Gretchendz

Plus, most of the towns had decent coffee shops 🙂

We did! The machine in the 1893 Bar was free and included hot chocolate, lattes, cappuccinos, etc. It wasn't bad!

So glad it is going well. I forgot to mention the nurse. One of our party had a sinus infection--the nurse made a "house call" to the cabin 🙂 Enjoy the beauty of the trip!

We did have several days of rough seas which was hard on my daughter who is terrified of being water anyway. They even gave us each a certificate for surviving the hurricane force winds. The crew was exceptional. I won't lie, the first half was better but not Hurtigruten's fault about the weather. It's Norway in November 🙂 We loved the parts above the Arctic circle the most. We would do it again in a heartbeat.

Update--many more changes due to bad weather. We don't mind as safety comes first. Going to be so windy today they changed the restaurant schedule. It is still incredibly beautiful in the gloom. Captain is giving a briefing right now. One point on the service. We are traveling with a four month old baby. This morning the desk called and offered to let us move (for a few hours or until end of trip, our choice) from deck 7 to 4 so the motion will be less. That is amazing customer service! So thoughtful.

I can understand why--deck 6 seems better for lights viewing than deck 9 in general. As we are on 7, it is an easy hop down to see them. Of course, my reference was for the Trollfjord only 🙂

We have three cabins--two are Polar Outside, one is Arctic Superior. The main difference is a desk area in the AS. One Polar is on deck 4 and the others are on 7. Avoid deck 6 unless you don't mind people walking by your window all day 🙂 You might want to wait until onboard. If yours is like ours (half full) they will be offerring upgrades at boarding and they will show you the cabin if you ask. Not the same, but we upgraded one inside cabin to Polar Outside for about $1,000.

Pretty close!

Thank goodness, now the family won't make me cancel 🙂 (Joke!)

P.S. crucial to coffee junkies, that is!

We leave Friday for the North Cape Express and are super excited. I thought I knew everything but family member just asked...will there be lattes? capuccinos, etc.?

I know of people who, when a zero single supplement offer comes out on a high end cruise, they book two cabins 🙂

Have not booked it yet but some of group wants to ice fish. Others want dog sledding 🙂

Also to OP @mommykim I found these menus on the Hurtigruten. site: https://www.hurtigruten.com/norways-coastal-kitchen/svalbard-expressnorth-cape-express-restaurants/

Hi-I'll try to remember to post a bit. We are staying in Oslo for a couple nights right near the main Christmas market because I am obssessed with them! And I looked at the menus-they look fabulous! We have an Arctic Superior, an Inside and a Polar Outside. As to clothes, we are doing the same. However, we live in Michigan so I suspect we are a bit better prepared than you might be @doobieb Don't forget a swimsuit for the sauna. Also, I understand they keep the ship quite warm.

Are you one the Nov 10 Coastal; Express? Our family will be there! More to the point my husband hates seafood (not an allergy). I keep promising to pack him a suitcase of power bars:) I have researched and there will be non-seafood items at each meal. I believe you can discuss with the chef, at lunch, about dinner choices if there is a special need or request.

Totally. I am in your age bracket and loved every minute. Never felt out of place as everyone is open and welcoming.

@bob brown You are fabulous--thank you!

Could you please share the URL you used? I'm embarrassed to admit I can't even get that far. 🙂

I enjoy Virgin a lot but I agree on the pizza 🙂

Have your TA call and request it for you.

It was a targeted survey. No idea what criteria they used to select. For those of you who completed the survey but want it applied to a booking that had already been made, ask your TA to call it in. In fact, your TA should have gotten an email saying you completed the survey. The wording on the initial email was vague, so it appears they are applying the $200 to those who call in and request it.

There are quite a few people trying Virgin Voyages. The food is great--no mian dining hall or buffet, Every dining venue is a specialty restaurnat already included in the fare. Basic wi-fi is included. Fitness classes are included. Contrary to some fears, it is not fears, it usually has no more "drunk crowd" than cruises with similar itineraries. It is adults-only. While the demographic skews toward people in their 30s and 40s, older clients love the experience too. Big caveat: People who are offended by drag shows would not enjoy Virgin. After all, the call their free gelato-style ice cream shop "Lick Me Till I Scream."

I'm somewhat finicky and I thought the specialty coffees were quite good. Also, you can add specialty coffee to a room service breakfast order. The room service charge is then waived, but you still pay for the coffee. You can order the night before. Room service, called Ship Eats, is available 24 hours per day. Breakfast delivery starts at 5 a.m. The only thing I am not sure of if you can get specialty coffeee before 7, as I never tried 🙂 As to water, there will be two carafes in your cabin that they will contunually refill. You can have sparkling or still, or both. Of course, as you know there are water stations around the ship.

No. That would definitely not be a factor. Your sailing may be so full they are not accepting requests.