richws

Hi we are on ms trollfjord on 28th Feb 2016. Worrying about flights. Booked through hurtigruten and flying from Heathrow to Copenhagen and then on to Bergen. Doesn't seem to be much time between connections. Do we have to recheck in luggage at Copenhagen or does it get automatically transferred to each flight? Thank you

Hi, When I've booked SAS flights from UK to Bergen via Copenhagen luggage has been automatically transferred which is default when the 2 legs are on one ticket (you should get boarding card for 2nd flight at initial airport). This is unlike transfers at Oslo where you do have to collect & recheck in your hold luggage (because Oslo- Bergen flight is domestic and you don't go through customs/immigration).

The transfer will meet SAS's min timing for (one of their main) airport and there should be other direct/indirect connections they'll put you on if there are unexpected delays.

It may be worthwhile joining SAS Eurobonus and getting booking ref from Hurtigruten so you can do online checkin/choose seats/earn points and get up to date info on delays/gates etc.

Hope this is helpful.

Have a great trip, Trollfjord is one of my favorite ships.

Fair Winds & Weather,

Richard

My sister and I are planning a voyage on the Nordlys in October. Neither of us eat red meat. The buffet breakfast and lunch should be fine but the dinners may (or may not), be challenging. Can anyone please describe how the "set three course dinner", and the a-la-carte option works? Is the "set" dinner one starter, one entre' and one desert or is there some minimal choice of entrées?

 

Additionally, if we choose to not have a full dinner can we get food at the "Café"? Is there an additional charge for "Café" items if you are a full board passenger?

Hi,

This is restaurant dinner menu for Autumn 2015 so likely to be same/similar:

"The Autumn Gold: Autumn Menu On Board

Bergen

Bergen Buffet

In Bergen we offer a tasty dinner buffet based on the best ingredients. Available in an informal atmosphere, we invite you to enjoy a relaxed meal.

Ålesund - Molde

Baked Brie - with cured ham, fig compote and salad

Chicken Breast - with vegetable risotto, lentil ragout, baked betroot and port wine sauce.

Apple Crumble - with Norwegian apples and cinnamon ice cream

Trondheim - Rørvik

Cream of Mussel Soup - with red curry and saffron

Trout Fillet Grilled In Herbs and Parmesan - with fennal, spinach, sandefjord sauce and Roswald potatoes

Compote of Autumn Berries - with sour cream

Bødo - Svolvær

Fillet of Home-Smoked Reindeer - on a bed of salad with glazed walnuts and mustard vinaigrette

Baked Cod - with red onion compote, tarragon butter sauce, vegetables of the day and new potatoes

Chilli Brownie - with nut syrup, served with raspberry and cranberry sorbet

Tromsø - Skjervøy

Almond Potato Soup - with spinach and herb cream

Leg of Lamb - with grilled Autumn root vegetables, creamed potatoes and red wine sauce

Semolina Pudding - with seasoned and preserved plums

NordKapp

Seafood Banquet

Based on the season's best ingredients from Northern Norway, our chef invites you to a real banquet. Seafood dominates and we often serve tasty, juicy king crabs.

Kirkenes - Berlevåg

Baked King Crab - with pumpkin purée and vegetable salad

Rump Steak of Reindeer - with autmn mushrooms and carrots glazed in rosemary, fresh almond potatoes and wild game sauce

White Chocolate Mousse - with cloudberry coulis and oatmeal cookies

Hammerfest - Skjervøy

Cream of Autumn Mushroom Soup - seasoned with truffle oil

Arctic Char - with parsnip purée, asparagus, apple sauce and almond potatoes

Cranberry Marbled Cheesecake

Lofoten

Onion Soup - with gratinated croutons

Halibut Steak Roasted in Thyme and Garlic - with braised vegetables and nut butter

Vanilla Pannacotta - with cubed pears marinated in liquorice

Helgeland

Scallops - with Fricassée of chantarrelles

Veal Entrecote - with celery purée, autumn vegetables, mountain almond potatoes and sherry sauce

Dark Chocolate Mousse on a Financier Base - with blackcurrant coulis and yoghurt ice cream

Trondheim - Molde

Salmon Tartare on Toast - with fresh salad

Roast Neck of Pork - with sauerkraut, baked betroot, port wine sauce and small potatoes baked with garlic

Tiramisu - with coffee syrup and crushed nougat"

If you dislike/can't eat something from fixed menu dinner an alternative is always available. In the restaurant I have once or twice asked for (& got) a dish from cafeteria menu instead of fixed menu (steak & chips I recall :-)) but this is not a "standard" offer and probably at discretion of restaurant manager. If you go to eat in cafeteria at dinner time (even on full board) I'd expect you'd be charged.

