hallasm

An outside cabin is not a necessity - you won't use it very much and visibility is limited from many cabins.
Cabins are all very different - see description for the ship. Some have double beds, others single beds and others bunk beds. Note that from the promenade deck (likely deck 5) you can see into the cabins.  

Stops are longer in the mentioned ports - there are no further calls.

Few longer port stops have an advantage, but personally I think the coastal route has more charm.

34 minutes ago, edinburgher said:

You are permitted to visit Russian ports without a visa for a period of up to 72 hours.

Quoting Sofietucher from my post #59

46 minutes ago, sofietucker said:

Lol, you are mistaking--repeatedly-

From https://ru.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/st-petersburg/u-s-citizenship-services/special-entry-exit-requirements/

”You are permitted to visit Russian ports without a visa for a period of up to 72 hours. You may go ashore without a visa during port calls, but only if you are with an organized tour and accompanied at all times by a tour operator who has been duly licensed by Russian authorities. Cruise ship and ferry lines offer shore tours that meet these requirements. If you want to do sightseeing on your own, you must have a visa.” 
 

From HAL web

1 hour ago, sofietucker said:

--included Russia (St Petersburg), for which we paid $200 each and took many months, because we were not going on a ship-led excursion but rather wanted 2 full days to re-visit sites. The ship shorex took care of VISAS for their guests.

No, it is not correct. In fact, you did not have to have a visa for a cruise visit to St. Petersburg if you participated in the cruise line's excursions. 
 

There are situations where cruise lines have agreements on visas in connection with cruises, but as a rule you have to arrange for the Visa yourself.

And you cannot equate a Travel Authorization with a visa.  Having a valid ETIAS travel authorization does not automatically grant you the right to enter the territory of the European countries requiring ETIAS.  Also other limitations.

1 hour ago, ontheweb said:

Are you saying if a young person applied before 18 and turned 18 before or during entering one of the qualified countries, they would be ok without the ETIAS?

No, ETIAS required but free before 18.

56 minutes ago, ontheweb said:

Question--I am over 70 so already free, but DW is 70 not over 70. What if she applied and is 70 now but would be over 70 at the time of travel? Conversely, what if someone's child was 13 but would be 14 when they were going to Europe, fee or no fee?

It is the age on the day of application - An ETIAS travel authorisation is valid until its expiry, regardless of the age of the person it was issued to. And 18 - not 14.
For a young person under 18 I would apply before the 18th birthday - for a person aged 70 I would wait if possible.

4 hours ago, sofietucker said:

EES ExitEntry Stamp= NOT a visa! For short stays, crossing and re-crossing borders. It's a stamp on your passport.

EES is a biometric system – not a physical stamp in the passport.
It is only at the external borders of the Schengen Area – not at the borders between individual Schengen countries (29 countries).  
For one-way cruises that start outside the Schengen Area with the final destination in Schengen, there will be an EES entry registration upon arrival.

There will be an EES exit registration if the cruise starts in Schengen and ends outside of Schengen.  
For cruises that start and end outside the Schengen Area, there will be no EES registration at ports in Schengen countries.

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated system designed to register non-EU citizens (both visa-exempt and visa-required) entering and leaving the Schengen Area. It will replace manual passport stamping with a biometric system that records personal details, fingerprints, and facial images at border control.

Initially planned for 2022, the EES has faced multiple delays but is now on track for its planned introduction in mid-2025.

The timing makes no difference.

Iceland does not have the midnight sun at midsummer - However, the northernmost tip of Iceland is close by.

Both of the mentioned itineraries come inside the Arctic Circle where there is a midnight sun.  
Both itineraries include Olden, which is a port in one of the iconic deep fjords - the fjord to Skjolden is not ‘that iconic’.

Bergen has much more to offer. I would choose an itinerary that includes Bergen.

1 hour ago, sofietucker said:

Geez, no one loves us any more!

Exactly the feeling we as Europeans have had for the past 15 years when going to the USA. The US requires ESTA - after 15 years, Europe requires ETIAS - EES is no different from US requirements for entry and exit.

Not a big difference - except the fjord sailing to Skjolden or Bergen. - which dates? Midnight sun might make a difference.

