Norway on Explorer or Azamara Journey--trying to compare

TC, I was in Norway 35 years ago and almost everyone spoke English even then. Not a concern.

 

The Expedition ships King Harald, Polarlys, Nordnorge and Nordkapp have all been, or are being, refurbished with this new market in mind. I still am not sure about these over the so-called Millennium ships, the newest ones, but the enrichment programs would probably trump facilities.

I meant the passengers - not the residents of Norway. My comment was based on the CC article that I linked.

I like Hurtigruten just because it's fun to say. I could never sail with them, though, because I'd spend my entire vacation talking like the Swedish chef from the old Muppet show...

It appeals to me for several reasons, some historical. But also because we love the *mechanics* of ports, docking, cargo, etc. We have spent happy hours watching the stevedores working to berth the ship, etc. And frankly, the Norwegians eat much better than we do, and I love fish. Frankly I've grown tired of fancy cruise food. The idea of people coming and going off the ship, and a multitude of nationalities appeals.

For this particular itinerary, perhaps more than many others, the ship is definitely not the destination!

Wendy the Hurtigruten cruise line are specialists in Norwegian fiord cruises and expedition cruises. I was at a cruise event arrrnaged by my TA in November. They were part of the evening talks. They had an excellent presentation. Their ships are smaller and reach areas that ships like Regent can't. They offer drinks pacakages, and have specialised lectures for each area visited.

They don't offer the luxury of Regent, but they do offer a unique experience that can't be matched. Jean.

Wendy the Hurtigruten cruise line are specialists in Norwegian fiord cruises and expedition cruises. I was at a cruise event arrrnaged by my TA in November. They were part of the evening talks. They had an excellent presentation. Their ships are smaller and reach areas that ships like Regent can't. They offer drinks pacakages, and have specialised lectures for each area visited.

They don't offer the luxury of Regent, but they do offer a unique experience that can't be matched. Jean.

Thanks Jean. Yes I believe they are unique. My mum took one of their ships back in the 70's. No enrichment then of course, but she had a blast. She was well versed with Norwegian crews, having gone around the world on freighters mostly crewed by Norwegians. That's how I got to visit Norway.

Thanks Jean. Yes I believe they are unique. My mum took one of their ships back in the 70's. No enrichment then of course, but she had a blast. She was well versed with Norwegian crews, having gone around the world on freighters mostly crewed by Norwegians. That's how I got to visit Norway.

Yes they offer such a specialised cruise. The presentation showed a variety of cabins, and looked ideal for this itinerary. They stop at lots of little ports and take on passengers like a ferry often, and as you say lots and of cargo. They did say it was a mainly fish menu and there is a drinks package to purchase as prices are very high there. Agree destination is the key here not the ship. Also liked the eco friendly emphasis too. There is a really magical Northern Lights cruise they offer, although they have been very visible here recently too. Jean.

The Northern Lights trip would be magic, but you won't see us on it. David's not a winter destination type of guy!

Which ship? Some of their ships are ancient. I would pick Azamara over Hurtigruten if only because of the language concerns, set seating at dinner, etc. My comments are based on reading Cruise Critic's review of the ships http://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/cruiseline.cfm?CruiseLineID=73 .

And don't forget the smokers. Lots of smokers on Hurtigruten.

Wendy do let me know what you find out on Hurtigruten. I would like to add it on to Regent Navigator Reyjavik to Dublin and cancel my Viking Ocean trip. Norway is also on my 2018 list.

Wendy do let me know what you find out on Hurtigruten. I would like to add it on to Regent Navigator Reyjavik to Dublin and cancel my Viking Ocean trip. Norway is also on my 2018 list.

Right Emdee, I'd forgotten you told me that! I will be in touch by email.

And don't forget the smokers. Lots of smokers on Hurtigruten.

Great point! For some reason I think that all ships are now mostly non-smoking..... thanks for the reminder!

TC, I was in Norway 35 years ago and almost everyone spoke English even then. Not a concern.

 

The Expedition ships King Harald, Polarlys, Nordnorge and Nordkapp have all been, or are being, refurbished with this new market in mind. I still am not sure about these over the so-called Millennium ships, the newest ones, but the enrichment programs would probably trump facilities.

In 2000 I was on the then new Polarlys. Took a larger cabin and was glad I did. Did the RT .,some very nice sunny days but others not so much, some stops are 15 minutes and others hours. Did some of the ships tours. Missed Alesund and finally saw it on the JR with Captsin Johaness. There is a smoking and a non smoking lounge. The smoking one is opened a little later but both are closed by midnight. The new ships have massages and a tiny pool. But I would still do Az over Regent there. 2016 cruise had better ports then 2027. But I am going back for the 5th time. Time to cross the circle again.

Great point! For some reason I think that all ships are now mostly non-smoking..... thanks for the reminder!

Here's what I got from a search about smoking on Hurtigruten:

"Smoking Policies. On all ships, smoking is only permitted in designated areas on outside decks. Smoking is not permitted when the ships are in port and fuelling, and staff will advise guests when they are not allowed to smoke outside. Smoking in cabins is prohibited and subject to a fine."

Great point! For some reason I think that all ships are now mostly non-smoking..... thanks for the reminder!

Yes they have designated areas for smoking but with more than 50 percent of the guests who are smoking passengers (or more), it permeates the air in virtually every open area. We found it most uncomfortable.

We are considering the Explorer for Norway in the summer of 2019, so we look forward to hearing what you decide Wendy.

We are considering the Explorer for Norway in the summer of 2019, so we look forward to hearing what you decide Wendy.

Us too!