Fair Winds & Weather,

Richard

We will be on the Midnatsol January 29 for the 11 day Norway Coastal and I'm wondering about internet fees onboard. Anyone know?

 

Also, we are in a suite and I saw from pictures that we have glasses for drinks as well as a refrigerator in our room. So, wouldn't we be able to have cocktails or wine in our room? I understand there is no room service. I'm just wondering if anyone has had any experience with this or not.

 

Thank you for any information. Getting quite excited.

Hi,

Just spotted info below on Hurtigruten UK website. looks like paid internet is being introduced, is it already current on ships referred to? I've never paid for internet access since 2005 on Trollfjord, Midnatsol, Lofoten or Kong Harald (& others).

"Improved Wi-Fi in 2016

Published 17/11/2015

Hurtigruten are trialing a new Wi-Fi system on board three ships from now until the end of December 2015. This is giving us the possibility to see if we can implement a brand new and improved Wi-Fi system across the fleet in 2016.

The three ships that are being trialled are MS Midnatsol, MS Trollfjord and MS Finnmarken and the prices are as follows:

There are two types of internet:

Standard (1Mbit speed for use in social media, email simple surfing, not for streaming)

Premium access – 5 Mbit broadband with 4 hrs active use

One day standard internet - 50 NOK

Three day standard internet - 125 NOK

Five day standard internet - 200 NOK

11 day standard internet 400 NOK

Premium internet is also available for 250 NOK for 4 hours active use. It will be sold in reception."

Fair Winds & Weather,

Richard

Anyone done this? My Mar2 cruise has gone down in price, and wondering if I should book the astronomy portion as well. Are the lectures worth $500?

 

 

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Hi,

I assume it's the Hurtigruten UK organised Astronomy Voyage that you're being offered, I know there are other organised by other national Offices (eg German). I've been on these in the past on MS Midnatsol.

It is not only the lectures that are included but also a specially organised excursion in Tromso with a visit to the Nordnorsk Vitensenter with a bespoke (I think) "show" at their Planetarium.

I would say the lectures are of interest to anyone with an interest in the Aurora and/or generally in astronomy. The "lecturers" also host meetings on the (large open) aft deck each evening and point out/discuss aurora and other celestial sights visible. From memory there were about 8 lectures.

There tends to be quite a social aspect as well, with the Astronomy "group" eating together. There can be up to about 90 in a group but sometimes much less.

Hope this is helpful.

Fair Winds & Weather,

Richard

PS Cable car in Tromso (in my view one of best options when visiting Tromso) is currently being renovated and not reopening until Fen/Mar: http://www.fjellheisen.no/en/

Most of the ships have a hot tub, and a sauna on the top deck. I know that is true for the MS Trollfjord.

 

Folks may like to know the currently only Finnmarken, Midnatsol & Trollfjord on Norwegian coastal route (plus Fram on Expedition cruises) have jazuzzi/hot tubs. They were previously also installed (at stern) on Richard With, Nordnorge& Nordkapp but they have all bee removed.

Fair Winds & Weather.

Richard

Been in suites on both Trollfjors & Midnatsol, although not in past 8? years. From memory there was a selection of various teabags & instant coffee (certainly don't remember ground coffee or Netspresso type machine). Strongly suspect this won't have changed since 2008.

I'd consider taking coffee bags (lightweight & low bulk) which get close to cafetiere coffee.