1 hour ago, tc-cruise said:

That's exactly my concern. If the viewpoints are not accessible, I won't call the weather is fine. 

Mountain roads in Norway are closed by snow all winter - it has nothing to do with the current weather in May. It can be really nice weather in May.

7 hours ago, tc-cruise said:

I am debating May 11th vs May 18th departure

The two times in May make no or very little difference.
The only problem in May may be that the roads to viewpoints in Geiranger are still closed by snow. Bicycle rental in Myrdal in connection with the Flåm train will open in June 1st.
May is low season so museums may be closed. Weather-wise, May is fine.
Without knowing the route, the question cannot be adequately answered.

37 minutes ago, waterbug123 said:

It does make sense that if our cruise leaves from the UK and then visits Schengen ports we would have to show passport at the first one but not every single one. 

I do not expect passport control - except for ETIAS there will be no change in border control when traveling from UK to Schengen area - today you only register your passport when boarding in UK - not when you reach the first Schengen Port. That will not change. 

36 minutes ago, waterbug123 said:

And I do recall the UK preparing to do something similar to ETIAS but couldn't recall what it was called to find details on it.

Today UK ETA is required for few nationals but it will be expanded in the future.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

It can be difficult to provide guidance at this time.
Ålesund is a picturesque coastal town and already an established cruise destination. Nordfjordeid is a small town with fewer options.

Starting in 2026, "Zero Emission Zones" will be introduced in the deep fjords to Flåm and Geiranger, which will lead to a significant reduction in cruise ships that can sail into the fjords to these ports.

This means that many of the cruise lines that want to continue with the "Norwegian Fjords" cruises must find alternatives in the form of ports like Nordfjordeid, and in 2026, there might be significantly more offerings here than there are today.

My first choice of destination would be Ålesund, but I don't know what Nordfjordeid will be able to offer in terms of excursions in 2026.

1 hour ago, waterbug123 said:

So here's a question- we have a cruise in 2025, at which point ETIAS should be up and running.

You will not need ETIAS for entering UK but be aware of UK implementing a similar system - (UK ETA).

1 hour ago, waterbug123 said:

Am I correct in thinking we won't need ETIAS for that trip, or will we?

- you’ll likely need an ETIAS for cruise stops in Schengen Area 

It is not yet certain when and how ETIAS will be implemented during 2025 and it is also expected that there will be transitional arrangements. This is the general expectations in connection with cruises to the Schengen area.

For one-way starting from a foreign port cruises including UK with a final disembarkation port in Schengen: 

Carriers to check visa / ETIAS information before embarkation.

Need to register in EES (Schengen Entry - Exit system)

Round-trip starting from a foreign port including UK:

Carriers to check visa / ETIAS validity before embarkation.

No registration in EES required for transit stops at Schengen Ports.

No - as by fbgd

But from 2025 you’ll need a ETIAS when entering Europe (Schengen Area).

45 minutes ago, ontheweb said:

It has been delayed several times, correct?

17 minutes ago, d9704011 said:

is it a great surprise that this initiative has met with delays?

No surprise.
In addition to COVID and the Olympic Games, there have also been a combination of technical, legal, and administrative challenges, that has led to the repeated delays of the ETIAS system.

The integration requires extensive testing and development, which has proven more complex than initially anticipated. The legislative process for approving ETIAS as well as ensuring compliance with data protection laws and other EU regulations has added further delays.

1 hour ago, ontheweb said:

Unless it is delayed once again

You are right - lots of delays.

However, I think 2025 is quite realistic this time. But there might be a transition period and the system may be introduced in phases. Time will show.

11 hours ago, KDLKCruiser said:

I've read we don't need a visa to embark the infinity in Athens and we don't require a visa for the one day visit to Turkey.

Correct.

Visitors who come to Turkey on a cruise ship will not require a Turkish eVisa on the following conditions:

They will only stay in the city where the ship is docked. (Including ship excursions)

The visit does not extend over 72 hours, which is 3 days.

The ETIAS for Schengen will be imposed during 2025.

21 minutes ago, tc-cruise said:

I saw a lot of discussion regarding the upcoming sail lin limit. But I think smaller tour boats still can ferry passengers from Hellesylt? The same as Naroyfjord from Flam?

