Lilly57

Trying to decide which ship to choose for Norwegian cruise, both itineraries very similar few weeks apart.  We have sailed on QV and QE in the past.  Would be grateful for any thoughts on which you would choose and why.  Thanks

The bar prices for European departing cruises are around 2 dollars more than departures from the US. I know this for sure, as on our recent Norway cruise my elderly mother in law asked if she could have a champagne bar menu as a souvenir, she was given an old one from the previous American crossing and yes, the prices were all a couple of dollars less. So the OP is right!

Just wanted to say that we have just returned from the Norway cruise on Adventure and we found the condition of the ship to be very good, only a little wear and tear in some areas, you really have to go looking for the rust etc. the food in all venues was very enjoyable, no problem getting a clean table. The entertainment on board was quite good, the ice show excellent. We didn't hear anyone complaining, everyone we spoke to was having a good time. The staff work very hard so you can have a good experience. We loved it, just goes to show how different people have different views of the same thing.

Must have got lucky with our towels too, they were thick, white and fluffy! Perhaps they've been reading the forums and taken note.

We were also on the same cruise as the OP. However we enjoyed the Windjammer food selections. Maybe we got lucky, but the food we chose was well cooked, not dry or hard, and we ate there often. Staff were always replenishing the food trays. Our tables were always cleared quickly too. Sometimes we had to wait for waiter service for drinks, and I agree the desserts were very repetitive. We sailed Brilliance a couple of years ago and our impression then of Windjammer was very similar to this one on Adventure. I guess having not experienced it in years before that we cannot comment on how it used to be, but for us (and we do enjoy good food) we were not disappointed. Food and service in the main dining room was very good too.

Which package includes cider (Apple cider) ? It's not mentioned in the packages and I know it is available on board cruises from Europe. Also, please could someone explain what the 'call' drinks are?

Many thanks

Lynda

No, unless you are happy to pay it, I'd rather have two cruises in an interior than one in a balcony.

Charing Cross Hotel is well placed for getting around London being right at the station, easy for catching trains and the tube. Is in walking distance of Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden. Close by is The Strand Palace hotel which is also convenient. One of my favourites for exceptional service is close to St.James underground station, the St. Ermin's. I love London and visit a few times every year, hope you enjoy your stay.

Lynda

Thanks everyone, there's a bit of hope there for us as we are sailing from the UK to Norway.

Lynda

Oh dear, this doesn't bode well for my husband as it is his favourite alcoholic drink. Cider is an alcoholic drink made from apples, it is quite popular in the uk and it can be flavoured with other fruits too. You can also get cider made from pears. It is very delicious.

Lynda

Can anyone let me know if Cider is included in any of the drink packages?

Thank you

Lynda

Really enjoying your review, many thanks. We are sailing her in May.

For Jenni, yes Brilliance does have the glass elevators.

Lynda

We wondered how we would find an inside cabin after enjoying a Balcony. We needn't have worried. We spend very little time in it anyway, would rather cruise more in an inside than less in a Balcony/ov. However, if money was no object!

Enjoy your cruise

Lynda

Subscribing to thread, love reading all the tips thank you

Your review is so helpful....after reading about the tedious lines for the funicular , I am seriously thinking of doing the hike for the views in Alesund , based on your experience and skip the Bergen Mount.Queues are for Disneyworld , not Norway!

Or is it not to miss? Would love your opinion!

Thanks!

Kim

Hello Brazilgirl,

We were on this cruise too and thought the funicular was one of the highlights of Bergen.

As advised by the threads on this forum, we made our way early to the Funicular, leaving the ship around 8.20, a short leisurely walk to the ticket office, we were one of the first passengers to arrive before the ship excursion, the view is spectacular and I would have hated to miss it. As we returned around 30 minutes later, the queue was already half way down the street. So many thanks to all who post their information on CC, it saved us a long wait in line and left us more time for the HoHo bus which was also worth doing here, especially as the last stop was right by where Brilliance was berthed. Hope you have a fantastic time

Lynda

Hello David, and thank you so much for the wonderful review, really enjoying reliving this cruise through your eyes. We enjoyed it immensely and I would happily do it again, visiting the same ports, don't think you can have too much of a good thing!

Love your photos!

Lynda