Fair Winds & weather,

Richard

From what I see all but the lowest inside and outside catagories will be given a free water package

http://www.hurtigruten.com/us/Ships/Cabins/2016-cabin-categories/

 

 

 

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I think you're correct... but that is still the majority of berths excluded: eg 415+ of 640 on Trollfjord

Hi Bobbi,

I did this excursion on Christmas Eve about 9 years ago. I can confirm pretty much all that's been said:

you don't drive

I'm sure you could do it as an individual (to be absolutely certain email Hurtigruten (in Norway - their English is generally better than us Brits! :-) )

bus journey is scenic itself - you go across island where Tromso is located, past the airport & then onto a large offshore island where the excursion happens.

when we went it was getting dark during ride (mid-winter so probably not for you) and the lights of Tromso were visible across the straits.

website of folks doing excursion is http://villmarkssenter.no/ They are husky enthusiasts and do long distance Husky races in Norway & Canada I think

There is another excursion that runs from Finnsnes to Tromso which had reindeers as an option - perhaps this is what you heard about. Have done this more recently - it's a long drive before & after "rides". Scenic if not dark all the time but with significantly more time in a coach than on activities.

Having done most of the winter Hurtigruten excursions I rate the Tromso Husky Sleigh Ride as one of the best, alongside the Snow Mobile trip between Kjollifjord & Mehamn - if that is running again as the ships had been not calling at one of the ports (Mehamn I think) as the pier was being rebuilt.

Hope this gives info that'll help you choose.

Fair Winds & Weather,

Richard

Hope you are having a great time, and thanks for the update. Where did you buy your wine? I'm thinking if we fly from Canada to Norway, we'll be buying whiskey in the duty-free at Heathrow, since I know liquor is very, very expensive in Norway. But if there is wine available locally at reasonable cost, that would be a plus.

Hi,

You can buy spirits & wine (including 3l boxes) at duty free on arrival at your first Norwegian airport http://www.heinemann-dutyfree.com/oslo_arrival_en/?changeairport=1 .

Any further flights eg Oslo-> Bergen are internal (you also need to reclaim & recheck hold luggage at initial Norwegian airport).

Hope this helps,

Richard

In 3 weeks, my husband, son and I will be embarking in Trondheim for a trip to Kirkenes and back to Trondheim (where my son is living). I have received my package but it doesn't give information about where and when to embark. I see that the ship arrives at 8:30 and departs at noon, and we can find our way to the harbour, but I'm wondering if there is a terminal building, or do we just go to the gangplank? Also, at what time will our cabins be available?

 

I'm also wondering if free tap water is still unavailable in the dining room. I need to take medication with food, but I don't want to pay an exorbitant fee for bottled water just to wash down a pill. Some people on the various Hurtigruten forums are saying that taking a small bottle of tap water from one's cabin to the dining room is allowed, and others are saying it will be confiscated if you do so. What is the situation at this time?

Hi,

the N'bound ship moors at the more southerly (ie inner) berth and the S bound will depart at 1000.

There are now 2 routes from city to port ( your son will probably know them) with a new walkway (with lifts if needed with luggage) adjacent to Rail Station which crosses the rail lines to the waters edge - turn right (onto Bratterkaia) then across roundabout & 1st left. You're then on Pier 1 road & be able to see ship (walkway is probably 10 in walk from ship max.)

I don't believe there are any waiting room facilities at Trondheim (rather odd given it's a major port and a major embarkation/disembarkation place for Hurtigruten - many smaller ports do have very good facilities!).

It will certainly be fine to board anytime after about 10 min after ship arrives - there is a luggage store adjacent to reception so you wouldn't have to carry baggage around ship if cabins aren't ready.

At all ports except Bergen checkin on Hurtigruten ships is onboard at the ship's reception - just like hotels

As for times cabins will be available I'd guess they're likely to be available when ship arrives - not many passengers do Bergen-Trondheim so chances are they'll not have been used previous 2 nights. Best thing if you want to confirm would be to telephone the ship the previous day & they should be able to confirm.

Can't confirm re water, there does seem to be some variance between ships but the official line is stillno water in dining rooms except bottled as far as I know. If water question is purely about taking pills you could get free water from cafeteria before going into dining room (water in cabins is also fine to drink). You would pose crew a difficult question if you asked for water to swallow pills whilst seated at your table - it would be interesting to hear response.

Fair winds & weather.

Have a great trip,

Richard

We will arrive Bergen on Friday 31 Oct, Midnatsol, after the 11 day round-trip cruise. We want to fly to Amsterdam that day if possible. The cheap flight on SAS at 4:00pm but there is a Norwegian.com flight at 5:00pm for twice the price. What do you pros think of trying to make a 4pm flight?

