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Norwegian Fjords vs. Arctic Circle Cruise?


cambriah

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We are considering a cruise to Northern Europe -- specifically Norway -- but can't decide between the Norwegian Fjords and the Arctic Circle. Celebrity Cruise Line offers both in July 2011.

 

We have limited cruising experience, but LOVED the scenery of our Alaska Cruise/Tour which we took a few years ago.

 

Any thoughts about which of the two Celebrity cruises would be more scenic would be most appreciated. Pros/Cons for each would be welcome. Thanks so much!!

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We are considering a cruise to Northern Europe -- specifically Norway -- but can't decide between the Norwegian Fjords and the Arctic Circle. Celebrity Cruise Line offers both in July 2011. We have limited cruising experience, but LOVED the scenery of our Alaska Cruise/Tour which we took a few years ago. Any thoughts about which of the two Celebrity cruises would be more scenic would be most appreciated. Pros/Cons for each would be welcome. Thanks so much!!

 

We did a cruise in early July that had BOTH!!! Some ship offerings do provide a combination that provide access to the fjords AND the areas north of the Arctic Circle. You might look through this below noted live/blog posting that I did as it has lots and lots of pictures and details along this route. Much depends on what you want to see and do. TELL US MORE on your exact personal interests, travel style, budget flexibility, past Europe and nature travels, etc. One of the highlights for us was the Lofoten Islands that is between the fjords and North Cape. Cities such as Bergen are super wonderful. Let us know your reactions and any questions. Below are a few visual samples for what is there to see and love.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For lots of interesting details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask any questions of interest.

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

 

 

Our ship did a full 360-degree rotation to allow all on the ship, whether on the top deck or in the rooms on both sides, to see this wonderful spectacle of the North Cape. This shot allows a great look at the detail for this massive rock formation.:

 

NorthCapeFullLookGreen.jpg

 

 

On the way to Gjesvaer near the North Cape, here was a small part of the large herd of reindeer we discovered on the way to our boat charter. They believed that all of this territory, including the road, belong to them. The young baby reindeer were especially cute! With our charter boat, we saw hundreds of thousands of puffins, plus many, many other birds, seals, eagles, etc.:

 

BirdRockReindeerOnRoad.jpg

 

 

As we departed Svolvaer in the Lofoten Islands on a perfect, sunny day, these are two of the green, tree-covered mountains rising up from the sea that we saw with the small out-islands in the foreground.:

 

LofotenSlovDeparting.jpg

 

 

In Bergen’s Hanseatic warehouse area, this folk music group is entertaining as people sit outside, drink beer (at $13 each) and enjoy the great weather day.:

 

BergenFolkSingers.jpg

 

 

You go on these Norway Coast cruises for the spectacular fjords. From the journey to Flam, Gudvangen and Sognerfjord, here is a sampling for how the skies can be along these beautiful internal coast lines of the fjords.

 

FjordsDramaticClouds2.jpg

 

 

After visiting Flam, here is another sample of the spectacular Sognerfjord as sailed to our afternoon in nearby Gudvangen.:

 

FjordMntWfallFarmView.jpg

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Doing Norway fjiords cruise in May 2011,,,,but want to spend time before in Copenhagen and 9 days on ship....we both have had enough ship time by 10 or so days,,,then ready to explore on own or head back home....2wks.total is our limit...so think of the time issue....if thats no problem,,,,would go for one that inc.both as Terry has mentioned above,and others...we re going on Seabourn Sojourn.....looking forward to great scenery....let us know what you decide....:)

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Doing Norway fjiords cruise in May 2011,,,,but want to spend time before in Copenhagen and 9 days on ship....we both have had enough ship time by 10 or so days,,,then ready to explore on own or head back home....2wks.total is our limit...so think of the time issue....if thats no problem,,,,would go for one that inc.both as Terry has mentioned above,and others...we re going on Seabourn Sojourn.....looking forward to great scenery....let us know what you decide....:)

 

Don't know if I had mentioned this prior in a post to you. My main concern with a May 2011 cruise along the Norway Coast would be . . . that "little factor" called the WEATHER!!?? Our experienced Captain was clear in his view that historically July is the best month along this area and going up north. There are no "guarantees", but with May, just like Carolyn now doing later September, that your "odds" are not as good in having the best "luck" with the weather. I'm sure the May pricing is better. Just something to consider. Depends on your personal interests and needs.

 

Assume you are planning the May 25 trip from Copenhagen, with stops in Flam, Alesund, Olden, Bergen, Stavanger, and Oslo, with two sea days total before return to Copenhagen. Right? Since you are not going as far north and with the late May timing, your odds might be better.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For lots of interesting details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask any questions of interest.

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

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and just picked date because best for vacation time for hubby,,,know it ll be on cool side,with chance of rain,,but,,hey I live in Florida,,,will be 90 or so when we leave,,,figured a "nice break",,hahaha....

 

Only found one problem with Seabourn,,,and started thread re...smoking on board....allow in room and balcony,,,a real turnoff....guess same with Silverseas too?...because of this,,,MAY be first and last with this cruise co....a real "dealbreaker" ....PS...just booked a Regent for Nov. in western caribbean....no smoking in above....but will just drive down to Ft.Lauderdale and save $500. each ofF listings....ever take that line??:)

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and just picked date because best for vacation time for hubby,,,know it ll be on cool side,with chance of rain,,but,,hey I live in Florida,,,will be 90 or so when we leave,,,figured a "nice break",,hahaha.... Only found one problem with Seabourn,,,and started thread re...smoking on board....allow in room and balcony,,,a real turnoff....guess same with Silverseas too?...because of this,,,MAY be first and last with this cruise co....a real "dealbreaker" ....PS...just booked a Regent for Nov. in western caribbean....no smoking in above....but will just drive down to Ft.Lauderdale and save $500. each ofF listings....ever take that line??:)

 

It will all work out fine!!! From our two weeks plus experience with Silversea in early July, there were no problems that we experienced or encountered on that cruise with smoking. Even if some cruise lines are not as tight as you might like on their smoking policy, our experiences have been on Seabourn, Crystal and now Silversea that most people on these lines are pretty considerate and thoughtful. They know the "views" of most people and they don't to cause problems for others. That's not a "guarantee", but just based on our experiences. I'm surprised at how quickly the world, even in Europe, is changing and getting better on this issue. Those with higher education, etc., that are more likely on these cruises, seem to be pretty aware of how things have changed and evolved.

 

Enjoy those late May 2011 dates. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For lots of interesting details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask any questions of interest. This posting is now over 19,000 views. Appreciate those who have “tuned in”.

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

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