Marco Polo/Northern Lights sailing from Tilbury 7th March 2010

[CentaurTheFirst]

Hi,

We are sailing on the 7th March 2011 for 2 weeks and first time to the Arctic Circle.

Please can anyone advise on where and what type of clothes/boots we should take? We have never been to a 'cold' country before so want to be fully prepared.

also, should we book tours with cruise company or check to see whats available when we get to each port?

also, whats the best way to get to Tilbury Cruise Terminal from Victoria coach station?

also, is anyone else going on this cruise - would like to meet you?

ports of call are MOLDE, SVARTISEN GLACIER, LOFOTEN ISLANDS, NARVIK, TROMSO, ALTA, ALESUND & BERGEN.:)

[TLCOhio]

Hi, We are sailing on the 7th March 2011 for 2 weeks and first time to the Arctic Circle. Please can anyone advise on where and what type of clothes/boots we should take? We have never been to a 'cold' country before so want to be fully prepared. also, should we book tours with cruise company or check to see whats available when we get to each port? also, whats the best way to get to Tilbury Cruise Terminal from Victoria coach station? also, is anyone else going on this cruise - would like to meet you? ports of call are MOLDE, SVARTISEN GLACIER, LOFOTEN ISLANDS, NARVIK, TROMSO, ALTA, ALESUND & BERGEN.

 

For your upcoming cruise. Here are some suggestions. First, from http://www.wunderground.com you can check each port and your exact date for the historic weather info at each location. Second, you might go to the part of these boards for those using Marco Polo to see if there is a "ROLL CALL" for that specific cruise you are using. Roll calls are not to be done on this board for Northern Europe.

 

As an example for March 19 in Bergen, the weather on that date in 2010 was a high of 45F and a low of 41F. Only a slight trace of rain there for that date last year. The averages over the years have been a high 44F and a low of 33F.

 

For March 10 in Molde, the weather on that date in 2010 was a high of 42F and a low of 37F. No rain for that date there last year. The averages over the years have been a high 42F and a low of 33F.

 

Does this give you a sampling? Clearly you need to be ready for it being colder as you farther inland from the coast that benefits some from the more temperate (for this time of the year) Gulf Stream in the waters on the western Norway coast. Be ready to "layer" as these can vary from early morning to mid afternoon.

 

Below are some of my pictures of the wonderful views we loved in Bergen. Great and charming city!!!

 

As the seat of Norway’s medieval kingdom of Norway for six centuries, Bergen is a former Viking stronghold encircled by deep fjords, towering mountains, and sweeping glaciers. Today's Bergen has much of the medieval flavor remaining around Bergen's harbor. We explored the cobblestone streets, saw its pastel-color wooden houses, bargained in some of the many artisans' workshops and visited the famous and always-entertaining Fish Market. You can watch the locals haggling over today's catch and enjoy a quayside lunch of freshly caught salmon or fish and chips.

 

Rated by Frommers as more scenic than Oslo, Bergen was the base of the medieval Hanseatic merchants. Those historic timbered houses are set around Bryggen or The Wharf, a center for crafts and workshops. Its prime row is mostly reconstructed 14th-century structures, some of which were originally destroyed by fire. Det Hansseatiske Museum depicts commercial life on the wharf in the early 18th century and is highly rates with well-preserved wooden structure. Its art museums is highly-rated with religious icon, local art, etc.

 

We did a special two-hour tour for our group of six with Anne Lien, the owner of Bergen Guide Service. You can reach Anne at http://www.bergenguideservice.no or by e-mail at anne@bergenguideservice.no.

 

Anne was great in giving us the details about the unique history of the Hanseatic merchants, how their building were built, what’s caused the crooked-look of today and what’s being done to preserve these unique structures.

 

In the afternoon, after some of the big crowds had lessened, we took the Floibanen funicular railway to the top of a 1050-foot high peak for scenic views. This cable car has been operating for over 80 years and was refurbished in 2002. The Funicular Lower Station is situated 150 meters from the Fish Market. At the top of the Mount Floyen, there are hiking trails and places for lunch or dinner. The trip takes seven minutes and both cars are on the same cable going up and down. Mariakirken or St. Mary’s Church is the most outstanding Romanesque church in Norway. Bergen is Norway’s largest port and has a population of 252,000. Scenic Bergen completed our voyage with its dramatic backdrop of seven rounded mountains and cobbled streets. It entices you to take memories and photos cherishing the land of the Norsemen.

Tourism Office: http://www.visitbergen.com/en

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For lots of interesting details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask any questions of interest. This posting is now over 32,200 views. Appreciate those who have “tuned in”.

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

 

 

These are the building fronts in the historic Bergen Hanseatic merchant warehouse area.:

 

 

 

Right near the Hanseatic merchant warehouse area is the Bergen Fish Market with lots of options to buy food to eat on site or just watch, enjoying the “show” as people ask questions and buy the various fresh fish items.:

 

 

 

This picture shows the Bergen Floibanen funicular railway coming up the steep hill with the harbor, fish market, etc. in the background. On the top, somewhat right, the Silver Cloud and Costa ships can be seen in the harbor.

 

 

 

From the Bergen harbor, this is the view of the station, dining place, etc., for the Floibanen funicular railway at the top of its 1050-foot high peak.:

 

 

 

In the market area, here’s one of the sales tent offerings for local woolen products.

 

 

 

From the higher hill areas of Bergen, here is the view of the rooftops and other harbor area places.:

 

 

[gaelsail]

Take layers of clothing, boots & shoes. Make sure you have waterproof/windproof outer clothing. The ship is a comfortable temperature inside. Lots of shelter on deck from the rain but it can be cold.

 

Gloves & hats are also recommended.

[CentaurTheFirst]

Hi,

 

thanks gaelsail and TLCOhio for all the info! the pics are really nice!

got quite a lot of thermals in the sale and waterproof jackets and fleece, dont want to spend too much as it is only for 2 wks.

 

Gaelsail I take it you travelled on the Marco Polo before? if so anything I need to know?

 

Also do you know when you docked at the ports was it far to walk into the towns?

I must also look to see best currency rate for Norway. I have been told not to buy anything in Norway as the price is just sooooo expensive!

 

Hope to hear from you soon and will keep you posted if i find out anything else.

CTF