 

If we can get into Amsterdam that night we rent a houseboat at a darn good price (3 nights), but its not available for just 2 nights. Thanks for sharing your experiences. m--

Hi,

Appreciate you may be limited by airline ticketing but there's a KLM flight at 1720 on 31/10. I've caught this flight about 5 times after disembarking from Hurtigruten and never had problem, even after late disembarkation, traffic jams etc.

On my first visit we booked a cab to airport as we had what we thought was an early flight (before 5 I think) & were surprised to see all our sailing companions arrive 5 min after us on Hurtigruten buses! We were then sitting around waiting for 45min+

Agree with previous posters re 4pm flight but personally I'd feel confident of 5pm onwards.

Fair Winds & weather,

Richard

R- Thank you for the great ship geography insights! Sound like we will be in a good spot.

 

I have other minor questions, if you can remember...

 

Electric outlets - What plug type?

Toiletries - Shampoo? Conditioner? Soap?

Coffee - Any decaf coffee? even instant will be ok

 

We plan to arrive Bergen by train from Oslo the afternoon of embarkation day... OK plan for late October?

 

We plan to spend the night after disembarkation and fly the next morning to Amsterdam... Any hotel suggestions in Bergen?

 

Any other tips for late October? Thanks so much for your help!

I'm very excited about this unique opportunity, only slightly terrified of doing to it for 11 days in late October into November :o

m--

Hi again,

I see others have answered some of questions:

- in standard cabins you just get all in one shower gell in shower & washbasin, suites have full hotel-like toiletries (inc bathrobes & slippers)

- don't recall seeing decaff but not sure - Norwegians mostly like strong black caffeine-full coffee. If I were in your position I'd take decaff coffee bags (Lyons ones sold on Amazon & Ebay) as they're nearest things to "proper coffee")

- Hotels are very much personal choice of style & cost: I've stayed at Radisson Blu Norge (best standard hotel in my view) & Royal, Augustin, Neptun and Admiral. Admiral is a bit characterful (built from old warehouse overlooking Bryggen) and there are 2 other very characterful "boutique type hotels: Havnekontoret & Hanseatic. I'd be happy staying at either of these in addition to all the ones I've previously stayed in. They are all central and within walking distance of Flybus stops.

Hope this helps,

Richard

We're booked for a November cruise on Midnatsol, 11 days. Picked an N category, Ocean View on Deck 4 Port side. #471. Is port side noisy due to the activities of loading and unloading... or is it more interesting due to loading and unloading? Could probably change to starboard (under the cafeteria?) in the next few days.

Thanks for any help. m--

Hi,

Been on Midnatsol/Trollfjord (they have identical layouts) several times.

I've always chosen port side for interest in docking/loading/unloading myself but you're unlikely to be in your cabin most of the time so a limited benefit I'd suggest. In reasonable weather when docking/alongside many of those not going ashore are leaning on outside rail on deck 6 or 8 watching the goings on - & get a much better view than from cabin windows. Likewise in inclement weather the panoramic lounges and bar etc (mainly) on deck 8 provide a wider view.

Your cabin location is several cabins sternward of the car/freight doors so shouldn't be too noisy when opening/closing (if you were 4-5 cabins further forward I'd be cautious in saying that). Cabin is above kitchen/galley & wouldn't expect noise from that.

Hope this is helpful - happy to try and answer other questions.

Fair Winds & Weather,

Richard

As far as I remember the "coffee deal" is around 450 NOK.

Tea and coffee included in the coffee deal are usually available 24/7 in the cafeteria, and depending on the ship also in other places during the day (bar...).

The last note I found was that coffee deal was NOK245 (for full return voyage). If you're really keen it's valid for all trips on same vessel for 12 months! :)

Fair Winds & Weather

Do they have fresh milk to go with the tea?

The default is individual "whitener" liquid containers masquerading as milk (you may assume I'm not very impressed with them - in Norway or elsewhere :().

However they usually have a small jug of milk in fridge in cafeteria if you ask.

I think that Hurtigruten staff have got used to the English & their tea habits (after all they've had over 100 years of them asking!)

Fair Winds & Weather

That's good, I'll leave my torch at home.

Lots of sound advice given in thread so I won't repeat. Just some thoughts re torch and/or headtorch.

