hallasm

Yes, Visa and Mastercard.

Suggest contactless card/ chip:pin. 
Many small vendor terminals cannot read magnetic stribe. 
ApplePay on your mobile is widely accepted. 

The time is very close but possible to catch a 11:50 flight.

The correct answer depends on how long it takes to clear the ship (depending on where the ship comes from and the cruise line). It can take up to an hour before selfdisembarking is possible.
It takes about an hour to the airport so you can be there approx. 10 am. How long time before at the airport depends on the destination of your flight as explained above.

6 hours ago, Jgarriso said:

Thought we'd try something new and interesting (and fairly cheap)

  There is probably a reason why MSC is cheaper

5 minutes ago, edinburgher said:

I think you need to look at itineraries (and not only with MSC as the constant "passengers off and on at different ports" doesn't suit everyone)) and decide which itineraries suit your own  interests best.

 I don't know which itinerary you are looking at, but in my opinion it is not possible to put together an individual itinerary. 
The cruise is from one port back to the same port - can you provide examples.

It’s a 6 minutes walk. 

1 hour ago, mickeysgal said:

Are there local tour companies at the port or do you suggest just getting a taxi? 

There might be - but I doubt. Take a taxi - It's all close to the cruise terminal

2 hours ago, mickeysgal said:

What on the spot tours might one find in Tromso? We too will be there in July, and I’ve not booked anything. Thought we might just find a taxi and go it alone. Not opposed to a tour though! 

Depends on your interests - here are some examples: Cable Car (Fjellheisen), The Arctic Cathedral, Northern Norway Art Museum, The Arctic University Museum of Norway, Troll Museum 

3 hours ago, craftymarie said:

Gerainger.Molde. Honningsvag, Tromso Alesund, Flam, Olden,& Bergen

By the way - a exfremely nice itinerary with three Iconic deep fjords to Geiranger. Flåm and Olden

Bergen, Ålesund and Tromsø are three nice coastal cities.

Honningsvåg is North Cape - not to be missed - also midnight sun i July.

In some ports it's possible to book at the day  - in other ports not possible or sold out at the day. If you book in advance many local providers will let you cancel up to the day before.

Gerainger - a HoHo bus is available to the view points - can be booked at the day

Molde - not likely

Honningsvåg - not likely, excursions might be sold out (North Cape).

Tromsø - possible at the day

Ålesund- possible at the day / some might be sold out

Flåm - main attraction is the train - might be sold out - book at Norways Best - can be cancelled

Olden - Loen Skylift possible at the day

Bergen - good DIY city with many options.

Yes. Norways Best is a reputable company.

55 minutes ago, little britain said:

Preziosa August 14, 2025

This is the list from Port of North Cape cruise calls - Preziosa is 1 pm to 2 am. Many cruise ships have stops in Honningsvåg during midnight due to the Midnight Sun - however August is too late for Midnight Sun. 

The HoHo bus might be a option

5 hours ago, little britain said:

Still confused about the timings of this stop! 

Which MSC ship and date? I can see  Msc Preziosa from 1 pm to 2 am at Honningsvåg cruise call list.

I don't know if it's that different from Ireland. Don't expect much sunny weather.

In September, Stockholm typically experiences mild and gradually cooling weather. Average temperatures range from about 10°C (50°F) to 15°C (59°F). Precipitation is moderate, so expect some rainy days. The weather can vary, with both sunny and cloudy days.

No different from the rest of the Baltic Sea area - of course different in northern Scandinavia.

It is a company that mediates tours organized by local tour operators in the same way as Viator. The same tours are certainly available through local providers.

Since it is a German intermediary, most tours might be in German, but they will certainly depend on which languages the local guide speaks.

Might be operators like this xxlofoten or Arctic Guide Service

3 hours ago, mlbcruiser said:

I read this thread with interest because I have noticed on some of the tours and excursions available online through certain tour providers mention the cost of the actual tour, plus any taxes or entrance fees, yet still state tips are not included in the price. This, to me, sounds like they are basically telling you to tip.  No mention at all of service fees as part of the tour cost.

Norway does not have the same tradition of tipping as in the USA - salary for the guide and tip are always included in the advertised price.
Mentions that entrance is not included but since tips are not mentioned they are included. It will be fine with an appreciation in the form of a smaller amount, but not at all at the level of the US.
Completely different cultures regarding payment in service professions. In Norway, service employees receive a good salary.

9 hours ago, Florida snowbirds said:

Hurtigruten cruise line is also very interesting but they do not have any balcony cabins...

