Norway: seas Arctic Circle

[trickylibrarian]

Trying to decide on taking a cruise to see "lower Norway" or going all the way to the Arctic Circle. My biggest concern is if the seas are more likely to be rough way up north. Thanks for any feedback from your experiences.

[TLCOhio]

Trying to decide on taking a cruise to see "lower Norway" or going all the way to the Arctic Circle. My biggest concern is if the seas are more likely to be rough way up north. Thanks for any feedback from your experiences.

 

From our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen, there were no problems in sea conditions in lower Norway versus the area to the north. Everything was fine in both areas. We had just a little roughness in the lower area coming back from Bergen in sailing towards Copenhagen. We traveled all of the way up to and around the North Cape, two stops in Lofoten Islands, etc. All fine and wonderful in those areas.

 

Don't believe sea conditions would be the main or deciding factors. The bigger factors might be that to do BOTH south and north takes more time and involves a higher cost. The "look" of the far north can be a little more "stark" with less trees. Do these timing and other factors impact your decision or needs? Either the shorter, south-only option or the longer version would include the lower fjords, Bergen, etc.

 

Below are a few visual samples of the northern, above the Arctic Circle areas. Reactions and questions?

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For lots of interesting details, great visuals, etc., from our early July sailing along the Norway Coast, check out this posting. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask any questions of interest. This posting is now over 30,100 views. Appreciate those who have “tuned in”.

 

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

 

From the mountain top, this is a wider shot of the area showing the dramatic setting of this island city of Tromso and its nearby airport, bridges, mountains, etc.:

 

 

 

In the small fishing village of Gjesvaer, here was the harbor scene as we had our picnic at an open table before going on our charter boat to the bird rock areas.:

 

 

 

These are some of these Cormorant black birds at their perching area on this island near the North Cape. This islands had, literally, millions of other birds, including puffins, etc.:

 

 

 

It’s fun to get these “for the record” shots of family and friends posing with the North Cape in the background.:

 

 

 

From the portside control area, here is the view as our ship sailed up this narrow 300’ wide passage in the Trollfjord as a part of the Lofoton Islands north of the Arctic Circle. :

 

 

 

As we departed Svolvaer in the Lofoten Islands on a perfect, sunny day, these are two of the green, tree-covered mountains rising up from the sea that we saw with the small out-islands in the foreground.:

 

[gaelsail]

Trying to decide on taking a cruise to see "lower Norway" or going all the way to the Arctic Circle. My biggest concern is if the seas are more likely to be rough way up north. Thanks for any feedback from your experiences.

The time of year may or may not be relevent. It's also worth asking who you are intending cruising with? The Hurtigruten ships & some of the smaller cruise ships may be able to take a route closer inshore if the weather does turn. There are a couple of areas both north and south that can't be avoided but take hours rather than days.

[Lair Bear]

Trying to decide on taking a cruise to see "lower Norway" or going all the way to the Arctic Circle. My biggest concern is if the seas are more likely to be rough way up north. Thanks for any feedback from your experiences.

 

Last summer we took a cruise to the Top of the World and we were extremely lucky with the weather. It was July-August and the seas were calm the whole three weeks. That can change, of course, but it is my understanding that the North Sea, for example, can be a lot rougher than up north. The trip took in the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Spitsbergen and the coast of Norway.

 

A trip like this to the edge of the Polar Ice cap is once in a life time and something we will never forget. For details have a look at http://www.*****.com/TOTW.html

If you would like more details, drop me an email.