hallasm

I think reusable bottles are fine. Just remember that for hygienic reasons you must not fill reusable bottles directly from containers. Use a clean glass for filling.

Speculation, but if it concerns Anthem, the more likely scenario if Suez is closed is that she sails directly from Southampton to Dubai - the two current legs are 12 + 15 days. Sailing distance south of Africa is approx. 20 days (22 knots) - this gives plenty of time also for bunkering.

Size doesn’t matter for the deep fjords. Make sure at least two of the deep fjords are included - they are (prioritized) Geiranger, Flåm and Olden. Also coastal cities as Bergen, Ålesund or Stavanger. Then you’ll find a lot small and less interesting ports.

Which size is the best is a long discussion, but none of the current cruise ships, regardless of size, cannot sail to Flåm or Geiranger. For cruise ships, the restriction to sailing in the UNESCO heritage fjords is not a matter of size - only emissions. There will probably be a transition period during which LNG-powered ships will also be allowed to sail in the fjord.

The train journey from Flåm to Vatnahalsen is 55 minutes. From June to September it is possible to cycle back (down the mountain) to Flåm - it takes about two hours. Just note that trains might sell out if big/multiple ships in port. It is also possible to book the train at vy.no (120 days in advance) if sold out at Norways Best

Yes, in Flåm - you need to take the Flåm train to Vatnahalsen.

I have not used Alta Taxi, but as I see it, it is a company with a fair reputation. For a company that offers 24/7 taxi services, you will always be able to find an unhappy customer. I wouldn't be nervous about booking from them. Use their App. The number of taxis in Alta is very limited. Also check the price for the trip you want.

You can book a taxi in advance from taxi web or app. https://www.altataxi.no/en/

Don’t use cash - note that it’s different 'kroner' and you cannot pay with Danish kroner in Norway or Iceland and vice versa. As a starting point, you cannot pay with foreign currency, although many shops will accept USD or EUR notes but at a very poor exchange rate and change will always be in local currency. Use a credit or debit card in your own currency - it will be the cheapest in the long run. Always choose to pay the amount in local currency - some payment terminals will offer a choice between local or the card's currency - always choose the local - it gives the best exchange rate. I never pay with cash in these countries. In some places money is not accepted as payment. There will also be places where cards with chip/pin cannot be used either. The best solution is a contactless payment card or ApplePay in your own currency.

A service fee is always included in price of excursion - no additional tips necessary. Does apply to any tour operated in Norway/ Scandinavia. ‘Kroner’ not necessary- use credit/debit card for purchases. Learn from John Bull’s experience and recommendation for tipping. Just note that all Scandinavian countries and Iceland are using different type of ‘Kroner’.

It is not much the route schedule changes from year to year if any change and you can book winter 2025 by now. Be aware that there are four seasons with different route schedules and Geiranger fjord is not included during winter. Any specific information you’re looking for?

I would suggest to be more specific if questions are about Hurtigruten (Norway Coastal Voyages/Express) or HX Expedition cruises as they are two different companies and therefore possibly different answers.

Might depend on ship - docking or tendering. The new terminal in Benita should be operational by now but many might not have experience with the new terminal yet. Distance from Benoa port to Ngurah Rai Internationale Lufthavn (DPS) is very short - 15 to 30 minutes. In general boarding and security at the airport is efficient.

All good DIY - look for HoHo opportunities in Copenhagen and Stockholm - both has many sights - Talinn is small and walkable. Visby, and Skagen are very small towns. Search for options for for each city in this forum.

It should be OK, the trains run on time and it's five minutes from the station to the dock - usually everyone is on board 30 minutes before departure.

Yes, there are trips from Ålesund to Geiranger. Definitely an option if time permits - often an excursion of 8 to 9 hours.

Yes, absolutely no chance - enjoy the midnight sun.

It is not customary in Norway to tip and therefore different than in the US - the price you pay for the excursion already includes a service fee equivalent to the tip and guides are paid in full for their work. It's fine to tip a small amount, but certainly not as much as in the US. Be aware that US$ cannot generally be used in Norway and exchanging currency in Norway is very expensive. Immediately, tips should be in local currency.

Please note. “A final decision and wording are expected by the end of Q1 in 2024.” For Northern Lights consider an itinerary above Arctic Circle.

Yes, you’ll be sailing in and out of the same fjords. You’ll see the scenic fjords from the ship in Eidfjord, Flåm and Oslo. You’ll not sail the fjords in Stavanger - you’ll not see Lysefjord from the ship. Check where the ship is docking in Stavanger- some ships dock far from the city - in Sandnes. Sunrise is 5 am and sunset 9 pm - still daylight when sailing - be on upper deck at sunrise.

Some fjords, but not all fjords and not for all ships. The Heritage fjords to Flåm and Geiranger will be ‘zero emission’ zones . It will still be possible to visit Hellesylt (and Olden) by most Cruise ships. In addition it is expected that LNG powered ship can visit Flåm and Geiranger in a transition period. A final decision and wording are expected by the end of Q1 in 2024. MSC Euribia is LNG powered and she will likely be able to visit Flåm and Geiranger also after 2025.

Ålesund is further north than Hellesylt, but that probably has no bearing on whether you see the Northern Lights. Normally, there is the greatest chance of seeing the Northern Lights north of the Arctic Circle, but absolutely possible if it is a strong light.

Unfortunately, I have no experience with hiking to Pulpit Rock - maybe @kaisatsuhas more insight.

It is absolutely possible - 3 hours by train/bus - train from Copenhagen to Vejle and from there bus to Billund.

Good advice from the two previous posters. It is a long way from Warnemünde to Berlin - easily 3 to 4 hours each way