Some cabins have balcony - but you’ll not be in your cabin much and it might also be cold - also check Havila Voyages - same schedule as Hurtigruten.

Nothe that Hurtigruten has two different offerings - the Original Coastal voyage which is the daily ferry service with 34 ports from Bergen to Kirkenes and also Signature Voyages which is more ‘cruise like’ with long stop each day.

12 minutes ago, Florida snowbirds said:

I found an interesting one with Sky Princess but I don't see anywhere that they do Scenic cruising in the fjords

If sailing into fjords to Geiranger, Flåm, skjolden or Olden it will be scenic cruising when sailing in and out from those ports.-

I am not a doctor, and this is my subjective assessment.

In Norway, the risk of TBE is relatively low, but cases do occur, especially in coastal regions in southern Norway

To avoid being attacked by ticks while hiking in Norway, follow these precautions:

Stick to the trails and avoid tall grass, brush, and wooded areas. Wear long sleeves and long pants.

Vaccination against TBE is recommended if you plan to spend a lot of time in outdoor activities in areas where it is mostly likely to encounter ticks. In general taking preventive measures as described above might be sufficient. 

For short-term visitors or those hiking in areas with lower TBE risk, taking preventive measures as described above might be sufficient

Consult with a healthcare provider to assess your specific risk and determine if the TBE vaccination is advisable for your travel plans.

Guides in Europe generally receive an acceptable salary that is already included in the price of excursions - tips are not required, nor expected.
A small amount as appreciation for a good experience is fine - however, I would think that a 10% tip is over the top.

Here is a suggestion if you choose Viking from Bergen.
Fly into Oslo and spend a few days in Oslo - take the train from Oslo to Flåm or Myrdal where you can spend the night.
Cruise on the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord (UNESCO World Heritage List) before taking the train (or bus) to Bergen where you spend a few nights - a suggestion is The Hanseatic Hotel at Bryggen.
The alternative to the train is of course to rent a car in Bergen, but the train journey from Oslo to Bergen is fantastic.

In addition Lofoten and Tromsø. Midnight Sun is an experience.

Ålesund is not a must.

1 hour ago, cruisinsince75 said:

Is it easy to board if you are in a wheelchair or mobility scooter? 

Yes. You can easily take your wheelchair or electric scooter with you on the harbor buses, which have level-free access. It is the staff on board who assess whether there is room. Choose a time in the middle of the day or evening when the weather is good.

The harbor buses are part of the public transport in Copenhagen and the same tickets as bus and metro including Copenhagen Card.

The buses can accommodate 80 passengers and if it is outside rush hour there can be 8 bicycles and four prams or wheelchairs on board.

Read more…

40 minutes ago, Thejuggler said:

If the priority is seeing Norway the Viking trip would be my choice.

Don't quite agree.

Viking is also an Arctic Circle and Midnight Sun Cruise with 5 Norwegian ports of call including one deep fjord - however including Bergen and the Lofoten Islands.
Oceania has 7 Norwegian port of call including two deep fjords and Oslo. 

These are two good but different itineraries.

Oceania has two deep fjords to Geiranger and Flåm, while Viking only has one to Geiranger.
Viking is an Arctic Circle cruise with midnight sun from Lofoten to Honningsvåg (North Cape) in June/July.
For the Oceania cruise, Ålesund and Stavanger are nice DIY cities. Stavanger is less interesting and Nordfjordeid a small village without many activities.

For Viking cruise, Bergen and Tromsø are interesting cities and Lofoten are scenic islands. And as I said, Honningsvåg is the North Cape.

A bit irrelevant to indicate "Sail Norwegian Sea and the North Sea" - in my view just sea days.

The other port calls in Ireland, UK, Denmark or Norway look interesting for both cruises.

I always fly to the destination at the latest the day before - put tags on the luggage when I leave the hotel - it is always possible to borrow a stapler at reception.

26 minutes ago, Gail & Marty sailing away said:

Take the water taxi its fun .

There is no actual water taxi in Copenhagen - there is the harbor bus and various tour boats.

1 minute ago, Rusty100 said:

So in my particular case, embarkation and disembarkation are in Southampton - and the cruise visits various (Schengen) EU ports during the trip.  Do you know how that would that be affected?

I currently do not know the exact EES procedures that will be implemented but I would assume that passports are scanned in Southampton or it happens on board before the first Schengen port.
If it only concerns visits to Schengen ports, I don't think that biometric data is necessarily collected.
I am sure that the cruise guests will not notice the big difference from today.
Time will show - we know once implemented but there might be a transition period for cruise ships.