tired of it. Was only on NCL for 7 and don't know if I could handle 14 days of that food. lol Decisions decisions You guys are helping sooooooooooo much!!! Thanks I-Cruise. Yea I see the staterooms aren't like a cruise ship etc. and no entertainment and I think it's pretty much go go go. Like I said this is the hardest decision I've ever made for a vacation in my life. I know no matter what we will have a blast and it will be beautiful.

Linda

TLC sure enjoying your post.

Linda

TLC sure enjoying your post. Linda

Linda is good name. My sister is also named Linda. Appreciate your kind viewpoint on my posts. Glad to know you're a person of such high class, great taste and wonderful judgment to make these generous comments.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 202,961 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

Thanks I-cruiser and EVERYBODY as all your posts are helpful. Can't wait to see some of my heritage and such a beautiful country. No matter what everybody decides there is beauty everywhere---you just have to look around.

Linda

I-cruiser still researching here and on that link you sent regarding the schedule. I don't understand. Seems like it barely docks and then it leaves---most stops are under a hour. I assume this is unloading and loading stuff. If you get off how do you board again?

Very confused?

Linda

I tried to figure out how to private message you and couldn't. Possibly we might have to be friends or something????

It isn't a traditional cruise ship - it also is used by people for transport, hence some of the stops are very short. You'd need to look at the itinerary very carefully to ensure that you will be able to have the experiences you want on the trip.

I-cruiser still researching here and on that link you sent regarding the schedule. I don't understand. Seems like it barely docks and then it leaves---most stops are under a hour. I assume this is unloading and loading stuff. If you get off how do you board again?

 

Very confused?

 

Linda

 

I tried to figure out how to private message you and couldn't. Possibly we might have to be friends or something????

This is exactly why we ended up opting for a traditional cruise. We had planned to do a trip up the coast on the Hurtigruten as our introduction to western Norway. We knew the ship wouldn't be as luxurious, but we thought it would be a fun experience.

However, we ended up finding a 12-night sailing on the QE2 (during her final season) that went all the way up to Svalbard and cost pretty much the same as the 6-night Hurtigruten trip would have cost (with the current exchange rate, that's far less likely! In fact, we're sailing Hurtigruten to Antarctica next year because the currency swing has made it much cheaper for us to pay in NOK). We decided that we would rather forego the scenic cruising in and out of the small fjord ports in exchange for full-day port calls in the major locations we wanted to visit.

The Hurtigruten is a great choice if your primary focus is on the scenic cruising, but if you cruise mostly to explore the ports, you won't get much chance.

(Note also that in some places like Geiranger, they offer some longer excursions where you spend a bit more time off the ship and then meet up with it again at a later call.)

I-cruiser still researching here and on that link you sent regarding the schedule. I don't understand. Seems like it barely docks and then it leaves---most stops are under a hour. I assume this is unloading and loading stuff. If you get off how do you board again?

 

Very confused?

 

Linda

 

I tried to figure out how to private message you and couldn't. Possibly we might have to be friends or something????

Linda - Its not possible to PM on CC.

Seems you got your answer in regards to the time in port.

Its mostly about scenic cruising and you have to plan your time in ports very carefully. As mentioned in some ports they offer overland tours where you leave the ship and picks it up again a few hours later.

Note, in Geiranger you will not be able to get off the Hurtigruten as its only a stop to pick up/drop off passenger.

This is exactly why we ended up opting for a traditional cruise. We had planned to do a trip up the coast on the Hurtigruten as our introduction to western Norway. We knew the ship wouldn't be as luxurious, but we thought it would be a fun experience. However, we ended up finding a 12-night sailing on the QE2

Appreciate this great summary and information from our smart expert in Oslo. This helps re-enforce the point that there are a wide variety of "pro-con" factors to consider. Nothing is a perfect, exact fit. Need to research and think seriously about your priorities and specific interests/needs.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 116,098 views for this posting.

Appreciate this great summary and information from our smart expert in Oslo. This helps re-enforce the point that there are a wide variety of "pro-con" factors to consider. Nothing is a perfect, exact fit. Need to research and think seriously about your priorities and specific interests/needs.

 

 

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

 

 

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

 

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 116,098 views for this posting.

Really apprciate the summary from our well travelled person from Ohio.[emoji23][emoji23]