From what I've been reading on this thread, it seems as if both Wendy and poss are not anxious to go on the Explorer - not sure if it is a cost or ship issue. And, while we have not been on Azamara, we have done quite a bit of research on their two ships and it would not meet our criteria (except perhaps for price).

My first choice for going to Norway would be the Explorer (or the Mariner or Voyager if it were going there). I would select the Navigator as a last resort. Norway is a magical place and, IMO, having some included excursions is a big deal (and this is from someone that would opt out of excursions on most itineraries if it were offered). Having said that, Azamara likely will come out to be less money and Norway is one of Regent's most pricey itineraries (at least it was two and a half years ago when we were onboard for 28 nights). I suspect that Regent shortened the itinerary due to cost factors (note: when we received an offer to take the Norway cruise over the Asian one we were booked on, a PH suite on the Norway cruise in June 2014 was about $62K - not something that is easily affordable).

Whichever cruise line all of you decide upon, I'm sure that you will love the itinerary!

rarin2go, am hoping the Explorer for Norway in 2019 has a similar itinerary to the Navigator's Norway next year (20 days including the North cape) however later in 2019, Regent will again (like 2018) offer a 36 day circumnavigation of Australia which just may whet our cruise whistle.

From what I've been reading on this thread, it seems as if both Wendy and poss are not anxious to go on the Explorer - not sure if it is a cost or ship issue. And, while we have not been on Azamara, we have done quite a bit of research on their two ships and it would not meet our criteria (except perhaps for price).

 

My first choice for going to Norway would be the Explorer (or the Mariner or Voyager if it were going there). I would select the Navigator as a last resort. Norway is a magical place and, IMO, having some included excursions is a big deal (and this is from someone that would opt out of excursions on most itineraries if it were offered). Having said that, Azamara likely will come out to be less money and Norway is one of Regent's most pricey itineraries (at least it was two and a half years ago when we were onboard for 28 nights). I suspect that Regent shortened the itinerary due to cost factors (note: when we received an offer to take the Norway cruise over the Asian one we were booked on, a PH suite on the Norway cruise in June 2014 was about $62K - not something that is easily affordable).

 

Whichever cruise line all of you decide upon, I'm sure that you will love the itinerary!

It's not the cost, and it's not reluctance to try Explorer, in my case. Mostly it's the itinerary. If you're going for the fjords, then I just don't see the depth. The one place that Azamara does not stop at is Alesund, which is lovely, but I've studied the 15-day itinerary and it seems great otherwise. And, it begins in Edinburgh, which is another plus for me--love to go back and spend a few days there.

And since we have actually been *on* an Azamara cruise, we can make an informed decision. I'm just in the process of securing a cabin. Won't even go for the CC (PH-like) this time.

I've now booked the Azamara trip. Much better itinerary than Explorer. Am still studying up on Hurtigruten, and when next year's prices come out I might switch--one of the nice things about Azamara is their low cancellation penalty.

Wendy, we're booking (tho pricey) one of the most thorough Norway itineraries we could find this July (17 days, 14 Norwegian ports) on Silversea's Silver Wind. What hooked us was SS's offer $1000 SBC and BC upgrade for $499pp each way (I sense Mark Conroy's (now @ SS) influence. Heck a $998 roundtrip BC flight in/out of London is almost the amount of Taxes you would pay if flying on British Airways.

Date

Port Arrive Depart Friday, July 14 London (Tower Bridge), England

6:00pm Saturday, July 15 At Sea

Sunday, July 16 Haugesund, Norway Noon 7:00pm Monday, July 17 Flam, Norway 8:00am 5:30pm Tuesday, July 18 Alesund, Norway 9:30am 11:00pm Wednesday, July 19 At Sea

Thursday, July 20 Svolvaer, Norway 8:00am 6:00pm Friday, July 21 Tromso, Norway 8:00am 10:00pm Saturday, July 22 Honningsvag, Norway Noon 9:00pm Sunday, July 23 At Sea

Monday, July 24 Bodo, Norway 8:00am 4:00pm Tuesday, July 25 Trondheim, Norway 1:00pm 8:00pm Wednesday, July 26 Molde, Norway 8:00am 8:00pm Thursday, July 27 Olden, Norway 8:00am 6:00pm Friday, July 28 Bergen, Norway 8:00am 11:00pm Saturday, July 29 Stavanger, Norway 8:00am 2:00pm Sunday, July 30 At Sea

Monday, July 31 London (Tower Bridge), England

Wes, Our first cruise was the Norwegian fjords on Silver Wind. I'm sure you will have a great time. Hope you get as good a CD as Colin Brown.

Thanks Bill, we had Colin on our November crossing along with one of the best Hotel Directors (new) Danial Ilias. Hope they're both back on board this July--did speak with Mark Conroy a few minutes ago (he is in Monaco--thought I was going to reach his assistant--but when in Europe his phone is auto transferred to him)--he will find out the Wind Leadership for us--excuse this somewhat off topic post please.

I'll check out the Silver sea itin.

Okay, so it looks great Wes, good for you. Lots more expensive than Azamara, but then again the cabins are obviously bigger. It does go to Alesund, which ours doesn't, which is nice (btw, it's pronounced something like "awlzoond". Ours is Edinburgh to Copenhagen, which is interesting, albeit a bit more expensive to fly to. Many of the same ports.

Yes, pricey Wendy--but when they included BC air at $499 each way (got Virgin Atlantic and Delta BC cost over $7Keach) --was pulled in to book now--tho really, really like the July 2019 Az Norway itinerary and the price--but our dogs will be over 15 then and who knows how long or if we can travel then. Either way, David and you on Az, Ida and I on SS are in for a visual treat cruising in Norway.