It is not a question of size with only emissions from ship engines. Norway is in the process of establishing ferry routes with electrically powered ships. Many Norwegian tour boats and ships are already powered by electric power - sailing in Geirangerfjord, Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord will not be a problem.

1 hour ago, Mikamarii said:

Just wanted to do a quick follow up as we were in Olden today.

Thank you for your detailed review of your day in Olden.
No, there is no reason to go to Loen - there are several shops and a couple of fine churches in Olden. 
A hike to Mt. Huaren is a great idea - especially if you want to hike or have already been with Loen Skylift  to the Mt. Hoven.
For comparisons Mt. Huaren viewpoint is 385 m and Mt. Hoven 1011 m.

To compare the view, a picture of Olden from Mt. Hoven and Olden old church.

25 minutes ago, bebe08 said:

The 12 night cruise starts Aug 25 and the 7 night Sep 6.  

A bit late for Norway. I might consider the option including Geiranger, given that cruises to Geiranger will be limeted while Arctic Circle cruises will be still be available after January 2026.
For me midnight sun (or polar night) is an important part of an Arctic Circle cruise however you might be able to experience Northern Lights end of August/beginning of September.

13 minutes ago, bebe08 said:

While I like the idea of a longer itinerary and going to the Arctic Circle, it means giving up Geiranger which I've always thought was a "don't miss".  This will likely be our only cruise to Norway given the new restrictions coming in so want to make sure we do it right.

Yes, by now it will be a choice between North Cape or Geiranger. Suppose the Arctic Circle cruise is in June or July when there is midnight sun.

There will still be cruises to Norway after 1 January 2026. Still possible to sail to Olden with conventional cruise ships - a bit unclear if it will also be possible to sail to Hellesylt and from there an excursion to Geiranger through the fjord.
In general, the expectation is that during a transition period, ships powered by bio-fuel/LNG may be allowed in the heritage fjords. Some cruise line will have the opportunity to offer cruises to Flåm and Geiranger for a period of time.

7 hours ago, tc-cruise said:

We really want to see the pulpit rock but the first itinerary only available in mid May. Is that too early?

May is fine for a Norwegian fjord Cruise
 

7 hours ago, tc-cruise said:

And how far is the Loen lift from Nordfjordeid? Is DIY option available?

Loen is one hour drive from Nordfjordeid -  The problem is that there are not many rental cars available in Nordfjordeid. There are probably excursions to the Loen Skylift

7 hours ago, tc-cruise said:

The reason I don't like the second itinerary is Helleslt is too close to Geiranger

Hellesylt is a short technical stop for excursions. Sailing through Geiranger fjord is the highlight 

7 hours ago, tc-cruise said:

Alesund (Molde)

Do not understand Molde in brackets - Ålesund and Molde are two different ports - but might be stop in Molde and not Ålesund. Ålesund is a picturesque city - Molde less interesting 

4 hours ago, tc-cruise said:

It brings another question, are Geiranger and Flam similar? 

Two very iconic fjords - Geiranger is UNESCO heritage fjords - cruise in both fjords will be very limited from 2026 due to zero emission zones. Besides the scenic fjords Flåm is known for the railway - Geiranger for the view points - very different experiences. 

I have no experience with offering excursions on the quay in Eidfjord - I would expect, that it will be possible to buy an excursion to Vøringsfossen waterfall when there are cruise ships visiting - but September is low season so the offers might be limited.

I would book in advance through a local operator. Companies like Viator don't make tours but buy from local operators.

Hare some links you can explore.

Fjordtours

https://www.fjordtours.com/en/norway/things-to-do/sightseeing/tourist-attractions/guided-tour-to-voeringsfossen

Fjord Norway 

https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/attractions/voringsfossen-waterfall

Norway Excursions

https://www.norwayexcursions.com/en/destinations-in-norway/eidfjord/?srsltid=AfmBOorH6piqcwrh4pwzXrh9JZauaKMMiVaN9jmGK1mQ6hqHfg29d_aU

Hardanger Fjord

https://hardangerfjord.com/en/eidfjord/cruise-activities-eidfjord