Oceana - fjords - 17 May - virgin cruiser!

[jasperado]

Hello everyone!

Having read this forum since booking early January, I now pluck up courage to ask you all for some little pieces of information, and just to fan the flames of my excitement even more!!

DH and I are first timers. Cabin booked A207 : I suppose there wont be much movement in the sheltered waters, but in the north sea?? Will there be some noise as it is next to the driving seat?? (she is being silly !!)

Any suggestions with how to get the most out of a relatively short period of time, I know that the time will fly. If we really enjoy this experience....suggestions for the next cruise please???

Thankyou for reading

Edited March 1, 2014 by jasperado
posted too soon

[Thejuggler]

No waves in the fjords, but no one can tell you what it will be like when you sail the North Sea. We have had from millpond calm to 100 knot winds across the bow with 6m swell.

 

Near the front you will get bow thruster noise when docking and possibly noises while the crew get the ropes ready. As this is generally early morning as you approach docking time take ear plugs if you want a lie in.

 

To get the most explore the ship during the sea day and research your ports. Getting up early and enjoying the last hour or so as you sail slowly down the fjord is worth doing at least once. You have certainly chosen an excellent trip for your first time.

Edited March 1, 2014 by Thejuggler

[jasperado]

Thankyou for your reply. Following the guidance on here, we will have to do the trip to the glacier from Olden with P&O because the local bus service does not tie in with arrival/departure timings due to May still being in the off season. Other than that we plan to DIY. The noise on docking will not bother us as I am sure we will be up and about anyway. I hope the north sea behaves itself!!:)

[Scriv]

Hi Jaserado

We did the Fjords in last May for our first time cruise and we are now hooked.

The Fjords are fabulous and it is really good advice to get up early and on deck as you sail into your ports. You are told in advance of where you will be at what time for good viewings.

You are also warned of potential turbulence! We had one slightly choppy night in the North Sea, but it wasn't that bad.

The week simply flew past, as did the two sea days. There was so much to do, apart from simply socialising.

You will love it and I am sure will be as hooked as the rest of us in no time.

Scriv

[jasperado]

Thankyou for your help and recommendation to get up early......I dont think I'll be sleeping much, there's going to be too much to do. Since you enjoyed the cruise last year, are you able to go on one this year..?? If so where and where do you fancy.

Regards Kathy

[Scriv]

Already booked - off to the Baltics on Oriana again and this time for 2 weeks. I have wanted to go to St Petersburg since I was a teenager!

Edited March 2, 2014 by Scriv

[jasperado]

Hello Scriv

Funnily enough, my dear old mother has said that if we take to this, the next ports of call should be the baltic and a longer cruise of 12 or 14 days.....:)have you been listening to her too :)

Have loved reading other people's experiences of cruising, cant wait to join the club. Look forward to your cruise and enjoy it.

Kathy

[Scriv]

Haha that's funny! You never know!

 

Well, we realised that we liked cruises and would like a longer cruise and were interested in the Baltic ports of call, so it seemed an obvious choice. We also liked the traditional Oriana and the fact that it was Adult only.

 

Also, we met some very nice table companions and they are going too - and are on our table again, so all looking really good.

 

You will love the fjords. Weather very changeable, so take layers, but it is all part of it.

 

Scriv

Edited March 2, 2014 by Scriv

[Ataraxia]

We were very close to your cabin in January - it was very smooth, and no problem with the thrusters.

 

We will be on the cruise prior to yours then staying on board for the fjords.

[Host Sharon]

Welcome to Cruise Critic Jasperado and happy cruising. The only advice I should give you is start saving - a lot- now! as it becomes extremely addictive. You will love it! As for the next cruise - the world is your oyster. if you love Norway then the Baltic comes close. Or if you like warmer waters then the Med is a good choice. Have fun.