hallasm

Totally agree - you just have to be aware that there are two different companies. Hurtigruten Expedition offers with expedition cruises - especially the Arctic and Antarctic but also the Galapagos as well as UK Islands and Norway Coast from Dover. Then there is Hurtigruten Express, which has two different offers - the original coastal route, which is a 'working ship' on a regular route along Norway's west coast with daily departures with fixed schedule from Bergen to Kirkenes (operated in collaboration with Havila) - and then Svalbard Express and North Cape Express from Bergen and Oslo. Can seem a little confusing with the quite different offers. All ships are smaller and very different. In my view the original coastal voyage is the most interesting offering.

The Zero Emission Zone is only Geiranger fjord from 2026 - it will still be possible for diesel-powered cruise ships to sail to Hellesylt.

Correction. Only old ships are banned in The UNESCO Heritage Fjords today. 'Zero emission zones' in the fjords to Flåm and Geiranger will be introduced in 2026 and with an expected exemption for Bio-LNG propulsion ships until 2030. MSC EURIBIA is a brand new LNG powered ship and is not banned from sailing to Geiranger. Could be because there are too many ships already in Geiranger. The problem in Hellesylt is possibilities for excursions. There is a ferry from Hellesylt to Geiranger which is an option. I have no experience with private excursions from Hellesylt - here are a few links https://www.norwayexcursions.com/en/destinations-in-norway/hellesylt/ https://www.westnorwaytravel.com/destinations/hellesylt

Yes, the information about Amsterdam is quite essential. Amsterdam is definitely worth a visit. Train from Amsterdam to Hamburg is definitely a possibility - 5 to 6 hours with one to two changes.

Very relevant question but with the information given it is a bit difficult to make suggestions. Personally, I would fly to Berlin and from there go to Hamburg or Kiel. You can fly back from Hamburg. Interesting cities nearby are Lübeck or Flensburg. Depends on whether you rent a car or take public transport.

@janetcblhave answered your questions. If you choose the short tour only by rail, I would suggest that you compare the price at Norways Best - exactly the same tour. The railway must be pre-booked - Will be sold out at the day.

It is well known that hotel and airline sales web pages show a much lower number of rooms/seats available than actual to influence booking - I can imagine a salesperson using the same trick to promote a sale. However, more cabins may have been booked than appears on the website, as bookings for unspecified cabins cannot be immediately seen when you want to choose a cabin. In general, there is high occupancy in July.

Comwell Copenhagen Portside next to Orientkaj metro - you’ll still need a bus (164) or a taxi - 3 km to Oceankaj terminals.

It’s bus 16 and 14 - might depend on week day and time - there might also be different rental offices. Try Google Maps

Which hotel? Late evening Regional trains run every 20 minutes until midnight - thereafter approximately one train every hour. Metro runs regularly around the clock.

For terminal assignment you need to check the web of Port of Bordeaux closer to the sail date. Address: 152 Quai de Bacalan, CS 41320, 33 082 BORDEAUX CEDEX Website: www.bordeaux-port.fr Link to Ships docked ,

Tips are not expected - tips are included in the price of the tour. Tour guides, and drivers are paid a decent salary.

Yes, best option is regional train from CPH to Central station. Public transport to Oceankaj Cruise terminal: Metro M4 from Copenhagen Central (København H) to Orientkaj and bus 25 from Orientkaj to Oceankaj. Two zones, DKK 24 same ticket for Metro and bus.

Booking flights and hotels separately from a cruise can offer certain advantages and disadvantages. whether booking flights and hotels separately from a cruise is better depends on your specific preferences, priorities, and circumstances. Consider factors such as cost, flexibility, convenience, and your comfort level in managing the various aspects of your trip independently. Here are some factors to consider: Advantages of booking flights and hotels separately: Flexibility: Booking flights and hotels separately allows you greater flexibility in choosing the specific flights and accommodations that best suit your needs, preferences, and budget. Cost savings: By booking flights and hotels separately, you have the opportunity to compare prices across different airlines and hotels, potentially finding better deals and saving money. Disadvantages of booking flights and hotels separately: Coordination: You'll need to handle the logistics of coordinating your flights and hotel stays with the cruise departure and arrival times. Responsibility for disruptions: If there are any delays or cancellations with your flights or cruise, you may bear the responsibility of arranging alternate transportation to reach the cruise ship on time. Package deals: In some cases, cruise lines may offer package deals that include flights and hotel stays, which can provide convenience and potentially cost savings.

Hurtigruten is introducing the zero-emission ship of the future, for the future. Together with a consortium of 12 maritime partners and research institute SINTEF, Hurtigruten is presenting a concept designs of their first zero-emission ship that will sail on the Norwegian coast in 2030. The world’s most energy-efficient cruise ship - Press release

PIN is not required when you use your card at hotels, restaurants, taxi or most shops - however if you want to 100% avoid cash you might need a pin as many small businesses as well as automated machines and self-service terminals, may not accept magnetic stripe cards and signature-based transactions - you might be able to pay if using contact less. Apple Pay will not require pin.

No cash, but a credit card with chip and PIN is highly recommended. Most terminals are contactless and will also accept Apple Pay. Chip and PIN is the standard payment method in Iceland, and many small businesses as well as automated machines and self-service terminals, may not accept magnetic stripe cards or signature-based transactions.

Yes - takes 15 minutes. Station under arrival terminal 3 - regional train every 10 to 20 minutes - ticket is 3 zones - DKK 30. if Kongens Nytorv area take the Metro - same ticket/same price.

There is no reason to rent a car and drive to Husavik. The whale watching experience is the same from Akureyri.

There is no free shuttle bus. However, this does not make any difference in price. You must buy a 3-zone ticket for DKK 30 - it applies both to metro and bus - only one ticket. There are two buses from Orientkaj metro to Oceankaj terminals - 25 and 164 - the simplest is to take bus 25 - stop closest to the metro station. I believe you can purchase tickets at a ticket counter in addition to ticket vending machine.

No promises. In general, June is fine. If you choose an Arctic itineary I would prioritize the possibility of midnight sun. There is probably still snow in Honningsvåg in June.

My best guesstimate is four hours - my advice is to use a ship tracker app like Vessel Finder or Marine Traffic and follow Aurora’s departure from Åndalsnes - will require data roaming plan when not covered by WiFi.

Here is time table for Line 82 Djurgårdsfärjan (Slussen–Skeppsholmen–Djurgården)

Both are good itineraries- personally I would also include the choice of ship/cruise line in the equation. Option 1 includes the two iconic ports of Flåm and Geiranger as well as Ålesund. Option 2 also includes Geiranger. Olden is quite a good alternative to Flåm - Olden has the Loen Skylift and Briksdal Glacier. Also Bergen, an iconic coastal city with many good sights. Nordfjordeid, Kristiansand and Haugesund are less interesting ports. Balcony is fine but when sailing through the deep fjords it is necessary to be on the upper deck to enjoy the beautiful panorama. Sailing into the fjords starts at sunrise - approx. 4:30 am.

Yes, when it comes to hybrid/hydrogen powered ships. However, the list of cruise lines will be much longer if propulsion using Bio-LNG fuel becomes possible until 2030.