Personally I wouldn't go on any sea voyage without a small personal torch, for emergencies if nothing else. On winter Hurtigruten trips I also take one if going ashore, even on excursions, when it's dark - & that's most of time!

I agree with Sarnia re the potential unpopularity of torches when in company with Nordlys photographers, though torches are less unpopular than people using (or failing to turn off) flash!!, which is depressingly prevalent, especially on larger ships.

I've got a headtorch with a hinged red filter which doesn't ruin night vision nor impact significantly on other photographers. I've found this really useful for adjusting tripod as well as camera settings(when necessary). Red is colour used for light by navigators on yachts, ships & planes to avoid losing night vision.

Obviously your call tho'.

Fair Winds & Weather

Have a great trip.

Thanks for the reply & I hope the fair winds and weather comment works out.

We've had a long think about this baggage thing and I've decided that as we're likely to be flying to some of our future cruises, It's going to be sensible to invest in something lighter for me than my current 6.5kg hard suitcase.

You gave me an idea about Berghaus and they have a wheeled 100litre holdall that's exactly the right measurements.

I've no doubt that KLM baggage staff will allow (or not check) anything that looks close to being correct, but the excess fees are too big to take a chance on.

Mine is a Musto Clam (bought for sailing so pretty tough & waterproof (tho' Berghaus should be ok in that regard) - may be worth a look too. Amazon entry looks pricy but maybe better elsewhere.

Richard

Any fellow travelers on Polarlys, debarking in Kirkenes, desiring to travel to Ivalo or Inari? Our schedule is somewhat flexible for a couple days, so sharing a ride could be worked out. Traveling in this time of year is not so easy and very expensive. Time is short, hurry back with responses~~~L

Hi,

Can't help with shared lifts but worth being aware that arrival time at Kirkenes is now scheduled at 0900 not 0945 (& departure 1230 not 1245), which may give you wider options.

Hurtigruten have always had a very stable schedule but this seems to be changing, Autumn changes for seasonal routing; minor changes (Lofoten & day to South) last June; wider changes from (mainly) Hammerfest "North" from start of this year; and Mehamn call is cancelled from 6th Jan (damaged pier).

Fair Winds & weather

Hi

Is, by any chance, another member of cruise critic on board the Trollfjord? We (total 6 persons) are travelling from Bergen to Kirkenes and back to Trondheim (Feb 17th to Feb 27th, 2014).

Brgds- Andy

Not on same voyage as you, but doing same trip in March.

Trollfjord is lovely ship, have a smashing time.

It may be worth posting your message in "All Other Cruise Line Roll Calls" area

Happy to answer any questions re ship or voyage.

Fair Winds & weather

OK, here's the final decision as promised.

Neither KLM nor Hurtigruten replied to my e-mails, so I phoned both of them.

KLM are a nightmare to get through to, with long waits, them dropping my call once and lots of multiple button presses. Hurtigruten were easy and I was speaking to a person within 1 minute - Well Done!

KLM insist that they would strictly enforce all their baggage regulations,

Hurtigruten knew nothing about the KLM checked baggage dimensions, but were quick to check with KLM. Hurtigruten then told me that they have, to their knowledge, never had any customers charged excess by KLM and they think that airport staff will use some discretion, but they have advised that we do adhere to KLM's regulations, just to be certain of not attracting an extra charge.

So, my baggage is going to be 6kg lighter and about 10 litres less in size that I could have but I'll manage. My wife's holdall is even smaller, but her only suitcase is huge.

Hi,

I've travelled quite a lot with KLM to/from Norwegian Hurtigruten trips (self-booked) & I'm quite surprised by what you've unearthed.

I use a huge sailing wheelie bag that's much bigger than most suitcases (if not optical illusion :-)). When I checked it's 1cm less than KLM limit - although I've never seen a limit when checking previously.

What may be of value/help to you is that KLM have one of the most generous hand baggage limits (12kg) at max size allowed by law (55x35x25cm) plus one of briefcase/laptop bag/handbag etc.

I use a lightweight wheelie bag made by Berghaus that holds c 40L baggage & also usually take a laptop bag. In my experience, on intra-Europe flights, KLM routinely allow much more than this allowance to be taken aboard.

Hope this helps,

I'm sure you'll have a great voyage anyway.

Fair Winds & weather